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Friday 1 August 2014

Fehr Trade XYT Workout Tops

It's interesting that several of you commented that you had real problems fitting the Kay Unger Vogue dress from my last post, I assume in the bust area - perhaps it only works easily on certain body types?  Maybe stretch fabric really helped me?  I am certainly no master at fitting and am from the fit as you go school although I have learnt over the years when to add extra at deep necklines, surplice bodices and the hips on pretty much anything.  I only ever do a muslin if I am using some precious fabric or trying out a style that I am unsure of - usually some mad Burda creation that I get strangely drawn to!

As part of my goal of making my own workout clothes, I also picked up this Fehr Trade XYT workout top pattern which comes with a built in power mesh bra layer and 3 back variations.

Fehr Trade XYT


I have never had much luck with tops with built in bras in RTW, being a brasize 34d, they are ok for loungewear, but I wouldn't dream of doing anything remotely active in them.  The pattern instructions do say that it is designed for an A or B cup and that if you are larger you can either do an FBA on the mesh pieces or leave them out altogether and just wear a regular sports bra underneath.  I might go back and experiment one day because I really should be able to get a better result making my own than RTW, but for this go round I went with the latter option.  (Coincidentally since drafting this, a post on common XYT adjustments has just gone up on Fehr Trade  - see here for more details).  

I made 3 versions of the X back, but modified it to fill in the cutout at the centre back (so it would cover my sports bras although I just bought some in funky colours and I like the layered look I see on other people so next time I may try the other styles).  In fact on 2 of them I joined the upper and lower back together since I wasn't using a contrast or the mesh layer, overlapping the seam allowances and cut them as one piece.  So that's another variation you could do.  

Front view
Back view

Binding made from plain black lycra fabric
I played around with different edge finishes as well and used fabric binding instead of elastic as I liked the look so much on the VNA top - I wasn't very smart about this on the first go round (the polka dot one) and should have trimmed off the seam allowance on the neck and armscye first, so my shoulder straps are wider and my neckline higher than they are supposed to be.  As I say this is all a learning process!


These colours are actually navy/white & grey, love these fabrics together and will probably put them together for a VNA top
I added a couple of inches at the hem for a bit more coverage.  I used size M which is not as close fitting as the tops on the pattern envelope, but since I intend to wear them with a sports bra and I don't want it too tight fitting this is ideal for now.


Hmm will wear this with a different sports bra next time!
As with the VNA top, the instructions are really good and this top goes together fast, especially without the mesh layer.  It doesn't use much fabric, actually it will be great for using up leftovers and thinking of fun fabric combinations.  

9 comments:

  1. Great workout tops, I especially like the fabric of the first one. I would do the same as you and omit the built-in bra. I need the support of a firm sports bra.

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  2. Nice fabrics for these tops. Looks like you a getting a good fit.

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  3. I love this patter so it is great to see what everyone is doing with it. Your tops look great - I am sure you will enjoy wearing them.Even if you aren't enjoying the exercise you will know you look great!

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  4. Hi Allison. Keep the same sports bra that pokes out. I see this all the time and you can coordinate colours on a whole other level.
    You're work is looking very professional. Great fit.

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  5. Good fit and I love the fabrics.

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  6. I have and recognize your sports bra! I also really like Under Armour sports bras. They go up to DD. When I used to get them at 50 percent off through my old job. I LOVE your tops and the color compbos are terrific. I have this pattern and will definitely be using it. But, I can't imagine not wearing a sports bra too.

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  7. I love your workout tops! I like them with the fabric binding as well.

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  8. Great workout tops and love the combination of the black and white fabrics.

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  9. I love, love, love the heart version of the XYT top. Heck, I love all of them. How fun!! Don't you just love wearing that top? I do. I need to make another.

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