Just before each Summer rolls around I always intend on making myself up a few comfortable, ‘around-the-house’ tops. I have to say these intentions of mine are fuelled largely by Ashley, who each Summer always whips up the prettiest kaftan’s and dresses – you can see the fruits of her labour here.
Anyway, armed with the ‘Make It Perfect’ Shearwater Kaftan pattern and pushed along by the lovely warm days we have been experiencing – I pulled out the machine.
The pattern is really easy to follow and the only problems I experienced was when it came to making the bias binding to encase the neckline in. I don’t know about you but making bias binding with cotton gauze is really no fun.
I abandoned the binding idea and did a small rolled hem (fraught with it’s own perils), which has made the neckline a lot wider than the original pattern.
I have to say that I am not entirely thrilled with the neckline as it is but I’m not getting too hung up about it as it will serve the ‘around-the-house’ purpose quite nicely.
Fabric purchased from here.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay, now. That tunic is nicer than anything I own and wear outside of my house! I think it looks fantastic!
I like the neckline!
This is a perfect spring/summer piece.
Oh yay! I bought this pattern a few months ago and have been looking for fabric to make it up. I'm so pleased to see how great it looks, nice work!
That top is in no way an "around the house" one. It looks lovely :)
aaak! are you kidding me??? i lOVE it!! and am crazy green with envy that you're getting summer… we are going into winter here! ick!!
xo
Thank you! I have had the fabric for this for months and been dithering, but your beautiful top is the perfect inspiration I need to start!
That sounds a bit worrisome about the neckline though, not sure I can do bias or rolled hem…
I too have been wanting to make a Kaftan for ages, the fabric is so pretty. If you know of a childs kaftan pattern I'd love to know.
Lovely tunic! That fabric is just gorgeous.
Very pretty!
Neckline 'n' all!
OH I bought the pattern few weeks ago SO I read your post very carefully!I think it looks beautiful with a wider neckline…Well done! and the fabric is really pretty too!
Okay, I MUST have this…
Oh I would wear that outside the house too, gorgeous fabric! xo
this is lovely and it looks beautiful on you
I'm sorry but that is far too nice for "round the house"! Please tell me it ain't so! I'm trying bias binding out of voile – not my idea of fun AT ALL!!
gorgous fabric and such a lovely top !
This looks gorgeous Kate! only you would notice the unseen faults. I love this fabric design, good choice.
Looks gorgeous Kate
It's lovely and the neckline looks fine to me. As long as it's not falling off your shoulder, it's not a problem. The fabric is divine… looks like Nani Iro. Enjoy!
It looks lovely. I too, am a kaftan kind of girl. Well done.
Oh , I love this Kate .
I've had some gauze on the shelf with the intention of making a similar tunic/kaftan for too long .
I made a linen version & also had grrrrs with the binding on the neckline .
Super cute Kate and definitely for wearing beyond the house!
It's lovely Kate… Beautiful fabric – Nani Iro? xxt
Loverly. Great fabric. Wish it was summer over here,not just the rain rain rain.
I think the neckline is lovely – it means the kaftan would work well over a strappy summer dress or a pair of bathers.
oh, i love this!