Made By A Fabricista: Back to the gym with my workout top.
I usually end my posts with a thankful message. Today, I’ll start with it: this time, my gratitude goes to my husband. Short of sewing and modeling this outfit for me, he did everything else. Most importantly, he made sure I got started! Let me explain.
My creative juices have dried out in the last few weeks. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’ll say that once a child is around, it takes a village to do anything. Between work, viruses, and a little one that needs your eyes, ears, and hands at their disposal 24/7, there is not much brain space or energy left.
For weeks, I had scrolled through the Fabric Mart website and blog almost daily. The New Arrivals section indeed reveals new materials EVERY DAY! I was looking for a spark, trying to find the fabric, and then being inspired to do a project. But days went by, and nothing popped up. In comes the husband:
HIM: Can you sew something for work?
ME: No… I have everything I need…
HIM: Ok. What about making an outfit for the baby?
ME: No… she grows out of her clothes too fast…
HIM: Ok. How about a swimsuit for the summer?
ME: No… I am not in the mood to pose in a swimsuit.
HIM: Ok. You plan to return to the gym, so what about a workout outfit?
ME: Hum. Maybe?
Encouraged by that “maybe,” he revisited my previous projects, checked the fabrics, and even suggested different combinations. We settled on the tank top version (View B) of the Jalie Anne-Marie. With a plan in hand, I was ready to get started.
The Anne-Marie View B is a very flattering peplum workout top. It comprises seven pieces (front and back body, back top, two side panels, and two side bottom panels), allowing for playful fabric combinations. I had some fabric left from this swimsuit, so I used it to cut out the front and back panels and combined that with purple activewear lycra. To give a nice touch to the back, I cut the bottom piece with vertical stripes and the back top with horizontal stripes.
The top includes a built-in bra or lining that I made with some Powernet I also had in my stash. The bra construction is clever since it provides a clean finish without hems or hand-stitching! By the way, I hope someday Fabric Mart gets some deadstock Powernet. It would beautifully complete their immense choice in the Swimsuit/Activewear fabrics.
As per modifications, I chose not to add any elastic to the bottom of the bra because I always wear a sports bra anyway. I also skipped the optional back pocket: it is a nice touch, but I know I would not use it much at the gym. Putting the pocket would also have disturbed the lovely line pattern of my fabric!
This project has achieved two purposes: I have gotten my sewing mojo back (at least, for now), and it has brought me back to the gym. Here’s to overcoming creative blockages and keeping a healthy mind and body!
INES | @bynunis
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories: SWIMWEAR & ACTIVEWEAR.
Wonderful top and wonderful husband!
Looks fantastic! Fun, functional style.
Love it, excellent
The colors and shape of this top look great!! You look so comfortable and happy while wearing it. It's so nice when the sewing project can both support your ideal lifestyle AND reignite your mojo :D
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