I’m still in a total sewing zone! I’ve realized since I’m currently able to sew every day that my sewing mood is surprisingly influenced by the weather. The other day I had intended to work on this maxi caftan, but then it was foggy and cold and instead I worked on a quilt (Violet Craft’s Elephant Abstractions!). But yesterday (and today) it’s been really sunny and I was motivated to sew a dress, and I cut and sewed it all in the same day! The pattern is the Closet Case Charlie Caftan, which I’ve made before, although never the maxi version.
Before I forget, this is a size 8. I didn’t do any fit checking beyond trying on my previous version, also a size 8, to check that it still fit. It’s a straight size, with no modifications. For reference, my measurements are 37.5″/29.5″/38.5″ last time I checked, which puts me firmly in a size 10 for Closet Case, but I find that sizing down in this particular pattern makes it more dress-like and more appropriate for every non-beach use.
The fabric is by Mind the Maker and I got it at Patch (and they’re closed in person but still doing online orders/curb-side pick-up!). It’s 100% Oeko-Tex certified rayon, and it’s my first time sewing with an organic fabric. It’s sooo soft, and is such a nice light weight. I also love the other fabrics I’ve been seeing by Mind the Maker, but limited myself to one piece. I actually wasn’t that into the fabric line originally but then I saw a bunch of makes using it on Instagram and it really changed my mind! I know it’s kind of an autumnal colour palette, but I think I’ll get a lot of wear out of it even in the summer.
As mentioned in the instructions, the little front panel is definitely the trickiest part of this pattern. And I always have a problem with it, even after sewing this pattern three times! My best one is definitely on the Rifle Paper Co. version I made but never blogged (you can see it on Instagram here), but this one I ended up having to pull out the corners in two places and then hand-sewed them back in again to be more precise. I also hand-sewed the entire facing on the inside because I was just in a hand-sewing flow and it felt nice to take the time. The good thing about this little panel and the attached strings is that I find this pattern is really good (along with the cut-on sleeves) at adapting to bodily changes. Even if my shoulders get bigger or I gain or lose weight in other places, I feel confident that it will still fit and look good!
The maxi version of the Charlie caftan has two side slits on the skirt, which make it a lot easier to walk in. I contemplated leaving them out, but I’m glad I didn’t because I think it might lead to shuffle-walking otherwise. I don’t know if maybe next time I’ll only do one instead of both, but it’s nice to have a bit of a breeze! I think the thing that makes me hesitate is that I wish I could have one not directly on the side, but the way the caftan is constructed it would be a loooot more complicated to try to change the location of it. I’m thinking I don’t want it badly enough to bother!
Is anyone else’s sewing mood affected by the weather? What has everyone been sewing lately? I’m finding it very satisfying to sew through things that have been on my list for a while and reduce the amount of fabric/projects I have on the go! Plus it’s an excellent distraction.
