I had just enough fabric left to make a pair of Endless Summer Shorts by WinterWear Designs (https://www.winterweardesigns.com/collections/womens-patterns/products/endless-summer-shorts-for-women-size-xxs-xxxl). I wanted the shorts to look like they were part of a set with the shirt, so I used some plain blue cotton left over from a previous project for the pocket detail as a nod to the bias binding on the rear of the shirt. While I don't think my main fabric would be see through, I had just enough of the plain cotton to make a lining, as I prefer the feel of shorts with a lining.

Normally when I come to the part of the pattern which instructs you to press a 'memory hem' my heart sinks as the fabrics don't always hold a sharp crease. But this fabric was a dream to press and sew, with the memory hems retaining their shape.


A face covering doesn't take much fabric, and I had enough in my off cuts to make myself a couple, which make a lovely summery feel to a miserably rainy grey autumnal day. This one uses the Shaped Face Covering pattern from The Big Community Sew (https://www.bigcommunitysew.co.uk) and some cord elastic as I find the narrower elastic is less likely to catch my glasses behind my ears. I did add in some fold over elastic on the top section as the fit wasn't quite as close as it needed to be.

Not long after I finished sewing that mask, I came across a different face covering pattern which claims to be a more comfortable wear. So I just had to make a 3d mask (https://seekatesew.com/3d-mask-template/) as well! Because this pattern has a plain flat front piece, it shows off the fabric better than the curved seam.



I'm really pleased with the finished look of my makes. I think that when worn together the shirt and shorts look like they could easily be a romper, but because they can also be worn individually that's given me three outfits from one piece of fabric.


Thank you Minerva for sending me this superbly summery fabric! It was a dream to sew, hardly requiring any clips to hold the seams in place as I was sewing. It's not an ultra lightweight fabric so there's a bit of structure to the shirt without it being too stiff.


All I need now is some unseasonably warm weather so I can wear my new outfit without having to wait for next summer! Until then my shirt is now hanging on my wardrobe door, giving me the feeling of summer holidays and islands. Hopefully my next sewing project will not end up with quite so many delays!



#MinervaMakes #MinervaMakers #AmherstShirt #DragonSews #sewing #summer #shirt #shorts #mask #facecovering #tropical