X-factor sport top

When I first saw pictures of the X-factor tankini/ bikini I fell in love with the design of the back. However, after purchasing the pattern it took me a long time to actually use it, because it did look a little intimidating to me. Looking for a smallish project I finally bit the bullet and made the bikini top, that I will wear as a sports top.

The sizing chart put me in a size S. Looking at other people's makes I noticed the top started relatively high under the arms. With other tops (of different pattern makers) I noticed I usually need some slightly larger armholes, so I decided to a 2cm to the straps (1cm in front and 1cm to the back). This also lowered the neckline slightly. No other alterations were made to the pattern at this time.

Putting the top together was not as intimidating as I thought it would be. The tutorial that comes with the pattern also includes a section on how to do the binding, which was very helpful.

The first fitting showed that the top was a little too long, so I took out 1cm (the one I added to the straps) at the bottom. I also noticed the bottom band and the elastic were too wide. Since I needed to remove the bottom band anyway, I shortened both the bottom band and the elastic by about 4cm. This gives a much better fit. For a more supportive feel I may need to size down or use a less stretchy fabric (the pattern calls for >50% both ways and I used an at least 75% stretch fabric). Next time, I'll probably make some more changes to the fit, but I'd like to get some wear out of this one before I do.

All in all, I am very happy with how this top turned out. Maybe an X-factor slim tank next time?

Patroon/ Pattern: X-factor Tankini and Bikini Top - 5 out of 4 Patterns

Maat/ Size: S

Stof/ Fabric: lycra/ spandex - Rosa's glitterstof

                      lining - Rosa's glitterstof 

Hi

Durene Jones has released a very cute free cross-stitch pattern: Hi - featuring three little sheep. 
I really enjoyed stitching it and finished it in a 15cm hoop. I did make some colour conversions to be able to stitch from stash.

Patroon/ Pattern: Hi - Durene Jones (Freebie)
Maat/ Size: 58x31st
Stof/ Fabric: evenweave
Garen/ Threads: mainly DMC

Isabelle shorts - Jalie

As I really loved the look of the Isabelle leggings I made for J, I decided to also make a pair for myself. Short length. I really like the result. They look amazing and are very comfortable to wear.
The picture doesn't do the actual colours justice.

Patroon/ Pattern: Isabelle leggings - Jalie 3647
Maat/ Size: V
Stof/ Fabric: lycra/ spandex

Jalie Clara

For some reason I like to colour match sports bras and shorts/leggings. the fabrics don't have to be the same as long as the colours are similar enough or complement each other.
Recently I bought a sports bra with bright coloured trimmings, but didn't have any pole shorts to match. But: I love Jalie's Clara pattern and I did have some black spandex with a bright coloured print (a coupon I added to another order to check out the fabric) Lucky me! 

This time I decided to go with a size V, instead of the usual size U graded to size V legs, just to add some variation to my tights collection. Also, I decided to experiment with using an elastic foot on the serger while adding the waist elastic. Therefore I switched from 1cm wide elastic to 6mm wide to fit into the serger seam. I won't do that again. I didn't like the feel of the smaller elastic while wearing the shorts and they didn't stay up as nicely. So, I took the waistband apart, removed the thin elastic, re-serged the waistbands together, added the wider elastic the 'normal' way using the sewing machine and re-attached the waistband to the shorts. Now they feel very comfortable! 

Patroon/ Pattern: Clara - Jalie 3887
Maat/ Size: V
Stof/ Fabric: lycra / spandex (glitterstof.nl)

Sundance Jacket

In search of a pattern for a comfortable jacket I came across Sundance Jacket by Greenstyle Creations and loved the look. To give it a try I used some leftover fabric from the 'Kuschelkleid' by AnniNanni. 

The pattern has several options and I decided to go with:
-plain back
-stand-up collar
-long sleeves without cuffs
-in-seam pockets

Some changes/adjustments that were made:
-According to the size chart I would have to grade from size XS - M - S, but I decided to go with a full size S instead (I like my garments to have a looser fit at the top/ near the armpits). 
-There might be a purpose for the centre back seam, but I decided to eliminate it.
-no zippers in the pockets

The zipper I had on hand turned out to be a little too short (60cm, should have bought 65cm), so I decided to eliminate the zipper lining to be able to adjust the zipper placement somewhat. Otherwise construction was as per instructions, which were easy to follow.

Some issues I'll have to keep in mind/ fix next time:
-Enough room around bust/arm scye area and hip, but the waist is a little tight --> should have graded as indicated by the size chart
-Tight lower sleeve --> widen towards wrist
-Use, and maybe shorten, a 65cm zipper
-The hem on back stands out a little --> hem facing too long? , fabric stretched?
-Tape in shoulder seams to prevent stretching of the seam
-Add pocket zippers
-In case of fully lined jacket: size up 1 or 2 sizes

All in all it is a fun pattern to sew and the jacket looks amazing. The next one will be in a bright red sweatshirt fabric and fully lined with red cotton lycra.

Patroon/ Pattern: Sundance Jacket - Greenstyle Creations
Maat/ Size: S
Stof/ Fabric: Sweatshirt fabric

Scrunchies

Patroon/ Pattern:
Choice of Gymnastics Leotards - Jalie 2792
Maat/ Size:
a little smaller (width-wise) than the actual pattern
Stof/ Fabric:
scraps with some stretch (jersey, spandex, cotton lycra, ...)

Hooded Studio to Street Crop Top

After finishing the muslin I changed a few things before cutting into the fabric for the 'official' top:
-Based on my overbust measurements I needed a size S top, as I did for the muslin. As I thought that turned out too big, I decided to go with my full bust measurements this time and size down to a XS.
-Than I added 3cm to the length of the top and the sleeves as I have a long torso.
-As I prefer my sleeves not to be tight, I widened the armholes to be a similar to a size S by adding 1cm to the bottom of the sleeve insert (?).
-And for the same reason I also graded the sleeves from a size S at the top to a size M at the bottom.

I also decided to use the hood add-on this time (and I love it!). I did make some changes, however:
-Added lining
-Removed the 'fold-over fabric' from the pattern, as the cording could run between the outer fabric and lining.
To make the cording, I used a strip of lining fabric.

Love how this top turned out! Both the fit and the fabrics. This pattern is so much fun and the top is extremely comfy. The lining made the hood a little heavy, but that doesn't bother me.

Patroon/ Pattern: Studio to Street Top - Greenstyle Creations + hood add-on
Maat/ Size: XS/S (M)
Stof/ Fabric: sweatshirt fabric (light- medium weight) and tricot