If you are a regular reader of my blog, you've probably already realised I love Itch to Stitch* patterns {and if you're not, continue reading to find out why I do!} so when I saw a tester call for these cute shorts and skort, I had no hesitation and immediately applied with my fingers crossed in hope! I made 2 pairs during testing although the pattern was spot on from the start and even the weather seemed to like them as a rainbow appeared just as I was giving up hope of photos that day!!
Pattern Details
The Belize* is a layered PDF pattern by Itch to Stitch* for US sizes 00-20 (33.25-48" hip) and has 5 different style options (plain, pleated, skort front/back and pockets) included! As always with Itch to Stitch patterns, the Belize has very detailed size & measurement charts, print & cutting layout guides and are fully illustrated throughout with very professional drafting and finishing. The pattern pieces themselves have layers and all sizes have different line colour and styles so however you're printing, it will be super easy to assemble and cut. There are up to 30 pages to print depending on size and style chosen and requires between 80cm and 2.1 meters (3/4 and 2 1/4 yards) of at least 115cm (45") wide fabric, a small amount of lining for the pockets, suitable weight interfacing for the waistband and some 1.25" elastic for the back waist.
My Versions
I made 2 pairs of the pleated view A with pockets in size 0. The Delft style blue floral pair is made from a 100% cotton poplin I bought in Gouda, Netherlands last year on my holidays and the purple pair is a beautifully soft drapey fairly loose weave linen from my local fabric shop clearance rack! I made the floral pair exactly as per the pattern with no adjustments or modifications at all and are serged inside. The purple pair are only slightly different in that I have turned the hem allowance up to the outside to create a cuffed effect and used French seams to construct due to how the linen was handling. They were a pretty speedy make taking around 2.5-3 hours each to make from printing to finished.
How do they fit?
Really comfortably! They are flat fronted with elasticated backs so there is a little excess fabric in the back due to the style but otherwise, there is a nice amount of ease for comfort and style, length is great, pockets are deep enough to put things in without it falling out. I could possibly play with a few minor tweaks of the crotch curve but really they are fine just the way they are!
Tester Inspiration
There is a blog post with photos and inspiration from lots of other testers in all sizes HERE*
Project Cost
Full price pattern - (£9.03) $12 - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost - £6 ($7.98)
Notions & Thread - £1.50 ($1.99)
Total Cost for both - £16.53 ($21.97 USD) so just £8.26 ($10.97) each!
Cost to make each additional with style, non clearance fabric - around £10 ($13.29)
The Belize* is on release sale for $9.60 (£7.22)! AND There's an additional code 'sundance' for a further 15% off your total basket if you buy 2 or more patterns as well!
PS. be sure to pick up your copy of the Vienna Top whilst you're there, I'm wearing mine with the purple Belize AND if you haven't bought the Marbella Dress {I'm sure you have but just in case....} why not grab that now as well!
Fabric Cost - £6 ($7.98)
Notions & Thread - £1.50 ($1.99)
Total Cost for both - £16.53 ($21.97 USD) so just £8.26 ($10.97) each!
Cost to make each additional with style, non clearance fabric - around £10 ($13.29)
The Belize* is on release sale for $9.60 (£7.22)! AND There's an additional code 'sundance' for a further 15% off your total basket if you buy 2 or more patterns as well!
PS. be sure to pick up your copy of the Vienna Top whilst you're there, I'm wearing mine with the purple Belize AND if you haven't bought the Marbella Dress {I'm sure you have but just in case....} why not grab that now as well!
The Verdict!
The Belize* is a very versatile short and skort pattern which in the right fabric and style would be perfect for anything from Summer PJ bottoms, lounge shorts, beach shorts or, of course, general wear summer shorts and all of those options again in a skort! I've made 2 so far with a 3rd cut out ready to sew and I'm sure they won't be the last pair I make either.
Related Blogposts
To buy the Belize Shorts & Skort pattern, click HERE!*
Affiliate links included throughout this post marked with an asterisk '*' it costs you nothing extra but means I get a few cent's if you buy the pattern after clicking through. I would love it if you could use them if this post has inspired you but feel free to navigate there yourself if you prefer! All opinions expressed on my blog are entirely my own. Thanks, Sarah
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