Peg Legs by Patterns for Pirates: I think I can get behind leggings as pants.

When I was in college, leggings were standard uniform for most of my friends. Maybe it was because I was in a sorority or maybe it was because I was on the track team, but I pretty much lived in my comfy cotton lycra leggings from Wal-Mart.

Throwback to my black legging days. Also, I have some sweet windblown hair going on.

I have several memories involving black leggings and sweatshirts, ranging from late nights in the library to track meets. Then, my senior year, I was wearing a pair of bright pink Nike Pro leggings at a meet and some of my male teammates were having a discussion about how poor my fashion choices were. Ever since then, I've been too shy to wear leggings without something properly covering my rear, no matter how comfortable they are. So, imagine my excitement when the Peg Legs pattern from Patterns for Pirates made me feel, well, pretty.

Yes. I'm literally jumping for joy here.

I don't know when or how I learned of Patterns for Pirates (or P4P, as it's called in the Facebook sewist world). What I do know is that EVERYONE raves about their "pegs." EVERYONE. In fabric groups, in other sewing groups, in running groups. Peg Legs are everywhere. So, last Saturday I decided I was going to do make some of my own. I took the plunge, cut into some of my precious brushed poly spandex from Pretty Posh Prints, and attempted to make leggings.

Before we continue, it's important for me to point out that for the longest time, I've been afraid of making any type of pants or bottoms. I'm not entirely sure why, but the thought of making my own pants was a hurdle that I needed to cross. If you have a similar trepidations, this pattern is a great place to start. It's simple and easy-to-understand and only took me an hour or so to sew them, which is amazing.

The instructions walk you through how to make them, and while I constructed mine with a serger, I don't think it would be too hard to make these with a regular machine and some ball point needles. There is one point in the construction where I freaked out a bit because the waistband isn't parallel and actually comes to a point. Don't worry when you see it, but if you need reassurance, check out this tutorial.

I didn't put a gusset in this pair, but I have plans to for an upcoming running costume that would have the gusset. When I do that pair, I plan on taking step by step pictures, but until then, sew on!

My leggings took a little over one yard of fabric and took about two hours of sewing after work to complete.
The pattern was free and the fabric cost $8.85 a yard once shipping was included. I had all of the notions I needed in my stash. Total cost of the project was $10.