"It's just really nice to see the stuff other people are doing and then there was this other thing we wanted to focus on - and that was getting fitter ."
Two years ago Collins began documenting her fitness efforts on Instagram and encouraging others in her virtual sewing circle with the hashtag sweatnsew.
They share patterns - and post-workout selfies.Â
"I have no shame. It's real."
The response was overwhelming.
"It's always great when somebody that you don't even know says 'hey great job, good choice.'"Â
Sewing your own workout clothes is also "trending." Purl Soho in New York is helping outfit hobbyists with classes on how to make the store's popular gym shorts.
Students get to choose their color and size.Â
"It's exercise gear but in more of a stylish casual way," says class instructor Rachel Hearn.
That's exactly what pattern designer Corinne Gill had in mind.Â
"You can wear them at home, you can wear them to the gym, you can wear them to the grocery store."
To her surprise, the pattern has been downloaded 60,000 times.
"People are really excited about this particular project and wanted to show it because it has so many elements that you can adapt in your own personal way."
..Stitching together a love of the craft with a new fitness thread.Â
If you want to give the city gym shorts a try you can find the instructions online at purlsoho.com
