The Avery Leggings : : A Helen’s Closet Pattern : : And Some Olympic Love

Avery Leggings, Helen's Closet, A Colourful Canvas, Vancouver Sewing Blogger

Why hello Avery Leggings.

Why hello 2018 Winter Olympics.

Timely this…Helen’s Closet’s latest release and the world’s most watched sporting event.

Okay, stating the obvious here….I am not an Olympic caliber athlete. By definition I’m not even an athlete.

 ath*lete noun a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.

Physical exercise…sports…is, for me, hard work. Coordination, communication, commitment, strength, endurance, speed. All at the same time? And then there’s the competitive aspect…all of the above plus a drive to be, not just better, but best. I was in competitive gymnastics. Briefly.  It wasn’t quick enough that we acknowledged that I was not competitive by nature.

While I may not have the abilities or resolve of an athlete, I do have the desire to move my body. Yoga, walking, and rebounding may not be sports but when I actually do them I feel better physically and mentally.

And when that resolve weakens, as it does, there are two surefire ways to get me moving again. Watching the Olympic Games and wearing new workout wear.  Now looky dat….this year I gotta it all going on…the games and the gear.

Avery Leggings, Helen's Closet, A Colourful Canvas, Vancouver Sewing Blog

All righty…as I haven’t yet mentioned, I was a pattern tester for Helen’s newest pattern, The Avery Leggings. Let’s get to some details:

I made View A…the line drawing on the left…ankle length leggings with a mid-rise waist. The pattern is drafted for a 5’6″ body…I shortened the legs 3″ and the rise 1″.  I love that the overall silhouette of this pattern is minimal….a single seam at the inner leg and a small crotch gusset.  My favourite detail is the double layer waistband with hidden elastic.  And that waistband? I learnt a new method for attaching the facing so it stays on the inside. Please note: the final version of The Avery Leggings does not include the zig-zag stitching at the top of the band.

Avery Leggings, Helen's Closet, A Colourful Canvas, Vancouver Sewing Blog

For my test make I used technical fabric developed for yoga pants…and seriously…the combination of Helen’s design skills and this fabric makes me feel more than a little bit athletic when I wear them.

I’ve also put the sleek design aesthetic to the test and sewed a second pair out of stretch jersey….pretty much my dream tights…for wearing under tunics or dresses.

Avery Leggings, Helen's Closet, A Colourful Canvas, Vancouver Sewing Blog

Okay…not much to add except that if you are on the fence about sewing knits, fear not. Helen’s instructions are solid.

If you’re looking for me…I’ll be the warrior wearing my Avery Leggings and my Vancouver 2010 Olympic Hoodie every day for the next few weeks. Go Canada Go.

Wearing:

Avery Leggings : :  Helen’s Closet

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Hoodie : : HBC Canada

16 Comments

  • Reply Suzanne February 5, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    Look at you hottie! You look fantastic!

    Kudos to you for wearing pastel leggings. Only fearless people can do that. This is the one occasion in my life where I almost always choose black or navy.

    I failed my wrap skirt dress in grade 8 Home Ec. I really couldn’t even imagine considering making something like this. You always make it look and sound so easy.

    Suzanne

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Hahaha…you know…I didn’t even think of that at the time. But it’s true…if I had this awesome fabric in a dark colour, I would totally have chosen it to sew up into leggings. Fortunately, I work out at home so no one else need ever see me! 🙂 Well…except for the range of the Internet, LOL.

  • Reply Avery Leggings Tester Roundup – Helen's Closet February 6, 2018 at 7:12 am

    […] A Colourful Canvas  |  @acolourfulcanvas “My Avery Leggings are filling a wardrobe gap perfectly. For yoga, […]

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Great to see the round-up of tester makes on your blog Helen.

  • Reply Sew Sarah Smith February 6, 2018 at 8:05 am

    We’re leggings twins! Love yours Sue! Xx

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Yaaasssh! Must pop over to your blog because I don’t think my comment posted yesterday. Will check now.

  • Reply Priscilla Bettis February 6, 2018 at 8:07 am

    Wonderful fit, fun colour! Knits ARE scary to me. I tend to avoid them. Would love to see the stretch jersey version., too!

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:37 am

      Thanks Priscilla! YES! Knits are scary. But with proper instruction, it really does become much easier to work with stretchy fabrics! This pattern will have your back. I had hoped to post pics of my second iteration but it got dark before we had a chance. SOON!

  • Reply Nancy Baten February 6, 2018 at 8:45 am

    Fantastic leggings and what a great colour!

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:38 am

      Thanks Nancy! I love the colour too. I’ve made this up in a short version years ago…had a cute top to go with, but that top is too small now. WAH

  • Reply Louisa February 6, 2018 at 9:02 am

    Adorable as always, Sue! I saw this pattern debut and bought it instantly – even though I already have a TNT leggings pattern. Everyone who made them looks fabulous in them! I was so happy to see the higher waist since that style is more comfortable for my body. Can’t wait to make my own version. No athletics necessary!

    • Reply Sue February 6, 2018 at 10:40 am

      OH COOL Louisa! Isn’t it great seeing how well the pattern works on all the different body types!

      The waistband is really comfortable. I can wear my tights all day without any clothing marks on my body and without having to hitch them up several times. Keep me posted about your fabric choices. I need more of these in my wardrobe!

  • Reply Sherry - Petite Over 40 February 6, 2018 at 11:09 am

    You’ve given me something to work towards, Sue! Knits are a bit daunting to me at the moment and, as you know, I have some other projects I need to get through before I have what it takes to tackle something so fab as these leggings. But you inspire me! I really love that color! They look amazing on you. Like others, I’d love to see your other pair as well.

    Hugs,
    Sherry

  • Reply Sheila (of Ephemera) February 6, 2018 at 5:32 pm

    Looking fabulous there in your aqua leggings, Sue! Go, Team Canada!

  • Reply Melanie February 7, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    Whoa, you have an Olympian physique in these! Awesome photos, Sue. And I love the aqua with the red. Pow. Helen must be really happy with how these came out too. I think about that song Let’s Get Physical when I see the pastel. Excellent!!

    Olympics fan? Nah. But I watched the new Tonya Harding movie.

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion February 11, 2018 at 5:18 am

    You dare devil.. showing yourself in such revealing leggings. What can I say but “nice bum you have”. Sorry, I just had to say it, as that was my first thought. I know that stitching a stretchy fabric is hell, so I admire you even more.
    Greetje

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