I’ve never really ‘done’ the sporty look, not even when I was in high school, not really ever. I can count the hoodies I’ve owned on one hand. But a few stars aligned and I’ve been making some sporty stuff. I joined a gym and was really getting into a routine before the stay home stuff hit (still walking & working out at home) and I wanted to make some activewear. And last winter I swore I was going to make some warm & comfy loungewear for wearing at home but also nice enough to wear to supermarket. It’s kinda funny that my sewing plans were geared to casual wear and then we find ourselves staying at home.

Hoodie Dress

The plan for this was a fitted stretch dress with a kangaroo pocket for stashing my phone & keeping my hands warm and it had to have a hood to protect my hair from drizzle. It’s also one of my Make Nine. I had the Astoria sweater or a long sweatshirt to wear with leggings on the list.
I drafted the main dress by tracing out my fave T-shirt pattern (taken from RTW, tutorial here). I added on the length by tracing around a body con dress but added a little extra, making sure it wouldn’t fit quite as tight from the hip down.

While I was gathering inspo for this dress, I found free patterns for the hood & kangaroo pocket from Greenstyle Creations. They are both free add ons for their Elevate tee but I thought they would work well for my hoodie dress because the hood is designed for a deeper neckline.
I used 2.5 yards of red ponte that had been in my stash for years. I constructed the dress first. Then figured out the kangaroo pocket placement and stitched it on with two rows of topstitching. I made the hood double layered, with two rows of topstitching along the front edge. I fitted it into the neckline, wrapping it all the way around to finish the neck edge. The sleeves were finished with cuffs and the hem was turned and double topstitched.

I love how it turned out! I think it’s a nice mash up of sporty and pinup body con. It’s super comfy, the long length keeps your back warm and the hood has been really handy in the rain! It’s a really functional, casual addition to my wardrobe but it still feels like me.

Mesh Insert Tee

I made some meshy leggings (more info below) to wear to the gym/walking and it took me so long to make them that autumn had mostly gone and winter was coming. So my plan for a mesh back tank became a meshy long sleeve top!

Being that I was trying to stay home, I used a plain black short sleeve tee, some sleeves & scraps cut off another tee (save those refashion scraps!) and mesh fabric I had to construct my top. I knew I wanted a mesh V in the back & some mesh in the sleeves but I really just winged it.

I started by marking a line down centre back & then marked in the V. I cut up centre back, then the sides of the V. I laid the V section over the mesh and cut around it, leaving an approx 1/2” seam allowance. I cut a 1” strip of some scrap black cotton Lycra, folded in half and used it to sew a neckband onto the mesh V. I overlocked off any excess. I pinned one side of the mesh V to the T-shirt and stitched it in. Then I pinned the other side of the V, this time going right down the centre back opening too. Mesh back was in!

The original T-shirt had short sleeves, so I measured the sleeve cuff and cut mesh sections to fit. I stitched the mesh to the cuff and then added some sleeves from another project to the other side of the mesh. And that’s it!
I am super into this top! I love how it looks but the mesh on the back is very cooling. I tend to walk with a back pack and it can get hot back there, so the mesh is functional. I really love this big, holey mesh from Trishas Fabrics, even if it can be a challenge to sew.

Lots of Leggings

One of my Make Nine projects was Loggers because they are basically leggings but with more detail. But not long after I made my make nine list, I realised I just needed fancy leggings…with pockets! I don’t put pockets in many things because I stand around with my hands in my pockets looking derpy but I do love a phone pocket in workout leggings. I’m not fussed for lounge leggings but workout leggings need pockets.
I am obsessed with the FREE Peg Legs pattern from Patterns 4 Pirates. You can also get a FREE add on pack that gives you options for a shaped waistband, colour blocking, gusset, side or waistband pockets.
The first pair of leggings in this series was a test pair. I made size violet, cut to high rise plus the shaped waistband. They suggest you use the low rise for the shaped waistband but I have a lot of volume in my lower torso that pants need to get over and I also love crazy high waistlines. The whole thing was a success but they were two sizes too big. I took them in and they are actually pretty good.

I was now on to fancier things, meshy leggings. I used size orange this time. I went for the colour block, side pocket, shaped waistband combo. My original test leggings were made in a black sports compression spandex. I used the same fabric for most of it and the mesh from Tricias for this pair. Despite having a few more seams, they came together quickly and fitted perfectly! I took them for a long walk and they didn’t ride or bunch or do anything undesirable. My phone fitted in the pocket perfectly. So much better than the pair I tried on in target last year!
I loved the open mesh leggings so much I made exactly the same thing but with power mesh.

Then I discovered brushed poly from Lush Fabrics! Whilst familiar with the fabric, I hadn’t worn it. I made a pair of plain shaped waistband leggings in a tie dye brushed poly and the second I put them on it was love! No joke, I’m never taking them off! I immediately ordered an array of different designs and all winter long, I will be wearing brushed poly leggings. I’ve already made a tartan pair & a cute ice cream pair.

I am glad I’ve treated myself to some comfy lounge wear & I can’t wait to wear my pocket leggings to the gym. Do you make your own lounge or activewear? I’d love to hear your fave patterns