Testing Fehr Trade Patterns

Late last year I had the fun of being a pattern tester for Melissa's patterns.  It was a really busy time of year, and then I left for the summer shortly afterwards, so I didn't get to post these at the time of her pattern launch.  Better late than never...

Keep in mind that I was testing the pattern....so I did not use the prettiest of fabrics, just fabrics that I wouldn't mind if it didn't work out.

First up, the XYT workout top.

This top has 3 different back variations...all fun and on-trend.  While I was "out" over summer (that's what we say when people leave this town...did you get "out" at all?) I tried on quite a few running tops and bras, and came to the conclusion that they are generally over-priced and not as comfy or well fitting as the ones I make myself (one of the problems of being pear shaped...all the tops that fit at the bust roll up from the waist).  For that reason, it is great to have a pattern with some trendy details.

The top has a built in bra made of power mesh.  I had a bit of trouble with the mesh.  The power mesh that I use to make bras is very strong, and did not have the required stretch. Then I tried a mesh from Spotlight, but it has 2-way and not 4-way stretch, which is why my top has the pull marks above.  Without the built in bra, the top fits really well.  I will need to source a different mesh if I am going to try mesh again, but I think I will actually adapt the pattern to use the same knit fabric as the top.  I am not very busty, and I find cotton or supplex lycra supportive enough in some of my other tops.

Next, the PB Jam leggings.  I made these in a capri length.  The first version of this pattern had very long legs, so the mesh inserts at the back fall below my knee, but Melissa has changed the pattern so that the knees are higher up now.

The contrast panels are pretty sharp, and my family thinks I look faster when I wear these!  There is a inner pocket at the back which is big enough to hold a phone.

For more information on the patterns, go here.
To buy a copy of the patterns, go here. 

I will definite be making up these patterns again...at least a couple of times, so that I can try all the top variations!