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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-29-2007, 11:30 AM (1 of 13)
I've just started running in the last few weeks (and I still walk more than run on my "runs" every day!), but my workout clothes are a bit sad looking. I found some really cute stuff from an online retailer..you guys are going to think I'm a total lunatic, but I'm in love with this running dress (yes..a dress to run in): Marathon Dress (http://skirtsports.com/products/MarathonDress.cfm). I can just see how hard my husband is going to laugh when he finds out I want to wear a dress while running.  I can't imagine something like this would be that difficult to make, although it may be tricky to get it to fit right so it doesn't ride up while I'm running. I'd also want to make some matching boy shorts to wear underneath. I've heard Jalie patterns are good for this sort of thing -- something like this empire waist figure skating dress (http://www.jalie.com/sewingpatterns/patterncovers/2674.html) might work, with separate shorts instead of the attached leotard.So, what do you think? Have I totally lost it? I think it would be a huge motivation to have cute clothes to wear while running. I might also make some "regular" workout clothes like tank tops and shorts too, of course. Any recommendations for patterns, fabric, etc, would be much appreciated! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Patty22
Date: 07-29-2007, 11:58 AM (2 of 13)
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Do you mind if I comment about running in a dress? My husband and son were running as a team in a cross-country series in our area about three years ago. Some of the teams from the other areas are extremely serious about these events and my husband and son do it more as a family activity. At one race a young memmonite mother had her running shoes on under her attire however her hair didn't have the bonnet, but rather she had it braided. My husband, he's usually not so narrow minded, was chuckling about whether she was actually going to run? Could it be possible not to wear the regular running gear and be in a race? She ran. She womped most of the athletes entered and it was quite neat as I don't think she was even breaking a sweat as she crossed the finish line. But, back to the what you want to wear.....it really reminds me of the tennis dresses of the 80's except in different fabrics. I think the only thing you would really need besides this is a better sports bra and some kind of sports underwear for when the bottom is lifted by a strong breeze. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-29-2007, 12:19 PM (3 of 13)
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Patty, thanks for that story! I love it. Kaitlinn, I think your idea is great. I don't have a lot of great advice because I've never sewn activewear. It does sound easiest if you made shorts and dress separate (as opposed to one piece). Your skating dress + boyshorts plan sounds perfect. One thing about the retail dress, they say that since there isn't a waistband there is zero tummy compression. That sounds really comfortable. If I were you I'd look carefully for briefs that fit your trunk like a pair of panties - not tight nor constricting with a big ol' waistband. Good luck and I look forward to hearing about and seeing your progress. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-29-2007, 01:32 PM (4 of 13)
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Another comment from the non-athleticwear-sewing peanut gallery. Have you checked out Title 9 Sports (http://www.titlenine.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE)? Really nice clothes for the female athlete and somewhat more reasonably price. Plus, you've busted your heiney lately on exams and really do deserve it. ...If you bought one and decided it's the best thing you've ever run in, then you could easily trace it and make many more in your own way.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Gouesnoux
Date: 07-29-2007, 02:34 PM (5 of 13)
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Hi Kaitlinnegan, this is a nice pattern. I used Jalie pattern few times and it always comes out nicely.  I did swimsuits with skirt (#2006) and also cycling jerseys(#2216). I suggest you a jersey fabric containing a lot of spandex. It will be also earier to sew if you have at least a serger.The first time I did a swimsuit for myself, I did it with a cheap jersey fabric to be able to adjust correctly the pattern but it comes out so good that I used it for real. Have fun! Lise |
User: Gouesnoux
Member since: 07-25-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-29-2007, 05:52 PM (6 of 13)
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I would look for patterns for tennis dresses as they are made for running (around a tennis court) and the matching pants have pockets. Just a suggestion. Good luck on this project. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-29-2007, 10:37 PM (7 of 13)
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Thanks for the input everyone! Patty, that story is great! I'm afraid my running dress won't be quite so inspirational, although I suppose if you knew me you might be shocked to see me running (I used to say I wouldn't run unless someone was chasing me). I never would have thought of tennis dresses -- that would be exactly what I want. Come to think of it, when I was out shopping the other day I saw all these skorts in the activewear department and assumed they were for tennis. It never occurred to me until I saw that website that you could actually run in them. And thanks for reminding me of the pocket issue, Marty -- that is definitely important. I need to be able to carry my house keys, cell phone, and a little baggie for doggy doo when I run. I'm still debating about what the best approach is for the cell phone -- I can't imagine it would be good for it to be drenched in sweat, and I sweat a lot. When we were on vacation up north, I wore a fanny pack (yeah, like the ones from the 90's) when I ran with the dog, but it was pretty bulky and uncomfortable. That Title 9 store has some nice stuff, Andrea. I'm heading to a new running shop in town tomorrow to get properly fitted for some new running shoes, and I might get some new workout clothes there too if the prices aren't too bad. Well, thanks again everyone! If anyone comes across good patterns for activewear, be sure to send them my way! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: SheliaHC
Date: 07-30-2007, 08:35 AM (8 of 13)
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I also walk/run 3 to 4 times a week. I like sleeveless shirts because to much material in the armpit area rubs the area raw. I don't think I would like the skort because I think there would be to much material between you thighs which may cause the same problem. I like running in bike shorts or yoga type pants. I would suggest maybe buying either a cheap skort and trying it out or at least buy one that you might like to wear at other times since you may not like running in it. Shelia and you need a good sports bra which can be a major investment if you are chesty but definitely necessary. |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-30-2007, 09:36 AM (9 of 13)
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Shelia -- that's a good idea to buy a cheap skort and see how I like it. They had so many at the discount store, but I kind of ignored them at the time. The skirt of the dress would be a short, not too full A-line, so I don't think the fabric would get caught up between my thighs, but that would be something to watch out for. I haven't had an issue with chaffing so far, but I definitely don't want to go there if I can avoid it! I have several sport bras that work well for running and surprisingly weren't too expensive, but the more I run, the more my boobs shrink! (sorry if that's too much information!) Of course, I can't complain too much since the rest of me is shrinking in proportion, but it makes it difficult to buy bras and clothes that fit well when I'm trying to hit a moving target.  I'm concerned a bit with the chaffing issue there too since these bras are styled more like regular bras, with hooks and eyes in the back, adjustable straps, etc, but it hasn't been a problem yet.Well, keep the ideas coming if you've got 'em! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-30-2007, 10:07 AM (10 of 13)
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I've been wondering about all those high tech wicking fabrics out there. Where do you get your power dry from? I've seen some on wazoodle.com: Wazoodle (http://www.wazoodle.com/cgi-bin/catstore.cgi?user_action=list&category=Tech%20and%20Athletic%20Fabrics;Assorted) . A lot of it seems to have two different colored sides -- is one meant to be in and one out, or could it be used both ways? http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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From: mommgsews
Date: 07-30-2007, 01:05 PM (11 of 13)
| I've gotten some from www.maldenmillsstore.com and some from the Evil Fabric Queen at the Fabrics and Notions group in Yahoo. |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: mommgsews
Date: 07-30-2007, 06:50 PM (12 of 13)
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I sew quite often with knits and have fallen in love with silk weight powerdry. I use it to make my own bike short-like things to wear with skirts or dresses. They fit well and the fabric breathes and helps keep me comfortable, or at least more comfortable. (At summertime temperatures of 110 degrees+ sweating and chafing are always a possibility.) For the waistband I use a piece of the same fabric without elastic. I usually have to play around with the fabric to figure out the right length to use. Usually cut on the opposite stretch with and about a 1/4 to 1/10 shorter than the waist opening. I cut a rectangle to the length needed and stitch it together at the short sides. Fold it in half lengthwise and mark it with pins at quarters. Match it at back, front and sides and then serge it to the waist. Sometimes I'll topstitch the seam to the short with a 3 step zig zag, sometimes I won't As for a pattern I have an oop one from Kwik Sew that I like to use for the shorts. KS3115 looks like it might be a good one to try. The shirts could be lengthened into a dress and the pants shortened to use as a short. The thing that caught my eye was the waist treatment. It seems real similar to the one that I normally use. hth |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 07-31-2007, 07:44 PM (13 of 13)
"Evil Fabric Queen" -- I love it! I wish I had that title.  I just ordered some swatches for this project from wazoodle and Spandex World (they do free swatches!), but I might have to get some from Malden Mills too. Their fleece would probably be good for when the weather gets chilly around here, too, although it's hard to imagine with this heat we've been having! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
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