[Rationale] Upcycled, zipped-patch-pocket, elasticized capri-length sweatshorts made entirely from a Gildan 50/50 (cotton/polyester) Blend Stadium Blanket, purchased while exploring possible options for printing/embroidering on Gildan blanks for my label. 

Over the summer in 2025, I purchased a majority of the ‘Heavy Blend’ Gildan lineup from t-shirt.ca, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada: a Pullover & Zip-up hooded Sweatshirt, Sweatpants, and Stadium blanket to assess overall quality and conceptualize how I could use their products in my own label to bring affordable options for embroidered, detailed fleece garments. I primarily purchased the Gildan Stadium blanket to confirm whether or not it was made of the same fabric as the rest of the clothing, and it was. I instantly knew I wanted to create something from this 50"x60" material, as I had no use for the blanket and it already had finished cover stitched hems that were perfect for a pair of sweatshorts.

I drafted the pattern from a pair of basketball shorts and incorporated 4 patch pockets to maximize fabric use, with zipped closures and 2 back pockets cut along the side to create a finished hem at the pocket opening, using as much of the material as possible. I then applied golden rivets and elasticized the waistband to fit snugly around the waist (I intended to add a drawstring, but top-stitched the waistband in place before I could do so). The final product is a creation born from the desire to create my own capri-length sweatshort, while also challenging myself to see how I could use the purchased blanket and transform it into something new that could be worn regularly.