I have decided that I really need to up my activewear game. I tend to make functional (read boring) activewear, and I'm not really sure why. It will be WAY more fun to exercise with some eye-catching fabrics and designs.
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So, when I saw this metallic stripe activewear at Elliott Berman Textiles, I knew it would be my first project for looking good while working out.
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STRIPE TEXTURE METALLIC ACTIVEWEAR KNIT. FRANCE
I needed a dolman sleeve funnel neck top pattern for creating my vision. I decided to go with the Petite Stitchery Arlo top/dress pattern. This pattern was quite perfect as the front and back use the same pattern piece, and the sleeve is designed to be cut on the fold so I didn't need to redraft it with a center cut line.
 
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I then created the pattern lines by using a quilting ruler with the 60-degree angle markings and slashed the body and sleeve portions of the pattern. When I cut out the fabric, I made sure to add in seam allowances where needed to join the fabric. I highly recommend drawing out your stripes orientation ahead of time. It got confusing with multiple pieces and stripes in all directions; I had to refer to my cheesy drawing many times throughout (gee, I wish I had sketching abilities!).
Then, it was just a matter of cutting and sewing together. My secret for perfectly aligned seams is wash-away double sided basting tape (aka Wonder Tape). This stuff really is a wonder, and I buy it in large quantities to always have on hand (it is fabulous for zippers too!)
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Here is an in-progress top view on my ironing board of the back and front sewn together.
I added reflective heat transfer vinyl details to the sleeves as well. I cut them out on my Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter. Because I run along a highway, often in the dark, it is safer to be seen. (plus, I LOVE adding all the little details to my makes. I added the white stripe detail along the sleeve to create a place for the reflective decals.
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And, here you have it - my high-end activewear top, ready for action."
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~ Heather