Having made the funkiest leggings around, I naturally needed something to wear to coordinate with them! I thought that it might be a bit much to go orange and pink all over, so I needed a pattern that had the option for a contrast panel. This is the XYT Workout Top from Fehr Trade. Melissa who designs the patterns designs exclusively active wear and so the patterns are actually designed to be used while exercising.
This pattern has loads of options for both styles and finishes. The instructions are clear and helpful, and the Fehr Trade website has a few suggestions about where to purchase suitable fabric.
This top I made with the scraps from my Virginia Leggings, and some navy lycra which I am using to make a cycling jersey for my husband.
I chose the make the ‘Y’ option, and initially planned to add the built in bra, but it ended up being far too small! It may be that I size up the bra part if I make this again. Once I had decided to abandon the built in bra though, it went together pretty easily.
The finish is definitely not perfect, but for my first ‘activewear’ pattern I am fairly happy and there is nothing about it that would stop me from wearing it. Just slightly wavy hems and fold over elastic!
This top is comfortable and moves well. The lycra is very stretchy so I have great freedom of movement. I think I will be giving it another go in the future.
On a side note- I did say that I wasn’t sure how well the leggings would hold up to use and wear. Sadly, the fabric is starting to tear at the waistband- I think this may be the point that I caught some extra fabric and had to unpick my overlocking so there may have been a weakness there already. I will wear them for now though, and once they fall apart I can make another equally crazy pair!
Naomi Sews 