Thursday, November 27, 2014

On The Run: McCalls 7026




You guys! I made some running gear and I am so happy with it! I have been a little afraid of sewing knits but when the right fabric and pattern are married it works out great. This outfit is perfect for this time of year when the temperature fluctuates so much. 



My Review: 


Fabric used: I found this fabric in the price cuts section and other than knowing that it is a polyester knit and has the weight of a ponte... 

Instructions: The instructions were clear and I didn't have any trouble putting this together.   

Changes I made: I omitted the lace trim and added reflective piping. I also put an invisible zipper in the left side pocket instead of two open pockets.

Repeat worthy? Yes! IF i found the right fabric again.



The piping was a bit of work but so worth it, I love how well it turned out. 


I opted for one pocket instead of two. I will actually use this jacket for running and don't need two pockets but I do need that pocket to stay shut so I put an invisible zipper in.



I really like the the piping detail! I wanted to put in in the front princess seams but when I did the first one, I realized that the piping was too stiff for the front seams and made it to wavy and lumpy. No one wants lumpy bewbs and belly! So I took it out and put it in the seams that I knew would be flatter... the back and front shoulder seams.




More reflective piping in the cuffs...and the thumb holes in this pattern were the icing on the cake for me!!



Now on to the capris...because I didn't put a hood on the jacket as per my original plan...when do I ever stick to my plans...I had JUST enough left to make these capris.  I made these once already and they were too big so this time I went down another size which was good because I had so little fabric left. I think they are almost perfect! I used Kwik Sew 3988. The waist band sits nicely and is not too tight. This pattern also has a crotch and leg gusset. The crotch gusset gives them a really comfortable fit but I would sew them in a different way next time and may share this in another post. The leg gusset would be a perfect place to add a different color fabric for a design element but I think it could be omitted altogether as well...they are a little baggy in this area for me.


I am so happy with this outfit, I thought that it deserved one of my labels....  :)




Action shot! I run a lot and am thrilled to be able to make some running gear...so satisfying!


38 comments:

  1. That's so professional looking. Great job Margo! I hope you find some more appropriate fabric for cool running clothing.

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    1. Thanks Heather! I'm on the hunt...as per usual!

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  2. Wow! What fantastic makes. The details on your jacket are great and I love the thumb holes and invisible zip. It looks a very practical ensemble too. You have inspired me to sew the new gym top that has been on my to do list for a while, so thank you. x

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    1. Thanks Caroline! This is a good pattern and I am pretty excited to sew workout gear.

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  3. You look amazing and are so clever to make your own fabulous running gear!

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    1. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed sewing something practical! Thanks Nessa!

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  4. Love it. Love it. Love it.
    And the reflective piping is the right trim too.
    Yay Margo.

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    1. I thought that you might appreciate this outfit! You workout gear is what inspired me to give it a try! So thank you Maria!!!!

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  5. This looks so fantastic! Well done!

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    1. Thank you Heather! It is always satisfying when something turns out better than anticipated!

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  6. Your work is always amazing. What a fantastic sport outfit! The reflective piping makes it practical and also very pretty.

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    1. Practical sewing is not my usual thing but I am pretty happy that I made these. Thanks so much Yoshimi!

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  7. Fantastic make, Margo! It looks like a great pattern to work and I like all your alterations. Love the piping!

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    1. Thanks! I love that you are back to sewing Merche! Your Vogue dress was divine.

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  8. That outfit sure did deserve your label...very nice!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Husband bought me those labels and I don't always use them...not this time though! Thanks.

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  9. Oh my!! You are one stylish runner! Beautiful job, Margo.

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  10. I would run a lot more if I had your stylish getup! Well done.

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    1. Thanks! I have run in it already and it hasn't made me any faster.... but it was comfortable and warm.

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  11. WOW. I am so impressed, both because knits intimidate the heck out of me and because you made it look sooo well done! I never would have guessed you made this, it completely looks professionally done. And that piping!? Holy cow Margo, this jacket is seriously blowing my mind right now, very very well done.

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    1. Thanks Haylee! Even after finishing this jacket...I'm still intimidated by knits!!

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  12. If I had this outfit it might actually motivate me to run!!

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    1. I was hoping it would make me run faster...but no such luck!

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  13. This outfit looks fantastic. I would love to wear this for running!

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  14. Margo, I am blown away, inspired and excited to make these patterns myself. Two questions: Do you need a serger to make this or can it all be done on the sewing machine (I'm getting a serger for my combined Christmas/birthday present soon though!!!!!)? And would you say that this requires you to be at an intermediate, advanced or off-the-scale extremely advanced sewing level? (I'm worried I'll be out of my depth!) BUT THIS IS LOVE !!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Emma! I did use my serger to make this and my coverstitch machine...but it's certainly not necessary. Congrats on getting a new serger soon BTW! Very nice! As far as how hard this pattern is...well...I am of the mind that if you really want to do something, you can put your mind to it and it will be done. Take your time, follow the instructions and be confident! I have VERY limited experience sewing knits as you can see here on my blog and I went ahead with this project and feel it was successful. I recommend using a stable knit... my next one will be in a scuba knit I think. Good luck with yours and let me know how it turns out or keep in touch if you have anymore questions.

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    2. Thanks so much Margo! I absolutely agree with you that we can do anything we want as long as we put our minds to it (and arm ourselves with a little patience!). Thank you for your reassurance and advice! I'm sewing my first simple knit top at the moment, so if that goes well, I'll be moving straight onto yoga wear :-)

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  15. This running gear is absolutely fantastic! I've been wanting to sew some workout clothes, but I have a lot of things on my list before I'll get around to it.

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    1. Thanks Michelle! We all have very long lists of projects..you are not alone in this!

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  16. Your running gear is fabulous! Looks so nicely tailored and well fitting. I'd never ever pick it out for handmade! Good job!!!

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    1. Thanks Gillian! This means a lot coming from you...your knits are always great.

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  17. This is the most stylish running outit ever. Wow, your attention to detail is remarkable. Love it!

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  18. I have both of those patterns, but haven't tried them yet. I love the reflective piping. Awesome idea. Where did you find it?

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  19. Well done!!
    I recently my first pair of yoga pants out of a pattern I made from an old pair of Old Navy boot cut yoga pants that I had worn to death. It was my first time sewing knits and they turned out great. I've seen this pattern but passed on it. Your review has changed my mind. :) Especially now that I know knits aren't as intimidating as I thought.

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  20. Hi thank you so much for you post. I just purchased this patten after searching all over for the perfect track suit. My husband said, why don't you make it. Yours turned out very well.

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