DIY Hack: Simplicity 9150
Hi everyone! I hope all is well. I have news, I have decided to restart my fitness journey, and I have been so sedentary since this pandemic has started that I fear falling back in my old ways. However, I plan to take steps to keep myself motivated, as I need to take care of my body, from the inside out. I am done making excuses, and ready to make changes (wow, that sentence sounded like something form a weight loss infomercial.) Well, I figured that a great way to stay motivated is to create fun athletic wear that may inspire me to get up and start moving. I mean, if I have to work out, I can at least do it in something cute right? The athletic outfit that I am sharing with you all today is just what I needed to get my workout mojo working.
Fabric Used
For this project, I used a Santa Maria Abstracta Swim/Performance Wear Knit from LA Finch Fabrics. This fabric is a premium quality swim/performance wear knit! with a Slight sheen. It is 82% nylon and 18% spandex. It also has a width of 57″/58.” This fabric is smooth to the touch and also has quite a bit of drape to it. It is also lightweight, but opaque. What drew me to this fabric is the geometric print, It is very unique and colorful.
Pattern Used/Size Cut
I used Simplicity 9150 by Mimi G. It is a jumpsuit with wrap front & self-tie with a pull-on knit mini skirt. As with most Simplicity patterns, I had to adjust the sizes. My bust is 36″, waist is 30″, and my hip is 38.” Per the envelope, I was instructed to cut a size 16, however, I cut a size 10 as it is the size that fits best. For the length, I cut a size 12 length for my 5’3″ frame. Other than the normal sizing issue, the pattern is wonderful.
Modifications
This the fun part, because I get to share with you how I hacked this pattern. Thought I love the design of the pattern, I did not want my stomach out. Therefore, I decided to switch the front and the back. Yes, you read that correctly, the front is now the back, and the back is now the front.
The back pattern piece is one whole pattern piece. I wanted to make the back piece the front piece, and the back piece the front piece. These are the steps I took to do so.
I laid out pattern drafting paper on my cutting table.
Next I laid the back pattern piece onto the drafting paper, and then I laid the front pattern pieces on top of it.
I then drew new lines for the new front piece onto the pattern paper by tracing it from the original front pieces that is on the top. As you can see by the photo above, I also shortened the neckline for the new front. I did not want the front neckline to dip as low as it does in the back. We do not want any peek-a-boo accidents, Lol.
So that I do not cut my pattern pieces, I used a tracing wheel to trace the new front pattern piece onto the drafting paper, and then I cut my new front piece out.
I did the same thing for the new back pieces, except, I traced the new back pants line by laying the front pants on to the original back pants portion. I lined it up evenly, and traced it to make a new back pants piece.
For the new back bodice, I did not traced any new lines like I did for the new front piece. I cut the original front bodice separately by using the tracing wheel to make new lines on the drafting paper. Remember that by the end, the wrap bodice should be in the back and the back piece will now be in the front.
Once you cut your pieces, then you can cut your fabric and follow the instructions on the pattern to finish your garment. Just make sure that you use the instructions for the back on the front and vice-versa.
These two side by side photos are of the pieces laying on top of the originals so that you can see how they line up just right with the original pieces they were modified from. Continue below so that you can see the new pattern pieces side by side with their originals.
The new front piece next to the original front pattern pieces.
The new back pieces next to the original back pattern pieces.
Final Thoughts
Simplicity 9150 is for those who not only want comfortable, self made athletic or athleisure wear, but also want it to be stylish and modern. I absolutely love this pattern, and when I feel more comfortable showing my midriff, I will definitely make it the way it was intended. However, for now I will continue having fun hacking it. I must also mention that I love that there is a skirt option in the pattern. I think that it would be very cute to pair the bodice with the skirt for a fun day out look or use a more dressy fabric to create a night time look. I think I feel another idea for this pattern coming on. Stay tuned. Do you guys see the cute headband that I made with the fabric scraps? With fabric this fabulous, you must make the most of it.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that this blog was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Comment below and let me know your thoughts or questions. Also, please make sure to subscribe to my blog.
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