This month, the Sewcialist theme is polka dots – and I’ve got PLENTY in my stash! Somehow, though, I started with the cheapest quality knit first – perfect for trying out something new!
(Sorry this is blurry. I was dancing around too much for the camera to handle!)
This is the t-shirt version of the Comino Cap pattern. I’ve made it many times as a dress, but I’d never considered the tee until Malora IG’d a picture of her version. I googled for other versions, which quickly reminded me that more of my favourite Sewcialists have also made this pattern: Heather, Katie, Leila and Elizabeth! How could I not give the top version a go myself?
(Why yes, it DID make me giggle to create a collage where I look like a two-headed woman!)
My dress versions fits me very differently than anyone else’s… I guess I’m sewing a few sizes too big so the bodice drapes a bit at the waist instead of being snug? I like it as is, though. However, that did leave me wondering what size to sew the top. In the end I kept the shoulders the same size and added a bit of ease at the hips. It all fits nicely and I’ll definitely make more!
More excitingly though… I made scuba leggings!
These are 100% Sewcialist inspired as well. Seamstress Erin convinced me to give scuba a go, and Brooke IG’d a pic of awesome leggings in a similar print!
Now, there will be no close ups of my in leggings (because I don’t need that kind of traffic, thank you!) but trust me – they are great! The scuba material smoothes over bumps nicely, and the print makes for fun pyjamas.
Here are my thoughts on sewing with scuba for the first time:
- It’s nice to work with! Easy to sew, well behaved on both my serger and coverstitch.
- There is perhaps 30% stretch horizontally, and good recovery.
- It feels a lot like 70’s polyester to the touch – spongy, double layered – but it’s comfortable to wear and not sweaty (at least not in my cold apartment!) It’s not as warm as I hoped though. It felt like it might be more insulating!
- I added about an inch total to the circumference of each leg, compared to how I’d sew leggings in a cotton/rayon lycra knit. I think that was a good move.
- I rather obsessively ONLY sew leggings in 4-way knit. Because these are a 2 way, I should have added an inch to the legs and at least an inch to the rise, so that they stayed put when I sit.
If you haven’t tried scuba, I’d say it’s worth a go. I bought this locally, but there are tons of fun prints online. I enjoyed sewing both of these items because they used my TNTs, but in a slightly new way. My favourite kind of sewing!
Have you sewn with scuba? And are you going to sew some polka dots this month for the Sewcialist theme?
Crafting A Rainbow 
Nice top and leggings. I love the legging fabric and they look like a very nice fit. I have bought some scuba in a big brown/black/white splodge pattern to make a cowl necked top. it is very drapey. I also have a polka dot skirt that just needs lined for the January challenge. I have to say that polka dots rock! xx
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I love polka dots too! So cheerful – and so easy to mix with other prints!
I’m curious to see your cowl top! I bet the cowl will have great dramatic volume in scuba fabric!
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Cute pajamas! I bought some scuba knit recently but it wasn’t what I was expected. Not sure if I got something really cheap. I have to think about what to make with it.
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“Expecting”
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It’s a strange fabric, to be sure! I’ve only handled it a few times, so I’m not sure what kind of range there is, or even if I could tell good from bad! What are you thinking of making with yours?
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I didn’t even know you could find scuba fabric. Bizarre! And I love this outfit – both pieces fit very nicely but the combo is what makes it great. Such terrific pattern-matching. Almost as good as my fave combo – florals and stripes.
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It’s a strange fabric, because “scuba” makes me expect neoprene, and it’s really more like a fancy name for a poly double knit. I think you’d HATE it. (Although maybe in a pencil skirt you’d like it?) Have you seen any popping up in RTW?
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Adorable dots! Like K-Line above, I’m also impressed with the pattern matching/alignment. Great job! I’ve got some scuba for a skirt but I haven’t yet decided if I want a skirt from it IYKWIM, but everyone’s comments lately about scuba knit hiding lumps and bumps is pushing me over the edge.
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Pattern matching on leggings is easy, bc it’s only 2 pieces! I just cut one out and used it to cut out the second. I think scuba would make a great skirt (either pencil or flared). I’d definitely suggest cutting a bit more ease than you might with another knit… if it was tight, it would do no favours! I can’t quite tell if it’s the fabric or the print giving a smoothing effect on my leggings… .but I’m not about to find out by making a pair of solid leggings! I’ve got enough of those in my life already! 😉
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Hee hee. Although the matching on the leggings is fab, I actually meant the dots on the top … your neckband aligns with the body perfectly! And I’m not about to make leggings, period, with my thunder thighs. 😉
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Aha! That makes more sense! Truth: there was a sliver of dot showing on one side of the neckband so i sharpied it black! 😉
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Dots look good on you! I’m not a polka dot person 🙂 I do have a beautiful scuba ready to sew up. I find it intruiging but am at the same time not very excited about the 100% poly aspect. But it’s so cool to have another fabric type as an option, I hope they keep making it!
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I feel the same! Fascinated, but not quite in love. If it has 4way stretch, I’d be much happier!
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What a cute outfit! I like the way you’re mixing polka dots with the sorta Nordic-inspired leggings. I’ve never sewed with scuba fabric as I don’t wear a lot of fitted knits, but it seems like it would be fun to sew with! I’m a hater of polka dots on myself, but you’ve reminded me that I have a cut of dotted jersey hanging out for my sister. Let’s see if I can’t sew that up before January’s over!
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What are you planning on making for your sister? Hope it’s something quick and easy! 🙂
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Maybe a Plantain? I have tried the Renfrew and the Briar for her but not that yet!
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Plantains are good! And so easy to sew for other people, I’d think, since you only really have to fit the shoulders! 😉
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I have a polka-dot top all cut out, except I forgot that the Marfy pattern does not include seam allowances. Which will make this an … interesting make. But I have to break the back of this marking first, and then do *something* about the bookcase of shame.
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And I hit post before I said how awesome those leggings are. Excellent print matching skilz!
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That’s what you get for sewing with fancy patterns! (Why is it that in my head, Marfy is the fanciest of all pattern companies?) 😛 Hope it works out ok!
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Love the two-headed Gillian! haha and your outfit is awesome.
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Both of my heads say “Thank you!”
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I love the outfit! And thank you for sharing the construction notes on using scuba – I’ve seen scuba everywhere lately so am very interested in reading what you had to say 🙂
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I”m glad it was helpful! I’m always so curious about new fabric types when they suddenly become popular. I think scuba is good for very specific things (volume, for one) but I’d take a good ponte print anyday.
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Great outfit, the polka dots go so well with the scuba print. I never thought you could do leggings with scuba fabric, but they look awesome!!
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Thank you! The scuba works suprisingly well as leggings! Although I’m not sure if the smount of stretch is consistent in all scubas… the nice thing is that the knees don’t bag out over the course of the day, which often happens for me with ponte leggings or pants.
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Both these pieces are so cute! I love that scuba print. Thanks for sharing your tips!
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Thanks! It was fun to experiment with scuba!
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Great scuba tips thanks! Love the polka dot t / theme, will have to go hunting in my personal stash.
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Yes! Polka dots for everyone! (Which reminds me, I’d better actually upload my polkadot top to the Sewcialist Flickr group…)
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I LOVE THOSE LEGGINGS! Where did you get the fabric? /must have it
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I am so curious about the scuba fabrics! I’ve seen them around, but have yet to buy any. I just haven’t been able to figure out what to make with them. I’m thinking pencil skirt at some point. Such fun pieces, and I have a huge weakness for polka dots!
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I love your polka dot top,it looks like it fits really well and the leggings came out really nice. How do you launder them?
I just purchased a scuba dress last minute for an event and I definitely want to purchase some. My local store sells a few colors but I have been having a hard time find prints online. However, I might be search under the wrong word (neoprene). It’s amazing how the fabric is so smooth over the body, tho I should have know since I own a wetsuit.
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Thank Trice! I *think* scuba and neoprene might be a bit different? The scuba I have is only as thick as a ponte or double knit, whereas the wetsuits I’m used to are more like 1/4″ thick. How thick is your RTW dress? I think if you have a serach for scuba you’ll find lots of prints online, if the thinner stuff is what you are looking for. 🙂
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This outfit makes me smile! Love the top and the leggings!!
I’ve only sewn with scuba once and I really liked it. It’s such a stable knit and easy to work with!
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It was really easy to sew! I wonder how it will last over time? Well, hopefully!
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Looks good! I’m going to have to pass on the theme this month, since the only polka-dot fabric I have is a woven and I’m trying very hard not to buy new fabrics for myself right now. I’ve never sewn with scuba fabric, but it is something I’d like to try at some point!
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Cute makes Gillian. I love the montage of photos towards the bottom of the post.
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Ooh, I love the fun print leggings! And yay for the polka dots! I think I’ll have to remember your fun poses for the next time I’m taking garment pictures. I always look so awkward when I use the self-timer… 😉
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I put on music and was dancing around for these, which resulted in a lot of blurry pics!
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