Friday, May 06, 2011

Performance Fabric




In August of 2009, I bought an length of "performance fabric" from Fabric.com
It is called Dryflex. 90% polyester, 10% lycra. It is print on one side and solid on the other. I bought it to make a tank top, just to see how it would work. The website said that it was breathable and moisture wicking, so I wanted to give it a try. 6977 At first, I had trouble getting my machine not to skip stitches (good thing I tried on a sample first.) I changed to a #10 jersey ball point needle and a narrow zigzag, and that worked perfectly.
The shirt pattern is New Look 6977. I have made this top before and it is pretty easy. What I like about it is that it has raglan sleeves that just cover the shoulder but are still as cool as a sleeveless top.

The neckline has a separate band that is stitched on and is gathered in the front with clear elastic. I couldn't find my clear elastic, so I cut an elastic hanger out of a cardigan and used it!
























I finished the seams with the serger and did the hems with the coverstitch machine.






















I never thought I'd be a fan of one seam pants, but I have to say, I've been loving these. I'll be glad when the weather cools down next week so that I can wear them one day. It was 96 yesterday and probably that again today.

6 comments:

Marie said...

Cute cute cute!

Alexandra said...

Very pretty top! And 96F? I am envious - we just finally got to where temps over 60F last more than an hour/day.

Lori said...

What a pretty top, I like the sleeves, too.

Sherril said...

Now those are some instant gratification garments and they look great too. We're supposed to be having a cool down so I'm sure you will too. I'm not ready for the triple digits we had this week.

Teddylyn said...

Very nice top! The finishing cover stitch looks great too!

Lynda in LV

Dana said...

Looks like a great summer top!