GreenStyle Open Back Pullover and Stride Tights

When I’m not sewing (or taking care of the kids, or keeping up with life), I love to run and workout. I’ve been running for seven years (took it up right before I got pregnant with my twins- THAT was a sanity saver), but just recently got into TRX training, which I do at a local gym with my baby on my back (They have an awesome baby-wearing TRX class- and Princess loves it).

So, naturally, I love to sew up workout gear. Enter GreenStyle Creations- they have the most amazing selection of activewear patterns. Two of my favorites are the OpenBack Pullover and the Stride Tights. Their most recent pattern, the Scarlet Swing Dress, was one I had the pleasure of testing.

   

The Pullover has many options, but this time I chose to sew the long sleeve, hooded, high scoop back view, in athletic brushed poly from Made Whimsy. This fabric is thick and soft, and is sturdy enough for bottoms as well as tops. I love this top because it provides the perfect layer to throw on before and after a workout, and the open back gives me a little ventilation for when I’m still a little sweaty but would otherwise chill quickly. This top is one of those things that barely ever makes it into the closet- as soon as its been washed, its being worn again! I also love how it shows off a strappy bra- which reminds me, the Greenstyle Endurance Bra is calling my name!

The Stride Tights are another fantastic pattern from Greenstyle, and I’ve made them several times before. This go-round, bolstered by my success with zippers with the TAMI hoodie, I decided to hack the Strides to copy this pair from Nordstrom. Cause hey, $98 can buy you a lot of fabric, amirite?

I used heavy supplex from Zenith and Quasar (LOVE this fabric- its super sturdy and opaque but not hot at all) in heathered grey and a plain grey compression knit from Made Whimsy.

      

I had to hack up the pattern a bit to get the look I wanted, and drafted a pocket bag for the back of the zipper area. Amazingly, it all worked out OK, although I can think of some things I would do differently next time. My new zippered pockets are big enough for a gel, Starbucks card or a key, though they are too narrow for my phone. I did use the high rise waistband and gusset from the Inspire Tights (another great Greenstyle pattern), as I like the feeling of being “held-in” as I run, and the shape of the Inspire gusset is just easier for me to sew.

   

For future versions (there will be many, I’m sure) I’m going to try taking some length out of the legs (I had to chop a ton off the hem of these, though strangely enough the capri version I made hit me in just the right spot) and also try reducing the rise. I find that even RTW tights are often too long in the rise, and while it isn’t a huge problem, its something I have the opportunity to correct when I’m making my own gear!

So, what do you think? What are your favorite Greenstyle Patterns? Does sewing make you notice how ready to wear could fit you better than it does? Would you like to see a picture of how I did this hack?

 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase a pattern from these links, a small portion of your purchase (at no extra cost to you!) goes back toward my fabric/sewing addiction! Thank you for your support!

 

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3 Comments

  1. Angie Bennett on March 9, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    I love this! It makes me want to try my hand at the zipper hack. Thanks for the inspiration.

  2. Brenda on March 9, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Awesome job! I totally need to know how you did that hack! I love it!

  3. […] and my last pair took less than 2 hours (with several fro-yo breaks). Similar to the Strides (made here) and Inspire Tights, the moxis also have elastic in the waistband to prevent slipping during wear, […]

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