I am so thrilled to introduce you to our newest sewing pattern, the Reef camisole and shorts set! I love this pattern so much, and i hope you enjoy it as much as i do.
The inspiration behind this pattern is simple. I wanted to create a pattern that was both super comfortable and cute for sleeping in, but also really appropriate for every day wear. One pattern to get you through summer!
Reef has a relaxed fit, ideal for sleep or casual wear. The camisole features a bias cut, v neckline and crossover yoke in the back. The shorts feature an elastic waist, pockets, curved hemline and two rises.
Version 1 is a camisole with crossover yoke. Version 2 is shorts with pockets and curved hemline and sits below the natural waist. Version 3 is shorts with straight hemline and sits on the natural hip.
Worn separately or together, Reef is a great combination of style and practicality. I tend to break up my pieces about as often as i wear them together. I love wearing the camisole with jeans and cute shoes, for an outfit that is both quick and really put together.
The curved hem shorts are basically the perfect summer lounging shorts. They work with tees or cute tops or anything. Of course there are pockets, because you know how i love pockets. But these pockets are a little special. I hate pockets that flap around in the wrong direction, so these are cleverly anchored at the waistband to prevent that.
When you wear the Reef camisole casually i recommend wearing a strapless bra, or your straps will show. You can also wear a crossover bra, just try out what you’ve got! We gave this camisole a relaxed fit so that it’s comfortable when sleeping, but we know that some of you may like a closer fitting garment – so with that in mind, we planned the order of construction carefully so that it’s easy for you to adjust the camisole to be snugger fitting (with tips and reminders!) if you prefer.
When it comes to sleeping, most sleepwear sets are not very practical. They often include very thin straps that are uncomfortable when sleeping. Or worse, they offer so little coverage that they shift awkwardly in the night. I hate that.
Not Reef. The unique crossover racerback yoke means that you can sleep comfortably and know that your top is going to stay put in the night.
The V3 shorts have a lower rise and no curved hem, so they are a shorter than the V2 shorts. But as is typical for my patterns, things are mix and match. So if you want to make low rise shorts with a curved hem, the pattern piece match up perfectly and you can do that.
Pockets sadly won’t work in V3, and that’s simply because the low rise doesn’t leave enough room for pockets :)
When it comes to adding your own ideas, there is a lot you can do with Reef! Some ideas i’d like to try are, adding a lace hem instead of a curved hem. Also making the camisole yoke out of a contrasting fabric. But my most favourite idea, is lengthening the camisole to be a sweet summer dress. Worn on it’s own it would be adorable, but imagine it layered over a tee or turtleneck, 90’s style?! Yeah i’m totally going to do that, just you wait!
I also love the idea of lengthening the curved hem (V2) shorts to be cut 3/4 lounge pants!
As to fabrics, try and stick to lightweight fabrics – but you can also work with some medium weight fabrics too, just make sure there is some drape.
Don’t forget! All of our patterns can be used with the Megan Nielsen Patterns app, which gives you free access to all of your sewing pattern instructions, important information and additional features from your iphone or ipad. Anytime, anywhere.
I know you are going to love this pattern as much as we do! We would love to see your Reefs so don’t forget to tag #MNreef and@megannielsenpatterns when sharing your makes on Instagram.
Happy sewing!
Megan Nielsen xo
