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Meri Blouse is a traditional dress worn in the Pacific Islands, originally introduced by missionaries I've heard. I made these four for a concert at church for some New Guinean ladies. The pattern cutting is very simple with little fabric wasted. And
To finish Me Made May, here's my favourite make of all time, worn by the lovely Emily. It's 5 metres of Ikea upholstery fabric, patternmaking uses subtraction cutting methods (google Julian Roberts, he has lots of free resources). As you can see from
What can I say? I'm in no danger of running out of handmade clothes for Me Made May (last count- more than 50 items in my wardrobe) but they are getting more...unusual. This flatpack shawl (it is a flat shape with armholes) was a college design proje
I made three of these dresses, because they look more complicated to make than they really are. This is black linen with a bit of sashiko stitching - cool to wear in summer or over a tee shirt when the temperatures go down. #memadewardrobe #sewers of

O Caftan, My Caftan

Caftans have had some bad publicity!  In Australia, they are inextricably linked with schmaltzy singer Kamahl. The ABC network in Canberra has instigated Caftan Friday, as a joke to poke fun at this classic 70s clothing item.

 

 
Rachel Zoe, stylist to...well, just about anyone and everyone... loves her vintage Pucci and Missoni caftans.

Rachel Zoe, stylist to...well, just about anyone and everyone... loves her vintage Pucci and Missoni caftans.

Kamahl, simultaneously resplendent and terrifying in a black and gold lame caftan

Kamahl, simultaneously resplendent and terrifying in a black and gold lame caftan

But stylist Rachel Zoe swears by her beautiful vintage caftans. We know they're comfy but can you wear one if you're not going to the beach? 

 
Here's a poolside caftan that you could wear anywhere from US retailer Tuckernuck.

Here's a poolside caftan that you could wear anywhere from US retailer Tuckernuck.

Made this caftan in thrift shop finds - a sky blue silk and a white seersucker fabric.

Made this caftan in thrift shop finds - a sky blue silk and a white seersucker fabric.

Caftan from Michael Kors.  Christian Dior 2012 resort collection showed a very similar caftan as well.

Caftan from Michael Kors.  Christian Dior 2012 resort collection showed a very similar caftan as well.

Thought I'd try sewing a less voluminous, practical caftan to wear even after you've left the pool.  After a few trials, I trimmed back the draping sleeves (to prevent caftan wearers from becoming a fireball at a barbeque) and shortened the hem (to avoid tripping up stairs).

Inspired by a lovely Michael Kors caftan, I made my own version. Photo instructions are here. Downloadable pattern coming soon so you can make your own Seventies caftan!