Christina asked which pattern I used for the hot pants. Well it’s from a book, the Kwik Sew’s Swim and action wear to be more precise. This is a book that keeps on giving even though the styles are dated (but I’m sure some are definitely coming back!).
The book contains instructions, full size patterns and ideas for everything from bikinis to leggings. I originally bought it for the swimwear patterns, but these days I own both a bathing suit and a bikini that I love, so I have no pressing needs to make my own.
But the pattern that I keep on using is the leggings/shorts pattern. The hot pants was based on the short version but I lowered the leg a tad bit plus added some width since the sequin knits was less stretchy than lycra fabrics (the patterns in the book are for fabrics with at least 75% stretch). I have done the workout top pattern too, but find the sleeves to be too wide for my preference, plus the pattern is only for a mid riff top, super trendy right now, but I would have loved a hip length version too.
Even though some styles are dated, the patterns in this book are a good starting point for modifications and the very thorough instructions are invaluable if you want to learn the basics on how to make active wear in stretchy fabrics. Perhaps this book is out of print, but I think it could be worth tracking down.
