Simplicity 8702 Track Suit

Hey everyone! Its been a long time, but I’m back with a new old thing. Do you remember the track suits from the 90s? No. Let me refresh your memory.

Track suits were one of my favorite things to wear growing up. We used to get a new one right around Christmas time.

 

Me on the left and my sister on the right. Christmas 1990 ish.

My family. Christmas mid 1990s.

I think we used to call them wind suits. They made noise when you moved, so people could hear you coming a mile away. The jacket and pants were usually fully lined. The pants lining would always end up twisted after a few washes. It was annoying, but after a year we would get new ones because kids grow like weeds.

I always joke that we need to redo this shoot with vintage wind suits. The answer is always a resounding No. LOL! 

When Mimi G dropped this pattern earlier this year, I immediately added it to my pattern wish list. Then, as luck may have it, I won a copy from Simplicity through a contest on Instagram. (I also bought a 2nd copy. Don’t judge).

I absolutely love the way this came out! I initially set out to only make the jacket, but it was so cute, I went ahead and made the matching pants.

Pattern Description: Simplicity 8702 Mimi G brings bold color-blocking possibilities to her Misses’ athleisure tracksuit. The pattern includes a fashionable track jacket, leggings, and pants with drop crotch and slim legs. 

Fabric Used:  I used a black, pink, white and grey Viscose/Nylon/Lycra Ponte Knit from Fabric Mart Fabrics. I used a black jet set for the lining of the jacket.

 

Ready for zipper installation.

Modifications: I didn’t modify the pattern. I did go up two sizes because I wanted a more relaxed fit.

Would you sew it again? Yes, other members in my family have put in their request.

 

Success!

Ankle zippers for the win!

Would you recommend it to others? Yes. It is a great scrap buster and you can really play with the color combinations. Nothing is too wild!

Tips for sewing this pattern:

• Use a Microtex needle when sewing with knits.
• Label the right and wrong side of the fabric. Knits tend to look the same from both sides. I ended up with two left sides and had to re-cut fabric for a right side. Oops!

When you don’t label the right and wrong sides, you get two left fronts!

• Baste your zipper in! I usually skip this step, but in this case it is a time saver.

• Take your time when lining up the chevron (and mark it) when inserting your zipper. I had to do mine several times before I got it all to line up.

   

I wore this on Thanksgiving to sit on the couch and look cute! It is extremely comfortable and my new favorite thing.

 

Here is a close up of the ankle zipper.

What do you think? Did I nail this ode to the 90s? I think so. Let me know in the comments.