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.)

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.
Very impressive- these really look good! Happy running!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Megan! They are pretty dang close to perfect, I need to tighten up the waist and then I'll be really happy.
ReplyDeleteVery stylish looking running pants and the fit looks spot on.
ReplyDeleteThose are really good!
ReplyDeleteAww what an awesome pattern!! And your new running pants look seriously swish!
ReplyDeleteYou look so speedy! Those are really great running pants!
ReplyDeleteLove these! They do have a nice fit, and you definitely can't beat $1.50 for fabric to make a nice pair of running pants. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm pretty happy with them overall!
ReplyDeleteAww, gee, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, lady! I can't wait til it's a cooler temp outside so I can actually wear them.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I am not so speedy, but I do what I can :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becca! Yeah, I'm pretty thrilled with the cost, I would have paid retail for this fabric, it's that nice.
ReplyDeleteI love the running pants, and thanks for sharing the pattern company that I've never heard of! I'm a walker/runner and being full figured, athletic clothing is too costly. You've inspired me! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete