Crafty Bloggers' Club - Adele's Action Pack top and leggings in sports Lycra.
This months' Crafty Bloggers' Club post is from Adele. You can find more of her makes on Instagram @Sew4Serenity
I was so excited when Sarah and Freya asked me to be part of Crafty Sew & So Bloggers Team, especially as I not only got the fabric and notions to create a garment but I also got to choose from one of their patterns too. I already had My Handmade Wardrobe '3 by 3' Tees PDF Pattern, which is such a unique pattern that I hadn’t seen anywhere else, so was excited to see what other patterns were available.
I really wanted to stretch myself and when I looked through the selection of patterns I decided on the Action Pack. I had noticed that the clothes I wear the most from my ready to wear are leggings and t-shirts, so I decided this was something I wanted to focus on, and this pattern gave me opportunity. The Action pack is comprised of a top which has an unusual crossover strap and keyhole detail at the back and is finished with elastic around the neckline and armholes for ultimate flexibility. The leggings feature a shaped waistband yoke, which sits neatly just below the natural waistline, and has no side-seam.
Once I decided on my pattern, I was able to do my favourite part… shop for fabric!
I selected the Green and Blue Tribal Diamonds Swim and Sports Lycra from the vast selection that was available for the leggings, and royal blue cotton jersey for the top. I absolutely loved the vibrant colours of the Lycra and thought the blue jersey would complement the leggings well.
I received the PDF pattern immediately and when the fabric arrived, I was delighted with how lovely and vibrant the Lycra was – and I was surprised at how soft it was. I had never sewn with this type of Lycra fabric before, so I did feel quite intimidated by it, as I was worried that it may slip and move when I was cutting and sewing. I really did not need to worry because I had no problems cutting out the fabric – and I used a mixture of weights and pins to keep it in place.
The pattern recommends 1.3m of fabric for my size in the leggings; Crafty Sew & So sell by the half meter, so I requested 1.5m. I didn’t want to waste any of the fabric, so with the small amount I had left over, I decided to draft a crop top to match the leggings and to wear under the vest top. I traced round a simple ready to wear crop top that I already had, added a seam allowance and with some clever pattern 'Tetris', I was able to squeeze it out. I then sewed some elastic on the bottom of the crop top and folded it up.
The instruction booklet provided with the pattern is very clear – with written instructions for each step alongside photographic images.
There is only one view of both the top and leggings, however you could crop the leggings to shorter lengths or shorts – so it is a very versatile pattern.
I sewed the leggings up on the overlocker, and as it has no side seams, it took no time at all. The waist band took a bit longer but again it was very simple to construct.
The vest top was fairly simple to sew up until it came to the crossover back and keyhole part. The instructions tell you to pin elastic all the way around the edge of the neckline, shoulder and cross over the back, which in itself is simple, however, you have to stretch it in a particular way at the keyhole. This took me a few goes before I was happy with it, but it was worth the effort as I think it looks great.
I’m so happy with the outfit! Its super comfy, fits like a glove and the waist band covers and supports my ‘mum tum’ - and I even felt confident enough to take some photos with my midriff out!!!
I’ve been working from home predominately over the past 2 years and have been living in my active wear, which is mainly black, but now I have this vibrant set to really brighten up my wardrobe. It’s such an achievement that I can make my own leggings – and I can’t wait to make some more to add to the collection. I absolutely love this pattern and it really was beginner friendly for me as a novice sewing active wear. I’m so glad I decided to test my skills with this fabric and pattern.
I’m now feeling really inspired to sew up some swimwear next, and I know that Sarah has a great blog post with tips on how to sew with swimwear fabric, which I will be reading before I start:
8 Top Tips for Sewing Swimwear
If you would like to see my Action Pack set in more detail, please head on over to my You Tube Channel: Sew4serenity .
Happy sewing everyone!
Adele
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“Crafty Bloggers' Club Contributors are given products and materials to test from Crafty Sew & So. We hope you enjoy their honest and impartial reviews of the products. All opinions are their own.”