We’ve been working on this update for over a year and are so thrilled to let you know our Reef Camisole & Shorts Set is now available in extended sizes in our 0-20 and Curve 14-30 ranges! This pattern is a quiet achiever, a set perfect for loungewear, or casual wear (depending on how you style it) and we have been super excited to release it to show you the incredible images and just how gorgeous it can look!
The camisole features bias cut, v neckline and crossover yoke in the back. The shorts have two variations, featuring an elastic waist, pockets, curved or straight hemline and two rises.
I’m going to go through what specifically has been updated and detail each of the variations, and tell you a little bit about them and how you can use them.
What has changed?
The pattern pieces have been re-graded to include additional sizes – Reef originally included 5 sizes, and now includes 11!
Reef Curve has been drafted based on our curve block and includes the same style details as Reef.
Some pattern pieces have been reformatted to make more efficient use of paper and both 0-20 and Curve 14-30 now include size layering so that you can choose to print all sizes or just the size you will be cutting out.
Choosing your size range
If you find yourself in the crossover 14-20 sizes and are struggling to choose between the Reef and Reef Curve patterns we have a post detailing how to choose the pattern that’s best for you.
View A Camisole with crossover yoke
My favourite detail of the Reef camisole is the crossover back yoke which is not only aesthetically pleasing but makes sure that your PJ’s stay put through sleeping. The V neckline isn’t too deep and the hemline includes a gentle concave curve at the front and convex curve at the back.
The Curve pattern includes bust darts for fuller busts as well as a slightly higher armscye cut for more bust coverage and security.
Though this pattern has been designed as sleepwear it makes a lovely casual top too! If wearing casually bra straps may be visible, so you may like to wear a crossover/convertible bra if you’d like your straps to be hidden.
View B Shorts with pockets and curved hemline
This view includes lovely deep inseam pockets and a beautiful curved hemline detail. The rise is just below natural waist on the 0-20 pattern and is slightly higher rised on the 14-30 pattern.
Usually we make our elastic waistbands a few inches smaller than waist measurements for daily wear, however given this is a sleepwear pattern we’ve kept the elastic a little more generous for comfort.
This is a great pair of shorts to wear in a more casual way and is a favourite with our design assistant Naomi (See Naomi rollerskating in her Reef shorts here).
View C Shorts with straight hemline
For a simpler quick pair of sleep shorts View C might be for you! This view has a lower rise which is closer to hip height, doesn’t include pockets and has a simple straight hemline. These whip up so quickly!
You can include the View B shorts in the View C shorts, however you will need to lengthen the shorts slightly so that the bottom edge of the pocket bag doesn’t peek out.
All the Tutorials!
To celebrate the re-release of Reef, we will be taking you through a comprehensive sewalong for the pattern in the coming weeks as well as some incredible maker features!
- How to choose between Reef & Reef Curve
- Reef Maker Roundup
- Reef Inspiration & Ideas
- Reef Tester Round-Up & Reef Curve Tester Roundup
- How to Block fuse facings
- How to Sew a Perfect V Neck on Woven Fabrics
- Sewalong | Camisole Yoke
- Sewalong | Camisole Facing & Seams
- Sewalong | Camisole Hem
- Sewalong | Shorts Pockets
- Sewalong | Shorts Seams
- Sewalong | Shorts Waistband
- Sewalong | Shorts Hem
It’s so exciting to finally be sharing Reef in ALL the sizes with you all! We’ve been working on this one for a while, so it’s always such a wonderful feeling to finally send it out into the world!
If you have any questions at all please let me know in the comments below or send us an email at hello@megannielsen.com. We’d love to see what you make with Reef and Reef Curve! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNreef and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
