I love my Ogden Cami hack! This pattern is from True Bias and has now been released in a larger size range and the dart is included so if you don’t fancy trying to put your own in you’ve no need to worry. Inspired by one I saw on Instagram.

I felt much more confident hacking this pattern even though I was using silk, it sewed up like a dream. I would have preferred a better matched thread but in lock down I’d rather just use what I have.

Starting with the basic Ogden Cami pattern, I added bust darts, cut it shorter, to the lengthen shorten line. I doubled the length of the shoulder tie straps and cut four instead of two. I followed the true Bias instructions for the top but then went on to make a skirt to add.

I know this is going to sound really basic but then I just cut off two pieces of silk the width of my fabric to make the skirt. I used a basic pocket pattern piece from another pattern, I measured from the top of the rectangle to make sure they were in the same place and lined up but also check that they will be in the right place for you when you are wearing the top… something I forgot to do (oops) so my pockets are a bit low. I sewed one onto each end of each of the skirt pieces, see photos, I did a double row of stitching for extra strength and durability, then sewed the sides together sewing down the sides and around the pockets at the same time for inseam pockets.

Next I gathered the skirt, to gather I used a double row of basting stitch to reduce the skirt to be the same width as the bottom of the top piece, with right sides together pinning and sewing the skirt to the top, being careful to maintain the gather. (also don’t forget to put your stitch length back to normal) I also whizzed round on the over-locker, for extra strength and to stop the silk from fraying.

I hemmed it and voila! Finished.