Paradise Patterns Rose Bottoms Pattern Test

I have a few favorite pattern designers where I find myself buying almost everything they release. Paradise Patterns is one, and over the years I've been lucky enough to land in the testing group. Releasing this month will be the Rose Bottoms, which is a companion pattern to the Rose Raglan Shirt.

Top is a Chalk and Notch Max

I am sharing my shorts early in order to highlight the lovely linen/rayon blend fabric I used, out now from Surge Fabric Shop. 

Surge has a range of woven fabrics called "Luxor Heavy Linen". These are rayon/linen fabrics that work well for bottom weight or heavier top weight projects. They have the texture of linen but with the softness of rayon. I audibly gasped when I opened my fabric package, it is SO soft. I washed on delicate and dried with low heat, which is what I do with almost every single thing I sew. Use a press cloth to prevent any shine due to the rayon factor (I didn't notice much shine but better safe than sorry).

The Rose Bottoms are either shorts or pants, with optional in-seam pockets, and a hem band that has an optional slit. I made the shorts, no in-seam pockets, with the hem band split. I have a video moving in the shorts on Instagram that you can watch here. 

I know you're probably thinking, what the heck, you left out the in-seam pockets?! I did. There is a patch pocket on the back and that's all I need for my phone. I did not want the pinstripe going in slightly different directions, which is why I left off the pockets. This pattern, like the Rose Raglan, is the most fun when you make it in stripes. The hem band runs in the opposite direction of the rest of the shorts for that visual pop.

Speaking of pinstripes, look at how perfectly they matched up in my center back seam! Weird to ask you to stare at my butt, but here we are.

Sanna does a fantastic job with not only her drafting, but also her pattern instructions. These shorts are finished with flat-felled seams and even if you've never done those before, the directions will hold your hand. The hem band split was simple and gives that extra boost of elegance.

The only change I made was to use 1" waistband elastic instead of recommended 3/4", because that's all I had on hand (RIP Jo-Ann). I have not seen the official finished pattern yet, but based on testing feedback I believe both elastic sizes will be an option.

Sadly, I did not have enough fabric to make a matching Rose Raglan, but I do have a different pinstripe linen from Surge and plan to make a set from that.

*I received this fabric for free in exchange for a review. I received the pattern for free in exchange for testing. I recommend both the fabric shop and pattern designer, and happily spend my own money with them all the time. If you are a craft business owner and need help with your marketing or sample making, let's talk! Visit my website here. Thank you for supporting women-owned small businesses!