The irony is not lost on me that I'm standing here posing in activewear, when I'm at my heaviest and un-fittest...well, ever! But, when you get asked to take part in a blog hop to celebrate a book by the incredibly inspiring Melissa Fehr, you say "yes" and check your self-consciousness at the door.
Even during my more active stints, I've never been interested in making my own workout gear, but Sew You Own Activewear has definitely changed that. Now I want to start exercising again, just so I can sew up Melissa's patterns!
There's a sneaky peek of the book here, which takes you through making a capsule wardrobe comprising of 13 activewear designs using just four basic pattern blocks. The book takes you through sewing techniques and performance fabric selection, sharing useful insight that even the seasoned jersey/knit stitcher will find beneficial.
I decided to break myself in with the Raglan Tee, which can be made in regular jersey fabric. RTW workout tops are what I've always struggled with in the past, with many being sleeveless, too clingy and almost always too low-cut.
This loose fitting top with raglan sleeves, banded V-neck and wraparound side seams is the perfect mix of comfortable and cute. The fun thing about it is the clever concealed pocket in the back - for stashing a key, some cash and so on - which I left out as I'm more of an indoor exerciser.
As a self-proclaimed lazy stitcher, having to 'draft' the Raglan Tee using a basic block was a little off-putting. However, the process was faster than I imagined and the satisfaction I got from it was worth the effort. Following the instructions and illustrations was easy enough, but be warned that getting a sharp V-neck band takes a lot of patience...and unpicking in my case...so much unpicking!
There are so many tempting designs to choose from in Melissa's book, but some of my favourites are the Crop Top, Yoga Bottoms, Winter Base Layer and Split Shorts.
Having dug out my neglected workout gear to use as props for these photos, I'm actually seriously considering rejoining the gym. So, Melissa and her awesome book could end up being responsible for motivating me to get back in shape this year...now that's no mean feat!
How about you? Do/would you sew your own activewear?
Love your top! These yoga pants also look very tempting... I've been sewing all sorts of things for years but also always avoided activewear...
ReplyDeleteYour top looks fantastic and your V-neck looks like perfection - you're right V-necks do require patience. I made a t-shirt last year with a V-neck and must have unpicked it and re-done it half a dozen times until I was reasonably happy. It wasn't perfect though. Like the design too with the wrap-around seams and raglan sleeves. Melissa's book is looking very tempting.
ReplyDeleteSometimes nice activewear is all you need to get back into the sports groove! ;) You gotta go out and show that pretty top to the world! :D
ReplyDeleteI have sewn Tees for my pilates class and leggings for all sorts of things and there is nothing like handmade leggings I have to say. This year I'm thinking about tackling a swimsuit which is daunting but if I can make a suit I really like that would just be the ultimate :)
ReplyDeleteWhat would boost one's self-confidence more than losing 10 lbs while wearing one's very own self-made activewear?! It gives a whole new meaning to "you did it!" Great top! Best of luck with your fitness goals!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite activewear top is Melissa's Surf to Summit; I have hacked it numerous times (and never with the zipper/collar) and been delighted with the style and the fit every time I've made it.
ReplyDeleteAnd just a few arm curls a day .....if me at 59 can keep the gym habit up for the last twenty years, you can too. ;)
I would LOVE to sew my own active wear now. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love that top! It's just my style. I'm not into sewing active wear, but if that top can be made in jersey, it would work for me. That way, the top isn't limited to exercise only.
ReplyDeleteYou looks great. You might as well give it a go with all that gear - I would be using cans of baked beans! Jo xx
ReplyDeleteYou look great and your top designs are very creative and unique i really like all of these designs.
ReplyDeleteBlade Runner Jacket
Hey, this is such a fantastic post on sew your own active wear. This is quite useful for the people who know how to stitch but dear I don’t know it at all so prefer buying my apparels for work outs from the top brands. The Carbon 38 workout clothes are my most favorite because they perfectly fit in my budget as well as needs.
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