Goodwill Tips: TREND ALERT: walking shorts

Monday, April 1, 2013

TREND ALERT: walking shorts

One of the hottest trends this season is the walking short. I've been looking all over for the perfect walking short (that won't break my very-limited budget) and have fallen short.

While organizing my closet this week I came across a pair of trouser pants that I never wear. They are a loose fitting linen that would be perfect for shorts. But alas, they are a baggy pant.
My instinct was to set them aside in the Goodwill pile, but then I thought twice. Maybe I could make these into the perfect walking short!

Well...long story short, I really messed up my first attempt (or two) at this DIY project (let's just say I am NO Amy Clark!).

After several trips to Goodwill to get other "perfect trousers that will become perfect walking shorts" I stumbled upon some ideas and tips that will help you not make the same mistakes I did.

STEP1
line everything up and mark your pattern

To create the pattern, I found a pair of shorts in my closet that I like. The length of these old shorts seems to be perfect, so I used those as a pattern for my DIY ones.

Lie the shorts on top of the pants. Line up the rise of both pants. This will insure that the length of both sorts is about the same. **NOTE this is a step I did not take the first few times around, and found that it is in fact a critical part of the equation!

STEP 2
Measure twice...cut once

Mark the pants with alteration chalk and a ruler **NOTE yet another step I left out the first time or two around.

The ruler is critical. Although I can cut a straight line on wrapping paper, apparently I can not cut a straight line on fabric.

(Photo Credit: http://www.refinery29.com check out this blog for great How To, Entertainment, Fashion Beauty and more!)

STEP 3

Time to cut

I made sure to make my cut an inch longer than I needed. This allowed for some 'slop' (and by 'slop' I mean my inability to cut a straight line).

STEP4
Stitch it down

Since I don't own a sewing machine, I try to use Stitch Witchery or hand mend things that need a needle and thread.

(photo from http://adoremore.blogspot.com - check out her blog and see how she made some denim DIY shorts)

STEP 4
Be the envy of your friends

One of the best things about projects like this is when people ask you where you got those super cute shorts, you can say "They are a one of a kind, and I got them from Goodwill for just a few dollars and made them into shorts myself"...it's a real bargain for up-to-the-minute style... that is unless you mess up as many times as I did (*wink*).

Kathy Friend

Kathy is a nationally

known Wardrobe Stylist and Image Consultant and the President of the Style & Image Institute. She has styled looks for celebrities in Hollywood for Warner Brothers, amazing looks for red carpet events, for political campaigns, and most importantly...she has
upped the style-factor for moms, business owners and entrepreneurs.

She writes for several magazines and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs as a Fashion Expert. Through the Style & Image Institute, she trains and certifies others who want to be a personal stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and image consultant.

In her words: “I pride
myself as a "fashion therapist" and am convinced the right
pair of shoes CAN change your life.”

Debie Coble

Debie Coble is the President & CEO for Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. She started with the organization in 1990 as a store manager. Later that year she started serving in the department that executes the mission of Goodwill.

In 1996 she became the Vice President of Workforce Development Services, and in November of 2013, she began serving as the President & CEO.

Debie has an undergraduate degree in business management from Anderson University and a Masters in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. She completed Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Training Program in 2007. She serves on the board of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, the St. Joseph County Re-Entry Task Force and the South Bend Violence Reduction Taskforce.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

VISION

We envision a community where all individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will have opportunities to enjoy the full benefits of competitive employment. To make this vision become reality, we will focus on being the leading provider of workforce development services in the communities we serve. The core of our programs and services will continue to empower each individual to be productive and independent based on his or her abilities.

MISSION

Our Mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.

VALUES

Work - We believe in the inherent value of work; if there is work, there is hope. Work has a greater value than charity.

Respect - We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship - We honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.

Ethics - We commit to strive to meet the highest ethical standards.

Learning - We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation - We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.