Bias cut cami 1/3

Here I am again! Can you handle it?!

Aaaaaanyway… After deciding to do SWAP last year, I knew it was unlikely I would finish within the timeframe and actually I could care or less. It was just a really useful way to identify and fill a wardrobe gap. Finally, here is the first in my series of 3 bias cut camisole tops (you may recall that I started it quite a while ago!). These are for under jackets, of which I have a few lovely evening iterations.

I used some forest green chiffon that my sister got for next to nothing second hand somewhere. The remainder of which will be made into a skirt for my SWAP also. (It looks like it has lots of marks on it in these photos, I assure you, it doesn’t IRL.)

I used this nightgown pattern I had in my stash and double layered it. I made view C and ignored the lace inserts. The chiffon moved all over the place (to be expected) and even when I left it hanging and had my Mum help with cutting the hem the chances of getting it even were slim to none. ‘None’ was the winner on the day. (But the hem does look more even than in these photos I promise!)

I ummed and ahhed about stabilising the neckline and in the end I made some bias tape out of the fabric and used it through the neckline. I was worried the fabric might pull with the weight on it. Now I wish I hadn’t, it kind of won’t sit flat. Whatever. Wearable muslin for the win.

I also used a rolled hem foot at my sister’s to do the hem. Now, great finish except they won’t work through the side seams, which now look like a cat chewed them. None of this is a huge concern as the top will be tucked in mostly and you can’t really tell unless you’re close up. However I certainly would appreciate any tips for rolled hem finishes on chiffon if any of you clever people have them?

Next time I make this I will make the points on the top shallower so the neckline sits as a little more of an even curve. I thought I might raise the underarms a little too, but my sis didn’t think so. Any thoughts from interested parties?

Next iterations will be in silver satin and black burn out silk. I was glad to use the fabric I cared least about first to work the kinks out!

Outfit deets: (I had just come from doing some modelling for a friend’s photography assignment, hence the inside shots with lots of make up and crazy post-shoot hair!)

• Jeans – bought from some chain store in Holland many years ago. I will wear them until they fall apart to at least do justice to their fast fashion status.
• Black pumps – made in Italy, bought a number of years ago at a boutique shoe store.
• Usual jewellery