I started running last May using the Couch Potato to 5K plan. If you have any desire at all to run, try this plan- it works! I really look forward to running, and I never, EVER thought I would say that!
But going into my first winter running has me a bit scared about staying warm. I live on the edge of town, and the winds can get pretty strong. Ready to wear running jackets for winter are really pricey if you get high tech fabrics. So, when I saw this hooded jacket (named Ginger) in the latest Ottobre Pattern magazine I thought that with the right fabric choice, this could be a great running jacket for winter.
Then, with luck, I found some high tech wind block fleece for $2/yard. This fabric was light blue on one side and plum on the other. Kind of a weird color combo, but I was only planning on using one side on the outside, so it didn't matter. You also need 4 zippers, and a lightweight poplin fabric for the inside pocket.
The jacket has a kangaroo pocket on the inside, perfect for holding my keys and cell phone. The pockets are zipped, so I don't need to worry about things falling out of my pockets while I'm running.
There are also 2 zippers in the raglan sleeve seams by the neck. This is great for unzipping when you want to cool down after your run. Normally, zippers are one of my least favorite things to do in sewing, and this was no exception. But I have to admit, that they were worth the effort in terms of functionality of the garment.
The original hood turned out to be too small for me. Luckily, I had enough fabric left to cut a new hood and facing. I added 2 inches to the height and that was probably a little much, but now I can pull it down over my face if it is snowing. I think that the original pattern would have worked if my fabric had been stretchier, but my fleece just has a tad bit of stretch to it.
The temperature dropped into the 30's last week with winds, so I got a chance to try it out, and it worked great! I was warm and not bothered by the winds at all. I will definitely make this again if I can find some more windblock fleece at a good price.
Here I am ready to go for a run. The leggings are made from Dry-Flex- another great sport fabric. I do recommend this pattern, but try on the hood before you sew it to your jacket, just in case:)
But going into my first winter running has me a bit scared about staying warm. I live on the edge of town, and the winds can get pretty strong. Ready to wear running jackets for winter are really pricey if you get high tech fabrics. So, when I saw this hooded jacket (named Ginger) in the latest Ottobre Pattern magazine I thought that with the right fabric choice, this could be a great running jacket for winter.Then, with luck, I found some high tech wind block fleece for $2/yard. This fabric was light blue on one side and plum on the other. Kind of a weird color combo, but I was only planning on using one side on the outside, so it didn't matter. You also need 4 zippers, and a lightweight poplin fabric for the inside pocket.
The jacket has a kangaroo pocket on the inside, perfect for holding my keys and cell phone. The pockets are zipped, so I don't need to worry about things falling out of my pockets while I'm running.
There are also 2 zippers in the raglan sleeve seams by the neck. This is great for unzipping when you want to cool down after your run. Normally, zippers are one of my least favorite things to do in sewing, and this was no exception. But I have to admit, that they were worth the effort in terms of functionality of the garment.
The original hood turned out to be too small for me. Luckily, I had enough fabric left to cut a new hood and facing. I added 2 inches to the height and that was probably a little much, but now I can pull it down over my face if it is snowing. I think that the original pattern would have worked if my fabric had been stretchier, but my fleece just has a tad bit of stretch to it.
The temperature dropped into the 30's last week with winds, so I got a chance to try it out, and it worked great! I was warm and not bothered by the winds at all. I will definitely make this again if I can find some more windblock fleece at a good price. Here I am ready to go for a run. The leggings are made from Dry-Flex- another great sport fabric. I do recommend this pattern, but try on the hood before you sew it to your jacket, just in case:)
You look fantastic Ann! I printed out the Running Plan a couple of months ago with good intentions. I need to try to start! Great hoodie.
ReplyDeleteYay! Another runner. I wish it got cold enough to need a jacket like this. I really like it. I suppose the Makawao Forest Preserve might get cold enough for this. Hmmm. I need to find a jogging partner for some early morning runs up there. Thanks for visiting my blog. I look forward to browsing your past pages!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I wish I had time to run, I miss it so much. But that would involve waking up at 6ish and I'm so not a morning person. Someday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! This is the perfect weather to start your running plan. Mushywear- I was admiring your running shorts and wondering how long before I'll be able to wear shorts here again- you are so lucky! Amanda- I'm sure you are running ALL day with the new baby and little ones, so don't sweat it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!! I just got the Autumn/Winter 2010 Ottobre in the mail today. (My eyes got watery looking at the challenging pattern sheet!) Last month I started the Couch to 5K running plan; it's too hot in FL for the hoodie to be made from really warm fabric but I really like the way it turned out for you! (Looks awesome.)
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! I just got some wind block fleece that turned out to be too thin for its intended purpose (a snowsuit for my daughter), so I'm thinking it'll become a running jacket for me.
ReplyDeleteIt really inspires me. I wanted to start running too. I loved to use my new arteryx jackets.
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