Seems like aaaages since I was at the beach for these photos! and I can remember it was a glorious 30C that day. Right now it’s still sunny but getting pretty nippy here in Perth; and joyously frolicking in the surf in a tiny little dress is kinda out of the question. SO GLAD I was super-organised and pre-did my little photo shoot! Anyway, here is this cute and very summery little dress I made a few months ago.
Pattern; the Charlie caftan, designed by Heather of Closet Case patterns, and named after the ultra-cool Charlie, of Noble & Daughter. It comes in a shortie-short length like this, or you can make it as a glamorous maxi with a titillating thigh slit, so you can flash a little bit of leg in a breezily sexy way while shimmering along poolside in your wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunnies and of course an umbrella-ed cocktail in hand. Me not being the least bit glamorous, I opted for the mini version and scampering in the surf, no cocktail (sob) You probably can’t even tell, but I’m wearing it over my black Sophie bikini too. Closet Case patterns, head to toe!
I must say, it’s an extremely cute little design and also a super quick and easy pattern to whip up. And it has super deep, therefore by definition awesome, pockets… easily deep enough to hold your sunnies, car keys and phone while you’re at the beach. I made view A with the front pleats, and I put in the tie as well since I fancied being able to tie it up and give it a bit of a waist. I’m still undecided as to whether I prefer it tied or with no tie! tying it up does make the pleats “pop out” a bit over your tummy, but on the other hand I like it with a defined waist as well… the verdict is still out on that one… probably I should have made the gathered version! In the meantime, I took some pictures both tied up, and untied.
Fabric; a gooooorgeous linen/cotton mix from Spotlight. I bought quite a lot of this when I spotted it, hehehe. I mentioned it previously when I used it to make the lining for my lace “Brazilian” top too… I’m actually thinking of doing a spot of appliqué/embroidery on my caftan, snazzy-ing it up a bit. Still undecided about that one too. AAAGH I’m so indecisive!
Details:
Dress; Closet Case patterns Charlie caftan, white cotton/linen
Bikini (under); Closet Case patterns Sophie swimsuit, black swimsuit fabric
location; Bunker Bay, Western Australia
really lovely – so suits you – I hadn’t noticed the ties when I saw the pattern launch yesterday ! wonderful location! and great choice of fabric. the cotton gives a nice drape to the linen
Your great pictures are showing a perfect summer caftan! I was sure that I don’t need this pattern, but now? Well, maybe if we ever would go to beach holidays…
So pretty!
Nice pattern! I love it with tie, otherwise a caftan is very big…
Regards from the Netherlands (where it’s also very sunny and summertime-ish),
Mar10
so glad you sewed this! you look very comfy, adorable – I might have to give this a try, probably the long one.
Cool in every way possible. Jo x
Beautiful and chic, as always!
Nice design and sewn flawlessly, as usual. I really like the design, however, the armholes appear to be somewhat large. Should there be concern about possibly showing more than one bargained for?
thanks Pamela! the armholes are quite large because it’s just supposed to be a loose caftan/beach coverup that you wear over your bathers poolside or at the beach, although I believe Heather has raised the underarm a little bit in the final design so you can actually make it as an everyday dress if you wished. I suppose if you were still worried you could wear a little camisole or tank underneath 🙂
Love the simplicity of this dress. It really honors both the body and the season in its easy, basic design. the fabric choice is dead on… For myself, I imagine it in eyelet with a sharply contrasting, wispy fabric behind – two layers sewn as one… you’re giving me ideas!
It is beautiful. It looks so light and comfy.
I love this! Your pictures are gorgeous. I’m too far inland in the states to go to a beach…sigh. I haven’t lived near the ocean in about 30 years and miss it.
The white caftan is beautiful. I love it with the ties!
This is gorgeous, so light and summery. The simplicity is stunning. And nothing like a breezily sexy way of flashing a little leg. Hahaha. How clever to get your photos in the surf before the nip hit too. I like it both tied and untied.
If it helps I’m pro tie and pro embroidery! That should be fun! As usual, I’m not that much into this pattern but I like your version a lot! Especially as I’m sitting here in this freaking heat wave! I would be prefer to not wear anything at all, if that was accepted. But a caftan at least is pretty close to that! 🙂
so nice !! I love it !! simply georgous !
Wow those pictures! You make me want to go to the beach right now, lol. The dress looks beautiful.
I adore this new pattern and you have made it your own. Those beach scenes make me think nostalgically of summer!
Oh yes summer dresses in the middle of winter make me a little whimsical somewhat like the northern hemisphere winter photos I see mid summer! I love a white dress and linen is so classy. Those pockets are really cool and the tie is quite clever.
Oh my gosh…I want to dive right into that ocean! So beautiful!
You look stunning in your Charlie! I wanted to try this version, but I had plaid fabric and just wasn’t sure how that would work out so I made the gathered view. LOL….mine comes to my knees. You’ve got the gams for the shortie length, that’s for sure.
SIGH…I imagine these photos will cheer you if the winter weather gets dreary. How could they not!!
This makes me wish for a warm beach so much! My caftan would have to be made out of fleece and worn over leggings. I’m loving every version of this pattern!
Beautiful! Love your gorgeous beach photos!! What a lovely pattern and I really like those little ties. 🙂