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I have been cooking a set of patterns that can be worn together for the summer, and now they are ready! Please welcome Angelia Shorts and Kathryn Top & Dress.

Angela’s beautiful Angelia Shorts (View B) made with eyelet fabric

Let me introduce Angelia Shorts first. I wear shorts all the time and have a pair that I wear to pieces. What does a sewing pattern designer do in that situation? Create a pattern so that I can make 10 pairs, of course! The ready-to-wear shorts gave me some idea that I ultimately incorporated into the shorts. For example, the coin pocket and topstitching are features that I love.

Gabriela’s View A of Angelia Shorts – a timeless classic!

The contoured waistband of Angelia Shorts sit just 1″ below waist. Compared to shorts that you see in the stores, these are relatively high-waisted shorts. That is because I get the joy in knowing that my underwear does not show when I bend down. Angelia Shorts also are quite relaxed in the thighs area, which is also based on my preference. I have strong thighs and I think by having a bit of room there, the legs look a bit slimmer. The closure of the shorts is a center front fly zipper.

I am in awe of Markita’s meticulously made Angelia’s Shorts (View C). She added her personal touch by using piping to outline the pockets.

The pattern includes three views.

Cindy made a size 00 (View B) for her lovely daughter.

View A is the simplest of all. This streamlined version has 4″ (10 cm) inseam and is perfect for for someone who is newer to shorts sewing, and wants to focus on learning how to do a fly front zipper, and/or contour waistband. If you are going to make a test garment to check the fit (which is highly recommended so that you can have a perfect-fitting pair in your final fabric), you should also be using View A.

Donna made a size 0 of View A for her daughter. She overlaid lace on denim to create the gorgeous look.

On the contrary, View B has all the bells and whistles:

• Front patch pockets
• Angled pocket tab closures
• Cuffs
• Bottom side tabs
• Front coin pocket and back patch pockets with button closures
• Belt loops
• 4 1/2” (11.5 cm) inseam

The back of View B – this awesome pair is made by Melissa O.

View C is for those who like more coverage. These “shorts” actually cover the knees.

View C has:

• A length that falls right below the knees
• Waist drawstring
• Leg drawstrings
• Front patch pockets with button closures
• Back patch pockets with button closures

Shannon made her wonderful Angelia Shorts (View C) with a Steel blue gray fabric – a great choice that will go a top in any color.

You could also swap some features to create a view of your own! For example, you can easily add back pocket to your View A or remove angled pocket tab closures from your View B.

Melissa P. shows her perfect combo for the summer – View B of Angelia Shorts and a bright tank. She looks absolutely gorgeous.

These shorts received great feedback from my testers. Here are what they said about the pattern:

“Loved it. Very high quality.“

“I love the different mix and match options available with this pattern.“

“Another very professionally done pattern…making your clothing look like RTW garments and getting it all down in instructions so thoroughly for others to follow.“

“I absolutely love the design and fit of the shorts. They fit me nicely and are extremely comfortable. Also, like the fact that I can mix and match options and details between all three views. Very well written and the illustrations were clear and helpful. Oh, and this is also my first time sewing a pair of “pants”. 🙂“

“I love the details of view B, and the fit is amazing (I have never sewn pants that fit so well).“

“This pattern is really good for anybody wanting to sew their first pair of shorts as they can use view A as a practice for inserting the zipper, and then go on to view B once they feel happy with the fit.“

“Wonderful pattern! I was amazed at how easy it was to make myself a pair of shorts for my odd size.“

“I love the design of these! The front pockets with the tabs are just too cute! I’ll make more! 🙂“

“This shorts are just great. I love how you have 3 variations that all have such different looks. I have bought 2 other pdf shorts patterns that just did not work for me.“

Diane created her own view by using the pockets with button closures and cuffs.

Who are these wonderful ladies who tested these shorts?

• Angela from My Little Sewing Dreams
• Carmen S.
• Cindy from Cindy Parrett
• Coralie from Stitch N’ Smile
• Diana from Miss Castelinhos
• Diane from Two Chicklets
• Donna L.
• Elsa from La Casa Cactus
• Gabriela L.
• Heather from Boutique Birdie
• Heidi from Sew Ho
• Jan M.
• Jessie from Jess Sew Fabulous
• Judy from Stoney Sews
• Mariana M.
• Markita H.
• Melissa from Bella Sunshine Designs
• Melissa from Stuff I Make
• Melissa T.
• Shannon from Shannon Mac Designs
• Sheryl S.
• Tisha C.

Thank you so much for your help!!

After making Angelia Shorts, I thought that a top is in order. And while making the top, why wouldn’t I extend it to create a dress as well? So finally the Kathryn Top & Dress pattern was born.

My Kathryn Top with my Angelia Shorts

The Kathryn Top & Dress pattern features:

• Wide, round neckline with six pleats
• Empire-waist seam to visually elongate your legs
• Shaped at natural waist to show your curves
• Extended shoulders covering your upper arms
• Lined upper front
• Options to make a dress or a top
• A-line flare skirt ends at knee

The well-made Kathryn Top fits Judy perfectly.

As with all other Itch to Stitch patterns, layers feature is included, so that you can print only the size(s) you need. A large-format print shop version of the pattern is also included.

Diane’s dress is stunning. Her fabric is just perfect for the design.

My sincere thanks go out to these wonderful ladies who helped me to thoroughly tested the Kathryn Top & Dress pattern:

• Alyssa S.
• Camille from Des Idées Par Milliers
• Chui from Wear the Ducky Tie
• Deb from Stitch It Now
• Diane from Two Chicklets
• Elsa from La Casa Cactus
• Essence from Adventures with Bubba and Bug
• Jamie F.
• Jordan from Goddess of Sewing
• Judy from Stoney Sews
• Latonya from Sew So Petite
• Marie-Paule from So Popo Sew
• Stacey from All Sewn Up by Stacey
• Tammie S.

Special thanks go to Christina from Wardrobe By Me who helped me to decide on the inner structure of the garment. Christina has over 20 years of pattern drafting experience in the fashion industry. She recently went solo and opened her pattern shop, Wardrobe By Me (go check out her gorgeous patterns!)

Jamie wears her Kathryn Dress with a black patent belt and peep-toe heels.

One of the testers actually did not read much English, but she successfully created a Kathryn dress just by looking at the illustrations. I thought that’s a testament to the clarity of the instructions.

Latonya is looking mighty adorable in her polka dot Kathryn Dress.

Both Angelia Shorts and Kathyrn Top & Dress patterns are now 20% (price already marked down). But I also posted a coupon code for additional bundle discount if you join my Facebook group, Itch To Stitch Designs.

Take advantage of the sales and go get your Angelia Shorts and Kathryn Top & Dress patterns now!

Keep stitching!