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Melissa Fehr
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Sew Your Own Activewear: Make a Unique Sportswear Wardrobe from Four Basic Sewing Blocks Kindle Edition

by Melissa Fehr (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

A sewing expert and marathon runner offers sewing patterns and blocks, as well as step-by-step instructions to help you create your own amazing activewear.

Make your own unique activewear sewing wardrobe that’s perfect for your workout. Choose from thirteen different styles including yoga pants, crops top and running leggings designed by activewear sewing expert, and marathon runner, Melissa Fehr.

Whether you’re a runner, a cyclist or a gym bunny, or you’re simply looking for the perfect pair of slouchy leggings for elegant lounging, this collection of sewing patterns is for you.

Learn all about how to choose the correct fabric for activewear sewing and discover expert tips on working with performance fabrics like Lycra and spandex. Before you know it, you’ll have a truly unique workout wardrobe to wear while you work up a sweat!

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  1. Print length
    446 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    David & Charles
  4. Publication date
    January 29, 2018
  5. File size
    46.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melissa Fehr is a pattern designer, marathon runner, sewing magazine contributor and blogger with over 10 years' experience in the activewear sewing pattern market. She worked on the last three series of the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee and she's a regular contributor to US sewing magazines Threads and Seamwork.

Melissa relocated from the US to UK where she now lives in a houseboat on the Thames. She recently completed the London marathon in 3.5 hours!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079PLGN1D
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ David & Charles (January 29, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 29, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 46.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

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Melissa Fehr

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
121 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book excellent for creating activewear, with comprehensive information and terrific designs. Moreover, the content is well-written and easy to follow, with one customer noting it makes alterations and modifications much easier. However, the pattern accuracy receives mixed feedback, with one customer mentioning issues with size inclusivity.

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8 customers mention "Book content"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent for sewing activewear, with one customer noting it contains all the necessary information for creating clothes.

"Melissa- thanks for a fabulous book. I’ve started on the active jacket and plan to make other items as well...." Read more

"This book is great for learning how to sew activewear and to customize your own clothing, with tips for resizing, changing zipper and seam placement..." Read more

"Well written and illustrated book. Very good book for sewing activewear" Read more

"This book has all the information you'll need for creating your own activewear clothes...." Read more

7 customers mention "Design"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's designs and illustrations, with one customer noting the helpful photos and another mentioning the included patterns.

"...The book has many helpful photos and illustrations. I like the concept of blocks...." Read more

"This book is great for learning how to sew activewear and to customize your own clothing, with tips for resizing, changing zipper and seam placement..." Read more

"...This book will also give you the skills to design your own patterns too." Read more

"Well written and illustrated book. Very good book for sewing activewear" Read more

7 customers mention "Information content"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's information content amazing, with one customer describing it as really comprehensive.

"The book has lots of information on how to modify its 4 basic patterns to fit different bodies...." Read more

"A really comprehensive and flexible guide to sewing activewear...." Read more

"Informational and interesting. The patterns are not size inclusive." Read more

"...Is some good information in the book that can be found elsewhere on the internet or in other books. The draft your own patterns are nothing special...." Read more

3 customers mention "Content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content positive, with one noting it is well written.

"Well written and illustrated book. Very good book for sewing activewear" Read more

"The but is kinda bland and basic, but an ok read...." Read more

"Content is Ok, but Kindle version does not include the PDFs to the parterns...." Read more

3 customers mention "Ease of use"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to follow and understand, with one mentioning that it makes alterations and modifications much easier.

"...I made a top out of it and the book was very easy to follow and understand. Gave me courage to try more modifications!" Read more

"...I like the concept of blocks. It will definitely make alterations and modifications much easier." Read more

"Excellent, clear instructions. Great garments and variations. Highly recommend." Read more

3 customers mention "Pattern accuracy"0 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed experiences with the pattern accuracy of the book, with one customer noting that the patterns are not size inclusive and another mentioning that the images show incorrect fits.

"...But no patterns are provided, even though it references using the pattern blocks...." Read more

"Informational and interesting. The patterns are not size inclusive." Read more

"...the book told me something was really off because in every image the fit was off...." Read more

Everything about activewear
5 out of 5 stars
Everything about activewear
I love this book ! The book is excellent for make activewear! Amazing information!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • CJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on fitting activewear!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The book has lots of information on how to modify its 4 basic patterns to fit different bodies. I made a top out of it and the book was very easy to follow and understand. Gave me courage to try more modifications!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nancy Marie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Soon I’ll be the most stylish runner!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Melissa- thanks for a fabulous book. I’ve started on the active jacket and plan to make other items as well. The book has many helpful photos and illustrations. I like the concept of blocks. It will definitely make alterations and modifications much easier.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • JKCK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for customizing, but where are the patterns?!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is great for learning how to sew activewear and to customize your own clothing, with tips for resizing, changing zipper and seam placement, adding pockets and color blocking. But no patterns are provided, even though it references using the pattern blocks. The only one I could find on the author’s size is the bottom block for leggings. I couldn’t find the tops or jackets and would be nice if the referenced patterns were included in the book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Adventures
    4.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward Sewing Guide for Beginner-to-Intermediates Wanting to Tackle Activewear
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2018
    Summary: Well thought out book for beginner to intermediate sewers that want to tackle more challenging, activewear bottoms and tops. Readers may need some extra support beyond the book to complete patterns. Photos of garments needed more care and attention prior to publication, as some weren't flattering/didn't fit well.

    Pros

    - Well thought-out with regards to structure; beginners and intermediate sewers will appreciate the tone and feel of this book. There's no pandering or talking-down here; everything is accessible, open, friendly and informative.

    - Clearly communicates sometimes challenging instructions and concepts, along with pictures wherever needed. I especially appreciated the photos of the "mistake" seams, and how to fix them.

    - Inclusive book, in that it openly states it's intended for all.

    - Blocks available for download for digital copy holders; with a quick sign in proving you've purchased the item in question, you'll have access to printable "blocks" for each of the patterns listed.

    Cons

    - The copy I received didn't translate well to Adobe Reader. I couldn't see full images of many of the photos, and some of the pages were blank.

    - The photos of some of the final items concerned me, in that I didn't find them appealing or well-fitted. The shorts were the first I took note of - extra puckering in the crotch area, and looseness elsewhere, didn't make me jump to try these out.

    - A bit more explanation required regarding the "blocks"; new to intermediate sewers may not understand the difference between these and patterns, as well as how to use them.

    Thank you to the publisher for giving me advance access to this book for review purposes.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Laura Pilgrim
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A really comprehensive and flexible guide to sewing activewear. Melissa takes away a lot of the fear of sewing what can be fiddly garments by breaking it the patterns down onto easy steps. This book will also give you the skills to design your own patterns too.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Victoria Hill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great sewing reference
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and illustrated book. Very good book for sewing activewear
    Helpful
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  • DJ T
    3.0 out of 5 stars Informational
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Informational and interesting. The patterns are not size inclusive.
    Helpful
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  • generalp
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book has all the information you'll need for creating your own activewear clothes. It even has patterns included so you can just get started... immediately! I highly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars great for intermediate sewers
    Reviewed in Canada on September 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I initially thought this was for drafting from scratch (my mistake as I misread things). Its taking basic templates and altering them to fit your specific needs/style. Great for those who have sewing experience and are looking to get into drafting but not quite ready to do everything from scratch.
    Report
  • Prue Ferguson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I wanted to know about active wear
    Reviewed in Australia on October 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have sewn a couple of active wear garments which were ok but i was looking for a pattern for a light jacket which is enclosed with Sew your own active wear book I bought from Amazon. The book is great I have ordered material to sew jacket which I can tell will be not difficult for me. Very good information in this book and of course all patterns included you only have to trace out what you want This book is exactly what I was looking with many good hints on sewing stretch material .Very happy with my buy
    Prue
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  • Linda Rees
    5.0 out of 5 stars Patterns designed by an athlete who knows just what’s needed.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve got to say that this book and the block patterns included are brilliant. I’ve made and wore the Cycling Shorts with the Split Shorts on top for running. They’re really excellent. I didn’t want to have my phone in an armband but initially was rather dubious about the inside pocket in the Split Shorts. I thought my phone would bounce annoyingly in a pocket. But IT DOES NOT SHIFT!!!!!! The pocket design is perfect.

    Melissa knows her stuff and you can tell she is an athlete herself. The designs are practical, well-thought through and fun. It is clear that Melissa’s patterns are developed based on her years of personal experience of being an athlete. I feel that the sportswear patterns from large commercial pattern companies and some indie designers aren’t necessarily developed by designers who are athletes themselves and therefore don’t have the inside knowledge that Melissa has. She understands what is needed.

    As with any pattern you need to measure yourself and make the necessary alterations to the pattern to ensure it fits you. I made a few minor alterations, for eg. I have a large waist and I’m short (5’ 1”) so I altered the pattern to accommodate my waist and shortened the pattern across the lengthen/shorten lines that Melissa includes.

    The instructions are clear and the book includes good information about the type of fabric you need. I found this very helpful. Melissa also has a list of fabric suppliers on her website and in fact these were where I purchased my fabric and elastics from.

    The patterns themselves are great, because Melissa provides basic blocks for both close fitting and loose fitting sportswear. So you could make basic, no frills garments or follow Melissa’s directions for sewing them with interesting and functional construction lines. This lets you be creative with how you mix and match your fabrics. Go wild!

    Get this book, you won’t regret it. Highly recommended.
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  • Priscila Izidoro
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    O livro é realmente excelente e esclarecer, cheio de muitos detalhes e fotos maravilhosas. Ótima qualidade dos gráficos.
    Report
  • Mr K Bennett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book a must for all sewists who love to make sports/casual wear
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book is brilliant I thoroughly recommend it. Since it arrived I have hardly put it down and have already drafted out the pattern to make the hoodie. Melissa is extremely good at design and pattern piecing so her garments look individual and I have already made lots of sportswear (Tessellate Tee, VNA Top and Duathlon capris) from her downloadable PDF collection, which are very well thought through, with construction information that is clear and easy to follow. But what I most love about this book is the fact that you are working from a block and it’s so darn exciting - the possibilities for you to adapt the patterns further is what really appeals to me. I have been waiting for a book like this for SO long well done Melissa.
    Report

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