I’m very fond of the whole skort look, and discovered this pattern in my stash. It’s from the 1990s and it’s one my sister passed on to me.

I thought I’d make one from a pair of pillowcases left over from when I used the matching doona cover for a sewalong I did in 2020 with my Insta friends @hportemanteau and @sewing_in_spain. I used a Japanese sewing book pattern and rather love the result.

Anyway, I completely deconstructed the pillowcases and thought I’d try to use the buttons and trim somehow.

According to the chart I was a size six, which I duly made, using one and a half of the pillowcases. They fitted on the hips but I had no chance of ever getting them to go round my waist! I put them in the naughty corner and found some 1980s stretch bengaline which had been cut into a long skirt but not made up. It came from Bridgette’s grandmother so I’m pleased to have used it.

I went up to a size 10 and was able to make them without the zip, they just pull on and stay up nicely thanks to the stretch, but are possibly a little loose in the hips. At least they are comfortable though.

I used a label I made on my Cricut.

This view of the pattern doesn’t have a pocket, so I added one on the back.

Having successfully made these, I had another go at the pillowcase version. They were only half made when I had the initial try on, so it was a simple matter to unpick the side seams. I added a stripe down either side, guessing how much extra room I needed.

I am pleased I decided to run the stripes horizontally and chose exactly the right width.

I didn’t change anything else and the shorter crotch makes them fit better, I think. I used the trim around the hem of the legs and sewed the buttons down the front of the skirt flap.

As I didn’t hem the shorts they turned out too long compared with the skirt flap. I liked the length of the shorts so unpicked the hem of the skirt and part of the side seam as it’s sewn into the seam.

I then used the remaining trim on the edge and the length is perfect. I had exactly 5cm of trim left over!

I am so pleased with them. I used the sixth button to secure the waistband. The only mistake I made was putting the zip in the side seam as per the instructions. I much prefer it in the centre back seam. I always catch my skin and attendant adipose tissue in side zips and these shorts are no different!

I had added an upcycled label on the hem stitching on the skirt, and having unpicked the stitching the label is kind of in the middle of nowhere now.

A seated photo shows that the shorts show perhaps more leg than I am comfortable with, so they may not get worn out for coffee!

Finally a shot of Miss G as she helps granddad with a brick wall that’s falling apart. She did lots of good mixing of sand and water and even slapped it on the walls. The gloves are an important accessory.