Pattern Description: The Anna Allen Persephone Pants + Shorts pattern is based on photographs of men’s 1920s-’40s US Navy sailor pants. This is a high waist pants and shorts PDF sewing pattern. These pants are unique in that they do not contain side seams. The front and back pant legs are cut from one piece. It has a concealed button fly, front waist in-seam pockets, belt loops, and two back waist shaping darts. View A: Cropped length pants + View B: Cut-off shorts. Intended to be made with woven non-stretch fabrics, however 3%-5% stretch woven fabrics can also be used.

Pattern Sizing: 0-20. I made a size 4.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions are very clear. I used the add-on for a zipper fly instead of a button fly and those instructions were also easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the shape of the legs and the high waist. I've made this pattern 3 times now.

Fabric Used: Minerva Exclusive Bobcat Brush Cotton Denim Twill POD Fabric Caramel. After sewing my pouches I still had a lot of fabric left, so I decided to sew up these shorts. I am really happy I did! The leopard print packs a punch and will add a different dimension to my summer wardrobe.

Changes/alterations: Having made this twice before, I knew that the crotch shape does not work for me at all. I ended up adapting the crotch curve from the Ready to Sew Hadid shorts onto this one, keeping the hems of the two patterns parallel. This changed both the angle of the curve and the shape from a J-curve to more of an L. After making a muslin with the new crotch curve I added 3/8" to the center back and also 3/8" to the crotch extension.

I also had to change the straight waistband to a curved one, making it an inch shorter at the top.

I used the free add-on of front patch pockets because the original pocket situation is not functional. I left off the back pockets because the print would obscure them.

Would you sew it again? I would but next time I would remove about 1 inch from the front crotch depth. they are a little too long in that area and it pools a bit at the crotch level. The fit is really not too bad though--definitely the best I've achieved with these pants so far.

I would also probably try to redistribute the fabric to add more to the front of the leg and a little less at the back. I have large quad muscles and the shorts do strain in that area a small amount when i sit down.

Conclusion: I may sound picky but this really is my best version of the Persephones yet. I am mostly happy with the fit compared to my previous attempts and I would love to make the pants again at some point because I love the wide leg style and I think it suits me. I do not have a lot of shorts in my wardrobe and I think I will have a lot of fun styling these as the weather warms up.

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