The first time I made my own cropped top, I recycled an old pair of black leggings - but why stop there? You can find lots of leggings and tights in the sales bin; in colours and textures you would not normally wear. Like these pink lace leggings I just found for 1,85 euros. They look way too much 80's Madonna, but when you cut out the gusset and pull them over your leo - instant fun fashion update!
Tips and tricks:
- Recycle old tights/leggings. Ballet pink or white tights go great under leos for extra coverage & warmth.
- If you customize your top from new tights, don't spend a lot of money. The fabric will snag anyway.
- Don't buy the cheapest quality. Microfiber holds better, as does denier above 40.
- Buy a size (or two) bigger than you would for your legs. Makes for a comfier fit.
- Leggings come with pre-cut hand openings. ;)
- Hipster models are no good, they ride too high up on your torso.
- Necks are easiest to cut when there's a gusset to trace. Turn the tights inside out before you cut.
- Do not cut the neck like you would a cotton t-shirt. The fabric will stretch like crazy.
- Be careful when you pull your top over the first time, it will stretch. And it will snag.
- Hand-wash only.
- Have fun!
Fast and simple, yay! :)
ReplyDeleteSimple is best, especially when you're no good with a sewing machine ;)
DeleteHa I totally do this too. Best thing about them is that when my teacher makes the other girls take off their warm up layers so she can see their bodies, I get to keep these tops on.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a dress-code, but these tops are great because they don't hide your lines. And they keep you surprisingly warm! Which is why I haven't worn one since last April. But, winter is coming and Finland gets pretty cold, brr...
DeleteThanks for commenting! :)
This is BRILLIANT! I have just started back at ballet at age 30 and have been trying to figure out how i was going to supplement my one and only long sleeve leotard this coming winter. Now I know. Thank you for such a clever idea, and for being so inspiring!
DeleteGreat idea Johanna :). Have a lovely rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteLove from London,
Nasia
Johanna I have tray some time make leggins for me before reading this post. But I always cut it wrong. When I follow your instruction then I have sew a great leggins for me .
ReplyDeleteThanks
ballet workout
That's great, glad I could help out :)
Deletewhoa this is so ingenious! I'm gonna give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun with it! :)
Delete