Greenstyle Favorites Week!

It’s not exactly a secret that I’m a big fan of Greenstyle patterns, and today I’m kicking off the Greenstyle Favorites Week by sharing my favorite Greenstyle pattern– the Inspire Tights! 

Before I get started on my Inspire-rant, here’s a brief description of the pattern in a nutshell: The Inspires are a classic leggings pattern, designed for athletic wear, with negative ease for a tight fit, a contoured waistband, a triangle gusset, and options for adding inserts behind the knees, or an angled on the upper leg. They have a side seam, which can be emphasized with contrast cover stitching, or eliminated for a seamless look, and, most importantly, a fit blows everything else I’ve tried out of the water!

Why the Inspires?

Greenstyle has several very well loved leggings patterns (and I’ve made them all!), so why are the Inspires my favorite? One word = VERSATILITY!

When I get dressed in the morning, I might have a vague outline for my day- but despite my love for color-coded schedules and all things structured, #momlife and homeschooling has taught me that the only way to “fit it all in” is to be imminently flexible.

One day I might get up early to squeeze in a workout- another I might grab my me-time on the fly at the park while the kids are at an activity, and the next day I might not be able to get my run in until the end of the day, after the kids are in bed (thank goodness for home exercise equipment!).

Whenever my me-time does roll around, I want to be ready, so dressing in athletic wear is the best way to ensure that I actually do get to work out when the opportunity arises. I also love that the Inspire tights make great everyday leggings for that night out with the girls, or under a tunic for work (I do work at a college, so there’s a more relaxed dress code- yay!)- pretty much whatever I’ve got going on, the Inspires have got me covered in comfort.

Hacks/Tutorials

With the addition of a back zipper pocket (check out the hack tutorial here), I’ve even got a place to stash my credit card and key for those times when I don’t need my huge #mompurse (ya know, the one with a diaper, 3 lipglosses, a McDonalds toy, and 500 pennies rolling around the bottom).

There’s even an easy hack for a no-side seam view- perfect for those prints that you don’t want to cut up/match.

I did a SewAlong for the Inspires a couple weeks ago- you can find all the video tutorials HERE on the blog, and get a closer look at the construction of this awesome pattern. If you’re curious about how the Inspires compare to the other leggings patterns, you might want to check out THIS post that I wrote on the Greenstyle blog- all four of the leggings patterns are winners, but the Inspires are just my go-to gal!

A new pair….coming soon….

Since I love the Inspires so much, I even whipped up another pair in some fantastic fabric to share with you….but unfortunately, I live very near the Camp Fire, which has decimated the homes of many of our friends, and remains a threat to our town. The air quality is unsafe, and therefore I wasn’t able to get photos for you…yet!

If you have a spare moment, any prayers for the communities affected by this tragedy would be appreciated- so many people lost everything, and I feel very grateful to be safe as I write this, and look forward to being able to continue sewing and sharing when the situation improves.

Get them FREE!

On an more upbeat note, if I’ve convinced you to snap up the Inspires, you can grab them on SALE today here for 40% off, no code needed.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can also enter to win a FREE copy by leaving a comment below! While you’re at it, I’d love it if you took the time to give my blog a follow so we can connect!

 

 

 

Note: This post contains affiliate links- thank you for your support!

 

 

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143 Comments

  1. Carol on November 12, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I so enjoy your blogs Sarah, you have such a funspirit and a beautiful family to share. I love the Super Gs but would love to try out the Inspires, They do offer more creativity in styling. I hope your family continues to remain safe from the Camp Fire…

  2. Katie Kimmell on November 12, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I love all the info you provide in your posts and can’t wait to try these too!

  3. Cathy on November 12, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I love all your versions!

  4. Debbie Davis on November 12, 2018 at 6:14 am

    I have the strides and the super G’s…do I really need a 3rd pattern? Probably not but you are a great saleswoman!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:16 am

      haha!

  5. Lian on November 12, 2018 at 6:20 am

    I’m definitely buying a pair! I’ve been looking at a bunch of patterns and I haven’t been able to commit until now.

  6. Aimee Wilson on November 12, 2018 at 6:21 am

    Those look great

  7. Kim on November 12, 2018 at 6:22 am

    Love the looks of these!

  8. Janelle on November 12, 2018 at 6:23 am

    I think this has inspired me to make some new work out gear and get back into the gym

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:16 am

      I’m so glad- self care is really important!

  9. Heather Dupont on November 12, 2018 at 6:23 am

    I don’t have a serger (yet!!) but might have to give these a try anyways. Your tutorials look super helpful!!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:15 am

      You can definately do them with a standard machine!

  10. Sharon on November 12, 2018 at 6:28 am

    You post comparing all the leggings has been so helpful thank you!

  11. Layni on November 12, 2018 at 6:28 am

    I love these! Thank you for taking the time to go into detail about them, I think I may need this pattern!

  12. Buffie Jo on November 12, 2018 at 6:29 am

    Love them all. Great job. I’m excited, I have the others too but a girl can always use another style. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity.

  13. Angela Satter on November 12, 2018 at 6:31 am

    These look amazing! I love the bright stitching to give them an extra kick. I will have to say the green and white leaves ones are my favorite. Its unlike anything you can get in a store but they look extremely professional. Am I daring enough to try a pair myself?

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Be daring! And have fun with them 🙂

  14. Rosemary O'Koren on November 12, 2018 at 6:32 am

    I love following your blog and sew a longs. I just took up Pickleball so I need to make more leggings.

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Pickleball sounds fun!

  15. Bree on November 12, 2018 at 6:32 am

    I love tights and this pattern looks amazing!

  16. Sara Waldmann on November 12, 2018 at 6:33 am

    My athletic wear is in desperate need of an overhaul. Great timing!

  17. Lian on November 12, 2018 at 6:35 am

    I love reading your blogs! I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m definitely going to get the pattern.

  18. Cindy Clarke on November 12, 2018 at 6:36 am

    Thank you for this post and ll the greaat hacks you mention. I would love to win this pattern.

  19. Sierra Bray on November 12, 2018 at 6:37 am

    You have recently inspired me to get a peloten, and now the inspires are the only leggings from greenstyle I don’t have, so I guess it’s another inspire!

  20. Gina on November 12, 2018 at 6:40 am

    Haha I have one of the above photos saved to Pinterest, so I’ve clearly been waiting to make these for a while. Love your blog!

  21. Stacie on November 12, 2018 at 6:45 am

    These are really cute, I definitely need to give them a try!

  22. Leslie on November 12, 2018 at 6:46 am

    These are amazing, and I love all the hacks! Beautiful!

  23. Ashley Griffith on November 12, 2018 at 6:46 am

    You inspire so many of my makes! I appreciate your thoroughness and willingness to share tips. ❤️❤️ I can’t wait to try this pattern, too.

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:14 am

      What a beautiful compliment, thank you!

  24. Autumn on November 12, 2018 at 6:51 am

    You’re such a doll! Thank you for all the work you do with the GS team. Oftentimes you share the perfect piece of information that tips the balance and lets me purchase a pattern guilt free!

  25. Kathryn on November 12, 2018 at 7:01 am

    Ooooo I need to try a great leggings pattern.

  26. Jannette K on November 12, 2018 at 7:02 am

    Greenstyle patterns are all so amazing. I have so many top patterns, but I only have one of the pants patterns. They are fantastic!

  27. Celeste Wright on November 12, 2018 at 7:10 am

    I’ve been wanting these! So cute!

  28. Darcy on November 12, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Love your blog! Jam packed with information

  29. Debora VanHamlin on November 12, 2018 at 7:14 am

    The pair made of the matte palm print with white inserts is so pretty! Of course they are all super cute! No wonder they’re a favorite!

  30. Amy on November 12, 2018 at 7:14 am

    Love all your hacks and blog posts. They are so helpful. Prayers for your friends near the fire and for safety.

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:13 am

      Thank you so much for your prayers!

  31. Debora VanHamlin on November 12, 2018 at 7:16 am

    The matte palm print with white powernet pair are so cute! Of course they are all super cute, no wonder they are a favorite!

  32. Sarah Bossz on November 12, 2018 at 7:16 am

    I love all of your versions! I too asore the versatility of GS patterns – these options for color blocking are super awesome! Thanks for sharing!

  33. Julia on November 12, 2018 at 7:19 am

    Thank you for sharing! I never thought of making my own leggings. Well , I should said that I never knew that you can make your own leggings. Now you inspires me to make a pair 🙂

  34. Celeste Wright on November 12, 2018 at 7:19 am

    Oh man, now I have to get these.

  35. Jan Murry on November 12, 2018 at 7:38 am

    So many beautiful Inspires- I think my Granddaughters would like this pattern! Stay safe- must be scary for all of you- hope your children are handling this alright- must be difficult as a parent – keeping you in my prayers!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:13 am

      Thank you so much Jan!

  36. Brenda on November 12, 2018 at 7:46 am

    I love all of your sewalongs you make sewing sew easy unfortunately you make everything look so easy and nice when done it makes me buy more patterns and fabric lol. Thanks for doing all of this and sharing

  37. Sherry on November 12, 2018 at 7:57 am

    I love and learn so much from your blog, Sarah, thanks for sharing! I’m trying those Super-G’s that I messed up a few weeks ago! I found my error and am ready to try again!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:13 am

      Can’t wait to see them!

  38. Krystol Ithomitis on November 12, 2018 at 8:03 am

    Thank you for the blog, prayers and thoughts are with you…I hope they get the fire contained and out soon.

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 8:12 am

      Thank you!

  39. Leslie on November 12, 2018 at 8:11 am

    I love all of the amazing options and can’t wait to sew it up!

  40. Starla on November 12, 2018 at 8:15 am

    I have the Super G’s and Strides–after hearing your love for the Inspires I may just have to add these to my collection! I hope your family, friends, and loved ones all stay safe from the fires!!!

  41. Kelsey on November 12, 2018 at 8:21 am

    Great job!

  42. Karena on November 12, 2018 at 8:28 am

    I finally started wearing leggings, but they usually for for crap across my back or cost a fortune. Would be fun to put these to the test.

    RedCross.org for those wanting to help wildfire relief. Stay safe!

  43. Diane M on November 12, 2018 at 8:32 am

    I love your blog and video tutorials. I am inspired to make my own leggings and think I’ll take advantage of the sale today. Thank you!

  44. Shannon on November 12, 2018 at 8:33 am

    So cute… Now I need to decide inspire or super g or both??

  45. Connie on November 12, 2018 at 8:38 am

    They are so pretty, yet functional!

  46. Shauna on November 12, 2018 at 8:52 am

    I love that waistband pocket hack! All your makes are amazing!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:21 am

      Thank you- I love having a place to stash my phone where it can’t fall out!

  47. Wendy on November 12, 2018 at 8:57 am

    Always love seeing your creations and reading your blog.

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:21 am

      Thank you Wendy!

  48. Tami on November 12, 2018 at 9:02 am

    Just followed your blog. I love all your hacks. Thanks!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:21 am

      Yay- thank you so much!

  49. Denise Williams on November 12, 2018 at 9:06 am

    Oh these are great!!!

  50. Rachel Woiteshek on November 12, 2018 at 9:18 am

    These look great! ❤️ Love this week of favorites idea!

  51. Theresa j on November 12, 2018 at 9:22 am

    I love the back pocket hack

  52. Annette B on November 12, 2018 at 9:29 am

    I’m curious if the pattern goes to the ankle and if it is fitted for the calf. I couldn’t find a line drawing. Love the hacks!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:20 am

      Its very fitted all over, and yes, there is a cropped cut line, which would end just above the ankle, or a longer cut line if you prefer. Thank you for your compliment!

  53. Therese Larsson on November 12, 2018 at 9:32 am

    I love both sewing and training so I would love to sew my on trainingpants❤️

  54. Hope on November 12, 2018 at 9:42 am

    I love how you were able to make shi many different looking leggings from just one pattern. That’s very cool.

  55. Marg on November 12, 2018 at 9:45 am

    Great review and tutorial – I love your colour blocking choices. Definitely going to try these and thanks for the discount on the pattern and giveaway x

  56. Diane Cullum on November 12, 2018 at 10:13 am

    Wow, that’s a lot of Inspires! I love all of them!

  57. Lydia on November 12, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Perfect! This is my first visit to your blog.. love it!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:20 am

      I’m so glad you found it! Thank you for visiting!

  58. Ann on November 12, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Nice!!

  59. Danae Ethier on November 12, 2018 at 10:57 am

    I have had this pattern forever and never made it. I have no idea why. Thanks for the inspiration!

  60. Sharon on November 12, 2018 at 11:21 am

    I love these! You have shown so many options!

  61. Teri Leppo on November 12, 2018 at 11:24 am

    I love the gray & floral ones!

  62. Yuliya on November 12, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Love the black pair! And I usually don’t like black 😉

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:17 am

      Thank you!

  63. Tara on November 12, 2018 at 11:33 am

    Great give away and can’t wait to try this pattern!

  64. Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 11:35 am

    they’re cute! I need to make some more leggings for kettlebell workouts… butt coverage a must 😉

  65. Clare Carwardine on November 12, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I’d love a copy please.

  66. Clare Carwardine on November 12, 2018 at 11:50 am

    I would love to win this pattern please

  67. Clare on November 12, 2018 at 11:55 am

    I would love to make this and a free copy would be great.

  68. Shayne on November 12, 2018 at 11:55 am

    I hope the fires are out soon! Thank you for offering the giveaway in the midst of being uprooted from your home also. I have a question about the rise…where does mid-rise hit on the waist? Is it above or below or right at the belly button? Thanks again!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:19 am

      The rise on the Inspires are mid rise (about an inch or two below your BB) but I always swap the WB out for the stride waistband, which is high rise (just on my BB), which I prefer.

  69. Clare Carwardine on November 12, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    Great pattern would love to make these! Are they a good one for first timer using stretchy fabric?

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:17 am

      I think they would be GREAT for a first timer! Just make sure your fabric has the appropriate amount of stretch.

  70. Louise Schweinler on November 12, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    Would love to try these too

  71. Stephanie on November 12, 2018 at 12:04 pm

    I really need to buy this pattern and try it out, it has so many great options!

  72. Cherry Parker on November 12, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Love all things Greenstyle! Besides that your blog is always informative and awesome

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:17 am

      Thank you so much!

  73. Bev on November 12, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    I am just getting started making leggings. Greenstyle has been the best patterns I have found so far. Think I’m going to have to go buy me another pattern!

  74. Rose McDonald on November 12, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    I didn’t know there were so many hacks!

  75. Sarah Zimmerman on November 12, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    I recently found your blog and LOVE IT! I love to make activewear and have found it hard to find someone that executes it as well as you do! I’ve made so many running leggings in the past and they always sag, or are loose around my knee or ankle, so I’m very excited to try this pattern!! Thanks

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:16 am

      Thank you so much for the compliment about the blog! What fabric are you using? that can make a big difference as well.

  76. Bec Munro on November 12, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    I really enjoy your posts. And your photography skills are top shelf

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:16 am

      Thank you so much Bec!

  77. Kylie on November 12, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Thanks for sharing all your tips on making these. They’re definitely on my to-do list, especially after reading how comfortable they are for everyday wear. I work from home some days and need to find some comfortable things to wear that still look stylish if I pop out to the shops.

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:15 am

      Oh, yes, I live in these, and they are especially great if you don’t need to wear office clothes!

  78. Xuan on November 12, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    Inspire-ing blog! Love all the hacks you shared. Prayers for you and everyone affected by the Camp Fire!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:16 am

      Thank you so much for your prayers!

  79. Katy on November 12, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Love all these!

  80. Tracy on November 12, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Love all these!!

  81. Stella B on November 12, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    Love the look!!!

  82. Camilla on November 12, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    You’ve inspired me to try the pattern!!

  83. Samantha Hardcastle on November 12, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    It looks like a great pattern!

  84. Erica on November 12, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    I love all of these! You give great details that anyone can do it!

  85. Kelly on November 12, 2018 at 3:14 pm

    I love these! I may have to add them to my wish list of patterns. Stay safe!

  86. Suzanne on November 12, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    They look very cute, I love your top stitching.

  87. Fiona on November 12, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    Great leggins i would love to get my hands on that pattern

  88. Jenn on November 12, 2018 at 5:01 pm

    All your pairs are so cute! I’m mega-short and really should start making my own. How difficult is it to adjust the pattern to make these shorter… like A LOT shorter (think 25ish inch inseam for full length)?

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 7:17 pm

      Not hard at all! I would start with taking a couple inches off the crop length, in a couple places on the leg.

  89. Teresa on November 12, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    I love these. My daughter lives in leggings. I need to jump in and try these for here. Where do you get all of your amazing fabric for them?

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:14 am

      I like supplex, or athletic brushed poly. Fabric Fairy, Zenith and Quasar, So Sew English, etc all have great options.

  90. Liss on November 12, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Love the versions with the see thru mesh and a back pocket hack?! Mind blown!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      I love mesh inserts- they just make me feel like one of the cool kids!

  91. Shawn Kalback on November 12, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    Love all of your positive support for us inquiring newbies! Stay safe!

  92. Helena on November 12, 2018 at 6:54 pm

    It’s almost as if all of these lovely workout tights will create a need to plan for me exercise requiring the wear of them. 🙂 I already have the strides and the super gs but the inspires are also quite clearly on the list

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 7:16 pm

      That sounds like some solid logic to me 😉

  93. Kris Osmun on November 12, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    I’ve been thinking about a side seam leggings pattern, so I’m happy to hear you can make these without the insert!

    • Sarah on November 12, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      oh, yes they make a great basic!

  94. Diana Matlock on November 12, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    You make it so hard to try and save money for all the sales that will be happing this month! I appreciate your comparisons

  95. Christina on November 12, 2018 at 8:05 pm

    Oh, I still can’t decide which pattern! Maybe I’ll win one and then I’ll know

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:15 am

      Maybe!! Good luck!

  96. fenna on November 12, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    I haven’t tried any of the athletic leggings yet! Yours look great!

  97. Beata on November 12, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway! I haven’t dipped my toes into sewing activewear yet, but I dance 4 or more nights a week and I really need some new leggings to get me through! This pattern looks super versatile for making a whole wardrobe of different legging styles!!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:15 am

      oh wow- sounds like you really need some leggings! The Inspires would be a great place to start!

  98. Jenny Bowen on November 12, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    I am inspired with all of your Inspires! And rating for you and your friends and neighbours who are having to deal with these horrible fires.

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Thank you so much Jenny!

  99. Greer on November 13, 2018 at 4:26 am

    Feeling lucky! Your post does indeed inspire me

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:14 am

      Thank you!

  100. Chantelle on November 13, 2018 at 4:51 am

    Oh they look great.. just makes my decision harder as to what workout pants to make.. might be a case of buy them all

  101. Chantelle on November 13, 2018 at 4:54 am

    They look great.. but you’re making it harder to narrow down what leggings I need to buy I’m leaning towards buy them all I think that’s the only option to have all my bases covered with options galore

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:13 am

      Haha- Sorry about that! I do think its good to have options!

  102. Shelly Poche on November 13, 2018 at 5:27 am

    They look great!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:14 am

      Thank you!

  103. Jackie G on November 13, 2018 at 7:04 am

    You do beautiful work!! Keep inspire-ing (HAHA!) us!!

    • Sarah on November 15, 2018 at 7:13 am

      LOVE your sense of humor- just like mine!

  104. Kayla on November 13, 2018 at 10:50 am

    I really like the look of Strides, but I’ll go check your other post to see which one I should tackle first!

  105. Jenny on November 13, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    I have always wanted this pattern, you have convinced me! Nice work, they all look so fab!

  106. Nancy on November 14, 2018 at 12:56 am

    Hi Sarah – love all the leggings/yoga pants you have sewn and featured on your Blog. I am personally about to try sewing my first pair and would love to check out the Strides pattern

  107. Maryfrances on November 15, 2018 at 4:10 am

    This is the one legging pattern I do not have. I think I may need it now. LOVE!

  108. Jean on November 19, 2018 at 4:24 am

    I think you may have convinced me to give these a try as I need some new workout leggings.

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