Sew Your Own Activewear: Make a unique sportswear wardrobe from four basic sewing blocks Paperback – March 20, 2018

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Informational and interesting. The patterns are not size inclusive.

She gives so much information on how to use the basic patterns to create different styles. She also tells how to fit the clothing to you. This was totally worth the cost!

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.

O livro é realmente excelente e esclarecer, cheio de muitos detalhes e fotos maravilhosas. Ótima qualidade dos gráficos.

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.

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 buyPrue

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.