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I've had a major girl crush on Kennis Wong, owner/designer of Itch-to-Stich, for the longest time. She lives in Costa Rica and designs classic sewing patterns full-time (so jealous!). I was curious about sewing one of her patterns, and the sweltering summer heat gave me a good excuse to sew up her Crystal Cove Cami.
Read on for my brutally honest, unfiltered sewing pattern review.
TLDR
Crystal Cove Cami is a fast, easy sew with a fantastic fit. I'm digging the overlapping back detail. This is a great stash-busting project that doesn't consume too much fabric.
The pattern
Designed for woven fabric, the Crystal Cove comes in different cup sizes (A, B, C, D, and DD cups). The relaxed-fit bodice has an overlapping back with a curved hem, providing a unique look and plenty of comfort. I cut out size 4 based on my measurements and shortened the waist by 1" to fit my petite frame.
The fabric
I scored this H&M rayon wrap skirt at the thrift store for $1. I have a weakness for floral prints, especially if it's on a black background.
The good
This was a fast and easy sew. All aspects of this pattern, from printing to cutting to sewing didn't take long since there are only five pattern pieces. If you're looking for a stash-busting project, this cami is a good candidate as it only requires 7/8 yards for sizes 0 - 8, and 1 3/8 yards for the larger sizes.
This pattern had 50 pages (instructions + pattern), but all the information was well organized and cataloged. There were 36 pattern tiles to accommodate all the sizes, but Kennis included a print range for your size, so you don't waste paper. Also, the pattern is layered, meaning you can print the size you need.
I was worried about making the tube straps since I have PTSD from past projects with the Big 4 patterns, but this was one of the easiest parts of the project because the straps are cut on the bias. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but this is a GAME CHANGER for me! Anything cut on the bias has a lot of stretch, which makes turning the tubes easy as it stretches around the tube turner and the fabric that gathers along it. The Big 4 companies tend to lay this piece along the grain, and turning the tube was always a pain in the a** as the fabric bunched up with no give. I will never go back to making tubes the old way. Check out Kennis' very helpful post about making straps.
Kennis also includes design ideas on finishing the hem, like adding a narrow trim that's easier to sew while adding flair.
I can't get over the perfect fit of this top. This cami is super comfy thanks to the subtle flair from the bust to the hem. And I adore the super cute overlapping back, which provides some "give" around my growing stomach pooch.
The bad
Nothing bad here.
The ugly
Nothing ugly here.
In conclusion
The easy-to-sew Crystal Cove Cami is a great layering piece with a cute overlapping detail in the back. This top comes together fast with only five pattern pieces and 7/8 yards of fabric. I also learned a new, game-changing way of turning tubes.