velosews

Just can’t stop

…making Melissa’s new Steeplechase leggings.

Front view
It’s all my fault. I’ve got lycra pieces that need to be made up into something. I like my leggings to be fitted and these fit perfectly with my usual alterations (sway back and knee curves). These are my test versions I made as part of Melissa’s pattern testing team.
Back view
I’m training for a few events, it’s full on mozzie season and this capri length supports my knees as I work out. Three good reasons to make three test pairs for Melissa. Melissa’s made six pairs for herself too. You should see Kathy’s three pairs as well.


The basic black pair uses locally bought high density black lycra and left over Funki Fabric on the yoke. This first pair has the back pocket included. Then I had to make two more pairs.


Then the grey/green pair with reflective piping uses Funki Fabric and reflective tape piping I bought from Ebay that I wanted to try out. You’ve probably seen Winnie’s leggings and cool top and the great work that Kbenco has done for her daughters. 

The plain navy pair below has reflective stickers I bought from Lightweight Safety on Kelli’s recommendation. The stickers are placed on my calves so you can see me speeding away!

In case you don’t know Melissa’s story, have a read of her and what motivates her pattern designs on Pattern Review.

as Melissa says…”you can use SADDLE10 for 10% off all purchases from shop.fehrtrade.com until 25 March (my birthday!).” 

My 2c worth

By the way, I tried some high-end RTW leggings that cost over $AU100 this week and I can’t justify buying their leggings for that price – even with my gift voucher. Sorry. But with a legging style like Melissa’s, it’s too easy to make leggings that rock for a whole lot less. And my gym buddies are always in awe when they see the gym gear I’ve made too. I think that’s saying something for those of us who make our own activewear and quietly get on with maintaining our healthy lifestyle #YOLO.

PR review below

Pattern Description:
These leggings have no inseams! Instead, a curved, outer seam runs from the back of the ankle up to the centre front, where it joins a separate yoke piece. There’s an optional, hidden back pocket, elasticated waistband, and your choice of three lengths: biker short, capri, or full length leggings.
Pattern Sizing:
XXS – XL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Initially this design had me ‘for a sixer’ but once I walked through the instructions, they’re easy to follow and the notches on the patterns are the best guide to making this leggings.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern in unique. I’ve only seen one no-inseam legging pattern. 
This pattern is as cutting edge as the latest RTW on the market. 
This style is easy to make but doesn’t look ‘home made’.

Fabric Used:
Polyester spandex.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I raised the centre back seam on the yoke for my sway back by 2.5cm.
I made the first pair of leggings to assess where the knee is on me, and then I adjusted this for a better fit – and promptly made two more pairs.
Second version with reflective tape.
The third version with reflective sticker on the back calf.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. I have two more ideas that I’ll share once I’ve sewn these up.

This pattern has ignited my activewear sewing mojo beyond what I’ve done before. Probably because this is such an edgy design that Melissa has developed using the latest style influences.

32 comments

  3. Ready set go….. you are definitely ready to get going and cycle and exercise in these lovelies. Very nicely made and I love your glowing additions.

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  9. Great leggings. I need to make some long leggings for when the weather cools off (if it ever will!) You look very trim. 🙂

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  11. I am also a steeplechase addict, desperate for some time to make my next pair (s)- fabric already to be cut out! I love yours and the use of the reflective bits, piping and stickers, a great and practical idea. Your fabric looks worth the investment, or should I say it looks like quality and gives such a great finish!

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  20. Fabulous light show. I can see that I now need some pairs with reflective bits. These are all terrific looking leggings.
    I love the blue top too – did I miss this earlier? What pattern? I will look back at your earlier posts.

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  23. I bought this pattern as soon as it came out and will be trying them out soon, also capri length like yours which look great.

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  30. These are fabulous. I love all of the colour combinations! Do you use a coverstitch or just twin needle?

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  31. These have all been used every week since I made them. I've used twin needle for the hems. I'm not happy with my coverstitch machine – too sensitive.

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  32. Oh how I love these Maria. I think I'm about to buy this pattern and finally venture into making some activewear since it is my uniform 4 days out of 7 (I'm an Exercise Physiologist and Pilates Instructor). You've convinced me! Do you use your overlocker to sew these up? Do you do a flatlock seam or regular seam? I might have to hit you up for some more knowledge building!

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