Iconic Patterns Sammy Cami - Camisole That Fits Well, Done.

I had some leftover fabric from my Butterick 5961 Katherine Tilton tunic.

I absolutely love this fabric, and I was glad to find that I had just enough left to make this camisole. 

I went to download this fabulous looking (and FREE) camisole pattern when I saw a RTW Faster sister making one.  It's Sammy Cami from Iconic Patterns.

It's simple, it fits well, it's free. What more can I ask for?!?!

You need a very stretch knit for this pattern. The design is very fitted.  My fabric was just perfect for this.

I cut the size 8 of the pattern, and gave it a 1/2" seam allowance. That worked out perfect for me.  (I normally wear RTW size 4~6 for tops)  I'm afraid my straps are just a tad too long. Well, next time, I'll know to shorten them.

The sewing instructions are minimal, but if you have made a few things, know what to do about neck band, etc., I think you can handle just fine.  The only hard thing was making the straps from this light weight knit fabric. Boy, that took some patience! Otherwise, I could have completed the entire project under 1 hour!  I must have spent a couple of hours just making the straps.  I'm wondering if one of those bias tape makers will work well for knit fabric, and if it will make narrow straps like this.  Does anyone know?

Anyway, lovely design, great simple pattern.  I'm currently trying to rebuild my basic wardrobe, so this pattern will definitely be used again.  Very soon, that is. Well, in fact, every light weight stretchy knit fabric project I have from now on, will probably end up having a sister camisole.

I feel guilty when I find a nice free pattern and I enjoy using it but if I don't buy anything from the source.  I'll look to see what else Iconic Patterns have.... : )

Simple V-Neck Butterick 6084, Done!

                             

I've been needing to refresh basics in my wardrobe.

                              

So I began paying attention to simple tees and tunics patterns.  This is one of the patterns I found a few months ago.

 

It's an older pattern (1999) So I wasn't sure if I would like the length and the shape. I did a trial run with a 'scrap' fabric I had.   Was it easy? Yes.  Did it really take just two HOURs as it says on the envelope?  Uh, no. It might have been if someone else cuts the pattern and the fabric, and marks everything for you, and even finishes all the seam allowance raw edges. (yeah, for me, it's never two hours no matter what they claim.)

The neck interfacing was way too wide and would be bulky, so I made the neck interfacing narrower. The length was too short for my taste. But other than that, I really like the way it fit me, and I'm keeping this test shirt as an "around the house" shirt. (I'm not too crazy about the fabric colors and pattern, if you know what I mean...)

                      

 

Here, the new version on me.  I lengthened it by 4 inches from the original pattern, after taking the petite adjustment as shown on the pattern..

                         

 

I've been needing to get some simple tops like this to wear for work, under a jacket. I don't like shirts or blouse that much and so I almost always wear a top like this with suit, or under a jacket with pants.

                                   

Do you know how difficult it is to find very simple yet stylish pullover RTW tops?  I've been looking high and low for years, and only every once in a while I get lucky and find one.  But usually, nothing I see that I could wear for work, looking professional, and fun at the same time. Comfortable rayon or cotton blend knit tops I see at stores are often either too casual, too frilly or otherwise with design details I don't want for a professional look.

 

This one, however, I think I can wear under my jacket and coordinates well with black pants, brown pants or even with beige. The fabric is chocolate brown with sage green. I know, it's hard to see the colors in these photos. Rayon/poly light weight knit. Another one from the Expo.

The V-neck opening is just deep enough, not too deep.

I have enough fabric leftover to make another top or summer dress.  I think it screams for a summer dress.

For a more casual look, I think I will use a heavier knit like the one I used for the test run. Easier to sew anyway!

Have a happy weekend!