Week 2: Activewear
Whether you're a Yoga Guru, Gymnastics Goddess, or simply prefer the relaxed, easy-wear style and properties of this popular genre of clothing, Fabworks has fabrics to suit!
Let us take you for a stroll through this fashion phenomenon that’s become a part of everyday wear.
Our Top-Stitching Top Tips!
What an exciting challenge to kick off the week! Many makers won't have even considered making a cap let alone diving headfirst into the project with sportswear fabrics! The main body of the cap was constructed with sturdy durable woven cotton drill, a substantial breathable fabric suitable for all-sorts of projects (see below for our suggestions of fabrics that will create this same style).
A focus of the challenge this week was neat decorative and supportive top-stitching. No matter the project top-stitching is a fine way of finishing your make. Take, for example, the classic jeans styles. From top-stitched side seams to neatly stitched pockets with flaps, there are so many ways of top-stitching. You can even get magnetic gadgets for guiding your fabric in a straight line, but if you don't have those, did you know there are markers on your sewing machine and foot you can follow? Once you get into the mesmerising and mindful flow of top-stitching, you will realise it's potential and soon become obsessed!
Would you Match or Contrast?
Did you know Fabworks offers a matching thread service? Simply choose the matching thread option on your fabric.
OR choose the matching thread option and leave us a note and ask us to choose a contrasting thread to make your project really stand out!
Up-CYCLE Challenge
The mystery challenge! Against the clock, the contestants don't know in advance what the judges will throw at them! This week they had to transform cycling shirts into partywear! Well where to start, the collections of final garments were an incredible mashup of colour, pattern and style!
Our top tip when sewing with multiple jersey fabrics be it in panels or attaching pieces like sleeves together is to always choose "like for like" fabrics. This means fabrics with a similar weight and stretch, otherwise you'll be trying to pin your fabrics together and fighting with their differing properties, rather than seamlessly sewing them together without puckers and tucks.
Left: "In first place is our dramatic, colour blocked, one shoulder dress! We both just really like the way you’ve engineered the shape with the colours- its amazing!" Patrick
Made-to-Measure
We LOVE the bespoke challenge, a chance for the contestants to really show off their skills in a pattern they have already practiced at home. The race against time poses their biggest challenge whilst making sure they hit the brief set by Patrick and Esme.
How amazing was the variety of garments produced, it just goes to show the scope of this genre of clothing, from skateboarding shorts in cotton drill to cute tracksuits in stretch mesh and dancewear with a serious colour-blocking style!
Left: "Garment of the week this week is …. Orla! We loved it, its so cool, every detail was so beautifully thought through, the fit was great- its perfect athleisure" Patrick
Make your Own Athleisure
Athleisure doesn't just include stretchy fabrics; cool, soft and supple Linens are ideal for yoga/lounging outfits. They are breathable, durable, impervious to moths, and linen fibres expand with the warmth of the wearer. The classic ‘rumpled chic’ of linen has an easy-going elegance that just can’t be beaten.
Other fabrics associated with athleisure are the drills and twills fabrics; these stable, light-medium, medium and heavy weight fabrics, include fabric like chino cotton, which is soft yet strong and available in a wide range of colours. Perfect for utility-style clothing, with lots of useful pockets and easy wear features. These styles are often roomy; therefore, their loose silhouettes are perfect for layering, forming easy wardrobe key pieces.
As a seasonal alternative to the above fabrics, consider showerproof versions and you’ll be ready for any occasion, whatever the weather.
Ready to get stuck into your own Athleisure makes? Check out our collection of sewing patterns and haberdashery perfect to inspire your next active make.
Images courtesy of BBC1 The Great British Sewing Bee