Fehr Trade PB Jam Leggings

I've had workout pants on my list of things to make for a while now, because a) why not and b) I'd like to have choices other than black or neon. These are the Fehr Trade PB Jam Leggings, and I am calling them my Rainbow Sparkle Pants of Awesome. They are not actually sparkly, but I feel sparkly when I wear them. I think it is likely that, as I huff through the neighborhood, any unicorns and fairies that happen to be in the vicinity will see my pants and have no choice but to join me. I will be like a pied piper of sparkly, mythical creatures.

I loved the pattern! My measurement were exactly the same as the XS, so that's what made. The PDF went together fine, and since there are a lot of pieces none of them were that big, and I just cut them out as I went so there was no major paper wrangling. 

 

I did as the instructions suggested and basted the accent stripes on the side seam together, and when I did they lined up perfectly. But then after I serged them they were off a little. Bummer. Luckily they are surrounded by a pastel rainbow so it's not so noticeable.

I think everything is pretty ok fit wise. They're a little long on me, not ridiculously so but they could stand to be shortened. I think for the next pair I'm going to end them right at the bottom of the back knee accent thing, for better ventilation while accomplishing great feats of athleticism.

I skipped the interior pocket [it was supposed to go on the center back] just because I didn't think I'd ever use it. Also the pattern called for 3/4" elastic, which I didn't have, but I wanted to finish the pants RIGHT NOW so I just used 1" and it was fine. I like wider elastic better anyway because it feels less muffin top-y when you wear it.

I used a wide zig zag to stitch down the waistband and hem the bottoms, because to be honest I've been experiencing some twin needle fatigue recently, and I'm just sick of using them. I hate switching it out and rethreading. I actually considered getting out my old machine to set up just to be a twin needle machine...is it worth the table space?? Is that more or less work?

Ok I know this next picture is ridiculous. This is apparently what I look like while trying to jump. I was trying to do something athletic. But I'm including it because it's the only one where you can see the top of the back. THAT IS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU.

Let's talk about the fabric, or my failure thus far to successfully find workout pant fabric. Despite its unicorn-attracting properties, it's actually not so great, not quality wise but just appropriateness. It's basically swimwear fabric. It's slinky and really stretchy and SEE THROUGH, and when I put it on it makes me instantly feel clammy. I think I'll have to save the unicorn charming for cooler weather.

I have found it really hard to shop for activewear fabric online because I don't really know what I'm looking for. I have these workout pants from Target that I'm trying to emulate that are some kind of synthetic jersey, but they're softer and slightly thicker and fuzzier(?) than like a spandex bike short material. It seems like every online listing for workout fabric says something to the effect, "for dance, activewear, yoga pants, blouses, dresses." That is not helpful. Also who is using the same fabric for all those things?

Does anyone have any specific fabrics to recommend? Melissa actually has a very comprehensive list of where to buy activewear fabric on the Fehr Trade website [this fabric is from Spandex by Yard], which was super helpful, but you still never know what something will feel like when you're looking at a website.



I had to buy a yard of each fabric, so I have lots left over of the navy. I think I'll make another pair, just reversed, despite the clam-factor.

Also, thanks everyone for chiming in on my last post about my partial fail shorts! I so appreciate all your suggestions and feedback!!