At the beginning of the year, I saw many fabulous ladies on Instagram posting what garments they were going to sew in 2018. I have been sewing for years but have never really taken the plunge to sew anything more for myself than pj pants or shorts. There was a common theme that I saw being posted on everyone’s “need to sew” list and that was the Ogden Cami by True Bias.

I figured that I should first start with a fabric that I had a lot of – it case I screwed it up. And I needed to be sure it wasn’t an amazing fabric that I loved – in case I screwed it up.  Then, as I sewed, I totally needed to keep it quiet from the social media world – in case I screwed it up. Ironically, I followed all of these steps and ended up loving the finished product!

Besides the whole concept of sewing a fitted, everyday wear garment I did come across a few “never have I evers”.  First, cutting out a pattern with a rotary cutter. I use a rotary cutter when I make items that I sell for Kuddle Bumz. And when I use it, I cut fast, straight, long lines for pillows, hot pads and wristlets. So taking that task and having to slow it down, way down, was a bit of a challenge. Then you throw in all the curves and notches, it was definitely a learning curve.

Second, understitching. Understitching is when you you have a lining that you want to stay inside the garment and not roll out like around the neckline and arm holes. I haven’t ever had to stitch an item in this nature and the written instructions weren’t giving me the whole picture. I searched You Tube and sewing blogs for some videos to actually watch what was going on. After 5 videos, I tried the seam under the arm. Worse case, it was under the arm and no one would see it. I am happy to report, it went very well! I then went back and re-read the instructions and honestly, they were spot on. I guess I am just a visual learner!

Now, remember when I said that I thought I needed to use a fabric that wasn’t attractive in case I screwed up? Well, I am not quite sure what it is about this fabric but I just love it! The bright colors make me think of sunny, warm weather, which we are in dire need of here in the Midwest. And it also takes me back to when I was little and my mom made all of my clothes and doll outfits to match. It has a Little House on the Pairie vibe but updated. I really love it.

Stay tuned on social media because I will be making many more of these. It is really an easy pattern to crank out in an hour or so. If you are looking to get a pattern for yourself, you can find it here: True Bias Ogden Cami