Tag: Pants

My official mom uniform

When Melissa said that August was all about capsules, I was a bit overwhelmed. To be fair, I get overwhelmed easily. Here’s a little secret…..I’ve never sewn a capsule! I know, I know. How crazy is that?! However, what the heck do I make?! I’m a stay at home mom and don’t really dress nice very often. Then I realized that all moms need good basics that they can wear ALL. THE. TIME! Clothes don’t fit the same after having kids, so why not make our own? I live in leggings and tanks. And I always need something to keep me warm. So here’s the rundown.

Before I get into the patterns, here’s a little info on fabric. One thing I learned in my sewing journey, is to use quality fabric. Having good quality stuff, makes my work look better, last longer, and easier to make. Phee Fabrics has never let me down. The quality is always amazing! I love that the descriptions are accurate and the fabrics are sourced in the USA.

I bought the Clara pattern from Jalie months ago and finally made them. I have to say, I’m super happy with the fit. The only adjustments I had to make were height adjustments. I will take an extra inch next pair. I wore them to the gym the other day and they didn’t budge. I used black supplex and they feel like I spent a lot of money!!! Not to mention that I can dress them up or down. They can be worn with anything. Also this supplex is so lush, not to mention, durable. I live in leggings made with Phee’s supplex and this stuff lasts! Not to mention, it’s squatproof!

The staple tank from Greenstyle Creations is a pattern thats gotten lots of use. When I got this ribbing material, I knew I had to make one with it. This stuff is so soft, has amazing drape, and great recovery. I’m totally digging it!

The Harper cardigan from Sinclair Patterns Is a free pattern with a few options for length. I did the cropped length with black supplex. I can wear this with just about anything. I can honestly tell say that I will wear the hell out of this

Last but not least..:.The Jalie Julia has become a new favorite pattern of mine also. I love combining the top and the bra into one. I used Rayon Spandex, powernet, 3/8” picot elastic, bra strap elastic, rings and sliders. Oh and I used supplex for the band. I used picot instead of FOE and bra strap elastic instead of FOE for the straps. I cropped the length on this one.

First you’re going to go ahead and put your bra front and back together. I did French seams on this one. I omitted the darts so that I didn’t have to worry about that seam. It’s not that big of a difference. I wouldn’t omit it on the sports bra though. Attach the bottom band. Then we can put it together with the top.

Put the bra into the top so the wrong sides are together. You’ll notice the bra portion is a little smaller. I stretch it to fit, clip and baste. The other thing that needs to be changed is, that back point, where the two pieces of elastic meet….cut off about an inch so it’s a straight line and fold it over. That way you’ll have a clean edge and enough fabric for the picot to be attached and folded over.

Attach the picot like usual. Start with the front, chest edge. Flat side of the picot in line with the edge of the fabric. Attach with a zig zag. Then turn under and zig zag again. The elastic will be the same length in the front. When you get to the sides, you’ll want to add about an inch to the front, so that you can attach the rings. So attach the elastic to the one side, leaving an inch on the front and on the back. Then do the other side.

After than you’ll attach rings to each piece of elastic sticking up. Make your straps with the sliders. And then attach. Hem last and you’re good to go.

So there you have my idea of the perfect mom uniform. Let’s be honest, it’s the perfect capsule for anyone!! All 4 of these pieces will get lots of wear and they have me looking forward to cooler weather. Thanks for reading!

*Note: affiliate links may be used. By using these links, I gain a small portion at no added cost for you. I promise, it all goes to keeping my sewing habit going😊

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5oo4 Zen Pants Made As Shorts

Summer time means shorts, and nothing screams summer like bright, white shorts.  They look great with any color tank or tee, or thrown on over a swimsuit.  In my quest to use every pattern in my collection I decided to try the 5 Out Of 4 Patterns Zen Pants, using the shorts cut line.  The Zen Pants are a slim fit with optional front and back patch pockets and a side cargo pocket.  There is also an optional faux fly, and drawstring waistband.

I like my shorts to be a smooth line under my tanks and wanted a dressy casual look, so I wanted to streamline as much as possible.  Pockets are an absolute necessity, so I decided to turn the large patch pockets into smaller internal patch pockets, and to forego any other ornamentation.  It’s fun to customize patterns to suit my needs, and I’m never afraid to try a simple hack.  As I have noted before, I don’t show full pattern pieces to protect designers intellectual property.

The first step of altering the pocket was to decide how wide I wanted it.  I laid my phone on the pattern pocket piece and knew that I could slim it down to the width of the X-small pocket.  I laid my traced out pants front piece onto the master pattern pocket and used a pencil to draw lines from the hip up and from the top out to the outer top corner.  I also curved the pocket side to follow the curve of the hip on the pants front.  I am pointing to this area in the photo below.  (The dashed line is the original pattern shape of the outer top corner of the pocket.)

Z pocket alter

Laying the pants front on the master pattern pocket piece allowed me to trace the curve to make the pocket opening on the pants front.  That small piece in the upper corner of the photo below is the piece I cut off and discarded.  I also hacked the pocket facing, (which is used to reinforce the pocket opening.)  I like my pocket facings to be about an inch wide, so I traced the top curve of the pocket facing piece and just made it an inch wide.

Z pocket fac

Next I laid out all my pattern pieces and cut them out my fabric.  You could use a ponte or one of the other recommended fabrics, but I find that shorts made of ponte make me feel too hot and sweaty.  I love making my shorts out of Supplex.  It’s moisture wicking, so it really helps keep you cool.  And since it washes and wears so well, you don’t have to worry about using white Supplex to make shorts (or anything else for that matter!)  Because I love the consistently high quality, I buy all of my Supplex from Phee Fabrics.  It is a substantial 18oz., so I never have to worry about it being sheer.  And, it took less than a yard of fabric for my shorts.  Yay!  That means I have enough left to make a workout top too!

Place the pocket facing on the pocket opening right sides together, stitch, then flip the facing to the inside of the pocket.  Give it a good press, then topstitch.  The photo below shows what the facing will look like on the inside (or wrong) side.

Z pocket

Place the pocket right side up, to the wrong side of the shorts front, lining up the top and sides.  Baste at the top and side seam, and pin the curved inner edge of the pocket to the front.

Z pocket baste

Use a zig zag, decorative stitch, or cover stitch to sew the pocket to the front.  I used one of the “overlock” stitches on my sewing machine.  Take your time sewing around the curve to make sure you are catching the pocket as you sew.  Press everything smooth.  From this point you’ll be able follow the pattern directions as written to finish your shorts or pants.
Zen back

I like the idea of the back yoke/waistband on the Zen Pants, because it curves down to meet the pockets at the side seams and gives your shorts or pants a flattering shaped look.  It does however take longer to sew than a simple rectangular or a contoured waistband that’s even along the bottom edge.  I also like that the pattern tutorial gives you photos, drawings, and tips for some common pants fitting issues.  I may try to scoop out the back crotch curve of my shorts a little to fit the shape of my bum.  This should correct the wrinkles I seem to get on all pants patterns, (so I know that it’s my body shape, versus an issue with patterns.)

I love being able to make cute, comfortable shorts that will help keep me cool during the heat of summer.  It’s nice to be able to customize them to suit me by choosing from all the pattern options and by a simple hack for the pockets.
Zen shorts

Now I need to search through my patterns to see what else I need to make!  (And perhaps order more Supplex because my stash is alarmingly low!)  I need shorts in all the Supplex colors!

*This post may contain affiliate links.  This means that at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links.  As always, I only give my honest opinion.  After all, my posts represents me!  Thank you for reading and sharing my love of sewing and pattern hacking.

 

 

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Feeling a Little Meh(sh)

What inspires you to workout? I wish I could say “I just love it” and don’t need any extra motivation, but alas, that would be one big lie. When it comes to fitness and activity, I know there is an ebb and flow for me….Sometimes my motivation and determination are at a peak and unwavering. Other times I have a laundry list of reasons why “I just can’t” because in reality I just don’t want to.

Like many people, January is a time to renew and I am ready to go – organization, workouts, food prep…It’s all easy, and I’m excited! Then February rolls around, and the honeymoon is over. At that point, all I want is ice cream and sweat pants, but I have one thing that always gets me back in the groove – NEW CLOTHES! This used to mean a trip to the store, but now it means a Facebook search in my favorite fabric and sewing groups for some inspiration.

I decided I wanted some “cool mesh” pants like all the women in my gym classes. Of course my favorite shop, Phee Fabrics had just what I wanted! The black powernet has great stretch and recovery for workout wear without being completely see through. So, off I went pattern hunting and decided to try another Greenstyle Creations pattern, the Inspire tights. They are a basic legging but also have some fun color blocking options. I used a contour waistband from the Patterns for Pirates peg legs to give me a higher waisted option.

The powernet was great for the inserts and there is some hidden powernet in the waistband – it’s like comfortable compression! This stuff HOLDS you in! No rolling waistband or slipping down. I didn’t even need to add elastic to the top, which is perfect for me. I really don’t like the feel of elastic on my waist regardless of fabric and pattern.

Quick tip for color-block sewing that saves me a bunch of time pinning – I get all of my pieces for each leg panel and pin them all at one time. Then I can stitched all at once and if I shave them all pinned together at the them same time it’s easier to see if I have them all in the correct direction (read: less seam ripping!)

I really want for my leggings to be supportive and stretch. The Plum Supplex is gorgeous in person while having incredible stretch and recovery. This material is perfect for squats and stretching (and tested for the entire day after a workout because sometimes I just get busy 😉)

So now I had “motivating pants”, but I needed a whole outfit. This time I wanted to copy a tank I bought years ago. It has a strap across the back that how’s off your back and a front and back scoop neck. I used the P4P essential tank, but instead of using the back piece, I did 2 fronts! I used 85% of the neck and arm openings to create the bands. Then I created a strap for the back and stitched it into the band. Super easy, and it holds the straps up.

The back piece has a little added flair and function. It’s made out of powernet too. Awesome for a hot day or extra sweaty workout.

My motivating outfit worked – I used it as my extra push to get up and workout at 5:45am when but was a balmy 11 degrees! I guess I will need to make another outfit to keep the momentum going…and you know it will be with Phee Fabrics.

Happy stitchin’ and sweatin’

Liz

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The Magic of a New Outfit

Ahhhh, summertime! The perfect time to sit back, relax, have a few pool or boat drinks and take a break from “the grind.” This all sounds so magical, but alas, an entire summer without a workout would mean 9 months of gym lock down! So how do you stay motivated or find some extra motivation during these lazy summer months?

Before I began sewing, I always would buy new outfits, well, for just about anything. First day of school, Saturday night out, birthday party, because it’s Tuesday….you get the idea. And now that I sew, not much has changed, in fact I think it may have gotten worse.

One of the first things I ever sewed for myself was a pair of legging. I had basically no idea what I was doing or sewing but my desire to no longer wear ill-fitting athletic wear was fierce and so began the love affair with sewing my own workout wear. While I enjoy my workouts most days, sometimes I just need the extra push and this outfit is the answer!

So here’s my new summer-workout-motivation-outfit

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I saw the Teal Tricot and was super excited to try it out. This color is so vibrant in person and to stand out in the gym crowd. It is a bit thinner than I would use for all over leggings, but absolutely perfect for accents and tops, IMO. Luckily I am a fabric hoarder extraordinaire and had this gorgeous spandex that matched (this one’s no longer available, but there are other Nylon Spandex Prints to check out)

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Hooray for fabric mail!!!

The leggings are the Fusion Leggings from Petite Stitchery and Co shortened a few inches for a cropped look and the top is the Sapphire Tank hacked to use 2 front pieces for a scooped back to show off some fun sports bras. (afflink)

And not only is this fabric a dream to sew and wear, it is also moisture wicking and antimicrobial, both of which I stressed tested in a class

clone tag: 1038622757342905055
This outfit screamed for fun cover stitching!

And in the Bahamian heat!!

Post run...Look Ma, no sweat!

Post run...Look Ma, no sweat!I hope this inspires you to hit the refresh on your workout wear AND summer workouts

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Vacation workout’s are much easier in fancy new clothes
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Pattern Hack with Phee

I am back again with another pattern hack, this time is the Tammy from Annelaine Patterns! I decide to make W a cropped dance top and add a little something extra with the wrap around ties. For the bottoms I used the Deux Leggings from Lil Luxe Collection, I didn’t make any changes on those

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For this set I used Pinkalicious and Black Tricot from Phee Fabrics. I used tricot for a more of an athletic feel to her outfit, since she is only 5 they don’t dance too hard, but it is perfect for anything of the athletic nature, its moisture wicking, anti microbial, and has 4 way stretch. Tricot is a great choice for those older girls needing a cropped Tammy for dance!

Ok, on to hacking the Tammy! You are going to construct your Tammy bodice the same way from the tutorial, just skip cutting or attaching a skirt.

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We are now going to measure the bottom of the top.

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This is where we have to do some math. We are essentially making a band for the bottom of our top. If you know how to do this you can skip ahead, just for reference I make my band 5 inches wide so my finished band would be 2 inches wide.

The bottom of my top laying flat is 12 inches. So from there you want to double that measurement, which makes it 24 inches. From there we want to make the band slightly smaller than the bottom of our top so we will multiply that 24 by 85% or .85

24 * .85 = 20.4

We still need to add in the seam allowance. Which means a 1/4″ on each side of the band or a total of 1/2″

20.4 + .5 = 20.9

When I have an odd measurement like 20.9 I will just round up to 21 to make cutting my band easier. So for the band on my size 5 Tammy I will cut a 5″ by 21″.

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We will also cut our ties. How long the ties are, is up to you. I found that between 30 and 35 inches for W. Her waist is 22 inches and this allowed for them to be wrapped around and tied. You will need to cut 2 ties. So for me I cut 2 ties 5″ by 35″.

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Now we are going to sew our ties. You will fold long edges, right sides together and then sew (with a stretch stitch) the long edge and one of the short edges. I used contrasting thread for the purposes of this tutorial. You will end with one of the short ends left open.

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Turn your straps right side out.

Grab your bottom band and find the middle of the short end and mark with a clip/pin.

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Place your ties on the right side of your bottom band with the seams of the ties towards the middle mark you made on your band.

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Now bring the other short edge of your band and match up the edges, right sides together.

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Your ties should not go all the way to the bottom of the band, this is the seam allowance of where you will be attaching it to your bodice.

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Sew your band and ties, making them one piece. Then fold the band wrong sides together. You should now have a circle with the ties coming out of one end.DO9A2666

Now we are going to quarter your bottom band and your Tammy bodice. The side seams are quarter points so you don’t need to mark those if you don’t want to.

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Match your quarter points on your bodice and band, making sure the ties are in the back.

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Sew the band to the bodice stretching slightly between your quarter points.

All done! With your cropped tie Tammy from Annelaine Patterns!

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Supplex – What butts dream about

Posted by Alisha Bennett

As a women with a large butt and thighs and a smaller waist, I have the hardest time finding athletic pants that fit me without falling down mid jump in my workouts. So let’s talk about the Super GreenStyle Creations and the oh-so-amazing supplex from Phee Fabrics. 

I also want to add on the Xpress tank from Greenstyle Creations as well as the Bridgette Bralette from Made for Mermaids both tank and bra are made from circular knit from Phee Fabrics also!

*A quick note that the bralette is not intended for a workout that would consist of a lot of jumping, it’s more suitable for a yoga practice. I wore this bra for a full 9 hours and did not need to adjust my girls once. It’s so comfortable and keeps my girls in place.

https://www.madeformermaids.com/ 

Supplex, it doesn’t get better than this. It keeps everything smooth and in place. It helps keep your pants up even during a HIIT class, I always have hard a time with my pants staying in place.

Now to the Super Gs. I hacked the front waistband to make it go into a V in the front (I saw a picture on Pinterest and wanted to recreate it!) it was a very easy hack. You just take the front waist band and stop at your measurement at the bottom on the band and than measure out 3 inches on the top, pictured. 

You still add elastic to the top on the band and when attaching to the pants you overlap the two front pieces 3 inches and than sew per the pattern. Voila! They are so comfortable!

Circular knit

The Xpress tank is a quick sew and only one pattern piece!! There are three options, tie back (pictures) scoop back and pointed back. Circular Knit is the softest material I have felt, it wicks moisture and washes up so nicely.

So grab Supplex, circular knits from Phee Fabrics and these patterns!!

GreenStyle Creations

Made For Mermaids

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