Pine Crest Fabric: Recycled Work Out Wear!

I am so excited to be writing this post right now! You guys know I love my activewear, so I'm so happy to share another workout outfit with you! A super special thank you to Pine Crest Fabric for the most beautiful fabrics!

When Pine Crest Fabric first reached out to me and I did my research on the company, I saw a section on their site about recycled fabrics (you may remember me mentioning this in my floral workout wear post: here). Well, a few months ago, Molly from Pine Crest reached back out to me about the recycled fabrics and I am so excited to review them for you! You guys. I'm freaking out. In the best way possible!

Activewear is a huge passion of mine, and since I love running (and now cycling), I love workout wear. But my eco-friendly mindset has struggled with creating activewear. Good workout gear is not eco friendly, and to be honest, I can't workout in cotton - or other natural fibers because I sweat A LOT. (Sorry, a little too much info, but it's the truth). So I need strong clothes that can take a beating through wash and wear.

While I've tried buying second hand workout wear, I still don't get the same satisfaction as making my clothing. So when Pine Crest came out with their Repreve Collection, I was so happy. Repreve fabrics are made with recycled water bottles!

And, in terms of creating the fabric, Pine Crest says this about Repreve, "Compared to the virgin fiber creation process, these eco-friendly fabrics have fibers using new petroleum. This allows for lower greenhouse gas emissions and the ability to conserve water and energy in the process." We are getting closer and closer to being able to enjoy better fabric options- sustain-ably!

While I certainly have tried to limit my plastic waste over the years, and have done a pretty good job with it, the reality is that not everyone controls their amount of plastic waste. There are so many plastic bottles in the world, just like waste in general. While the sustainable movement is definitely growing, plastic use also grows, and this is a great product to re-use the waste.

You guys know I love my colors and prints, but I have dreamed about a pair of sustainable black leggings for the longest time, and now was my chance! I got 2 yards of black Valor, 2 yards of Virtue in the most beautiful color, Cosmo, and a yard of their Olympus galaxy printed fabric (not recycled), to put together the perfect workout outfit. (Scroll down to get links!)

I decided on making all new patterns for this project, and turned to Greenstyle Creations Patterns. I've never sewn these patterns but have been seeing them all over the place and had to try them out.

I'm wearing the Power Sports Bra, Peg Leg Leggings, and the Tie Back Tank.

Power Sports Bra: oh my god. If you are looking for a good sports bra pattern- this is it. Not only are all the options great, but the construction is so much cleaner than other bras I've made. I decided on the strappy back, and LOVE how the straps were made. I also made this bra with removable cups, and a mesh lining. I was between sizes and sized down because I wanted a tighter fit. It's perfect!

I've already talked about Olympus fabric from Pine Crest, and how much I love it, and again, it did not disappoint. This fabric is such a great weight for active wear - and for sports bras, it's got a great stretch while being secure enough to do some serious activity.

The tie back tank was a quick and easy make. I did the binding option with the racer back. It was an easy make, and the fit is very nice. Again, another pattern with a number of options, which is always nice to have! I made a size XS. (Shown here without being tied in front, and below once tied)

The leggings were a free pattern from Patterns for Pirates - the Peg Leg Leggings. I also downloaded the free add-ons offered by the company and made the leggings high waisted, with a side pocket. I really love the fit of these, but wanted to add elastic to the top of the waistband to make these extra secure for running.

When it comes to black leggings, I always get nervous they will still be see through, but I have not had a single issue with these! I do have a little bit left that I'm hoping to make a pair of shorts from. I am so impressed by this fabric.

The leggings and bra are both great for running, and I love having the top to throw on after working out or for hopping on the bike! I did a short run so far with the leggings and bra and both were successful in terms of wear and feel. I didn't hit maximum "sweat-age" just yet, but they did feel great during my run.

I still can't believe I have a source for recycled active fabrics. And now you do too! Fabric.com is stocking these materials, so no need for a wholesale account through Pine Crest. Although, if you did want to start an active wear apparel brand - I totally recommend using Pine Crest for your fabric source!

Here's more detail:

Virtue is a lighter weight fabric created in an array of colors that's perfect for swimwear or active tops. Virtue is the material I used for my top, in Cosmo. Click the Fabric.com link below to get this fabric!

Valor is a bottom weight fabric that comes in both classic black and white (for printing), which is the perfect weight for leggings, shorts, etc. Fabric.com will be adding this to their site soon and I'll update the post as soon as I get the link!

The third fabric I've tested from Pine Crest is called Olympus. It isn't recycled, but the quality is out of this world. Shop the galaxy print fabric here: (And it's on sale!!)

 

This was a great way to kick off my active wear sewing for the year. And I have a pair of Hudson Pants on deck, and plenty of fabric to make shorts for Spring and Summer!

{Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. While I was given fabric to review by Pine Crest Fabrics, all opinions are my own.}