I am so excited to share my latest make with you all!  Around the same time that I released the Winslow Culottes, Alina from Alina Sewing + Design Co. released the Chi-Town Chinos. I reached out to her post-launch to say hi and see if she would be interested in a little pattern swap.  This was not for the purposes of marketing, in fact, it was completely selfish on my part because I really wanted to make her pattern! Luckily, she wanted to make mine too, and we have since exchanged many more emails discussing pattern design, the indie pattern scene, and being a solopreneur. I am so grateful to have connected with her and for all the amazing people in this community!  You can check out her version of the Winslows over on the Alina Sewing + Design Co. blog.

For my Chi-Town Chinos, I found this great medium weight cotton canvas.  It is the perfect weight for a pair of shorts, and it pressed and sewed beautifully. I also LOVE the print and the colours, it kind of looks like cells in the body, or like a lava lamp, lol.  Of course, this crazy print is right up my alley and I was drawn to it like a moth to flame.  

The Chi-Town Chinos pattern offers two views, a shorts version (shown here) and a skirt version. I am excited to try the skirt version, too, I think it will look great paired with tights and boots in the fall.  The shorts have two options for pockets, with or without pocket flaps.  I went with the rounded corners and no pocket flaps for this version.

One of my favourite things about this pattern is this instruction booklet.  Since I work in graphic and web design, I always appreciate when I see design that really works.  The Chi-Town Chinos instructions are clear, easy to read, and beautiful to look at! You can read more about Alina’s process here. There are some trickier bits of sewing involved with the Chi-Town chinos, but Alina walks you through each step.  I particularly enjoyed and appreciated the instructions for a fly-front, if you haven’t sewn one before, this pattern would be a great way to learn.  

These chinos have a relaxed fit and a comfortable length.  They really are perfect summer shorts for just about any activity.  I mostly wear high-waisted shorts, so this style is a little out of my comfort zone, but I am grateful to have something to reach for in this summer heat!  After a day of running around doing errands in these, I am so glad to have them in my wardrobe.  They were so comfortable and easy to wear, the kind of thing you don’t even notice wearing, you know?  Just a really simple & comfy pair of shorts. 

Alina and I did not agree to give positive reviews or say anything in particular about each others’ patterns, any opinions expressed here or in her post about the Winslows are our own.  Thanks, Alina, for being up for the swap!