The “Hot Orange Summer” Shorts
The Facts:
Fabric: Some white twill that I dyed Tangerine Tango
Pattern: New Look 6100
Year: Current
Notions: Zipper, Rit Dye
Time to complete: way longer than it should have!
First worn: March 15th
Wear again? Yes. Perfect shorts for summer!
Total price: About $12
It gets hot in Austin, TX. Like the surface of the sun. So this year I decided to make a mini summer wardrobe based on shorts and shirts which is pretty much all I wore last summer. I wanted a pair of bright orange shorts that would be comfy and colorful for Texas’ endless summers and I loved the Pantone’s color of the year – Tangerine Tango.
No matter where I searched I couldn’t find any orange fabric that was both the right color and the right weight for shorts and then Tempest Devyne in the Sewing Circle suggested I use Rit Dye’s formula for the Pantone Spring colors. (Thanks!)
So I did! But being the first time I ever tried to dye anything that wasn’t just thrown in the washer, the color didn’t turn out quite as even as I would have liked. I did the stovetop method but even with constant stirring some spots had less color than others. But I went with it and turned mistakes into features. You can see the pocket insets are lighter than the rest of the shorts.
I learned my lesson and next time my dying experience will be better.
I like the little tie belt with the shorts and I’m glad the fit was good out of the box. I didn’t have to do any pattern tweaking other than shortening the legs (they we’re much longer than I anticipated).
I know not everyone would feel comfortable with such a bright color on her lower half but I love it. It’s so fun and summery!
I love it Dixie, the shorts look fantastic. Way to go with the dye challenge, I haven’t ever tried but this gets me thinking. The tie is a really nice touch.
I love those shorts and the colour is great. Unfortunately our weather has now broken so we won’t be wearing summer things for some time yet.
These look great! I need to go buy that pattern. I’ve been looking for one. I was wondering if you found the tangerine fabric (the “it” colors really should be easier to come by) – great job dyeing it yourself!
I love the shorts and the way you styled them. I know it’s just a simple tee but it all works so well together. I’m a Texas girl myself and remember what those Austin summer days were like. I can see you now sitting outside some hip little place sipping on some Shiner Bock. Do people even drink that anymore? I know I did!
Thanks Gina! Yep, people still drink Shiner. ;)
Cute shorts, they would be perfect for an Aussie summer too. I love you Tshirt too!
These look great – perfect colour for shorts.
Love them! tangerine and all. Great styling Dixie.
Very cute! Looks like a good pattern to try. The belt detail is great because you can synch it just right for the perfect fit. You’ve got the perfect fit look! Great photos!
I love your shorts! Thank you for highlighting this pattern, loving the tie belt and the bright colour.
These are adorable and Gina’s right about what a perfect styling combo that tee makes. Excellent work on the dyeing, especially with the pocket improvisation.
Gorgeous, and so flattering. I never wear shorts but now I might start.
These are great! It is hard to find good shorts patterns.
Omigoodness I love these! The belt is adorable, and the color is just fantastic!