I finally decided to jump in head first with activewear. A lot of you have asked for a while now why I didn't sew my own workout clothes since I'm in the gym on the regular. I scoffed at the idea because workout clothes are so easily accessible. But the type of workout tights I like can be pretty pricey -- we're talking around $100 a pop! So, if I can make something remotely similar for a fraction of the cost, I'd a happy girl.

Mood has a wonderful selection of performance fabrics. This fabric is an Orange and Blue Python Print Compression Tricot. I used a Black Performance Spandex for the contrast. They're both antibacterial and anti-microbial and dri-wicking which is so necessary for activewear.

My pattern is the seamed leggings from McCall's 7482. And that's why I picked them -- for the seamed detail. I cut the size 14. But as we know with workout tights, they have to have a LOT of negative ease to fit properly. So I ended up taking these in about 4" in the crotch seam. 

To sew these, I made them completely on my BERNINA 1300 MDC serger. I used a 2-thread, left needle flatlock stitch. I went into more detail about this stitch on my post on WeAllSew.

And I did a full sew along video to show how to perform this stitch.

I've worked out in these tight 3 times since I made them and I'm in love. And the most IMPORTANT thing about them, they're high-waist! No muffin top and no buttcrack! I made a solid black pair too!

The top is McCall's 7663. I love the way it looks because there's a Lululemon top very similar. So the style is on point. 

I cut the size 14. I made the top out of the same fabric as the black contrast on the tights. I used a 2-thread, right needle flatlock stitch for the top. 

I wanted the flatlock stitch on this to be narrow instead of the bold decorative look of the pants. 

I'm feeling good about what I made, and could kick myself for resisting this for so long. I'm glad I took the plunge and I'll definitely be adding more me-made workout clothes to my wardrobe.

So, at the beginning of each season, I lightly purge my closet. It keeps me from having a ginormous purge at the end of year. I get rid of things that I know I'll no longer wear. And when my hands landed on McCall's 7360, it shown that it had seen better days. So, I knew I'd need to replace it because I absolutely loved that yellow blouse.

I wanted something similar with the same sort of sleeve detail, because that's why I was drawn to my previous top.

When I ran across Simplicity 8601, I knew it was the one -- and I got a bonus detail with the tie-front.

My fabric is an attention getting bright-yellow hued poly knit from Joann. It's a lightweight stable knit, which I feel is perfect for this top because of the small amount of give. I cut the size 14, but I needed to make a couple of alterations. 

And I also made a one inch FBA. I didn't want dart, so I worked it out.

And I also moved down the opening for the center front ties.

I modified the neckline by ditching the facings and using bias binding.

And gave the keyhole opening a thread chain button loop closure.

Here's a tutorial in case you don't know how to make one.

The split sleeves with ties detail was hat really sold me on this pattern. I'm so glad that I pulled the trigger on this one. The bright color makes me happy and it wears as easy as a t-shirt. I plain to wear this one until it's threadbare, just like its predecessor.

Denim is having its moment, again this spring. Head-to-toe denim looks are must-have for this new season. So, I thought I'd jumpstart it with a jumpsuit.

Instead of reaching for something new, I went back and pulled out and old favorite: McCall's 7330.

I'd made this one 2 years ago and I found myself reaching for it so often, that I knew I needed another version in my closet. 

This time, I used a 4oz chambray weight denim from Joann. Like my previous jumpsuit, this fabric has no give, so I had to be particular with the sizing and ease. 

Per my usual, I lengthened the bodice by an inch. This time, I modified the waist. The instructions would have you gather the bodice and the pants and attach them to stable waistband. I lengthened out my waistband and left the bodice and pants as is. I used the waistband and its facing to create a casing and add elastic. And just like my first one, I used industrial weight snaps instead of buttons.

From wearing my previous version, I found that after a long day's wearing, the waist felt really type. As most humans, throughout the day we bloat! And especially times when I'm on my period, when I have a tendency to gain 5-7 whole-ass pounds of water weight -- that snap at the waist wouldn't hold. So I made sure that this one could be worn at all times.

The other change I made was to still use the same pockets as before, but this time minus the flaps.

And even though this jumpsuit has real cuffs and snaps, I'll probably wear the sleeves rolled up mostly. Especially since the weather is getting warm now.

And btw, have you seen my tutorial for how I sewed the yoke? 

I am never here for hand sewing if it can be avoided. And I was never a fan of the "burrito method". So, I wanted to share how I sew the yoke and the yoke facing.

This is my second time wearing this. The first time was last weekend, but I walked out of the house and forgot my camera and sometimes cellphone pictures just don't do a garment justice. But on those occasions when I want to be comfortable and I don't want to give a lot of thought as to what to throw on, this is going to be my new "hero" go-to piece.

In my never-ending pursuit to add fun tops to my wardrobe, my current one is McCall's 7723.

This time of year, I tend to make pieces that will work now and later. So, I wanted a top that would work with pants, jeans and shorts. Plus, this one is so cute and frilly! And history has proven that I love a good ruffle!

Since this top obviously has a lot going on, I really wanted a fabric that had a little something extra, that wouldn't compete with the design elements. I've had this crinkly-textured fabric for over a year that I picked up from Jo-Ann. The thing about this fabric is, it can't be pressed! While testing it out, all of that beautiful texture was smoothed right out. So I had to be careful in my selection of designs.

I was pretty impressed with how this fabric took to the lack of pressing. The seams look great, especially in the front where I had to do a 1" FBA that added additional vertical darts.

These ruffles are my favorite! I don't think I've ever enjoyed creating ruffles this much in my entire sewing life. 

 See here how I made them:

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Ultimate Presser Foot 32 pcs!

Anytime I can get away with replacing a facing with bias binding, I do it. 

Since this fabric can't be pressed, a facing would've been a horrible idea. It would've never stayed in place. This is such a cleaner look.

And I finished it off with a narrow hem, created with my Flat Hem Foot 7mm.

My pants are my 3rd iteration of DP Studio LE302. I used this pattern before for the pants in the gray suit and part of the McCall's 7728 jumpsuit.

My fabric is this emerald green cotton/poly bottom-weight twill I found at Jo-Ann. This one has no stretch, and they fit great. But just like with no stretch denim, the longer I was wearing these I noticed that they began to relax.

These are my newest pant obsession for right now. So I'll be making these throughout the rest of spring and summer... unless I run across another pattern I have to make.

A good shirt dress is a classic wardrobe staple. And based on how many shirt dresses I've sewn over the years and a couple are still in my current wardrobe, they're a favorite of mine. 

I wanted something this time that put a different spin on the classic dress. This one is McCall's 7351, view C. And my fabric is Jet Black Stretch Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com. I prewashed my fabric and pulled it straight from the dryer and smoothed it out with the iron prior to cutting. The fabric cuts, sews and presses beautifully.

This is one of those great patterns that has cup sizing -- meaning no FBA for me. I cut a straight size 14, with the D cup.

I lengthened the bodice by an inch, which is an alteration that I make to practically every single pattern I sew. And anyone with a substantial sized bust knows the feeling of getting a great bodice fit on a button up top with no gaping and pulling. So kudos to the cup sized pattern and this amazing poplin with it's slight give. I plan to make this again in a bright white, and when I do I'll lower those pockets probably about .5"-.75" inches.

Since my fabric is lightweight, I needed a comparable interfacing. I used Black Weft Fusible Interfacing. It is the perfect weight for the front bands and the collar.

I sewed the skirt straight from the envelope. I like the length as it is. 

This poplin drapes beautifully. And just like with any bias cut, I allowed the dress to hang for 24 hours. Even though stretching can still occur in bias cuts, this handkerchief hem will hide any unevenness.

I am pretty impressed with this fabric. There was minimal wrinkling even after riding in a car.

I can tell you now, this dress will be in high rotation this season. I love the simple and quick style and the versatility. Shoe options are endless and all I have to do is add a great belt for waist-cinching style!