Made By A Fabricista: Back to the gym with my workout top.

I usually end my posts with a thankful message. Today, I’ll start with it: this time, my gratitude goes to my husband. Short of sewing and modeling this outfit for me, he did everything else. Most importantly, he made sure I got started! Let me explain.

My creative juices have dried out in the last few weeks. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’ll say that once a child is around, it takes a village to do anything. Between work, viruses, and a little one that needs your eyes, ears, and hands at their disposal 24/7, there is not much brain space or energy left.

For weeks, I had scrolled through the Fabric Mart website and blog almost daily. The New Arrivals section indeed reveals new materials EVERY DAY! I was looking for a spark, trying to find the fabric, and then being inspired to do a project. But days went by, and nothing popped up. In comes the husband:

HIM: Can you sew something for work?
ME: No… I have everything I need…
HIM: Ok. What about making an outfit for the baby?
ME: No… she grows out of her clothes too fast…
HIM: Ok. How about a swimsuit for the summer?
ME: No… I am not in the mood to pose in a swimsuit.
HIM: Ok. You plan to return to the gym, so what about a workout outfit?
ME: Hum. Maybe?

Encouraged by that “maybe,” he revisited my previous projects, checked the fabrics, and even suggested different combinations. We settled on the tank top version (View B) of the Jalie Anne-Marie. With a plan in hand, I was ready to get started.

The Anne-Marie View B is a very flattering peplum workout top. It comprises seven pieces (front and back body, back top, two side panels, and two side bottom panels), allowing for playful fabric combinations. I had some fabric left from this swimsuit, so I used it to cut out the front and back panels and combined that with purple activewear lycra. To give a nice touch to the back, I cut the bottom piece with vertical stripes and the back top with horizontal stripes.

The top includes a built-in bra or lining that I made with some Powernet I also had in my stash. The bra construction is clever since it provides a clean finish without hems or hand-stitching! By the way, I hope someday Fabric Mart gets some deadstock Powernet. It would beautifully complete their immense choice in the Swimsuit/Activewear fabrics.

As per modifications, I chose not to add any elastic to the bottom of the bra because I always wear a sports bra anyway. I also skipped the optional back pocket: it is a nice touch, but I know I would not use it much at the gym. Putting the pocket would also have disturbed the lovely line pattern of my fabric!

This project has achieved two purposes: I have gotten my sewing mojo back (at least, for now), and it has brought me back to the gym. Here’s to overcoming creative blockages and keeping a healthy mind and body!

INES | @bynunis

Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: SWIMWEAR & ACTIVEWEAR.

Made By A Fabricista: Sewing Summery ITY

Hi sewing friends! I’m dropping in to share a few makes sewn with ITY fabrics and inspire you to try out this slinky, cool-to-the-touch fabric for hot weather if you haven’t yet, or to recommend some patterns that work fabulously if you already love it. This is by far my favorite knit to wear in summer. Since it moves easily there’s lots of airflow, and it just skims the body. More often than not, it has a four-way stretch that doesn’t grow when worn, so it works great for loads of styles. ITY stands for Interlock Twist Yarn and the knit gives it some wonderful drape and stretch. There are lots of different weights and even some differing textures. Because it’s so fluid, the fabric really resists most wrinkling. I’ve sewn three different weights and prints here to show off just what ITY can do! This white floral is a lighter weight and features a slightly crepe-textured finish, and I think that combined with the large and spread-out floral makes it quite elegant and eye-cat...

Made By A Fabricista: Effortless ITY

Clothing made from ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) fabric is effortless, almost like wearing secret pajamas. It is silky and cool to the touch, with a beautiful drape and amazing stretch. ITY fabric is incredibly versatile, and some of the best dresses, skirts, and athletic wear I’ve owned are made from it. Thanks to Fabric Mart’s recent influx of unique ITY fabrics, I was inspired to add some additional ITY items to my wardrobe. I found two beautiful ITY fabrics on the Fabric Mart site that stopped me in my tracks. The first fabric I loved was a funky off-white and multi-color flora and fauna print from a New York Designer. I ordered two yards of this print with a top in mind. Next, I saw a beautiful ITY fabric panel featuring off-white and blue floral print. I’m usually hesitant to buy fabric panels without a plan of how to use them, but I threw caution to the wind this time. I ordered 5 panels, hoping that would give me more than enough fabric to showcase the...

Made By A Fabricista: Basics vs Fun Clothes

Every summer I make flowy, pretty dresses because they are so fun for me to make, wear, and they keep me cool as temperatures rise. But when the days get shorter and autumn rolls around, I’m not always confident on how best to transition my summery dresses into garments that will allow for the seasonal changes. In an effort to be more intentional about maximizing the use of my clothing, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to make for August. It’s been a hot summer in New Jersey. From what I can see, it’s been a hot summer across the US. Looking for clothing that will keep me cool, perhaps hide some sweat stains, and allow me to transition between seasons, I decided to make separates that would pair well with each other and allow me to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. For the top, I wanted a basic tank top, something I could layer later on. For the bottoms, I wanted flowy, summery pants that can last into brisker weather or become phenomenally cozy in front of my wint...

Fabric Mart Fabricistas

Search This Blog