So in order to keep the secret that I was making a shirt for my man for Christmas, I had to be working on something else so he wouldn’t wonder why I wasn’t sewing. (The sewing equivalent of ‘sleight of hand’ lol)
I had recently tossed a couple pairs of old ratty yoga pants; well loved but finally dead, as I wear them CONSTANTLY when I’m at home, so I decided to replace them.
Enter McCalls 4261. Everything about this pattern was awesome. First of all, three words:
ONE PATTERN PIECE.
Secondly, the fit and style are perfect, no alterations needed. I made a straight medium. The only change I made was to use ribbon for the ties instead of cord; I like that little touch of girly-ness ^_^
Thirdly, it was an incredibly fast make; even faster with a serger. This was great because the shirt was really time consuming and it allowed me to do one step a day without adding too much to my schedule.
I made a pair of shorts as kind of a muslin from a scrap of white cotton stretch knit I had on hand. I just estimated the length, as the pattern has cut lines for capri length and pants but not shorts. I sewed double seams, as called for in the pattern on these. I didn’t bother to hem them though π
I loved the fit so I went straight to the pants, sewing all seams but the hem & waistband on my serger. I used a poly-rayon jersey which is so soft and cosy π
Believe me, I will be making these again and again!! The pattern also includes a hoodie, tshirt, workout bra and skirt, which will ALL be sewed up eventually! I’m sure I’ll need other distraction projects in the future, not to mention great workout/lounge gear π
December 27th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Sorry about that first comment–you can delete it. I’m having major keyboard issues today! What I meant to say was. . .
I will definitely need to check out this pattern. I love lounge-y pants! When I’m sewing, I often end up sprawled out on the floor and jeans just aren’t comfortable enough.
Love the touch of ribbon π
December 27th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Thanks! I hope you get a chance to check it out; it’s a great pattern! π
I totally know what you mean; jeans (contrary to popular belief) are not that comfortable!! lol
Good luck with the keyboard! ^_^
December 27th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
I need to throw away my yoya pant thingies as they really shouldn’t be worn anymore. Now I have a good reason too ….. other than the holes that is. Thanks for the kick :o)
December 27th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
haha!!! Don’t worry; you’re not alone π I kept mine WAY past their time too; they were full of holes & not even appropriate for home wear anymore! lol
December 28th, 2012 at 1:36 am
One pattern piece?! I think I may have to make me some of these :-). Off to add pattern to my wishlist….
December 28th, 2012 at 11:12 am
It’s a HUGE selling point, isn’t it? lol – plus they’re super cute, which ain’t a bad bonus π
December 28th, 2012 at 1:56 am
These look great. I like the fabric chooses.
December 28th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Thank you!! ^__^ The jersey is especially cosy! π
December 28th, 2012 at 1:57 am
Ooh I love mine but its good to know that when they are no longer wearable there’s a good pattern out there!
December 28th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Dontcha just love a good contingency plan? ^__^ π
December 28th, 2012 at 2:05 am
Don’t you just love a fast project??? Speaking of projects…have you seen the Pyramid Patterns?
December 28th, 2012 at 11:18 am
I don’t do many fast projects so it’s definitely refreshing! ^__^ No, haven’t seen the Pyramid Patterns yet, but then again, stuff takes forever to get to Canada lol π I’ll be sure to post them the second they arrive! ^_^
December 28th, 2012 at 2:32 am
ooo awesome! once our comfies are gone i know where to turn now. these look lovely and comfy and also pretty! ;D which shirt pattern did u make by the way?
December 28th, 2012 at 2:33 am
lol ignore my question. i just scrolled down π
December 28th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Bahahaha ok! π
December 28th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Yes!! Great comfies go-to pattern! ^__^
December 28th, 2012 at 3:11 am
Love a quick and easy project. And I love that you used them as a decoy! Brilliant! Will have to remember that trick!!
December 28th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Now that he knows my trick though I’ll have to be even more clever next time! lol ^_^
January 10th, 2013 at 11:02 pm
Just catching up Amanda! Wow, I didn’t know about this pattern, but it looks like a whole workout wardrobe…amazing. And I’ve made things with just one pattern piece, isn’t it pure joy?!? So glad that you have been enjoying making sportswear – I could get hooked !!
January 11th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Oh my gosh, YES!! All of that!! I go through active wear pretty frequently in my weekly laundry rotation, so it’s amazing to discover I can make it myself – and no annoying brand name advertising! lol ^_^
January 12th, 2013 at 4:40 am
I had my eye on that pattern, after reading this it now goes on the list for the next BMV sale. Thanks for the heads up!
January 12th, 2013 at 9:09 am
Awesome! It’s definitely a winner – hope you love it too! π
January 16th, 2013 at 10:27 am
Your shorts and pants look great! And cosy!! All these patterns in one, I’ll probably splurge on the next mccalls sale π
January 16th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Seriously, right? π It’s totally worth it, even full price! π
January 16th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Evil enabler! π it’s currently on sale at sewing patterns.com so even with prohibitive shipping costs it’s probably worth it
January 16th, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Bwahahaha!! >.< (that's my evil enabler laugh!) It's worth it – you want it π
January 16th, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Oh dear, I might have ordered it π I’m looking forward to sewing comfy pants – they’ll be great for home especially as I’m getting deeper and deeper into my pregnancy!
January 16th, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Awesome!! I’d love to see what you make! ^_^