Lime running jacket, mittens & hat
5 January 2010, 22:19I really really liked this fleece jacket, KnipMode 12/2008 #21, ever since the issue came out, and I’ve been waiting for the right time to grab some bright fleece and make it ever since.
It uses lycra edging tape (which Pennine Outdoor thoughtfully stock in addition to all the right high quality fleeces and chunky zips!) to bind the sleeve and neck edges as well as act like a sort of piping-without-the-pipe along the princess seams and that top yoke edge.
Here’s some detail shots of the neckline and the pocket. Luckily, this is one of the selected patterns in this issue to have big, blown up diagrams of about half the steps involved, which made this an even easier pattern than I was expecting!
The pockets are nice and deep, the fit is great, and the high neckline means I don’t have to worry about a scarf or anything. In fact, the only thing I’d change here is to stretch the sleeve binding next time, as I kept it 1:1 with the sleeve edge here and it gets a bit drafty if I’m not wearing my mittens.
And then, since I had a bit extra, I decided to make it an entire cold weather running ensemble and make some mittens and hat to go along with the jacket and use up the fleece scraps. For the first set of mittens (left) I used BurdaStyle’s Elana pattern (which I first used last winter), and for the second (on the right) I tried the Purl Bee’s mitten pattern, though with purchased cuffing since I don’t knit.
The two patterns are quite different in the way they treat the thumb – in BurdaStyle’s there’s a two part thumb which has to be stitched into a round hole in the palm piece, and it’s really frustratingly tricky to get right, especially since there’s a 5/8” seam allowance there. On the Purl Bee’s, there’s a horizontal seam running across the palm that goes up over the thumb which makes it so much easier to sew, and their 1/2” seam allowance really makes more sense for something as small as this anyway. And theirs is free.
But I do really, really like the hat that’s included in BurdaStyle’s Elana pattern, snug fitting and long enough to cover my cold ears!
I was planning on sewing all this up for Pattern Review’s Activewear contest but I just couldn’t wait and sewed this up in December instead, so it’s ineligible. I’m just waiting for the go ahead from my doctors and I’ll be out the door with my running shoes like a shot!
Tags: burda-style, fleece, hat, jacket, knipmode
The colour is great. You’re work is really neat. I wouldn’t have waited for PR contest when you really need something as nice as this.
— velosewer Jan 5, 10:42 PM #
So is the theory that if you sew workout clothes, you’ll then workout? If that’s true, I might have to put this on my list! ;)
You’re running outfit looks great!
— Elizabeth Jan 5, 11:16 PM #
Oh, you look so cute and cozy! I love it!
— Shannon Jan 6, 01:30 AM #
That is so darn cute….makes me want to run.
— Idunna Jan 6, 03:52 AM #
Oh wow, what a cool ensemble. So many of the things you sew are just what I’d love to make. Activewear is on my very long wishlist but I have tons to learn and master first.
By the way www.profabrics.co.uk also have a great range of technical fabrics and accessories. I’ve bought a few remnant bags from them which give a huge variety although I’m not sure how many of the remnants are big enough to make clothing.
— Rachel Jan 6, 01:25 PM #
Great ensemble in a fabulous colour. My daughter is trying to get me to sign up for a 5km run (at present I couldnt run for a bus!) With an outfit like that I might be persuaded to try.
— Kim Hood Jan 6, 04:01 PM #
Wonderful ensemble you’ve got there! I love the contrast trim too.
— Nancy k Jan 6, 06:03 PM #
That is such a cute “outdorrsey” outfit. Looks like you should be in a ski lodge!
— gwen Jan 7, 12:15 AM #
That looks amazing, comfy, warm and functional! This looks better than anything I’ve seen in sports stores.
I’m glad you’re feeling ready to run again and hope the doctors will let you soon – know how much that is a part of you!
Here’s to a very Happy New Year to you, Melissa :)
— Isabelle Jan 7, 09:47 AM #
Great pattern – the pockets are fab! hope you get the go ahead from the docs soon
— racheljm Jan 7, 10:33 AM #
Thanks for doing the mitten compare! Design really makes a difference. As someone who loves to work out, I am hoping your doc clears you soon!!!! I’m sure you’re going crazy waiting for it.
— The Slapdash Sewist Jan 7, 05:28 PM #
Love the running gear!!
— Sara Jan 7, 07:42 PM #
Great color and perfect with the piping. Hope you may use it running soon.
— Sigrid Jan 8, 09:57 AM #
I really love the lines on this. Sadly, no need for this kind of oufit here. And the Burda one you posted previously is just too cute!
Slightly OT but would you mind telling me how many Knips you own happen to have Petite patterns in them? I have only the Oct 09 (?) one but have been subscribing for 18 mos or so. TIA
— Lakaribane Jan 8, 09:27 PM #