Anne Whalley

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To Activewear or NOT Activewear ... that is the Question!

I'll blame it on the morning walks & COVID

Activewear Outfits

There is nothing like getting exercise to start my day and thinking time to plan it.

My outfits are perfect for the activity

Orange Microfleece Hoodie Vogue 1071 … added pouch pocket .. Note:Upper arms a bit tight

Vogue 1071

A few Versions of The SewHouse7 Raglan sleeve hoodie

My First Simplicity 8790 SewHouse7 Raglan sleeve Hoodie in a soft Ponte. Fabric Stretches both ways …the Start of my addiction to this pattern

Simplicity 8790 another version of SewHouse7 raglan sleeve hoodie … I wear this once a week

Simplicity 8790 Raglan Sleeve with front Pouch pocket … my personal favourite

My Exercise outfit recipe: comfortable, colourful, funky and fun

I meet people along my journey, stop for a coffee and chat and feel great in my exercise outfits.

Butterick 6690 Connie Crawford: I added the scooped hemline & I made size S even though it according to the size chart XL was my measurement. Measuring the paper pattern before cutting out saved the day and my Top! Beware …

I Used my Top & Sleeve Block/Sloper to draft this top … used the darts as per my block and didn’t add seam allowances at the side seams as I was using a stretch fabric … it feels great. I have an amazing special in my store for Pattern Drafter kits at the moment … only a few left! https://anne-whalley.squarespace.com/store/pattern-drafter

Wiksten Top Pattern …. I made smaller size as I used a stretch fabric … I used a favourite T shirt with a similar type of jersey as a reference to ensure I had the same amount of ease I love

Kwik Sew 2619 …added the scoops to the hemline and made the neck band not as wide. Happy about getting a summer T shirt with the leftover fabric too!

The exercise outfits work & I'm adding more options to enhance my exercise experience. I had a few Gaps in my Active Wear wardrobe and I'm happy with the style, fit and fabric choices of the new additions.

My Problem with feeling great in these new outfits, is I have been wearing my new exercise outfits to other places.

I didn't realise how much this was impacting my day.

Previous to COVID I would go to the Gym 3 days a week and change outfits at home. Now I'm exercising more and trying to squeeze more into my day .... by staying in the same outfit and wearing my exercise outfits to other non exercise places.

All I can say is, an experience I had a few weeks ago, revealed to me what I was missing out on.

Every time I wear this ‘Wrap and Go’ I meet sewing people. This coat attracts conversations about fabric and sewing. (fabric purchased from Mill End Store http://millendstore.com/ on a trip to Portland Oregon a couple of years ago)

This is how the story goes …

Wrap and Go Outfit

1. I'm at the coffee shop counter waiting to be attended

2. The man behind the counter asks me about my coat

3. I say I made it & it's my own pattern

4. He says he sews & so does his dad

5. His dad is a tailor and I have met him ... more sewing conversation ...

6. I order a large coffee and a small square Danish 4cm ... He offers to warm it slightly

7. I sit down at a table and the Danish arrives first, then a small cake fork. There is no way you could eat a small Danish with just a cake fork! I ask for a knife and the first knife he picks up is not shiny. He puts it down and chooses the next knife ...one that has been polished! Coffee arrives and he asks if I would like the Danish to be warmed up again!

The supermarket was next

1. I don't use a trolley, I carry my purchases in two reusable fabric bags ... when they are full that's it

2. The checkout line was long and my arms were stretched to the limit

My Wrap & Go -Woven wool fabric from Millend Store Portland Oregon

3. A voice called me from the 10 items or less checkout counter .... As soon as I got there 5 people appeared behind me in the line with their small purchases ... Awkward moment ... I stood back and asked if they'd like to go first ... I knew I had more than 20 items ... No they were happy to wait!

Have I been transported to an alternative World?

Wearing this outfit gave me these experiences.

I wasn't looking for this kind of attention ...

It was pouring rain and I just wanted to have a coffee and do some grocery shopping. I put on My Wrap and Go Coat and knew just where I could have a solo coffee and get some grocery shopping done at the same time. I got the Royal treatment and by the time I drove home I realised I felt like wearing my exercise outfits because they were my new makes. Hence my decision to make a new wardrobe for my 60's, using the fabric I've collected and curated over the years.

I want more days like the day I had yesterday.

When the outfit you choose to wear, actually does impact on the day you will have!

Why don’t you follow me on Instagram & Subscribe to my Blog and YouTube Channel …. I love Sharing my Sewing Adventures and Motivating Sewists to Sew up and Wear their Fabric!

If you have any questions about the patterns I’ve made in this post leave a comment

https://youtu.be/1mdDFyrGkCE

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