I'm both extremely happy and frightened. I have created something amazing and I have also created a monster. Let's discuss. This past January I made my husband a tee for his birthday out of special, custom space-man fabric and obviously, before I made it, I made a "muslin" out of grey knit. So at this point, he had two shirts and kept exclaiming how comfortable and amazing the shirts were. So, being the awesome wife that I am, I picked up some Nike wickaway fabric from Simply by Ti fabrics and made him a new running shirt. Now his shirt count is up to three and he is "strongly encouraging" me to make ALL of his undershirts. He keeps hinting at how comfortable they are and how they don't shrink and how they don't come out of his pants when he bends over. *Siiiigh* I guess this is a good thing. :) I can mindlessly sew solid colors. Can I wait for his next birthday?

P.S. Getting him to take pictures is like pulling teeth. That has to be the deal. Let me take pictures and in exchange you'll get comfortable undershirts.

I got the Nike Wickaway fabric from Simply By Ti fabrics. This is the second color I've used. I sewed stride tights and used the same fabric in Cobolt here. I love it because it's very stretchy and breathable. It certainly feels premium!

I wanted to see how a true runner liked this fabric. My husband goes on casual Saturday runs. Turns out causal to me is about 300ft and casual to him has turned into 14 miles. These crazy Washingtonians. Running and being healthy. Tennessee asks, "What is that? Broccoli and running? Nope, I don't like that. Nope, I don't like that at all."

The pattern is Tadah Patterns Men's Slim Fit tee and I sewed a straight large crew neck option. This pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL and a V-Neck options, too. If you don't have experience with Tadah patterns, the drafting is very professional and there are all the expected pattern markings, etc. The instructions have drawings and are very clear. It's a "hold your hand" pattern which doesn't bother me in the slightest. If you know how to make it without the instructions, great! If you don't, there is plenty of info in the pattern to help you. The large fits great with no mods! Winning.

I LOVE this fabric and have used it for my own workout clothes. If you haven't sen it yet, it's thin, super stretchy, and very breathable. I think it's perfect for long runs! I looked at some of my husband's RTW workout shirts and I noticed that most of them had the seams cover-stitched down and so I tried my hand at it! I really love the look and the smooth feel to help prevent chafing but Devin said that he didn't really notice a difference. Switching from serging to cover-stitching may not be worth it if he can't tell the difference, but it was a fun look for this one.

Details

Pattern: Tadah Patterns Men's Slim Fit Tee

Size: Large

Fabric: Nike Wickaway in Navy from Simply by Ti

Model: My lovely husband <3

It's been a little while since I've tested a pattern. I've been really loving finding my style and creating garments without a deadline and sewing up some older patterns I've owned for awhile. However, whenever Angelynn releases a new workout pattern, I love, love testing those! I end up using her patterns again and again for athletic attire. They always fit me so well and the instructions are always great.❤ 

I present the Xpress Tank from Greenstyle Creations! 

Bet you can't guess why it's called the 'Xpress Tank' ... ok, maybe you can. This literally takes 20 minutes from start to finish and I'll have it be known that I sew like a sloth. The Xpress is ONE pattern piece and only TWO seams and a quick hem a around the entire thing. 

For being one piece without darts, it fits surprisingly well! The tie back allows you to make the waist snug with room for your chest and waist. You also have a pointed back option and a round back option.  My favorite thing about this tank is that it has the cute crisscrossing on the back. Brings something special to an otherwise simple style. I've also noticed it's a RTW style. Lots of brands I follow are selling these similar tanks for $40. I made mine for under $10! It also pairs well with the Moxi shorts I sewed last summer. (Check out the review here) 

I was absolutely delighted that I had picked some Underarmour Wickaway fabric from my last order with Simply By Ti fabrics. I only picked up one yard , but that's all you need for any size of the Xpress Tank. This fabric doesn't have a ton of stretch, but it's perfect to use on the tie back. You have a little more flexibility with the tie back having those extra long tails. It's also wicking and a great color. Ti actually carries this fabric in purple, jade (pictured), and navy! 

This pattern comes in sizes 3XS to 3XL and every size uses only one yard! The pattern is no trim pages and has illustrated, detailed instructions to help you create a beautiful garment.

I sewed the XS based on my bust measurement and it fits great! I made a design choice to use the 'wrong side' of my coverstitch. I've seen this done in casual RTW clothes and thought it looked cute.  This is also the perfrct canvas to sport some HTV. I have a silhouette but have yet to set it up since we moved. A lot of testers used designs for their Xpress tanks and it looks great. Hoping to use some soon to create my own custom tank.

Also, don't forget that Greenstyle is holding a fitcapsule challenge to sew up three Greenstyle active-ware pieces to be entered to win some great prizes. There is still plenty of time as the challenge doesn't end until February 28th! You can join the fun on Facebook and see inspriation here. (P.S. There is a great coupon code for Simply by Ti Fabrics in the group as well!)  

Details

Pattern: Xpress Tank by Greenstyle Creations

Size: XS

Fabric: Jade Underarmour Wickaway fabric from Simply by Ti Fabrics

This post does contain affiliate links for the pattern, thank you for supporting me in my sewing!

*This post contains affiliate links to help fund my wine and whine obsession*

***Greenstyle patterns are 25% off right now through 5/31 for memorial day with code CELEBRATEGS.***

The craziness is over! My wedding was wonderful, thank you for asking. I'd love to say I'm basking in sunny Cabo right now, but really I'm sitting in a freezing building in Gig Harbor Washington looking longingly at the bright sun rays shining outside wishing I was hiking Mt. Rainier or lounging on the beach. Family has come and gone, and now it's (as Rhianna so eloquently put it.) Work, work, work for the holiday weekend. Speaking of the weekend and sunny, sunny Summer, if you aren't workout ready, or activity ready, you should definitely check out the new workout pattern from Greenstyle Creations. Angelynn has been leading the pack with awesome active wear patterns that have quickly become my favorite.

Let me introduce you to your new Summer crush, the Greenstyle Creations Moxi Shorts. 

The Moxi Shorts Feature

-Sizes 0-18 (hips size from 31" - 52")

-Waistband Zipper Pocket

-Briefs or Thong option

-Add-on Compression shorts

-Layered Printing (Also A4)

-No Trim Pages

-Sew with knit or stretch woven

I wore these for a quick jont in the park. Ghaa. It's so awkward to have someone take pictures as you run by them ... regardless. Here's how these shorts look while in motion. :P I used clear elastic in the waistband as recommended in the pattern and they hug tight enough to stay up while running but not so tight that they're uncomfortable. The fit is pure Goldilocks. 

The pattern is designed with bias trim to outline and give that true ready to wear look that you'd get from Nike or Underarmor. Honestly, they fit and feel just like my other running shorts if not a tad more comfortable because the waist is smooth rather than scrunched with elastic. I chose to sew the Moxi's in the recommended stretch woven and I attempted to do the bias the same, however stretch woven does not want to press without starch. (Lesson Learned, Starch Purchased) so I got creative and used the same nylon lycra for the bias trim as I used on the waistband. It actually sewed very smoothly when I did a single fold on the bias. 

I sewed the size 6 and I may try the size 4 next. (I'm sewing a pair for my sister who's a tad smaller than I.) So it will be a great opportunity to see which size I like better. My legs feel rather tiny in these, but I did discover that Angelynn made a "skinny leg" section to help you modify these shorts if you have "skinny legs." (This is news to me.) 

I think my favorite part of this pattern is the amount of time that Angelynn put into making the pattern perfect. Revision after revision she worked to create a pair of amazing running, beach, workout, hiking, lounging, active wearing shorts that look like the $60 kind you'd buy at some sporting goods store. No thanks. I'll make my own. ;)

Details

Pattern - Greenstyle Creations Moxi Shorts $10

Fabric - 1yd stretch woven from Fabric Fairy $9.99

Nylon Lycra I had on hand

Shipping - ....6.50?

Notions - Clear elastic, thread $.50

Estimated Total Cost $26.99 less the pattern, 16.99. Not bad for active wear. :D

*I received this pattern for free for testing it before it's release.*

I have two more pair cut that will definitely see some Washington hiking trails this Summer... if I ever get a day off. :D

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

So It's not really a secret that I'm a Greenstyle Creations fan. If it is, well, secret's out! ;) When Angelyn started a new test for *new and fancy* workout leggings, I was thrilled to test them! This pattern is called the Stride Tights and they are my favorite thus far... let me tell you why.

The Stride Tights offer a TON of options. You can choose from full length, cropped, capri, or shorts. There is an optional crisscross cuff, waistband pocket, full diamond gusset, side pockets, and a killer design feature - the contrast piece connects in the back! It's very flattering and takes these tights from handmade into RTW clothing. 

As always, the testing experience was amazing - Angelyn takes tester feedback seriously. (and I'm never going to quit mentioning that so sorry, you'll read it every time. I think it is super important and not all designers do this!) I sewed a straight size small by following the size chart and they fit perfect. 

*Hello World. I have a confession*

This is what I want people to think I'm like ^^

But this is what I'm really like, haha vv

(The amount of photos I edit out is ... ridiculous.)

Take note of that side pocket! For this pair I chose capri length with a side pocket on each leg. It's much deeper than my ID, but I wanted to show that there was an opening there. It would be perfect for your debit card, ID, and some spare cash or a key. (maybe even an Ipod... Do those exist anymore? Ack! I'm getting old quick.)

This is the optional waistband pocket that can be put at the front or back of the tights and is perfect for holding your key safely. (I would show you a detail shot of the gusset because it is a full *awesome* diamond that stretches even in the splits - but I didn't want to cross the line into "Awkard crotch shots.") (because there is definitely a thing of "not-at-all-awkward crotch-shots.")

If you read my previous post on the Inspire Tights, you might remember that I had trouble putting in the waist band pocket... Well, history had to repeat itself and *this* was the SINGLE part I had to unpick and redo. (Read Kyema, READ!) But I asked Angelyn for some more pictures to aid in the directions and you'll never guess what she did... Oh... maybe you will. Yep, you're right. She added more pictures! YAY! Now it's pretty straightforward, even for me! 

Really, I'm just trying to be consistent. You know, ... bad at pockets the first time, just stay bad at sewing pockets. Consistency is a quality I hold dear to my heart.

The second pair a sewed is out of this world! (Insert eye-roll). I purchased this fabric from the TheFabricFairy.com and I'm only telling you that because the shipping BLEW MY MIND it arrived so fast. I am a forever fan. Plus she offers some gorgeous swim materials! 

This pair I chose capri length, too but with the more advanced optional crisscross bands at the bottom. These weren't hard, so don't be intimidated! If anything, just slightly time consuming to make the little straps - but totally worth it, don't you think? 

I also put one pocket on the right leg but the other is without. If I offer myself too many pockets I start pack-muleing... Lotion, M&M's, extra deodorant... It just gets real messy, real quick.

And here is my derriere, because you definitely needed to see this. But really, see how the side panels curve around and meet in the back? Does't that look awesome?! It's very flattering on all the versions I've seen - I'm not simply complementing myself. Haha. (The pattern placement on the right cheek just cracks me up, but totally unplanned. Just glad they don't match!)

So here I am using these tights to their full ability... Sitting. Isn't that the best way to model active wear? Me and my railing think so. 

Nick said I "look creepy" when I make eye contact with the camera.... So here ya go. Less creepy? I don't know. Help me with these things, I sew, I don't model. 

P.S. Why is my shoulder always so creepy? It never looks that large IRL... and don't mind my double jointed elbows... they always look scary. (I know, I know. Quit pointing that stuff out, right? You probably never would have notice how it rolls all the way around to the front... sometimes it's gag worthy but it's mild here. I'm done!)

The Stride Tights from Greenstyle are my new favorite piece of work out gear. I hope Angelyn never stops making new active wear because I love sewing it! These two testing processes have taught me so much and I'm really thankful that I was picked. Had I not been picked I feel that it would be many months/years before I attempted a pattern like this. I would have thought "that is above my skill level." If YOU are feeling that way. Don't. I'm not telling you how to feel or anything. But DON'T Feel that way. ;) The directions are so clear, I am so confident that you can do it, too! Don't wait to jump into active wear sewing, it's really rewarding and it definitely inspires me to do yoga or go to the gym - it's a super confident feeling knowing you made it and it looks like you bought it. Win. I just want to sing Stride Tights praise to who ever will listen. They are awesome! <3

Details

Fabric for Purple pair was provided by Angelyn for testing purposes. The peacock fabric is nylon/Lycra from Ebay. The purple is an unknown mesh.

Fabric for the Galaxy Stride Tights: Both fabrics are nylon/Lycra (swimsuit fabric). Galaxy $11.49/yard for 1/yard plus Black $8.99/yard for 1/yard =  $20.48 plus $5 shipping. Fabric = $25.48

Notions: Thread $1.00, Clear Elastic $1.00

Total Estimated Cost: $27.48/2 pairs of Stride Tights =  $13.74. (About $19 each had I bought the material for the peacock pair, too.)

I was provided fabric for my first pair of tights and the final draft of the pattern free of charge from Angelyn of Greenstyle Creations but all opinions are my own. Sans fabric or free pattern, I still think these tights are damn awesome and you should probably add them to your workout collection, you will be happy and you will be lookin' fine. That is all.

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. :)

'

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.