Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm for our new Bellevue camisole sewing pattern! Today I want to share some sewing inspiration for making your camisole! References include camisoles, slips and nighties, since they all have the same basic shape.
1. THE WALLPAPER PRINT
Nightie by Marjolaine
photo credit Marjolaine
I love the historical feel of this beautiful, crisp floral - very similar to 18th century European fabric prints ('Indiennes') that were made to imitate textiles from India. You can never be too bold with scale either!
2. THE ROMANTIC LACE
Slip by Carine Gilson
photo credit Net-A-Porter
I picked multiple lace examples, as the possibilities are infinite. This amazing silk satin chemise is embellished with Caudry lace (a celebrated lace from the North of France). To emulate this very soft and romantic feel, pick a lace that is very delicate - thin and soft to the touch, silk if possible - and match with the main fabric, choosing powdered shades. I love how the lace is running down the side, with subtle cutouts throughout.
3 . THE ALL ABLAZE
Nightie by Marjolaine
photo credit Marjolaine
You know how fond I am of vibrant, tone-on-tone lingerie. Flamboyant colors are enhanced by the shine of silk charmeuse, creating maximum vibrancy. Note how daring the ratio of lace to main fabric is on this version, with the lace falling over the bust. You can really have fun with the placement of lace motifs, and sprinkle little bits here and there.
4. THE ITALIAN
Camisole by Dolce & Gabbana
photo credit Net-A-Porter
Of course Dolce is giving us a bold oversize floral, matched with a classic white lace! Visually and conceptually, I like the contrast of contemporary details (the dynamic print, the wide straps) against a timeless backdrop (the timeless camisole shape, the traditional lace). And those matching shorts are just too cute.
5. THE CANDY STORE
Camisole by Marjolaine
photo credit Marjolaine
Love the simplicity and sweetness of this statement: choosing one beautiful solid color, and scalloping the upper edges to create a playful, oversize paper doll look.
6. THE FRENCH GARDEN
Camisole by Carine Gilson
photo credit Net-A-Porter
Yet another way to use lace: making both sides of the neckline absolutely symmetrical and choosing a darker main fabric that brings the focus on the light colored lace. This creates the feeling of the lace motifs growing on the cami like vegetation, and really draws the eye to appreciate the actual design of the lace. Note the lovely detail of a lace ribbon added to the upper and lower edges, to create a straight lace edge.
7. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS OF CAMIS
This particular placement of very thin black lace over black crepe de Chine always works! Overstitching the lace onto the matte camisole, dark on dark, blurs the lines between lingerie and outerwear - is the lace over? under? is this several layers or one? A perfect balance between suggestion and protection.
8. THE CLASH OF THE TITANS
Camisole by Fleur du Mal
photo credit Net-A-Porter
Last of the lace examples, I promise! This bright red & magenta one to encourage you to have fun with color. Never hesitate to match strong shades together. The result can only be interesting, due to the nature of the lace on silk technique!
9. THE OMBRE
Camisole by Cami NYC
photo credit Cami NYC
Last but not least: how jaw-dropping is this dawn-colored ombre silk? It doesn't need anything more, the subtle gradient speaks for itself. Very poetic and soft. And see how the bias cut makes the ombre diagonal, a much more organic orientation that feels like color is wrapping the body? Fabric choices these days are truly amazing, so do explore the vastness of the silk charmeuse and satin on offer.
Have fun sewing the Bellevue camisole and don’t forget to hashtag your makes with #BellevueCamisole and #OrangeLingerie so I can find them all!
