Swim, Run & Surf Shorts

I first saw the childrens version of these shorts when they released a week or so ago and was hoping I could squeeze into them myself, unfortunately, although I fit into many childrens patterns, this one didn't go quite big enough....until.....a tester call for the ladies version appeared!  They're perfect for that little extra coverage on the beach, in or around the swimming pool, water sports or athletics and nice and practical if, like me, you have energetic young children to run around after!  The correct fabrics were tricky to find in the UK but I did manage to source some and even though my 'pretty' ones didn't arrive in time, I think these turned out pretty cute with a little embroidery added and.....if you make it to the bottom of the post, there's a chance to win yourself a copy of the pattern ;)

Pattern Details

The Ladies Swim & Surf shorts are by Gracious Threads.  It is in ladies sizes US 2-18 (34.5-48" full hip).  It comes as a 33 page PDF file which is fully illustrated and full of hints and tips including full instructions on making your own bias binding as well as tester inspiration photos.  It includes 3 lengths, swim, run & surf and optional integrated swim bottoms.  You need to print up to 18 pages for the long shorts with integrated swim bottoms. It is rated intermediate due to the binding and elastic casings.  It requires between 80 and 120cm of polyester microfiber, some nylon spandex for the optional swim bottoms to make depending on size and fabric width as well as up to 3m of swim elastic, bias binding and some drawstring and 2 eyelets if you wish to use that instead of bias binding at the waist.  

My Version

​I made the middle 'Run' length with inbuilt swim bottoms in size 2 waist graded out to 4 for hips.  I used a beige peachskin fabric which is 100% polyester microfibre with a supersoft surface on one side for the main body and a polyester bias binding for the binding and 'drawcords'  I also embellished with an embroidered Hibiscus flower on one leg to add detail and balance out the accent colours.  I made no modifications but I did attach the 'drawcords' to the front rather than through eyelets/buttonholes, purely as I couldn't source small enough eyelets locally and my sewing machine doesn't do round buttonholes.

How do they fit?

I think they fit really nicely, sitting right on the hips as many shorts this style do.  The swim bottoms inside don't gape and are nice and comfortable, the legs are loose enough to allow full movement but not so loose they flap around when runing. A nice amount of ease is included all round. 

Tester Inspiration

More photos, tester inspiration and the designers' release blog as well as another chance to win yourself a copy of the pattern can be found HERE! 

​​Project Cost

​Full price pattern - (£4.96) $8.50 CAD ($6.58 USD) - I received the pattern for free in return for testing
Fabric Cost - £2.50 ($4.28 CAD) ($3.32 USD)
Notions/Thread (inc. Swim elastic and bias binding) - £4.43 ($7.59 CAD) ($5.88 USD) 

Total Cost - £13.33 ($22.84 CAD) ($17.69 USD) 

Cost to make each additional with similar priced fabric - £6-£7 ($10.28-$11.99 CAD) ($7.96-$9.29 USD)
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The Swim, Run & Surf shorts as well as the rest of the shop are on sale with 40% off with code CANADADAY2016 for $5.10 CAD ($3.95 USD) (£2.98) only until midnight July 8th! 

​The Verdict

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