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.