More Leggings --Simplicity 1280 Again.

I'm really enjoying my black leggings; and decided another pair was in order.  I had this maroon double knit in the stash that I thought would work nicely.

The double knit is a little lighter in weight than the scuba of the last pair.  I think they worked up a little bit looser than the black pair.  Once again, I used an XL waist and hip, then graded the leg and ankle to a Medium.

There was too way too much fabric in the front rise and I removed 2 inches.  The first inch was planned from last working this up last time, but ended up needing a second inch removed to keep it at my waist.  The hem line was also shortened 2 inches. 

These are so comfy to wear.  Although burgundy may sound like an odd color to choose, I have a couple of winter tops and spring/summer tops that go with this color.  So they're going to get some wear!

Hubs and I are going camping soon, so some active wear is on the agenda next.  Happy sewing!

The Fabric Made Me Do It--McCall's 6964

I love this pattern; it's a true TNT for me.  I've made it 6 or 7 times and it's been a winner every time--until this time.  This time, however, was my fault and maybe the fabric's. The fabric is a pretty jersey knit with mesh strips sewn on top with stitches, braid and some sequins from Fabric Mart.

The problem started out with the lay out.  I couldn't be sure which side was the selvedge. I couldn't tell the selvedge from the cut edge.  Typically, with these ruffled fabrics, the ruffles run horizontally.   With this fabric, there is no stretch crosswise with the ruffles running horizontally and the stretch runs vertically.  If  I put the ruffles vertically, the crosswise stretch is going across the body.

Thinking that maybe it was designed to be different, I went with the crosswise stretch and the vertical ruffles.  I cut my usual size 16 neck and 18 bust, waist, and hips.  Looking at the finished product, all I can see is a blue hot dog that's been microwaved and split open in several places.

Apparently, I should have treated the knit as a woven and gone with the no-stretch ruffles on the horizontal and a pattern for a woven as well.  The top doesn't work on me, but it may for someone else so it's going into to donation pile.  

The pattern remains a favorite; the fabric made me do it.  It was a learning  opportunity and several lessons were learned.  So on to the next project.....more leggings!