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Vogue 1473- Caftan-Style Dress – Pattern Hack

Hello everyone!  I’m curious to know what inspires you in life.  I was asked this question in an interview recently, and immediately I thought of other women.  I’m inspired by women.  God has blessed me with a group of women who have demonstrated character traits that I need in order to be the woman of grace He has created.  Simply observing the lifestyles  of these women, I’ve learned what unconditional love looks like, how to be guided by wisdom and discernment, how to walk in confidence, the importance of encouraging others, and how to gracefully persevere through trials.  I plan to formally introduce you to them in a future post.  They are my inspiration to be a woman after God’s heart.  Everything else falls into place as it should be when the foundation is properly set.

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Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

 

Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

Vogue 1473 – Caftan-Style Dress – Pattern Hack

Today’s DIY look comes from another type of inspiration.  This is a pattern hack of Vogue 1473, a design by Lorcan Mullany for Bellville Sassoon.  This pattern has been in my stash for a long time, and the reason I’ve waited so long to sew the dress is that I couldn’t decide on the type of trim I would use on the side edges.  Do you remember I told you last week that I get sewing inspiration when I see women wearing beautiful garments?  Recently I ran across a photo on Instagram of a woman wearing a beautiful caftan (kaftan) and I was struck by the stylish look she was able to achieve with it.  Seeing her photo is what inspired me to create this look.  I have never been a fan of the caftan because it reminds me of “back-in-the-day” when some parents wore what we called “muu-muu’s.”  I didn’t think they were attractive at all, and I knew I would NEVER wear such a thing when I grew up.

Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

Fast forward to 2017, at 50 years old, this lady is rocking a caftan-style dress.  I can’t help but wonder if the younger generation will look at this dress and think as I did, that they will never wear such a thing.  Hahaha!  I’m so in love with this dress for several reasons.  (1) The comfort is by far the best feature.  I used an ITY knit fabric (not traditional for this garment), so it’s nice and slinky-soft against the body.  Caftans are typically sewn with flowy, woven fabrics, and the side seams are sewn closer to or on the edges.  The suggested fabrics on the pattern envelope are; Crepe, Satin Back Crepe, Silk Jersey, and Jacquard.  (2) I also love that it’s stylish, not your typical Muu-Muu.  (3) Lastly, it is so versatile.  I can wear this to lounge around the house, take a trip to the grocery store, or step out on a date night with my husband.  I will definitely be adding more stylish caftans to my wardrobe.

Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackDefinition: “caftan. or kaf·tan. A full-length garment with elbow-length or long sleeves, worn chiefly in eastern Mediterranean countries. A westernized version of this garment consisting of a loose, usually brightly colored waist-length or ankle-length tunic.” (yourdictionary.com)Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

As you can see, I made some changes to the pattern.

(1) The most obvious alteration is to the length.  I wanted it floor length so I added about 18″, but ended up cutting about 2″ off after trying it on.

(2) The other obvious change is the omission of the trim.  Instead I added 4″ to the sides to lengthen the sleeve.  Using a curved design ruler, I tapered it in at the bottom to prevent the side edges from dragging the ground.  I began the tapering at the hem and curved up to my liking.

(3) I lowered the front neckline just a bit, omitted the facings and used a 5/8″ double hem to finish the raw edges on the sides and neckline.  I left the bottom edges raw because I sewed up the sides before inserting the hem.  In the future I would hem the bottom first, then sew the sides; or stitch the sides, leaving hem allowance free for hemming.  ITY fabric doesn’t fray, so the raw hem isn’t an issue on this dress.

(4) I omitted the binding, shoulder zipper, loops and buttons because I didn’t think they were necessary.

This pattern is already easy to sew, but with all the omissions, I made it even easier with only 4 pattern pieces.  I will add the facings next time though.  I plan to use a beautiful crepe for my next version.

Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

Create the Look

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember:  When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!

Anita

Vogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern HackVogue 1473 - Caftan-Style Dress - Pattern Hack

(All photos courtesy of CEMO!)

Anita Morris

Anita is the Author of STEP Into It, Overcoming Trials That Lead To Purpose. She is also an Online Sewing Instructor for beginner sewists. She is passionate about helping women to step into their purpose by walking in the calling on their lives. She hosts a popular YouTube channel where she helps women to become confident in their sewing skills.

This Post Has 63 Comments

  1. Selene

    Looking regal lady. You wore this outfit well. Just shows us that you don’t have to show skin to look good.

  2. Rebecca

    This is so beautiful, and suits you perfectly.

  3. Alicia

    This, and you, are just too, too elegant! Love it to death. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

  4. Barbara Crompton

    This is gorgeous. I have been looking for a long, elegant caftan pattern for quite some time – I lived in caftans in the 70s, and they lasted me through most of the 80’s through 2 pregnancies and the resulting impact on the figure, but now, in 2019, in my 60’s I can definitely see a use for them again – just for elegant ‘at home’ wear if nothing else. I would not have dreamed that this pattern could be altered to look so good. One question – quantity of fabric. How much do you reckon? 4 metres? 5?

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Barbara. I think I purchased an extra yard of fabric just to be safe. Have fun sewing your caftan.

  5. Theresa Mbaku

    Hello. I just ran across your website and the caftan this afternoon, for the first time. Love it!

    I looked for the video of how to make the caftan I could not find it. Is it online or do I have to purchase it?

    Second question where did you get that tie-dye looking fabric that you used for the caftan?Thank you

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Theresa. The video is on my YouTube Channel. Here’s the link:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXteIGjjoCM&t=1559s

      I purchased the fabric in this post from the Michael Levine Loft in Downtown, Los Angeles (not on their website)

      The fabric I used in the video was purchased at JoAnn Fabrics.

      Thanks for stopping by.

  6. Danna Williams

    Anita, I love your videos, they are so easy to follow. I love this dress, and the style that you added to it. Can you please please please, make a video making this dress, it will be perfect for a wedding I’m attending in Sept. I’ve read your adjustments and omissions, but I’m more of a visual learner. please concerder my request.

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Danna! Thank you so much! I just completed the video for this caftan. I have to edit it, so you will have tutorial real soon.

  7. Tiffany M

    Hi Anita, A little sewing sister here. So glad I checked out the blog! I am now digging around for that awesome DKNY number from Burda (6851) thanks to you! lol….I love this caftan! I too am anxiously yet patiently waiting for the tutorial on the stylish modifications you made. Thanks again for sharing your gift with us!

    1. Anita Morris

      Hey lil sis! I just saw your comment on facebook. Yes, it’s coming! Stay tuned!

  8. Rosalind D...

    Hi Anita, I purchased my pattern today from Joann’s, it was on sale $4.99. I showed the ladies your picture, they were very impressed. I will be reading your information again before I start sewing. Thanks again…

    1. Anita Morris

      Hey Rosalind! Awesome! I’m so glad you got your pattern. I just made another one from a crepe with multi-colored stripes, and I love it. I plan to do a video tutorial on the caftan, but it may not be until next month. I can’t wait to see your caftan! Have fun making it.

  9. Rosalind D.....

    Anita, oh my goodness, I saw a lady in the store today and I was thinking how pretty her dress was. Now you have one on, simply beautiful and it looks comfortable. Thanks for sharing???

    1. Anita Morris

      Thanks Rosalind! Yes, it is the most comfortable piece to wear. Great for grocery store.

  10. Doris Mays

    First of all, you are gorgeous. I can’t believe I’ve never run across your blogs before. I too am a seamstress and love to sew any style. You have given me a wonderful ideal for this pattern. Vogue patterns, I specialize. This makes me so very proud to see black females come with such full force and grace. You are an inspiration.

    1. Anita Morris

      Ooooh, Doris, thank you so much for your words. So nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by to visit. Have fun with the pattern.

  11. angel

    Anita I just stumbled upon your blog and saw this beautiful caftan. Somehow I missed this pattern! You are an inspiration.

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Angel! Glad you found me! Thank you so much!

  12. Kait

    I just stumbled across your blog while searching to see if anyone had made V1473, and I am so glad I found you! I love how everything about your photos just exudes joy! I really like your version of this pattern. Looking forward to seeing your future makes!

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Kait! Thanks for stopping by and your feedback. So glad to have you join me.

  13. Ivona

    Beautiful caftan Anita!

  14. Ray

    Bigger sist, I live in Buffalo should I send my address so you donate that dress? hahahahaha..now u inspire me to go for caftan soon… guess u should try a head gear on it dat will make it African …Whenever i see your work i am inspired… Never a dull moment, always glowing…you are truly a mentor…

    1. Anita Morris

      LOL! Hey sew sister! Thank you so much!

  15. Natasha

    You are such an elegant lady!

  16. Sharon

    You’re fabric & design choices are goergeous ❤❤ I thought as you when I was younger but this caftan is the best and inspiring women are the foundation for all of us

  17. Neti*

    Fabulous look on You & the fabric you chose is perfect. Enjoy. .

  18. Delawa

    So beautiful ! Old school and I love caftan they are so comfort. They can be used for muti-use as you stated. I also like the short top with pants! Thanks for sharing !

  19. Sherry

    Very nice. I love the color you selected and the fabric. I think I will have to try to make this pattern.

  20. Heide V

    The way you sewed that is stunning!! If that’s the new muu-muu, then sign me up lol

    1. Anita Morris

      Thanks Heide! Yeah, I’m signed up too.

  21. Lashawnda

    Gorgeous Mrs. Anita! I love it!!

  22. Queenesther Jones

    Awesome!

  23. Sandra

    Hi Anita! Very elegant casual and you look so beautiful. God Bless!

  24. Gale

    Anita, As always you did a beautiful job on your out fit, and you are rocking it.

  25. Lorain Thompson

    Hi Anita you are my inspiration. May God continue to bless you as you inspire others.

    1. Anita Morris

      Oh gosh, Lorain, God bless you too! Thank you!

  26. serenity

    I am not mad at this look…..

  27. Joella

    Very regal, Anita! You look like the Queen that you are!!! Beautiful!

    1. Anita Morris

      Joellaaaaa!!! OooWee! From one Queen to another, thank you!

  28. Donna

    Simply gorgeous, hope you do a tutorial 😀

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you, Donna! Considering a tutorial.

  29. Cat

    I loved reading about your women friends. The ladies in my life are so important to me and have taught me so much. Us gals really need each other. 🙂

    The caftan is just gorgeous are very very flattering! It has got much more shape and style than other caftans I’ve seen. Very inspiring!

    1. Anita Morris

      Thanks Cat! Yes, we were made for each other and we NEED each other.

  30. Carmen

    Beautiful fabric choice. Please do a tutorial on this one.

    1. Anita Morris

      Thanks Carmen! Considering a tutorial.

      1. April Dawn

        I 2nd the vote for a tutorial.

  31. Mina

    It’s simply beautiful Anita !!! You look awesome!

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