Anyway here in Sydney, we are in the middle of winter. I loathe winter. So when Toni asked which pattern I was planning on sewing, I naturally started dreaming of warmer weather and our upcoming trip to Fiji and went with the Shearwater Kaftan.
First of all I sewed up a quick muslin from fabric that a friend had given me that I didn't hate but didn't love either. The Shearwater Kaftan has some really cute roll up sleeves with tabs, but for me I am not a roll up the sleeves girl or a 3/4 sleeve girl. I have long thin arms and 3/4 sleeves look a little ridiculous on me. I extended the arms on the test version and turned it into a long sleeve shirt.
I was expecting to have to fiddle with the fit and was happily surprised to find that it was really good. The pattern is cut really well and I found the fit really flattering. I also added elastic to the bottom of the sleeves of this one so that I could layer it easily with a jacket or a cardigan.
My next version I wanted to lengthen a little so that it was more like a dress and could be worn over swimmers on its own. Here's what I came up with. And yes, these photos are in Fiji - sadly our trip has been and gone and we arrived home yesterday. It was so nice to be in the warm weather for a week.
Naturally I couldn't help myself and had to fiddle with the pattern. I rounded the neckline off and lined the whole thing with some bias tape.
I also extended the shoulders to create a dolman sleeve. It was very straightforward to do and really suits the pattern.
Finally I added some curves to the corners on the bottom and finished the hem off with bias tape.
I
really like this kaftan. I find kaftans to be one of the most
overpriced items ever and so I'm stoked to have a pattern that I can use
to create my own. The pattern comes either as a downloadable pdf or
you can order the A3 pattern pieces and put them together. A3 is much
easier than A4 to put together. I cut the smallest size and the only
thing I would do differently when I make another is to move the top of
the shoulder seam out slightly, as it is a little too narrow for my
shoulders. This is a common alteration for me though rather than an
issue with the pattern.
The above fabric is cotton lawn from Miss Matatabi.
I do love her lawn. Lawn is about my favourite cotton fabric to sew
with - yes I love it even more than double gauze. This one was dreamy to
sew with and even nicer to wear. Plus it barely wrinkles in the wash. I
love the print on it, I feel like I'm wearing art.
Anyway,
I love this pattern and would highly recommend it to anyone. I think it
is suitable for beginners who have a few simple projects under their
belt, and for anyone more experienced, you could almost sew it with your
eyes clothes. A fast, easy sew with a great result.
And
I just had to include this picture of Zoe in my most favourite Make It
Perect Pattern of all time - The Uptown Girl. Give that one a go as
well! (Photos taken at Coogee Beach in Sydney, not in warm Fiji).
I
don't know how to do any fancy rafflecopter thingys, but Toni is
generously giving away a pattern. Please leave a comment below with
which pattern you would like and I promise I will draw the winner
randomly. This is not a blog with a huge following, so you are quite
likely to win if you go to the effort of adding a comment. And don't
forget to keep following along on the Perfect Pattern Parade!
Thanks for reading,
Marnie
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