The Boulder Tee and the Cache Cargo Shorts from Gracious Threads
My sweet son is seriously lacking in mommy made items. I tend to get caught up in ruffles and bows and endless girly fabrics, leaving my mister man in mostly RTW. I think mama was just waiting to find the right inspiration.
WAIT OVER!!!!!
I recently tested the Boulder Tee and Cache Cargo Shorts for Jessica of Gracious Threads. The top is designed for knits. The shorts are woven with a zip fly and elastic in the back part of the waistband. Both patterns are for sizes 2 through 12 and have just the right mix of classic pieces with fun details to keep things fresh.
All patterns are 40% off with the code CELEBRATE2500 through May 31, 2017 in celebration of having 2500 members in the Gracious Threads Sewing Group. Better yet, Gracious Threads has generously gifted a FREE copy of both patterns for one lucky reader! Details on how to enter can be found at the bottom of this post.
Check out the optional details on the sleeves. It is such a simple way to get a sporty look. I’m also in love with the deeper hems (1 inch) and will start using that on more tops for him. The Boulder Tee also comes with pattern pieces for cropped sleeves with a cuff. (Yes, Jessica read your mind, she knows you don’t like hemming your knits!)
My son is obsessed with trains, cars, trucks, buses, and planes. He was literally paralyzed with delight when I said he would stand in front of one for pictures. His recent joy is to stuff the favorites in his pockets. Lucky for him, the Cache Cargo Shorts comes with side pockets and cargo pockets. The back pockets finish out the cargo look but are actually just a flap.
This was my first time doing a fly zip and fly guard and I was impressed at how easily it all came together. My daughter has leggings for every day of the month but my son tends to have a handful of bottoms that he pairs with multiple tops. Anything with a zip fly takes longer to sew than a pair of leggings but I easily whipped up two pairs during testing.
Pattern instructions also link to a tutorial for optional buttonhole elastic to get even more wear for growing bodies. I didn’t have any on hand so I used the elastic and it worked like a dream. Even though my son is on the lower side of the size 2, all I had to do was slightly shorten the prescribed length of elastic. The tutorial even includes these instructions on how to fit the waist for the recipient so you’re not left guessing.
Fabrics used:
- The outfit on the above left uses a Robert Kauffman twill from Jackman’s Fabrics for the shorts and triblend jersey from Knitpop for the top.
- The outfit on the above right was actually my muslin in testing. The shorts are this quilting cotton from Walmart and a jersey top with cotton lycra bands, both from Elevated Fashion Fabrics.
As with all patterns, I’m already imagining my next ones. I plan to do a pair of khaki shorts for my son and then hack the top to include a bottom ruffle for my daughter. She’s been a bit jealous that it was brother’s turn (FINALLY!) so I let her select the fabric already and it oozes girly girl. And, of course, she wanted a picture in front of the backhoe loader too. I didn’t even know what a backhoe loader was until I had my son. (FYI – they’re the holy grail for toddler boys.)
Looking for more boy inspiration? The latest issue of One Thimble (15) is chuck full of patterns and idea on how to sew some spiffy duds for your fella. The Dax Trousers are designed by Gracious Threads too! I’ll be making tons of those for chilly weather.
Don’t forget to head over to the Gracious Thread Sewing Group for other fabric/pattern inspiration and to share your lovely creations.
Giveaway Time!!!
For an entry to win both patterns, tell me who you will wear the first one you sew. For an extra entry, please follow me on instagram. I’ll pick one random winner on Thursday June 1, 2017 to receive both patterns.
HAPPY SEWING!!!!
***I received the final pattern in return for my time and contributions during testing, but my opinions are fully my own. This review contains affiliate links for which I receive a small commission on any sales. This helps support my growing fabric collection and is much appreciated.
Adorable as always! Excellent work and I would definitely be interested in trying g out these patterns for my besties sweet baby boy who is 18 months now. He would be a great little model, too! 🙂
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I love the sleeve detail! The shorts are so cute. All of my guys would love a pair of “big boy” shorts (aka shorts with zippers 😉).
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Those are adorable. My 2 year old son needs a pair or two.
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I would make the first pairs for my five year old son and for my almost two year old daughter.
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I never do a fly zip before but I would love to try! The sleeve detail is awesome.
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Agreed! But once you commit, it’s not as intimidating as I put it out to be and the pattern group is super supportive if you get stuck 🙂
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Adorable top and shorts! I’d love to sew them for my 4 year old son.
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I will soon have three boys, and they are lacking on mama made clothes. My oldest is three so he’ll definitely be needing some summer cargo shorts!
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I love this shirt, the pants are perfect for my little man too! I’ve been hunting for a woven bottom pattern I like for him.
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I’m so happy to have discovered this blog, I love it!! I would definitely be making that affordable Tee for my 18 month son. He can never have enough shirts!
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CONGRATS! You’re the winner – – – – can you please send an email to and let me know your email address so we can get you those patterns?
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I would definitely be making them for my 2 year old son! I have also been slacking on making him clothes 🙂
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