Esther’s Silk Cami
Tis the season for floaty cami tops and Esther has made the perfect one out of July’s Mini Box viscose – the Sew Over It Silk Cami.
The Mini box always has my creative juices flowing. I always enjoy the challenge of deciding what to make and if I want to mix fabrics or not.
The current state of the UK weather has got me thinking about wearing comfortable floaty garments. The fabric that speaks comfort to me is viscose. I’ll take viscose tops, trousers and dresses all summer long. Prepping this fabric was a breeze. I find viscose to be a fabric that creases easily and as much as I hate ironing, I love how easily viscose is to iron, it gives a certain level of satisfaction watching the fabric straighten out.
I have been thinking about making a cami and I finally bit the bullet and made my first one. While thinking about the best pattern to make, I knew I wanted something floaty so that was top on my list. And most cami sewing patterns out there fit the bill but I also wanted a garment with thick enough sleeves to cover my thick bra straps; seems like the larger the bust the thicker the straps. So I wanted a pattern that I could wear comfortably while wearing my bra. My options began to reduce but the Silk cami by Sew Over It seemed to fit the bill so I went for it.
This pattern is such an easy sew. The pattern has you finish the neck and armhole with a facing but I can barely stand them. I do everything in my power to finish my seams with anything but a facing. I have found them very difficult to work with, in most cases they pull on the other side even when one has understitched the facing piece. Due to this, I use bias binding or a lining to finish necklines. I know bias binding has a stitch line that is visible on the right side of the garment but I do not mind that. This time, I didn’t stray from the familiar, I used bias binding to finish the neckline of this top and as always, binding did not fail.
The fabric was super easy to work with. Cutting out this top was quite a lovely experience but pressing it was even better. The fabric really behaves which is awesome. Sewing this top was very quick and easy. As I had omitted the facing, this pattern was only made of two pattern pieces – front and back.
To adjust this pattern, I did an FBA but without making a toile I cut out the fabric and hoped for the best. The fit wasn’t too bad but for my next one, I’d make a bigger full bust adjustment as this was quite snug around my bust. I also think I can benefit from taking a small wedge out of the front neck to prevent gaping. I also think it’s time to buy bras with lower armholes because my bra peeks through the armhole of this cami.
In spite of the slight annoyances with fit, I quite like this cami top and after perfecting the fit of this pattern, I’d be sure to make a whole lot more. It’s such a quick make and it is very easy as there are no darts or closures. This top is a fabulous scrap buster. I’m going to be using this pattern to sew up my leftover fabrics.