Pants to Run In: Another My Image Pattern

I've moved onto cooler weather sewing, it's true.  I'm still wearing shorts, running skirts, tank tops, etc. for running but I want to get a few leggings ready to go when it's time.  This pair of pants accomplishes two things... first off, they are PANTS that I sewed and (for the most part) fit correctly!  I usually wear and sew skirts because I like how they look on my figure generally more often then pants-- also I've have problems with getting my handmade pants to fit correctly.  Knits are forgiving so I planned to make a pair like this to start on my "Winter of Sewing Pants That Fit".  Secondly, I have only one real pair of activewear leggings.  I plan to do more running in cooler weather (yesterday was a refreshing 70F/21C and I easily ran 6 1/4 miles/10K- with many major hills.  I'm working on my distance since my speed is sub-par.)

For the pattern I used My Image M1253B from the Autumn/Winter 2012-13 issue.  I used some navy blue fabric I got from my recent haul at a warehouse sale.  It's a really nice quality medium to heavy weight material, very likely a nylon/spandex (the fabric didn't have a fiber content label.)  I also used a black athletic mesh from the same sale.  Total fabric cost for these: about $1.50, you cannot beat that!  

The design lines on this pattern are pretty terrific.  I originally wanted to make View A but I didn't want to invest the time on the side panel if the pants didn't end up fitting.  These came together quickly with my serger, about an hour and a half at the machine including making some alterations to the size.  I would like some interesting design line on the back, right now it's plain without any piecing like in front.

I was nervous about making them too small so I cut a 42 and graded to a 46 at the hip/bum.  Big mistake, I should have made a 38 at the waist and graded to a 42 at the hips/bum.  They were massive at first-- but really I should have known this!  A good rule of thumb I follow (usually!!) is to go down about 2 sizes when using lycra/spandex fabrics for tight fitting activewear as the material has quite a bit of give.  After going in on the seams pretty dramatically I opted to exclude the waistband piece to encase my elastic.  

The rise of the pants were too long because I cut the wrong size.  I reduced the fabric on the waist by many inches.  I wanted a flat waist line as opposed to the bunched up one they use in the pattern.  Flat waistline=more comfort for movement.  I lined up the edge of my 1" elastic the raw edge of the inside of the waist and serged it on, folded it over- encasing the elastic with fabric- then used a twin needle to top-stitch. 

       

After wearing them for a few minutes to photograph them I think I need to alter the waistline down a little more.  They look like they lay closely and perfectly against the skin, but it doesn't have that nice snug feeling I need to keep them up while running.  I feel like I may be pulling them up constantly while I move.  But alas, that's not a huge problem as I can pick out a few stitches and remove a small bit of elastic.  

  

My Image patterns' Dutch to English translated directions are not easy to follow generally.  I am very happy to report that these directions were very easy to work with (besides the fact that they call the pant legs 'pipes'.)  I hope to make these again in the correct size to begin, and to possibly make View A in an everyday fabric for regular wear under tunics or shorter dresses this winter.