If you’ve been into the shop asking about patterns, you’ll know that Fiona and I rave about Jalie Patterns. The simplicity of them, coupled with their extensive size range make them a firm favourite. The Michelle (#3911) is a great pattern for a Cami and Dress.
MARICE : Height 5ft 1/2″ / Bust 38″ / Waist 32″ / Hips 41″
SIZE CUT: Jalie W
FABRICS: Viscose fabric, Rose Border print.
I traced the 2 pattern pieces for the Cami, the front and back are identical, also the facing, again identical for front and back. Already a bonus that there are so few pieces to prepare.
My chosen fabric has a white background, so would more than likely be a bit too see-through for me, and so decided to fully line with white lining fabric. I would be cutting out using just one pattern piece to fully line, rather than use the facing piece I had also traced. Washed and dried my fabrics, gave them a quick press on a very low heat!
Before cutting out my fabrics, I had another look at the pattern finished garment sizing. Being 5ft, most things are too long for me, I held the pattern piece against me and decided to do two adjustments.
- The neckline was okay held against me, but once the seam is sewn it would become lower, instead of shortening the straps to lift the neckline, that would be a bit of gamble, as I’m not making a practise piece, it could have a knock on effect on the underarm becoming to high. I raised the neckline by 2cm at the V and graduated back to the original pattern line about midway to end of strap.
- Shortened the length, using the shorten/lengthen lines on the pattern, I reduced it by 2inches. I wanted good coverage for my tummy, but it not to drown me. After shortening I drew a new seam line, following on from original, then tucked the excess behind.
MACHINE SETTINGS:
- Sewing Machine: Using the lighter fabrics, I reduced my stitch length to 2, made sure I inserted a new fine needle into my machine and I used my walking foot. I moved my needle over to the right so when sewing my fabric covered the feed dogs underneath.
- Overlocker: I overlocked the edges after I’d sewn, and not as I went along. Lowered my differential feed so the fabrics wouldn’t gather and shortened my stitch length too. (you can zigzag your edges if no overlocker)
MY TIP: To make sure the V neck is smooth and doesn’t pull in the front centre, I did not sew the V to a sharp point. I flatten the V off by sewing 2 small stitches straight across, then continue back up the neckline.
I really liked how the straps are sewn together, it was a nice straight forward garment to make. The only thing that would make it tricky is, if you are not used to sewing lightweight fabrics.