I have been working so hard on the contest dreamt up by Karen Ball of Did you Make That?
Here is my step by step progress report:
- Decide to make running shorts
- work out what sort of running shorts I want (classic cut, lined, not black)
- design the shorts
- find suitable fabric
- make the shorts
Version 1, Pink Lycra, revealing the lining with red elastic - redesign the shorts
- find new fabric
- make a second pair
V2, Purple Polyester with lycra, revealing lining with “baby” elastic - redesign the lining of the shorts
- print fabric with sublimation technique using a pixelated photograph of a peony
- make third pair of shorts with lining and new elasticising technique
V3, Sublimation print of my pixelated peony photograph on polyester jersey revealing cotton lining with shirring elastic - Decide I need a T shirt too
- design a T shirt
- make fabric for T shirt and make T shirt
Hand printed, self drafted polyester jersey T 1. - find the T shirt needs a dart
- make a second T shirt
Self-printed fabric, self drafted with bust dart T 2. - think the T may be better without sleeves so make a third T
Self-printed, self-drafted V neck, sleeveless T 3. - decide the sleeveless version is not as good as the sleeved version
- realise that the best shorts don’t match the best T-shirt
- nearly give up
- my daughter Esme passes her new baby due date
- as my sewing machine is still being serviced borrow Bianca’s Chinese machine
“Basic” sewing machine - I prioritise finishing my hand printed skirt for my evening class
- look at the stretch silk I bought for the best running shorts of all time (BRSOAT)
- know that the BRSOAT actually require pockets but don’t have time to redraft and test the pattern
- cut out and paint the silk early on Friday morning instead of going to the gym
Painting the silk shorts with silk paint - spend an hour rethreading the overlocker
- construct lining for the silk shorts using the overlocker which requires yet another elasticating technique
- finally finish the shorts
V4, hand painted, stretch silk shorts with cotton lining - Go for a test run. In the rain.
The exhilaration of finishing!
Dawn
I love these ones! My favourite of them all. And what a summer of sewing (and not just the sporty stuff)! Fingers crossed for Esme, much love xxx
rillafree
This is truly wonderful. I love that you have printed all of your own fabrics and the end result looks very high end sportswear. Good luck to Esme! I hope she’s not been suffering too much in the heat!
mwang7
Love all these articles. Wondering how and where did you got all the time and energy! Looking forward to hearing/seeing more of it. 🙂
pennylibrarian
Wow, I love the results of all your hard work!
Yarnbeth
HAHAHA thanks for the timeline and all the great pics too – loved this post
Joyce
Congrats!!! Your a winner in my books. ouiiee… you don’t give up till you get it right !! fabulous job!!
Nicoletta
Wow,such a perfect sporty wardrobe your created! And the fabric printing on your own…amazing job!!!
foamofdays
Wow, what a marathon of sewing! I admire your perseverance, it’s a fabulous outfit!
sew2pro
I was just thinking, not a sprint project, this! Everyone’s going to go crazy when they ask where you get your stylish gear from and you tell them, ‘well, actually…. ‘
fabrickated
Well I suppose if I could actually run an actual marathon, like you Marianne, then I wouldn’t have to sew one. The thing is I’m not finished yet. I have still to do the pocket version. And then I want to digitise it!
qplourde
That is a lot of active sewing! I can’t believe you print your own fabric, that is truly amazing. Great job on all the shorts & tops!
ejvc
Fantastic gear, funny post, who could ask for more. You are very skilled!
Brenda Marks
The hand printing is amazing! I want to come and learn all of your secrets!