As soon as I learned about Destashify, a website for makers to buy and sell their unused supplies, I jumped right in. I had just had my colors done and was excited to purchase a few new fabrics that would highlight my best features. And while I was there I posted a few of my own unused supplies!

One of the fabrics I purchased was this nylon periwinkle blue Supplex knit, originally from Spandex World. According to the fabric description Supplex wicks moisture, dries quickly, and doesn't fade. It was 62" wide and just over a yard in length (41"). It was described as opaque with a dry hand and stretched at least 30% in both directions. I appreciated the fabric description and felt confident purchasing the fabric, especially since I had worked with Supplex before.

Since I am now a stay-at-home mother with an active baby I wanted to a pair of Avery Leggings in the ultra high rise. I have made the Avery Leggings in the past and loved how they fit, but forgot to read my notes from this make which indicated I would want to remove 1" from the top of the waistband. I am only 5'1" after all. And what do you know, I made them too tall. I also needed to shorten the elastic in the waistband for a more snug fit so I ended up cutting off the sewn on waistband and starting over. I love the final product and am glad I took the time to make them fit me correctly.

To complete the set I made the GreenStyle Creations Power Sports Bra in the same Supplex knit and lined it with a nude-to-me athletic knit from my stash. After taking my measurements I decided to make the 32D in the basic racerback view to check the fit. I was thankful to find Sewing with Sarah's YouTube video series which walked me through each step and was like sewing with a friend.

The Power Sports Bra is very comfortable to wear and I will certainly make it again. However, I do have a bit of rippling across the cup seams. Perhaps a slightly smaller cup size, or skipping the serging inside, would help to alleviate that. I will also pre-measure and grade out at the top of the bust where the straps attach in future makes. There was a bit of extra space there and my attempt to snug that up created some waves near my armpit. I'm excited to try the nursing version and some of the strappy options once I master the fit.

I hope you and yours are happy and healthy. Thank you for joining me on my sewing journey, I hope it brings you some joy in this trying season.

As I've transitioned to working exclusively from home I've been wearing a lot more casual garments than I usually do. Thankfully I had a few different legging patterns and coordinating knit fabric options in my stash and within a few hours I had an extended work-from-home wardrobe.

Before I started making my own leggings I had a terrible time trying to find ready-to-wear leggings that didn't walk down my legs. As I'm sure you know, not all leggings are made the same. Below I outline some of the features of my favorite legging patterns.

Helen's Closet - Avery Leggings
I've made the Avery leggings once before and found that the pattern ran small, so I sized up from my usual measurements and made a size medium in a deluxe viscose jersey knit with a high waistband and ankle length leg. Sizing up helped to eliminate any laugh lines across the front of my leggings and I would make a size medium again. Unique to this pattern, the Avery leggings have a gusset allowing for a wide range of motion. I also enjoy the high waisted option, which lends itself to a bit of tummy control and curve smoothing. However, the high waisted option is just a bit too tall for me and I would reduce it by about an inch if I were to make it again. Once I learned to size up I really liked these leggings.

Pattern Features
Two waistband heights
Two leg lengths
Gusset
18 1/2" across seat (size medium)
$14



Patterns for Pirates - Peg Legs
This was the first time I made a pair of Peg Legs, but I've heard swimming reviews of them online. These came together very quickly and were a classic legging pattern. Unique to this pattern, there wasn't a waistband piece. Instead I cut waistband pieces unique to my size and waistband weight. Additionally, elastic is inserted at the seam connecting the waistband to the leggings. I made the size large with the high waistband option at ankle length. Construction was fairly simple and I would certainly make these again.

Pattern Features
Two waistband heights
Four leg lengths
21 1/2" across seat (size large)
FREE



Laela Jeyne - Taylor Leggings
I received the Taylor leggings pattern and coordinating fabric in the September 2019 Sewciety Box. I can't say enough good things about these leggings, which quickly became a wardrobe staple. I made a size medium in turquoise athletic knit with the medium height waistband and cropped the length at the ankle. They were easy to make with clear instructions and are easy to wear no matter how many snacks I've had. This pattern was the widest of the three through the hips, exactly what I need in a fitted legging pattern. Unique to this pattern, the Taylor leggings also come with a maternity waistband option.

Pattern Features
Three waistband heights
Three leg lengths
22 1/4" across seat (size medium)
$12

I would be hard-pressed to say which of these leggings patterns is my favorite; I think they each have their own unique features and I anticipate reaching for different leggings depending on the occasion. That said, my mom has requested a pair of matching Taylor leggings and I understand why she wanted a pair!

A few things I was reminded of in making these leggings is to be mindful of the percentage of stretch a legging pattern requires and the percentage of stretch of each fabric option. Also to keep top of mind, the opacity of fabric when it is stretched across your body. We don't want any surprises!

Happy sewing, and happy lounging.

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I made View A with a low rise waist, ankle length in a size small and still hemmed the length a bit extra. This pattern was quick and easy to assemble and the leggings were a breeze to whip up. However, when I make them again next time I will size up. This pair turned out a bit too tight throughout my thighs and waist and I ended up not even needing the elastic in the waistband. I have always envied my girlfriends' vibrant printed leggings and finally have a super soft pair for myself. And they're so comfy to travel in. I can't wait to make another pair!



Time estimate: 2-4 hours
Size: small
Material used: knit print, 97% rayon and 3% spandex
Care instructions: machine wash cold, gentle cycle, line dry, cool iron as needed

Cost to make leggings:
pattern - $12.00
fabric - $15.75
*thread from my stash
TOTAL: $27.75 plus tax

I have been sewing apparel since I was eight years old, one new outfit a year for my annual 4-H project. I LOVED the trips to the fabric store, pouring over the patterns and gorgeous materials. I was always allowed to choose what I wanted to make and the fabric I wanted to use, but aside from sewing one swimming suit I rarely worked with knits.

I love to wear knits. They are soft, comfortable, and easy to care for, so I decided to try my hand at a simple project while I practiced sewing with knits.


I chose this Simplicity leggings pattern, with four individual panels, because I thought it would offer a better fit than the leggings I have purchased RTW. I used a ball point/knit needle on my machine and worked to get the tension correct, sewing the side seams with a small zigzag stitch. Then, I used a twin needle for the first time to hem the leggings and sew the waistband down.


I found it a bit difficult to sew the hem and waistband from the top and need to continue to work on the tension of my seams, but all-in-all I am extremely happy with the twin needle and am not sure why I was scared to try it for so many years!



I made a size small and found this pattern fits a little large. I would size down for a more modern fit if I made these leggings again.




Time estimate: cut and sewn in approximately two hours
Size: small
Material used: knit print, rayon and spandex blend
Care instructions: machine wash cold, line dry

Cost to make leggings:
twin needle - $3.50
pattern - $10.00
material - $13.50
elastic - $1.00
*used existing thread
TOTAL: $28.00 + tax