Thursday, June 26, 2014

Fehr Trade XYT Top

No glamour shots here- you are in for some dirty and sweaty action shots today!
 
I consider myself a very amateur runner. Before completing the Couch-to-5k training program, I couldn't even run one minute without huffing and puffing. Now I can do a 5K!
 
For this year's first 5K, I needed a new top of course. And because I'm fasting, I had to make one.
 
I opted for the Fehr Trade XYT Workout Top. Check out this site for some great workout wear patterns.


 
I made the 'X' style. I love the back with the little peek-a-boo... too cute!
 
 
I used a nylon spandex from Spandex World with a "dia de los muertos", or "Day of the Dead" print... which is very popular in this neck of the woods. I had to wonder what the UPS man thought of my large package with "Spandex World" printed all over it.
 
The top went together very quickly on a conventional machine. I used a long, narrow zigzag stitch for the vertical seams. For the neckline, arm, and hem, I used a decorative serpentine stitch. It looks better than a zigzag on the outside but still allows the fabric to stretch without popping seams. I attempted to use my double needle but kept ending up with skipped stitches.
 
This was during the first mile- still smiling!
 
I originally was going to sew in the hidden bra. I used power-mesh and tested the stretch as instructed. I got to a point in the sewing where I could do a test fitting and eek! That hidden bra was so tight, I couldn't get the top over my shoulders. So I took it out.
 
I don't know that you can tell because of the dark print, but I ended up sewing a band to the bottom of the shirt to give it a bit more length. I felt like the top was riding up on me at it's original length. The band added about 2 inches and it is much more comfortable on me.
 
A high-five from my buddy at the finish line!
 
I am very pleased with how this came out and plan to make more. Two ladies came up to me after the run and told me how cute my top was!
 
~Jenny