Making The Ogden Cami

This is one of those patterns I’ve heard about since it was released. I know of so many people that love this pattern. But I never got around to making it until now. So, this post is about my experience making the Ogden cami.

This is picture above is the modified version that I made that I really like. Changes were made for me to get the look and fit I want.

The unaltered version of the top:

Above you’ll see the original version of the cami as it’s to be sewn.The front and back are lower than what I wanted for this. I also wanted to make sure that the straps would be bra-friendly. You can also see in this picture that the lining of the top is short.

Here’s how I achieved a look I really like:

shortened the straps in order to raise the neckline (probably about 3″)
widened the straps to make sure it would cover my bra straps
lengthened the lining about 3″
lengthened the top about 4″
widened the part of the cami where the straps attach

Here is a picture to show what the Ogden cami looks like with raising the straps, but keeping the lining and length of the top the same.

Ogden cami with Colette patterns Iris shorts

The top looks much better with the new length. I also love how the neckline looks with the shorter straps. Now I can see myself making more of these in different colors and patterns. This would be a useful top to have even as the seasons transition. I can wear these under a blazer.

This final version is made from a yellow and white checked lightweight cotton blend. I used the same fabric for the lining as well. It has become the perfect summer top!

If you’re unfamiliar with the pattern, you can take a look here. I bought the PDF version. It’s only a few pieces of paper to put together. I’ve been making a lot of summer tops lately.

So far this summer is becoming quite productive!

The Rivington T-shirt

This post is going to have a lot of photos show I can show you some of the many ways I made this top. The Rivington T-shirt is one of the latest pattens from Sewing and the City patterns. As soon as I saw it, I wanted it! I am a sucker for a great T-shirt and have taken to making my own.

If you aren’t familiar, this is a PDF pattern that is both V-neck and crew neck (I do love having both in one pattern).

The first one I made was this golden yellow V-neck. I used an interlock knit I had in my stash for this one.

This one I consider a wearable muslin. I made changes to the pattern to get the perfect fit for me. I added a full bust adjustment. That really gives me the room I need.

This greenish gray T is one of my favorites. The V is made correctly, the FBA works, and the fabric is another stash fabric that’s a lightweight knit. I also raised the neckline on this shirt which makes me much more comfortable wearing it.

*Note: if you make a V-neck top, take your time with the V. It can really make a difference (in a good way).

I also made the crewneck version of The Rivington T-shirt. I did an FBA on this one, of course, since it’s the same size as the other version. But the this one is pretty much the “perfect” crew neck top.

I bought this fabric locally on sale. It’s a lightweight knit. And I just loved the daisy print!

I definitely need to make more of these in solid colors.

The Pattern Hack

The Rivington T-shirt crew neck hacked front with lace

This one is a “hack” of the pattern that I did on the crew neck version. Both of these fabrics I had in my stash. In fact, I’ve had this stretch lace for years! But it matched perfectly with the green interlock knit I had. Instead of using the neckband, I measured around the neckline to determine how long I needed to make this collar. I think the width is about 6 inches (approximately 3″ folded in half). Then I just attached it to the neckline. I wanted the sleeves to have the lace as well.

This one was just a fun project to do.

Conclusion

These shirts can be put together is a couple of hours. While I did use my serger for these, I have made plenty of knit tops without using one. So, don’t let NOT having a serger stop you! I urge you to give this a try. If you want to learn how to sew with knit fabrics but have some apprehension about it, a T-shirt is something I think is a great first project.

Creativity During Covid-19 and Social Unrest

These past two weeks in particular have been tough. Like many Black Americans, my heart and soul hurts. I have gone from worrying about family and friends because of the pandemic to worrying about those same people being affected by senseless violence. That last part is always a concern. I have been emotionally exhausted.

I have been cautiously optimistic to see so many people of all races come together to fight injustice, and I can only hope that continues. I have been happy to connect and reconnect with old and new friends. Over the past few days I have felt as though I have renewed my creativity.

For anyone who thinks that I should just “stick to sewing”, I can only say, I wish I could. But as a Black woman in America, I (and my family) deal with these issues on a daily basis. For my mother and her sisters, sewing was a necessity because Black women were not allowed to try on clothes in boutiques. If you bought something that didn’t fit, the store would not take returns from Black customers. So they made their own. Sewing has always been how I express myself. So I’m finally feeling as though I can and should express myself through my craft again. That being said, I want to share with you two of my latest projects.

The first is this dress from Simplicity 8178. When I bought the pattern, it was actually number 0929, but whatever… I bought it for the jumpsuit (which I still haven’t made). But the dress was an easy project to make. I used a lightweight cotton blend that was easy to work with.

It should be a nice addition to my summer wardrobe. I realized that I really haven’t made many dresses lately, so I want to make more this summer.

The next item that I just finished is this Butterick top 6685.

I bought the pattern (twice by accident) for the sleeve options. If you are familiar with this, there are various sleeve and style options for this pattern. If I’m going to buy a pattern, I want there to be other options for me to make it worth my while.

I like the top unbelted as well. I used a leftover piece of chambray fabric I had. Originally, I had used this to make a shirt for my husband. I had enough left over to make View A of this pattern. This is another quick make. I also need to add more solid color tops to my wardrobe, so this worked out perfectly.

One positive thing that sewing during this pandemic has done for me is I have been able to use up some of my fabric stash. But believe me, I still have PLENTY of fabric left! I have also been able and motivated to use some of the hundreds of patterns I already have.

So, I hope you all are well and will continue your own creative adventures.

If you want PEACE, work for JUSTICE.

Pope Paul VI

Thanks for reading…