my favorite oliver + s pattern: sunny day shorts
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Rachel has crafted numerous garments using Oliver + S patterns for her three little ones, but today she's here to share her top picks, specifically the Sunny Day Shorts.
When asked to write a blog post about one of my favorite Oliver+S sewing patterns, I turned to my primary sewing subjects: my two daughters and my son. Each provided their own list of favorites, but my son’s nostalgic journey took center stage. Our go-to Oliver+S pattern for boys? The Sunny Day Shorts.
Here are the features we adore about the Sunny Day Shorts:
Firstly, the instructions are crystal clear and yield impressive results. The Sunny Day Shorts marked my debut attempt at sewing woven fabrics for my son, and the outcome was nothing short of spectacular. That initial waistband installation, with its neat interior finish and smooth elastic channel, left me feeling like a master seamstress.
[Image description: A pair of Sunny Day Shorts with a clean, professional finish.]
Secondly, the fit is both comfortable and polished, standing out from the typical athletic shorts. Whether it's strolling with friends or exploring historical graveyards, these shorts are a hit. We’ve also tested the Sketchbook Shorts, but we prefer the slimmer leg cut of the Sunny Day Shorts. Plus, the elastic waistband made it easier to accommodate cloth diapers in the early days.
[Image description: A child wearing Sunny Day Shorts while hiking through a forest.]
Thirdly, these shorts are incredibly fast to sew. I love how quickly I can cater to my son’s specific interests. Take these Australia-themed shorts, which were a response to his kangaroo phase. Below them, you’ll see a vibrant orange pair adorned with dinosaur pockets—a nod to his fascination with prehistory. The bright fabric is great for spotting him during our outdoor adventures!
[Image description: Shorts featuring dinosaur appliqués and a bright orange hue.]
Fourthly, customizing the Sunny Day Shorts is a breeze. Around age three, my son became obsessed with pockets. Following advice from the Oliver+S blog, I integrated front pockets from the Sketchbook Shorts and back pockets from the After-School Pants. I even added ribbons featuring trucks or bugs to the hems, back pockets, or sides of the shorts.
[Image description: Shorts embellished with truck-themed ribbons along the hemlines.]
Fifthly, the sizing is generous enough to ensure the shorts last through multiple seasons. Since they fit for such an extended period, I’ve experimented with techniques like French seams and top-stitching along the crotch and side seams for extra durability. These caterpillar-themed shorts have been a staple for two summers now!
[Image description: Shorts decorated with a caterpillar print, showing signs of wear but still intact.]
Lastly, these shorts require minimal fabric. I frequently repurpose leftover materials from past projects or upcycle old clothes. My husband’s old shorts have been a reliable source, though this might not last much longer since he’s quite slim and my son continues to grow. For this summer, my son was thrilled to inherit some of Dad’s old shorts!
[Image description: Shorts made from repurposed fabric, showcasing a mix of colors and textures.]
I’m already looking forward to next summer’s batch of shorts and the unique fabrics my son will choose. In the meantime, I should probably revisit the Parachute Polo + Sweatpants pattern for the colder months ahead!
[Image description: A pile of fabric swatches and sewing tools on a table, ready for future projects.]
This experience has been both rewarding and educational. Sewing has become a creative outlet for both my son and me, allowing us to explore new patterns and styles. I hope you found this insight into our sewing journey helpful. Let me know if you have any questions about the Sunny Day Shorts or other Oliver+S patterns!
[Image description: A smiling child proudly wearing a freshly made pair of Sunny Day Shorts.]