I never used to be much of a tracksuit person.  Then lockdown happened, along with working from home, and it continued to happen (we’re now on day 27 of our sixth lockdown).  So tracksuits have happened too.

I’ll start with the fabric. It’s a french terry and matching rib that I bought online from Super Cheap Fabrics. The inside loops are a bit brushed. I love the perfect colour match, but it’s a bit heftier than I anticipated. That said, it has sewed up nicely and has kept it’s shape through a few washings now.

Okay, to some of the pattern details. Maybe I’ll start with the hoodie. It’s the Mile End Sweatshirt, by Closet Core Patterns. My link takes you to the size 0 – 20 size range, and the pattern comes in a size 14 – 32 size range as well.

I sewed view C. From the pattern website: Part of our cozy yet stylish Montreal Lounge Collection, the Mile End Sweatshirt is a fresh, modern take on a classic wardrobe staple. With a slouchy, oversized fit, graphic style lines and clever details, it makes a true statement. View A is a classic crewneck sweatshirt with a band neckline. View B adds a fun twist by gathering the front band at the waist with a fabric tie. View C is a unique hoodie with a deep crossover neckline and a kangaroo pocket. All views feature a curved back yoke and a two-piece darted sleeve.

My main regret in sewing this hoodie is that the hood is not lined, and both the overlocking and the inside seam allowance show when it’s being worn. A lining would have fixed this, as would using a decorative tape to cover the overlocking and seams. Rather than going with my gut and changing this, I merrily followed the instructions. Dammit, I shouldn’t have.

This is a very roomy hoodie, but as designed it is also pretty cropped. I can’t remember what size I sewed, but it was possibly size 12. I do like the seaming details and have topstitched a few of them to highlight. I’d have done more topstitching but this was made when I was at Sewjourn back in May, and my sewing machine stopped working! I actually hand-cranked the wheel for hours to get it finished. My machine is fortunately now fixed – the brushes inside had completely worn through over many many years of use.

So, to the pants! The pattern is Style Arc Joni Knit Track Pant. It comes in their usual range of Australian sizes 4 – 30. I possibly sewed size 12.

From the pattern page: This is the new track pant shape featuring a slightly dropped crotch and angled leg seam. The rib elasticised waist band has a channelled cord threaded through the centre. The rib cuffs are lovely and deep to complete the designer look track pant. Joni can be made in all knit or knit & rib. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION Terry track fabric, any knit suitable for a track pant. Rib suitable for the cuffs and waist band.

I had been eyeing this pattern off for a while, and it didn’t disappoint. I left out the channelled cord through the centre of the waistband and just used wide elastic instead. I actually need to shorten the waistband elastic a little now that I’ve worn these pants. I’m pretty sure that I shortened the pattern pieces at the shorten/lengthen line before I cut these out.

I’m going to sew these again at some stage in a slightly lighter weight fabric. This french terry is pretty thick! That said, it’s comfy, and I especially like the long cuffs at the ankle. Style Arc do a few great casual track pant patterns. I’ve sewn the Brooklyn a couple of times now, and there is also the Shelby, the Sunday, and the new Ernie. There are some other knit pant patterns that are a bit more ‘dressy’ but look just as comfy as track pants, such as the Palermo, Besharl, Lucinda, Shaza, Sailor Sue, Anna, April and Como. Knit pants and elastic waists for the win! Style Arc also have the Laura Leggings, Becky Yoga Pant and Monica Pant for those who actually like to be more active in their activewear than I ever am.

On that note, I’ll get back to working out at my desk!