When perusing sewing hashtags on Instagram, I consistently came across the ubiquitous Ogden Cami from True Bias. This pattern has over 17k(!) posts tagged with the #ogdencami hashtag. Side note: I love browsing pattern name hashtags on Instagram, it’s a great source of context and inspiration. I decided to give the pattern a go and see the hype for myself while the weather is still warm.
Variation 1: Original in Raw Silk
In my Willow Tank post, I said I always make a practice muslin / toile before the real deal… I’m ashamed to say I didn’t with this particular pattern. I decided to jump right in with a yard of raw silk I recently purchased via @buyselltradehandmade.
I made a standard Size 2 with no adjustments. When putting this together, I enjoyed learning a new method, bias facing, and the clever way in which this all comes together.
Overall, the fit was great. The straps are just barely wide enough to cover my bra straps – depending on how thick your straps are, you may be able to get away with it. The v-neckline is pleasantly flattering – I run into issues with a lot of v-necks being too low, and love where this one hits! Of course, you can always adjust this as well.
While I love how structured, yet somewhat drapey, this came out, I may think twice about using raw silk for “flowy” tops. Some of my favorite tops from Only Child are raw silk, but I realized that the combination of french seams + the bias facing made this a bit thicker than I initially planned. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it is different!
Variation 2: Slightly Cropped in Sandwashed Rayon
I had a half meter of Sandwashed Rayon from Vancouver-based Blackbird fabrics, also from @buyselltradehandmade. It was a little tricky, but I managed to squeeze a smaller Ogden Cami out of this limited yardage. I had to get a little… creative with the bias facing, however. Instead of the full length, I cut 2” around the shape of the top. It works for now, fingers crossed it survives through the wash!
This length ended up being perfect, especially with the lighter weight material. I also added ½” (so 1” total on each side) to the under-armpit area, since it was a little snug on the original. This seems to be a pattern with (ha ha) patterns – thankfully, this is precisely why we sew.
Guess what – I’m actually wearing the cami backwards in the photos above. Both the front and the back have v-shaped tops, and depending on the look you want, you can technically wear them either way.
Verdict
Overall, I really like this cami – I now see why its Instagram hashtag has over 16,000 posts, My favorite details are the clean edges from the bias facing and the super flattering v neck. I already have the pieces cut for another slightly cropped version in a Linen Viscose, and will add it here as well when I do.
I purchased the original size 0 – 18 pattern earlier in the year; however, True Bias just released an updated version with extended sizing and bust darts for up to a D cup. Both versions are on sale for the month of August for $9.60!
