On the eve of a monumental birthday tomorrow, the last one in my 50's (gasp...I have no idea how it happened) I thought it apropos that I review something a little on the healthy side while I sip wine. I've been steaming ever since having recently paid $70 for a pair of Nike running pants. That's ludicrous! I had to revolt! They end up being laundered 2-3 times a week and get faded out in no time. So... I decided I needed to get creative. Last weekend I made the cute pants from Vogue 1197, actually, almost leggings... because I pegged the ankles in a lot more than the pattern called for... see below if you missed it the first time. The whole time I was making them I was thinking "this pattern might make cute workout pants!" The waist is especially comfortable with 1" elastic that makes a nice, flat band that I thought would be perfect for working out:
So...I ran downtown to High Fashion this week and picked up 1-1/4 yards of black polyester knit, sort of a mid-weight... not too heavy but solid enough not to be see-through. Eureka! I was right! The only change I made was to cut the lower legs and ankles as the pattern indicated so that they would top my shoes properly. I don't know about y'all, but I consider myself somewhat tall... 5'6"... and every pair of workout pants I buy is long enough for a 6' tall woman... and I haven't seen many of those lately...even in Texas! No more! Now I have the perfect length. In any event, I am ever so excited about my pants and christened them on the elliptical today...love them...
These pants might be Garment 1 of a line of workout clothes that is noodling around in my brain. I'm so sick of manly looking workout clothes simply cut smaller for women and dyed some gawd-awful color that's supposed to be feminine. Yuck. And how many workout tops or jackets can you find that cover your butt? If I need to run an errand or run by the grocery before or after working out...I want my butt covered. Call me an old fart... it's okay... tomorrow I will be...lol ;)
Besos to all my PR and Blog friends!
Happy Birthday! You look wonderful and I love these pants. I am looking forward to sewing some workout gear but I have so many projects lined up. I need schooling tights for riding, and long tees.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and its not fair you have a tiny waist like that in your last year in your 50's and that you show off by saying you run 3 times a week too (clearly how you have such a great figure).
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful birthday and enjoy your wine. P/S I will be out to Houston in a couple of weeks lets email to sort out something be great to meet up........will be in Sugarland.
Happy birthday! Great workout pants. I struggle finding the perfect pant. Have wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns - keep running and sewing! They're hobbies that are obviously good for you.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss your post?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Happy Birthday!!!!!! I would have never guessed your age - truly - I thought you were at least 10 years younger.
Secondly, your workout pants are wonderful - good looking workout clothes are the key to successful sessions, huh. You're giving me some ideas here - thanks!
happy happy!
ReplyDeletei made a similar pair of pants from a burda pattern (one piece, no outside seam, elastic waist). i found that the inside was shorter than the outside when finished. i'm wondering if you had the same experience and, if you did, how did you handle it?
Hi Barbara,
DeleteI tried to reply directly but it seems your blog isn't public. I actually tried on my pants after reading your post...I don't have that problem with any of them...it is my favorite easy go-to pant pattern and I have made it many times without that problem. If it is chronic with yours maybe just try lenthening the hem on the inside to even them out? That's a really scientific approach but maybe it will work! LOL! Sorry I can't be of more help...