Nike Dri-Fit "Yoga Pant"

Can you believe Christmas has come and gone, and we are on the cusp of a new year?  A lot of bloggers look back at what they have made in the last year, but I'm feeling more like looking forward right now, and setting a few goals sewing wise.  I have a couple more 2012 made things to talk about yet, and here is one that has become a favorite or TNT if you will.

It's been getting a bit chilly here, in fact it was about 40*F here this morning.  (I know, small potatoes for those of you who live where it's reallllllly cold.)  I needed some warm exercise pants for outdoor activities, walking the dog, or just hanging out in my cold house. My sewing room is the coldest room in the house!

I looked through my pattern stash thinking I may try a new pattern, but I ended up going with Silhouette Patterns #3400 Three Piece Yoga Pant,  which I have made twice before.  This time I  modified the waistband.  More on that below.

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I had purchased some Nike Dri-Fit Brush Back yardage from (speaking of cold climes) Dawn at Two On, Two Off a while back.  It is luscious fabric, so soft and cozy on one side (inside) and a matte stretch lycra on the other. I think she still has some up on her Etsy shop, which is linked from her blog. Let me just tell you, this fabric makes the yummiest, most comfortable clothes.

A little look back:

First pair of SP Yoga Pants made in November 2011
I made these in a 14W using technical fabric from Hancock's.  I did not show a full shot on the blog post, because they were rather snug and unkindly revealing.  I never wore these much, but kept them hanging in my closet.

Second pair of SP Yoga Pants made in November 2011
Before I made this pair, I studied the pattern measurements/proportions a bit, which I discussed in the post, and decided to go with a regular size 14 waist, grading out to a regular size 18 at the hip and below, which made for a nice wide leg.  These fit really well, and I wore them often.

Fast Forward:

A year later, I am 20 pounds lighter (all sweat and tears!) and needed to revisit the size issue.  I had a trying on session, during which my daughter took some cell phone pictures.

Pair #2 Front

Pair #2 Back

Pair #2 Back

Clearly, Pair # 2 are now too big, so I checked out Pair #1, the straight 14W.

Pair #1Front

Pair #1 Back (almost TMI!)

Another back shot indicating top of waistband.

 Clearly, the first pair, the straight 14W, fits fine now, and the second pair are too big.  I really like the narrower leg on this pair.  Instead of reinventing the wheel, I used the same pattern in a 14W to make my Nike Dri-Fit pants.

I made my own waistband, similar to what Dawn did here, just a little wider, and higher riding.  The next two pictures show the waistband unfolded.  I cut this on the cross grain, about 4 - 5 inches smaller than my waist.

Side view, in the midst of UFO's and the ironing pile!

 These night time indoor cell phone pics are really lousy.  I will try to get some better outdoor shots to post.

The Nike Dri-Fit Brush Back is really fabulous fabric.  I highly recommend it!  The Silhouette Patterns Yoga Pant is a keeper also, and comes in quite a range of sizes.

I hope to make it back later today or tomorrow with one more 2012 make, a rather new category for me, so until then, happy sewing!

Andrea