Fiske Sleepwear: My First Cashmerette Make and Custom Dye Experience
Hey, lovelies! It’s cuddle season. It’s ya girl, back with another sewing adventure, and let me tell you, this one was a doozy! I finally took the plunge and sewed my very first Cashmerette pattern, the Fiske Sleepwear, particularly the camisole and robe, and oh my goodness, what a ride! This project wasn’t just about sewing; it was about transforming fabric into something truly unique. Yes, you heard that right, I dyed the fabric myself but more on that a little later.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Dyeing lace? Isn’t that, like, really hard?” And honestly? It was a little intimidating at first. I tried everything under the sewing sun and moon to find the right color lace but it did not exist. So I’m here to tell you that with a little patience and the right supplies, it’s totally doable–as in any sewist can dye lace!
Years ago, I purchased that beautiful stretch velvet fabric in Texas when I attended by cousin’s wedding. (yes, ya girl escaped before the show for fabric adventure as always. This fabric has been in my stash for a ridiculous moment.
As soon as I touched the fabric in the store, I said to myself, this is a robe, a very pretty robe. Time passed, and the perfect robe pattern appeared– the Fiske Sleepwear set by Cashmerette. I went with an ombre effect in earthy burgundy and wine tones for the camisole’s floral lace, and a rich, solid wine-colored stretch velvet for the robe. The result? Pure luxury loungewear vibes for my slumbering pleasure!
Conquering the Fiske Sleepwear Camisole
The Fiske Camisole is a gorgeous pattern, but let’s be real: it has its fair share of pieces (nine for the V-neck version, to be exact!). It’s got a V- nekline. but not as deep as some other projects I’ve done. It’s made for all body types so no fears, anyone can cut and sew this pattern! It was the lace that got me. I was probably being super picky, but the only way to get it perfect was to use Rit dye.
Since I’m on the petite side, I had to make a few adjustments to the pattern. This involved a good bit of measuring and calculating, especially for me but it was totally worth it for a perfect fit. Here’s the lowdown:
- Measure your torso: From the nape of your neck to your natural waistline.
- Measure your back waist length: This is from the prominent bone at the base of your neck (the 7th cervical vertebra) down to your waist.
- Extend the grainline on the pattern pieces.
- Cut along the lengthen/shorten line.
- Adjust the pattern by the appropriate length for your body.
- Re-tape the pattern pieces, carefully aligning them along the grainline.
- Reinforce the side seams.
I removed 2 inches from the hem and 1.5 inches from the lengthen/shorten line to get the cropped look I was going for. And because I like a little extra something-something, I added a sexy slit on the left side and hemmed it with lace that coordinated with the main fabric.
Robe-ing Myself in Luxury
For the Fiske Sleepwear Robe, I followed my tried-and-true method:
- Cut and organize the pattern pieces. (Seriously, organization is key when you have this many pieces!)
- Cut the main fabric.
- Interface all the necessary pieces. (This gives the robe a beautiful structure and drape.)
- Assemble all the smaller bits first: ties, belts, and any single pieces.
- Finally, put together the main garment.
Like the camisole, I shortened the robe hem by 2 inches, taking the length off at the lengthen/shorten line.
Lessons Learned and Lace Loved
This project was definitely a learning experience, and I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone. Dyeing the lace added a unique touch to my Fiske set, and I can’t wait to experiment with more dyeing projects in the future.
If you’re thinking about trying a Cashmerette pattern, I say go for it! The Fiske Sleepwear robe is easy enough for a beginner. The instructions are clear although the camisole inner instructions could be clearer, the fit is fantastic (especially with a few petite adjustments!), and the results are absolutely stunning. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try your hand at dyeing your own fabric? You might just surprise yourself!
What about you? Have you ever tried a Cashmerette pattern or dyed your own fabric? Share your experiences in the comments below!