Pattern Testing: Inspire Tights - Greenstyle

Another week, another test! Testing really motivates me to sew. I work well with deadlines. (and by work well I mean I cry my entire way through it. College flashbacks! D: ) Lucky for me, pattern testing is a fun kind of deadline with an awesome prize at the end and a real feeling of success.

I've been really into sewing active wear lately. Like, REALLY into it. Just ask Nick how long I've been promising to make him a pair of underwear. That would be a good estimation as to how long I've been putting off sewing other things in my queue in favor of sewing active wear. So when Angelyn Bennett of GreenStyle Creations posted a tester call, I was all over it! 

GreenStyle is a PDF pattern company that offers men, women, and children's patterns and all are very comfortable, "everyday" fashion designs. I'm super thankful that Angelyn is also on the workout sewing train, her second most recent pattern is the Jillian Tank, which i'm still in serious need of. #BuyAllThePatterns

**As compensation for testing I did receive the final pattern free of charge, though all opinions are my own. :) 

The Inspire Tights  is the pattern that I tested. They are workout leggings with a couple of awesome features that really make these active wear rather than normal leggings. They feature an option gusset, secret waistband pocket for a key, and several design features to use separate fabrics so they can look like your favorite store bought pair. They also have clear elastic at the waist so you won't show crack while you're re-wracking your weights or doing the Pigeon Pose. You can make them shorts, capris, midi or full length - hello winter running! (Just kidding, I never run in the winter.)

Here was my first pair. I sewed up the simplest option, capri length, no pocket option because it hadn't been added yet, with the optional gusset. (Always do the gusset gals, always do the gusset.) At first the gusset instructions were difficult for me to understand and a couple of testers mentioned it so Angelyn beefed up the illustration and now it's really simple! Yusss for incorporating feedback! <3

 I was trying my hand at the Peggy Bundy look. How did I do?

That double flower at the waistband is KILLING my eyes. It's killing them. It's the kind of thing you notice right away, unless you're sewing it. -_-

Here's me pretending I have muscles with my smuggest mug on. Don't be jealous disgusted, that's not a misshapen muscle, it's just a comfortably dislocated shoulder. 

and here is to demonstrate my athletic prowess. -_- I totally kicked up to a handstand and didn't rip my tights cause of that kick ass gusset. My new slogan, Just Sew It. Yeah, that's right, i'm talking to you Nike. I'ma do it better.  

For my second pair I sewed these up using this purple performance knit from Joann's. It is extra stretchy, honestly, these could comfortably reach my ankles. It's that stretchy. 

For these I did capri length again, optional gusset, waistband pocket, and angled front inserts for fashion reasons. :P 

*Side note, did you click the pattern link yet? No? Do it already! This picture made it to the cover of the pattern and it made my freaking year! How cool is that?* I was super starry eyed. :)

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And here I am being all matchy matchy with my Inspire Tights and SUAT Brazi. (I'll save that for another post) I am so ready for acrobats or yoga or Netflix! Whatever life throws at me!

This pattern was really simple to sew and I'm absolutely loving it for my workout tights. Something that I wanted to mention is that Angelyn is so receptive to tester feedback, it was really awesome to work with her. This was tested and tested until it came out perfect. The instructions are simple, construction is straight forward and they really didn't fail on the "inspire" aspect. They are so comfortable, it makes me want to hit the yoga mat twice as hard, especially because you can customize with freaking awesome fabrics that make working out even more fun. They are comfy, stretchy, and feel really secure. I don't worry about ripping at the cheeks...(if you know what I mean, because I'm being super subtle.) I can't wait to make a ton more of these, I'll be the envy of all my cats while I yoga in the living room. 

Details:

Version 1, Peggy Bundy

Fabric: Rayon/Spandex from Joann's - I would use something a little stretchier next time

Notions: 3/8" clear elastic

Price: Fabric - 1 yard at $5/yard = $5. Elastic $1. Thread $.50 = $6.50.

Version 2, Purple and Gray

Fabric: Purple and gray is Performance knit from Joann's

Notions: 3/8" clear elastic

Price: 1.25 yards (combined) at $12/yard = $15. Elastic $1. Thread $.50 = $16.50.