Here is another one of those projects that I started ages ago… And when I say ages, I mean literal years.
I have this problem. It’s not just a design problem, but a problem that infiltrates my normal life as well. I’m not sure if it’s part of being a perfectionist, or what it is… I’ll use this pattern as an example. I started with a really simple design – the scoop neck bodysuit with a built in shelf bra. Then I thought, “a thong would be a nice addition… but wouldn’t it also be cool if I had a high neck version? What if I added ruffles? It would be so easy to make this into a tank top… oh, if I added straps I could make it a garter tank! But if it were longer it would make a really comfortable slip-dress / nightie… and what if I used the shelf bra as a stand alone bra pattern… what if I added cut-outs to the neckline?” You can see, my one idea grows and grows and grows until it is so overwhelming that I come to a stand still.
I do this all the time. I don’t know if there is a name for that, but I really struggle with it.
A few weeks ago I realized that this really stops me from getting anything done. I have great big huge intentions that are too big for one little lady to manage on her own. So I decided to take several leaps backwards and keep it fairly simple. As a bit of a compromise to myself, I added a few simple Pattern Hack’s at the end of the instructions to show you how you can easily take this pattern and make it a tank top, slip dress, or garter tank. One of my pattern testers took the ruffle pattern piece from my Kelly Pattern and used it along the leg line and that worked out great too!
I’ve always said that one of my goals with my patterns and my YouTube tutorials is to teach people methods of doing things… so you can come up with your own methods that work for you! So, I think reminding myself to keep thing simple is important so that I can maintain true to my roots.
The Cedar Pattern has both a low and high neck variation. Both have a built in shelf bra. Before I had my reduction this was an absolute must have for me, but even now, with smaller boobs, the added support is nice. It has the option of either a full seat or thong back and I show two different ways of applying snaps at the gusset seam. The pattern works best with fabrics with 4 way stretch. I had a lot of fun sewing it with sheer mesh and lace but also sewed one out of velvet and another using a rib knit from Bibs & Boots Fabrics.
As always, I’ve posted a sewing tutorial for this pattern over on YouTube, so you can check it out if you are wanting to preview how it is made. You can purchase the pattern on Etsy, or right Here!
