So, I think it’s time for me to formally deny my oft-cited dismissal of trends. The garment I’m sharing here is totally unashamedly trend-driven. Everywhere you go, you will see people sporting sweatsuit combos as daywear. I have to admit that I love, love, love this look. It’s eminently practical, comfortable, and flexible, and I have reserved an extended season-ticket on this particular bandwagon.
This delicious fabric came from Minerva as part of my Brand Ambassador commitment. I fell for it as it allows me to give a little twist on the sweatsuit oeuvre. Most of those I’ve seen are solid colours. I fell for this marbled print. I thought it would add just that bit of difference that I need to prove I’m not just another follower of fashion.
As always, I was sewing with travel in mind. I used to get dolled up to go on my trips, but I’ve finally accepted that comfort is the priority when travelling. The sweatsuit look is ideal for sitting on a train, plane or automobile. I chose this idea as my travel outfit for a train tour of Southern Italy last summer. Not last summer, as in a couple of months ago, but last summer of a year ago. Yes, this post is seriously overdue.
It’s another pattern hack and combo for this outfit using patterns I already have and adapting them slightly. My bottoms are the Derwent Wide Leg trousers by Wendy Ward. These are a long-time TNT of mine, they fit me perfectly, and I use this pattern as a base to every pair of wide leg pants I make. The top is based on the Thread Theory Finlayson sweater, which I’ve cropped and changed the neckline. I inserted a centre front zip in a vibrant orange to give contrast and a focal point to the garment. The orange zip is another length from 5 metres of zipper by the yard. This genius notion gives you 5 metres of zip and 10 zip pulls. You can cut your zip to the desired length and after some (considerable) fiddling, attach the zipper pull and “Hey Presto!” you have a zipper. I bought this orange zip for one particular project, not expecting to have much call for the remaining 4 1/2 metres, but I enjoy the pop of colour so much, it’s in danger of becoming a trademark.
Looking at my photos wearing this set, I remembered that I have a dilemma about interfacing. I don’t like it, and I often avoid it. Especially with a heavier fabric, I think I can get away without it. I have saddled myself with a sizeable stash of heavy fusible interfacing, the texture of which resembles card. A desire to roll back my wasteful ways means I want to use it up rather than replace it. Hence, I’ve fallen into a bad habit of omitting the interfacing, then regretting the floppy result, as you can see with my collar. This garment doesn’t need a strong upstanding collar does it? What is the best fusible interfacing?
I’m absolutely delighted with the finished outfit. I wore this for my flights on a recent tour of southern Italy and they performed admirably – practical with a touch of secret pyjamas. But I was just as happy to wear the set out and about touristing. Plus, although I made them to be worn together, the top served equally well as a separate piece with jeans or a skirt.
So the verdict is that this is an excellent choice if you want to make a lounge wear set but I think it would also suit skirts, dresses, jackets or jumpsuits, as well.
Thanks for dropping by,
LaineeMakes 