My Tried and True Sewing Patterns

While going through my stash this weekend, I realized that I have several tried and true sewing patterns. In no particular order:

1. KwikSew 2723. This envelope contains patterns for a sleeveless fitness top, fitness shorts (short and longer lengths) and fitness pants (one seam on the legs, plus the crotch). I have made all three of these patterns, and I have altered them for my body. I like the top because it's sleeveless and it features a Y-back, so the straps will not fall off my shoulder. As with all my fitness tops, I skip the bust-lining (built-on bra), as I will always wear a fitness bra underneath. I also lengthened the pattern by about 3 inches--I can 't stand having a bare midriff. I have made the tops from buttermilk fabrics, mesh, cotton. I use lingerie/picotee elastics instead of casings for the neckline and armholes--I find it much faster to sew. I have made the pants once--they were not a favorite. I think that they were too loose and shapeless. The shorts are my go-to pattern for fitness clothing--but I have lengthened them to capri length and ankle length. The shorts do not have side seams--they have front panel seams and an elastic waist. I made the shorts once, but I'm not really a shorts person. I think that that really like the design because there isn't a front crotch seam so I don't bet a camel toe when I wear them
2. Kwik Sew 3115. This pattern has been reviewed upteen million times on Pattern Review. make the yoga pants, which have a side seam, when I need a longer pair of dance pants. I've made these pants in cotton lycra and stretch velvet (luxurious!) . I have not had any success with the tops--I've made the camisole and the tank top several times . I can't get them to look good--I probably need to make a FBA, but right now it's easier to buy camisoles from Target or Costco and the Kwik Sew 2723 works for sleeveless tops.
3. Kwik Sew 3567. This is a close-fitting raglan sleeve top with side panels. When I need a fitness top with sleeves, I use this pattern. I use all sorts of stretch fabrics for this pattern: mesh, cotton lycra, rayon/poly lycra.
4. Burda 7970. My t-shirt pattern--when I need a top suitable for work, and I don't have time, I pull out this pattern. I have raised the neckline and have drafted an FBA. It fits well and I can make this pattern practically in my sleep.
5. Kwiksew 2527. I use the pattern for socks and the hat (view c). My apartment is very drafty and cold in the winter. I wear fleece socks and hats in the winter to keep warm at night. I can wear the fleece sock all winter (and surreptiously dust the floors) and toss them in the spring. If you head gets cold at night while you sleep, I recommend wearing a hat--it can make a real difference.
6. BWOF 09-2005-129. In my quest to create a TNT pants pattern, I have created a great draft for these pants. I've made 4 versions, including two that are now at Goodwill Industries. I have a comfy pair in dark grey corduroy, another pair in a grey cotton blend (with lycra) and another pair in denim. I don't have any with the fun seaming (those went to Goodwill), but I do consider this a tried and true pattern, as I would not hesitate to sew these again.
7. Jalie 2787. No, I'm not nursing. I like the criss cross top, and I like the tunic length.
8. BWOF 01-2008-116. This is a wrapover top that didn't make it into the Burda envelope patterns. I love it. I had to alter it to raise the neckline, and it has ridiculously long bands, but when I wear it, I feel like I'm being hugged.
9. BWOF 08-2006-104. This is a pullover top that I wear as a sweater. I have made this out of sweater knits, a patterned chenille, and a burnout velvet. It' s great--I can put it on over a t-shirt and it's a great new look. I think that it was available as a Burda envelope pattern, but it appears to have been dropped from the catalog. I had to scale this up from a size 44 and I was not able to raise the neckline. I'm very proud of this top, as it was one of the first Burda World of Fashion patterns that I ever made.