You may remember that I am making the above kaftan dress in my sewing class at the moment.
Well, my project is progressing.
In today’s class I finished my facings, snipped my underarm seams, tacked and then stitched the side seams and gave it all a good press (managing to avoid melting it, or smearing gunk from the iron on it in the process).
So far so good.
Then it was time for the moment of truth: the try-on. This time I was not going to wait until I’d nearly finished to find out that it doesn’t fit me – oh no, not me – I learn from my mistakes! I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.
However, once again pride comes before a fall. My plan to produce an envy-inducing, hand-crafted, vintage fabric head-turner started to unravel.
There was no tailor’s dummy available this week, so it was up to me to model my own creation.
I was hoping for something suggestive of the epitome of laid-back late ’60s lounging style:
Whereas in actual fact, I appeared to be attired in a brown patterned sack.
A stripy, high-necked, stomach-emphasising, shapeless, frumpy… abomination met my horrified gaze.
And that of the whole class.
Thankfully, nobody sniggered. I’m not sure I could’ve stood it. Though I wouldn’t have blamed them.
I’m pretty sure my teacher felt relieved when I said it looked awful. She is far too nice.
I helped her out by volunteering a few scathing observations on my own garment’s shortcomings, which allowed her to then tactfully suggest I add some shaping. Which I did.
So now, it looks like this:
Which is better, but still not quite the vision of loveliness I had in mind.
My teacher thinks I should shorten it, to help reduce it’s frump factor.
I’m not sure. I have my own frump factor to deal with, and I’m not sure that a mini-length kaftan would sit very happily with that.
I am toying with adding a faux peter pan collar in a contrast fabric. I picked a few out to experiment with… what do you think?
Too much?
There is a useful-looking tutorial for adding such a faux-collar here, which wouldn’t mean unpicking what I’ve already done.
Or I might add some pockets, either matching or contrasting… or some trim… or buttons… or something.
Anything that might reduce my resemblance whilst wearing it to someone who has just unwisely raided the dressing-up box. In the middle of the night.
I am gradually coming to the conclusion that it’s not as easy as it looks, this dressmaking lark.
The sewing I can just about manage. But sewing something I would actually wear, now that’s the real challenge. :-/
acres of brown – so difficult! what about binding the sleeves with a deep cuff of contrasting fab, and the neck (not peterpan) and interesting buttons, and pockets…..and oh dear – I was thinking of offering you some of the patterns I unearthed in my move!
I think you’re right about the cuffs, a contrast band might work there… I still need to decide about the hemline and the neckline though. The high neck makes it look strangely severe…and coupled with a longer length, a bit burka-esque, even… 🙁
I would suggest that you do something around the neckline to draw attention to that area – maybe some large beads or braid? Why don’t you search for images of kaftans on google for ideas, there might be another blogger who has had a similar issue, solved it and blogged about it. I am just getting into dressmaking yet again due to the Great British Sewing Bee. Have nearly finished one dress (not tried it on yet, I daren’t as I think I may have a fit issue) and cut out fabric for the next 2 dresses. I’m eager to get some clothes ready for Summer but I wonder if any of my creations will a) fit and b) be flattering. Aaaah! Good luck with finishing the Kaftan, I’m sure it will all work out in the end, but if not at least you have gained sewing experience in the process.
Ah, fitting – that was my mistake with my last project!
And yes, I agree with you; I am learning so much from the process that the end result is of secondary importance. I think dresses are a bit of a dressmaking minefield, especially if you are not a standard size! Good luck with your own projects! If it’s any help, I found a skirt much easier… I might make some more of those for summer, and add some pretty collars to adorn t-shirts using that tutorial I linked to in this post.
Can you gather it under the bust with some shirring elastic….just across center of the front….then on the inside,attach a thin strap to either side of elasticated section and do it up at center of your back,like you would a bra. This is how the more glam kaftans were given shape in the 70s. Collar and cuffs would add style too..dont give up!
I’m going to add more shaping at the back once the zip is in. I hadn’t considered shirring elastic – gosh, that takes me back to my childhood frocks made by my nanna! But I’d be a bit worried about looking like a brown barrage balloon if any part of it were to be elasticated!
Haha….it should bring it closer to your body and therefore define your shape. Good luck.
What I really need is for The Renegade Seamstress to suggest an easy and effective refashion for it!
Perhaps add a big chunky belt? Cute fabric!
I think that if it was finished just above your knees, that is a flattering length. Only if you are happy with your knees mind. Also think your idea of patch pockets in a contrasting fabric is a good one.
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