See & Sew 5160 - a Vintage Camisole

One vintagey summer camisole, finished.

While collecting images for my camisole folder,  I fell in love with several I saw on Etsy.  A 1970s Laura Ashley cami in a faded rose print became the inspiration for this one.  I even had the perfect shabby rose print, a lightweight cotton from Fabric.com.

This is the pattern I used, a See & Sew from the 80s:

There is an interfaced band across the top, and it's slightly shaped to fit at the armholes.  The cami body has a bit of gathering at the top of the bustline (I could use a bit more, sort of a cheater FBA on the next one.  This one fits the tiniest bit tighter than I like).

I was lucky enough to happen across a basket full of vintage laces at an antique store last summer, and I pulled from that stash for 3 strips to use down the front of the camisole.  The wide strip in the center is flanked by a 3/8" tuck on either side, and then a strip of 1" edging was placed on the sides of the tucks.

The back of the camisole has a small casing with elastic.

 

At the hems, I added small vents, since I probably could have used about 2 more inches in width. Not the optimal solution, but it will make this one a little more easy to wear.

I'm pretty enamored with this pattern.  The fit across the chest and back is perfect!  I'd like to have a tunic-length one, with a ruffle, and maybe some Cluny lace.  And a white one with tatting and entredeaux, and...well, you get the picture.

Summer's comin!

summer cami inspiration

Silly blogger and their crashes.  Long time no see!  I've been trying to write this post for 3 days.  So let's get on with it!

I'm still thinking about frilly, girly summer pieces, still loving 70s and 80s inspired fashions.  In particular, I'm wanting some lacy, pintucked camisoles.  My inspiration folder is full of pretty examples from the lacy Edwardian period to 1980s Laura Ashley.

 Last week I happened upon this circa 1980 pattern on ebay:

I'm pretty sure my  mom had this one!  I am lucky enough to have a decent stash of vintage trims and lace, as well as batistes and lawns in solids and prints.  (I'll have one of each, please!)  I'm going to have to have this skirt and underskirt from this pattern too, I suspect.

Now I'm off to adjust my pattern, after a little lunch.  Happy Saturday!