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.

Woot! My first participation in a sewing party! The gorgeous and classy Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons hosted a pattern party today for her two newest releases; the delicate Fifi pajamas and the cool and casual Bettine dress. I only purchased the Fifi... while the Bettine dress is cute on others, the elasticized waist isn't really my jam. While amazingly comfortable, it just never looks flattering on me.

I ended up getting the PDF because the overseas shipping was almost as much as the pattern. :C I had the sads, so I decided to print and make my pattern into a normal "book." Take a look. Now my pattern is as cute as my cami! Ok, onto the sewing...

Because it IS a party after all, I had to create hashtag bunting. I mean, c'mon. Bunting. I can't even handle how cute it is. #SewingFifi :)

The construction of Fifi was pretty straight forward. Most of the camisole is cut on the bias to give a nice, fluid drape. The back of the camisole is cut in three pieces to give subtle shaping. (Accentuate dem curves, girl.) and every damn seam is French and I loveee it! Feelin' Fancy. There isn't a single exposed seam on my jamjams. I could practically wear them inside out... if I were into that kind of thing.

I knew it before I started, but the bra cups are too big for my Fifis. 

(Yes, Tilly kept posting, "I love seeing all your Fifis...and that's not a euphemism." So I decided that Fifi is my new favorite euphemism.) 

They create this crazy tent like area over my chest that makes me akin to an 11 year old boy. I'm actually wearing a strapless bra to spare you. ;) For my next one, I'll definitely be doing an SBA. Tilly did a tutorial on it specifically for this pattern, which is awesome! Plus, it will be my first SBA. (Wish me luck!)

I really wasn't sure of the silhouette for the chest area on me, but the pattern looked so cute on the model that I did an impulse purchase and I'm glad I did because I feel really very adorable in these pajamas. (And it's a matching set ... ya know, who am I? The queen of England? You should see what I normally sleep in. *FeelingSpoiled*)

The fabric I chose is Art Gallery Voile. It met every bit of hype that I've heard, it's soft, drapey, vibrant, and easy to sew with. I need moar. The pink is some rayon yardage that I picked up at Goodwill for like a buck. Probably the next Fifi set I make will be out of the pink. :P

I purchased little rosettes to sew to the front of the camisole. I'll tell you, THIS really made it feel like it was a purchased garment. One. Simple. Rose. 

The devil fakin' amazing is in the details. (That is the saying, right?)

I added one more simple rose to the front of the shorts to quickly tell front from back... mostly because ...Knickers y'all...

Basically it's my goal to be as adorable as possible at all times - so Fifi is really helping me. How can you not feel awesome lounging or sleeping in matching, fancy-ass night clothes? Isn't this something only the rich people enjoy, along with such luxuries as pillows, toilet paper, and shoes without holes?

You bettah prepare yourselves because I'm whipping all my Fifis out. This blog is going to be covered in Fifis. 

Oh. P.S. new hair.

Details:

Fabric: Art Gallery Voile $10/yard for 2 yards =$20 +shipping. I used about a yard and half. 

Notions: Thread $.50 - Roses $.50

Total estimated cost:  $15.50

Friends, I need to ask a question -  have you ever asked your tshirt, "why are you trying to kill my armpits?" No? Well then you need to give me your tshirt pattern, because I definitely have asked myself that at least twice this week. I'm not very good at sewing things more than once. It's rough on my wallet - but it's so rough on my brain to sew the same thing again and again, but I'm definitely getting better at it. This week I sewed up the Nettie pattern from Closet Case Files as a tshirt twice, neither of which I could consider "successful."

So let's take a look.

The first time I used some heathered cotton/lyrica knit and cut the pattern exactly at the "hip" line, where the "shirt" part turns it into a body suit. Well, do I need to explain more? Obviously I like my shirts longer than JUST touching my pants. Too bad I didn't think about this when I was cutting. So the issues here are:

1. Much too short. (With a waist skirt it would be okay)

2. The arms eating my armpits.

In all honesty, it doesn't look TERRIBLE. But I'm not really pro - "let my belly hang out when I'm not wearing a crop top" look. It's just not for me, folks. But dang, I love that neckline! Gorgeous. :)

(Secondly, I guess I've been practicing my bitch face. What is that even? I mean seriously, that is simply my face. Except, I look as if I want to murder someone. Astounding. Don't worry, I already know what you're thinking, I wouldn't be friends with me either.)

See the puckering on the shoulders from the sleeves being too close together? My back needs more room, yo.  

Here's a picture of my armpit; you're welcome. 

See how far jammed up it is? I need a sleeve fix.

So after this one, I thought ... only two things I need to fix, not that bad. I decided to cut and trace a second one. I used some darker grey fabric from the same purchase lot as the previous shirt and assumed it was a cotton/lyrica blend.... you'd think by 23 I'd know what assuming does. Anyway, it doesn't have lyrica in it so it was MUCH too tight. It still "fits" in that "sausage being made" kind of way, but it's just not.... what's the word.... comfortable. 

This time I modified it by adding 3" to the length of the shirt and cutting the size 10 sleeves and the armcye to give my arms some moving area. 

So here's the kicker - the arms are still too tight. HA! I realized afterwards that the actual underarm of the armcye is far to high for my liking as a tshirt. Also, even thought I traced the armcye and sleeve the same size... they didn't really line up that well with the body of the shirt so it made a weird pucker under my arm. 

That's my "this is not pleasing" face. Whomp, whomp. I didn't even hem it cause it's being trashed. :( Scratchy fabric is scratchy.

 I'm just moving on guys. In my quest for the perfect tshirt,  I have a feeling that >this< isn't the one. Though I do swoon over that neckline. Wowza! (can I say that? I just did.) I be like, daaayyyyum gurl. (just kidding, I don't ever "be like that.") I'm really thinking that I'll try the Patterns for Pirates Layer Me Up and use the Nettie Neckline. Mash up! :P

(Did I somehow forget to mention that isn't isn't intended to be a shirt? Brilliant! It's really a pattern for a body suit which I'll be making once I figure out how to fit my odd arms/back area.)

Have you found your perfect tshirt pattern? Tell me what it is! I like tight fitted, scoop necks, but I don't snub my nose at a v-neck either. :)

Here is me trying to make this shirt work with a waist high skirt. I think I like it okay, covers that it's too short. ;)

Details:

Fabric: Version 1: Light gray cotton/lyrica knit $6.50/yard for 1 yard =$6.50

Version 2: Dark gray, some kind of cotton blend knit $6.50/yard for 1 yard=$6.50

Notions: Thread $.50/shirt for 2 shirts=$1.00

Clear elastic $.25/shirt for 2 shirts=$.50

Total estimated cost: Each shirt $7.25 

Do you ever see a trend and think "That is not for me." Welcome to UGG boots, trucker hats, and rompers. (I've never once desired to look like an adult baby.) but these trends - not those specifically mentioned above - they seem to look endlessly chic on other blogger babes. I can't get over it! How DO they do it?! The kimono was this trend for me. Yikes, won't I look like I'm stepping out in a robe or a beach cover up? Won't I look like I'm trying to be female Huge Hefner? Well, the short answer is no, but I'm not interested in short answers around here. ;)

The lovely pattern I'm testing today is from Striped Swallow Designs by Mandalynn (How awesome is her name?!). Her designs are very boho, flowy, and completely on trend. You just want to be on the beach while wearing her designs, guess it should come as no surprise then that she hails from Florida. /Jealous! Also, just as a general rule, Mandalynn's patterns are very visually pleasing. They are formatted professionally and logically organized. She always includes helpful tips like the seam allowance at the end of each page so no more searching for it. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it, but her pdfs make me feel very ... pampered. (In the best way possible! They look fancy, not homemade - It's like a luxury item, not pampered as in they "baby" you.)

I tested her newest design The Wildflower Kimono, this totally brought the kimono trend into reach for me. I decided to apply after seeing Mandalyn's version on the cover, it just looked so great on her! Lucky for me, I was picked as a tester, so let me share some thoughts ...

First! I totally gave my fiance hell over these photos. Somehow I thought they were all blurry and unusable, but hello awesome photos! He told me "you're just too hard on yourself, you look great!" and I took a second look and he was right. I'm an ass. Bless him for his patience. Haha

This kimono is so wispy and light and amazing! As far as the actual pattern, well, it's not a "pattern" per se, but more of a tutorial as there are no pattern pieces to print. The instructions are clearly written and the pattern comes in sizes Newborn to ladies 3X. BANG! <--That's for your buck.

The Kimono is comprised of only three pieces (including arm bands not pictured here) and has some gorgeous gathering details on the sleeves. It has some good rear end coverage as it dips down below your butt so you're wrapped up in a cocoon style. It's an "always open" kind of kimono that still shows off your shirt, which I love!

Ahh. To go on vacation and sip margaritas on the beach in Florida in some area with loose liquor laws. Yes please. Isn't this how these kimono pictures make you feel? 

I sewed the Wildflower Kimono up in about 2 hours. The only part for me that was frustrating was my fabric choice. Chiffon, you beautiful monster. I tried to do a rolled hem on the sleeves, but connecting those when you reach the end of the circle is impossible for me. (Sleeve cuffs were added to the pattern after I sewed this one up. I'll be using those for my next one!)

Here is me having fun like they do in commercials. It was exhilarating.

This was one of those trends that completely had me stumped. I thought, no kimono, you are not for me. Alas, I was wrong and I completely fell in love with it! (So did my mom, I think she wants this one. :)

I already have fabric for two more.... it was on sale. :P

You can purchase The Wildflower Kimono here for $9

Details:
Fabric: Simply Silky Prints Chiffon from Joann's $6.49/yard for 1.75/yards with coupon = $11.36
Notions: Thread = $.50
Total cost: $11.86

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.