I have been eyeing the Saltspring dress for some time now, so when Caroline shared a camisole hack it was just the push I needed to invest in this pattern.  I love the delicate spaghetti straps and combined with the ruffle panel so much, I just had to take the plunge.  I’m sure I will make the actual dress version of this pattern eventually, but for now, BEES!

This hack is very simple, and it is so comfortable to wear.  I made my version out of a pretty cheap poly crepe dé chine from Dressew (also available online here), so I decided to line the bodice with black rayon to provide a more comfortable feel against the skin.  This extra step was worth it, the shirt is so lovely and soft inside.  The alternative to a full lining is creating the facings like Caroline did in the tutorial.  I did not line the ruffle hem, since it sits out away from my body.  

I am proud to say I finally did a full bust adjustment!  I’ve known I could benefit from one for some time now, but I am just on the cusp of needing it, so I can get away without one with most fabrics and silhouettes (and a non push-up bra).  This was my first attempt and I used another tutorial from Sewaholic to do it – it was easy breezy!  Not only that, it was fun, and I like the fit of the shirt a lot.  I don’t have a pre-FBA version to compare it to though, so I might actually try one as-is to see how the fit differs.

This pattern has so much potential.  I can see another version with no gathers, one with gathers higher up, one with a gathered skirt (this silhouette is so popular these days), knit versions, etc.  I have three more of these camisoles planned already!  

 

Final Stats

Pattern: Sewaholic Saltspring Dress, Camisole Hack

Fabric:  Polyester Crepe de Chine from Dressew (available online here)

Time: 2 hours

Alterations: 1” full bust adjustment