Kaftan-Style Beach Cover-Up
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I’ve been working on this Kaftan Style beach cover-up (is it caftan or kaftan? I can’t figure it out.) on and off for almost 3 weeks. The pattern is simple, but this fabric is evil! I could only stand to work on it about 20 minutes at a time.
The pattern I used was McCall’s 5855. (The pattern says “Easy, 1 Hour,” but depending on your fabric choice, plan for more…)
What I really love about this pattern is that it is V-neck and so comfortable and flattering! I will probably attempt it again in something that is easier to work with, maybe a knit for around the house. One of my favorite dress-up tops is a silk DKNY blouse made with a similar pattern. If I ever come across the right fabric, I will have to buy a few yards for another “fancy” blouse. (Seriously, this style is flattering on everyone.)
The fabric cutting was very difficult for a few reasons, but mainly because the pattern pieces were so big and I started with about 2.5 yards of 60 inch wide fabric. I had to lay everything out on the floor, and the fabric was impossible to line up straight and kept slipping and sliding. It was very frustrating. (Somehow, my sewing scissors never made it back to my craft room, I have been unable to find them for several days.)
For the pattern markings, my blue marker pen would not show up on the fabric, so I had to use straight pins, which kept falling out. I finally opened a new package of safety pins and used those instead.
The neckline called for interfacing, which this fabric definitely needed, though I had a little trouble getting all my fabric pieces to match up because of the fabric slipping around while I cut, luckily this pattern is very forgiving and I do love the final result.
I did end up cutting around 5 inches off of each side, I didn’t care for the look of all that extra material. It made the cover up seem “heavy.”
I’m actually not quite through. I still need to sew a quick seam where the red lines are. My parents were here visiting and I wanted someone to take a picture of me in the cover up. My self portraits are horrendous. I really should invest in a nice full length mirror.
**Update… I have worn this cover up several times now. I LOVE IT!!! So worth the effort. I highly recommend this pattern!!!
Want more cover up ideas? Check out these tutorials!
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