Last summer my DD gave me a pair of shorts that just don’t fit me through the rise. The back is about right but the front has way too much material below the zipper area.. the effect is worsened by the fact that the front is pleated and not straight. I took apart the inseam and am thinking of just reseaming it with about an inch of fabric taken off just the front legs. That should put the crotch seam about where it should be, but I don’t want to cut it off before I’m reassured that the fabric won’t pull/pucker where it should not. There is plenty extra fabric to allow for walking and I don’t think it will be at all tight around the leg. Any advice/experience with this kind of problem out there? When I buy jeans a Woman’s size 18 short is what fits me best.
The quality of our later life will be determined by the life
we have already shaped. — Rose Kennedy 
Replies
Hi Jean, Could you just baste it together where you think you want it and try it on? Leaving in the extra material just to try it on shouldn't bother the fit too much, I don't think. The crotch seam is the easiest place to alter but did you think of shortening at the front waist? It's an appalling idea but maybe that's what it needs. Are you wearing these shorts on the trip where you knit sox on the way? rjf
These shorts are zip front with a heavy waistband and pleats--not just a simple turned over band with elastic. Well, I just thought maybe someone knew for sure that its the route to go.....guess I'll just bite the bullet and hope for the best.
Yes hoping to wear them in a couple of weeks. The temps here are still a little too chilly. :-)
I'm trying to see where your fit problem is. If you just narrow the fronts of the legs, will it pull the grain off? Probably not too much but on some fabrics an off grain will cause weird twisting which wouldn't be comfortable in shorts. My first guess would have been to take off the front waistband and eat off the excess from the top of the fronts. Your zipper would be shortened unless you go in for major surgery and decorative rivets can be a pain. Let us know how the leg narrowing goes, okay? Except for the shorts, are you all packed yet?
Here's a pix of the front of the shorts...the whole front is lined too, to stabilize the pleated area. No way am I about to touch that. No way am I trying to fix anything today... it's been one disaster after another (even if they are minor). We've accomplished nothing.....may have fried the generator after the power went out while we were gone. Of course there was no sense in even trying to shop. Well, at least that's back on now. Our computer backup batteries drained dry, the phone answering machine went kaput... was worried about the computers for a while. Spilled my coffee all over my lap. Stilll have about 10 clocks to reset. Good news. I'll be able to shower and shampoo before we go to dinner and the symphony. LOL
BTW = not packed,but, I have my list made....that's a start. :)
Edited 2/28/2003 1:38:21 PM ET by Jean
You're going to the symphony...lucky you. Behave now and please don't clap between the little bits. Some good live music should get your vibes back in sync. Can you even imagine a symphonic mosh pit?
Are you sure you don't want to just pull the top of the shorts up higher and wear a long tee shirt over the top?
Seriously, I guess given the detail involved I agree that taking out the crotch area and narrowing the front legs may be the easiest fix. Just keep track of the front rise and back rise and keep enough beyond the zipper to have ease to kick those soccer balls.
Did you get an ice storm...winter has gone on long enough here in cheeseland.
The concert redeemed the day. All Mozart with a wonderful violinist by the name of Stephan Wackiw -- 17 year old genius son of 2 physicists. Just passed SATs without a mistake. Anyway, the kid has a future in music if he doesn't go off in another direction. A real privilege to be able to hear him play, and you can't go wrong with Mozart.
Dinner at the Hilton was a 1# pork chop -- yum. zucchini, tossed salad, bread, no potato but extra veggies. No dessert but decaf. No wine--it always makes me hot. DH had some wonderful walleye with basmati rice. etc. Good too. My entree was only $12.
Several sunny days in a row for the last couple of weeks -- no more ice. :) Happy days are coming soon. 27° right now.
The skunks are out again spraying up the countryside on the way home tonight.
I'll let you know how the short come out. Thanx.
I was very happy with the shorts alterations. I took about an inch and a quarter off from the inseams of the front only. They fit much better and there doesn't seem to be any twisting or pulling of the fabric -- still plenty of walking/sitting ease.
That's great! I might try the same thing with a pair I have. Sometimes you have to wonder who they had in mind when they designed the shorts. rjf
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