About a week before I left for the expo, I was asked if I would fill in for a teacher who was ill and would not be able to teach. The class was on sewing with spandex. I wanted to have a few pieces to demonstrate, so I quickly made up a pair of tights. The pattern is from
Seamster Patterns and it is by far
the best tight pattern I have ever worked with!!! I am now a devoted make my own tights gal!
With the tights laying flat, you can actually see the shape of the body. The tights were designed to have feet, but directions are given for footless tights as well.
The seam runs along the top of the foot and joins to the body of the tight at the ankle. The seam disappears to a great degree, so it really isn't noticeable, unless you want it to be. You could use this as a design detail.
The back of the foot joins to a center back leg seam.
Please excuse the bathroom shot. I'm alone so I am relegated to taking my own picture. But I wanted you to see how well the tights fit.
The tights were designed to have feet for those of us who enjoy wearing tights or leggings and who live in a cold climate. I know I have wanted to wear my leggings in the winter, but what about my feet? I end up looking like a dork if I wear socks, and if I don't, then my feet are cold. Now I can make all the great and funky tights I want. I'll probably still look like a dork ;), but at least I won't be wearing socks with my leggings! The pattern is a PDF pattern, so you will need to download it, but there isn't a lot of taping. It's a great investment at $12.00. You can find the pattern here,
http://seamsterpatterns.com/product/rose-hip-tights-9701/
One note, be sure to use a fabric that stretches in the crosswise as well as the lengthwise grain. Remember, they are tights and you want a good fit around the body and you also want to be able to pull them up!
Happy tight making!!!
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Those are so great, Rhonda = they totally look like RTW == you did a super job. Are they: rayon knit, poly knit, pure spandex or a blend? It's getting more and more difficult to keep up with and try to determine project suitability with all the newish fabric compositions and designations .. in addition to the sheerness factor .. so many new blends .. ay yi yi LOL.
ReplyDeleteSewing With Nancy always ends her shows with Nancy's Corner. From Puyallup sewing expo this year the current show's episode dealt with a very good and familiar topic: the Mary Bridge pillowcase project. I know you'll enjoy it .. you were so awesome in your dedication and so unselfish for this worthy cause. Kudos to you!
Here's that Nancy's Corner segment:
http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/nancy%E2%80%99s-corner-%E2%80%93-jennifer-keltner-pillowcase-challenge
FYI ~~ here's the entire show with that segment at the end:
http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/magic-patterns-part-2
You're a constant inspiration .. thank you so much for all you share!
Hi Joy, I replied, but it went in as a new comment. Argh...computers!!! So it's below. Thanks again for the links!
DeleteHi Joy, thanks for the links. The pillowcase project seems like a million years ago. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric I used for my tights is all spandex, but it has an almost rubberized aspect to the little squares. If you like to wear tights, get the pattern. It's a great one!
I generally don't wear tights, but that looks like a great pattern. It really does look like the body when laid out flat. That's pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteA little creepy too ;) But, all joking aside, the tights are a fabulous fit. I've had them on all day and they have worn like a dream. Very comfortable.
DeleteGreat fit and fabric, Rhonda! Thank you for posting about this pattern - I believe I need it! I see it includes over the knee/thigh highs. The pattern comes in a great size range also.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the thigh high stockings and probably won't. Just personal preference. But I also like that she includes a low waist and a high waist version.
DeleteThese look super comfy an are a fabulous fit. I love the detail on your fabric. I have never really sewn with knits as I am a bit scared of them my poor overlocker never gets used. I wear tights a lot (it is cold here) so this looks like an excellent pattern to try out. xx
ReplyDeleteI sidn't use my overlocker to make these and I did it on purpose for the demonstration I did. I used a straight stitch and then set it to have a small zigzag feature. Works beautifully.
DeleteOh, I am so excited about this pattern, thank you. I need layers in the winter and the coordinated sock thing is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I do my knits too Rhonda- straight stitch with a small zigzag. It will be so nice to have tights that fit long legs!
ReplyDeleteI know you will, but be sure to do a test pattern with these. Now that we've met, you have an idea of how tall I am, 5'6. You are quite a bit taller, so I think you will need to adjust the length of the leg.
DeleteI've been wearing fewer dresses the past few winters because I get cold in them. Tights from stores tend to be thin and while that is a flattering look, I'm cold in them. Maybe I should try making a heavier pair in an interesting pattern. I have my eye on a wrap tunic that would be cut with a dark floral legging/tight. I'll let you know if I do the project. Thanks for the info, Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteI have this pattern, too. I got it at the end of last winter and I did make up a sample, but my fabric wasn't stretchy enough, so I backburnered it until it gets cold again. (It did sew up well, though!) What percentage of spandex did your fabric have?
ReplyDeleteHi Shams! I have no idea what the percentage of Spandex was with this fabric. I've had it for a while and I'm
Deletenot even sure where I bought it. So sorry.
Okay, that makes two patterns on my list of "Must buy's" from Seamster Patterns. Thank you for the review!
ReplyDelete