My First Ogden Cami in Rifle Paper Co Rayon

The True Bias, Ogden Cami has been around for a while.  It’s a classic shape.  I picked it up together with a copy of the Emerson Pants.  I recently realised that I need more separates in my wardrobe.  This was a start.

I wasn’t sure how I would go as being quite pear shape my measurements fit at the bust but needed quite a bit of grading to cover my hips.  I did a wearable muslin and was pleasantly surprised at the result.

I have loved the Rifle Paper Co Rayon since I saw it on the blog.  I was looking at the Wattle Hill website and found just enough for an Ogden Cami there.  When the fabric arrived I was not disappointed.  It felt so soft and luxurious.

It arrived just in time for a long weekend where I had set aside a few days for sewing and very little else.

I probably should have slashed and spread over the whole of the garment but I just graded it out at the hips.  Next time I will try the slash and spread method.

I didn’t quite have enough fabric to get the back facing out in one piece.  I cut it separately and joined the piece with a french seam.

I was very careful with my seams and french seamed the insides.  I love the finer details.

I cannot fault the instructions, everything was explained so clearly.  I loved the pictures.

I make my own bias binding and wanted to use a contrasting bias on the hem and to finish off the facings.

I added the bias binding and finished it by hand.

I am going to make another one of these or ten.  I can understand while everyone is crazy for the pattern.

On the must try list is making a nightgown out of this.  It would be perfect for summer, especially with a Helen’s Closet Suki Kimono.

Sam

My Aussie Sewing Favorites

As a regional sewer I don’t have the luxury of having access to a huge amount of fabric and tools in my home town.

The easiest solution is to look online.  Sometimes it takes a bit of digging.  For my own sanity I’m putting my list here.

My preference for Aussie retailers comes from the cost of postage.  Some places want to charge $50 to post to Australia from overseas.  Which I accept is the actual cost but I can’t afford to pay it.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of retailers and sources but these are ones that I have used.  I also like to buy from smaller retailers where I can.

I haven’t included Spotlight and Lincraft – mostly cause most people know about them.

Booby Traps

Stocks, as the name may suggest, a wide selection of lingerie supplies and patterns.  They have patterns for all different sizes and different types of bras and lingerie.

Booktopia – Crafts

Whilst not a stockist of fabric or haberdashery I have bought quite a few sewing books. They stock Gertie’s books, Tilly and the Buttons and The Fit for Real People series.   They also offer Afterpay.

Ebony Craft

Ebony Craft stock a pretty good range threads, zips, ribbons and trims.  They are really speedy with the delivery and cheap with their prices.

The Fabric Store

Whilst the Fabric Store is from New Zealand, they have stores in Australia and a grand online store.  They stock a lot of natural fibre fabrics and liberty prints.  I am particularly fond of their range of jersey.

Indie Stitches

If you love the indie patterns like me then this is the place to go.  They stock a wide range of independent designers.  It helps reduce on shipping costs, which lets be honest no one likes to pay.

Megan Nielsen

Megan Nielsen has an absolutely divine range of patterns.  They are available in both pdf and paper.  Her Flint trousers are on my must sew list when I get over my fear of grading trousers.  The Matilda dress is also on my list.

The Quilters Store

Whilst this is primarily a stockiest of quilting fabric they stock my favourite Australian fabric Gertrude Made, Outback Wife.  The service is fantastic.  They have a big range with some good sales.

The Remnant Warehouse

I’ve ordered a few times from the Remnant Warehouse and have never been disappointed.  They are my first port of call when looking for fabric. They have a good collection of knits and wovens.  They also stock natural fibers and their prices are fantastic.  They also offer a sample service for $1 per sample.  Their postage rates are also pretty good with a flat rate for the first 10 metres.

Sew Squirrel

Sew Squirrel is a stockist of lingerie supplies.  They stock patterns, kits, fabric and notion.   The also let you curate your wish list and offer a flat rate for postage.

Style Arc

Style Arc has a massive range of patterns, both pdf and paper.  They cater for both hemispheres.   Their size range is pretty wide range of sizes.

Tessuti Fabrics

Tessuti stock the most luxe fabrics.  Their range is beautiful.  The downside is they are pricey but you get quality fabric.  They also have a pretty good range of haberdashery.

In addition to a great range of fabrics they also have their own range of patterns.

Wattle Hill Fabrics

Wattle Hill Fabrics stock a good range of quilting cottons, rayons and knits.  They stock Art Gallery, Cotton and Steel and Ella Blue Fabrics.  Another plus is that they offer Afterpay (if you are from Australia and haven’t heard about it find the info here).

 

 

This list is not by any means exhaustive and I’d love to hear any more suggestions from you.  I have focused on online retailers – because it’s easier for me to access.

 

Sam