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Friends. I have been a busy body sewing all the things that I haven’t had time to share BUT I just HAVE to share this hack that I did on the inaugural pattern from Sew Altered Style. I tested the Misty Cami which already comes with some really great options. And then I hacked it!

The Misty Cami

This pattern is the pinnacle slip cami and dress. The pattern comes with two options for the straps (straight or crisscrossed) and two lengths (top and dress with belt). I tested the top length with the straight, basic straps.

I love how this fits me. Sew Altered Style is really on to something with their pattern grading, sizing, and style. But I expect this as the designers themselves have such beautiful, tailored styles. My original test was graded from a 16 upper bust out to a 30 in the hips.

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Something that I’m learning about sewing for my body is that while my hip measurement falls into the higher sizing, it’s not really because of my hips, but my booty. This is important to note for proper fit–especially with woven fabrics.

The Hack: Widen Straps + Gathered Peplum

I have a love-hate relationship with gathering–I absolutely love the look. But the way my laziness is set up, I prefer not to do the extra step. These simple differences made a big difference.

Widening the straps:

This was simple–instead of cutting 2 of the straps which is what the pattern says to do, I cut 4 of them and sewed two of them together with right sides together. I turned them creating a strap that was double in width.

Gathered Peplum:

This was super easy too.

I measured 8inches up from the bottom of the pattern and this was my guide. You can either cut or fold the pattern to the new length. For the gathered piece, I cut 3 strips of the width of fabric at 9 inches (to account for hemming and attaching to the bodice). Generally speaking you either want to double the width of the total measurement for the piece you’ll be attaching it to or do it 1.5 greater–mine was about this.

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Using the serger, I attached the 3 strips together and then gathered it along the longest side. Pulling the strings, you gather the fabric and then space it out evenly and attach it to the bodice that has been completed via the normal instructions.

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The last step is to hem your Misty Cami and boom! Hacked it!

Which version do you love more: the original Misty Cami or the hack?