Anita, I said it before. Your lovely. Your a wonderful teacher. I wish you could do a few videos on topics no one else seems to cover. The importance of understanding fabric types for each pattern. The types of fabric and how each is handled. Understanding the marks on your machines pressure plate. The importance of using the correct needle and thread for your project. Why we generally don’t mix fabric types in the same garment. These are some of the things that a beginner can find very intimidating or in some cases discouraging. I’ve been sewing for over forty years. I learned from my grandmother on an old singer treadle machine. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.
I love the dress. I think the caftan is timeless. I remember Isabel Sanford (Weezy) of the Jefferson's wore them quite often on the show. When I watch the reruns of the show, in 2020, the caftan still looks great on her. You look great in it as well. Good to see you back. Take care.
I just wanted to come back and give you my biggest THANK YOU for this video.I decided to purchase this pattern and I actually made this piece I one evening after watching this video once through. This is my first sewn garment and I'm so happy. All I need to do is the hemming.
Oh my gosh! You made this as a first garment? Okay, you're gonna kill it in this sewing game. Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear that you found the tutorial to be helpful. Makes my heart smile.
I made this caftan for myself back in the 1970s and I loved it. The midriff insert was a challenge but a neat learning experience. I also made one for my Mother-in-law and she also loved it. The caftan was a very in vogue garment at the time. Very hippie. 😂
I really appreciate your videos, and how detailed you are with the instructions. I have a brain block whenever I try to read patterns, for some reason it just doesn't compute from paper to brain. But with your videos and the visuals it makes me feel like I can follow along and make it happen! So thank you so much for your patient and kind teaching approach and keep up the fabulous content Anita!
Carrie, don't you just love it. I enjoy watching sewing tutorials so much. It's just so relaxing watching others sew. Yes, we're sewing girlfriends online. I love it.
Yaaay, Adrienne! Oh yes, perfect for vacation. I'm so glad to hear that you like the video. Have fun making your caftan. You're gonna look so glamorous on vacation.
Anita! I did it! It took me a week but I did it. I don’t have a serger so I had to hem the armholes and I can’t quite get the inside cover piece to stay put but I’ll figure out something. I wanted to finish this by Mother’s Day so I can lounge in it all day and I finished it. Thank you so much for a wonderful and detailed tutorial.
OMGooosh! Kimberly, you've got me so EXCITED! Congratulations on finishing your caftan! Guess what? I wore mine to a tea party today. You're gonna love it! It's so very comfortable. Enjoy, my sew sister!💕💕💕
You are so beautiful ,thank you for your bright personality .I hope more of us can become like you.God bless and keep you .I bought this pattern today making it for my daughter that is as beautiful as you
YOU ARE A SEWING ANGEL! I have such a hard time with sewing instructions. Watching you walk through it means less time screaming at the sewing machine, and for that I applaud you. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I am making it for a friend and I am so excited with this understanding going in. Much love to you!
Chris!!!!!! Yeeesss!!! I'm so glad you found this to be helpful. What an amazing friend you are to sew this for your friend. Have fun making the caftan.
Oh Anita I love your videos!! You make sewing even more fun with your lovely voice, sweet vibe and methodical instructions 💕 Jus ordered the pattern, so 70’s cool and adorable, thanks so much! ,
I LOVE this!! I hope you make other things!! I’m a great sewist but I can’t make clothes for anything. I’ve watched the entire video and when I start the caftan tomorrow I’ll do it step by step. Watch, stop, sew. Watch, stop, sew.
Thank you for this wonderful and informative tutorial! I'm a new sewist, dabbled in it briefly as a young girl, and want to really get into making my own clothes. I own a few of these vintage caftans, but they are so hard to find! I love vintage style and fashion, and have had this pattern saved for a couple years. In my search for a tutorial or a sew-along, I found your channel. I can't wait to sew my own caftan!
Anita, Watched your blue knit raglan top video and your cropped pants video and you are a very good teacher! Thank you for your clear instructions. Mary in Leola Pennsylvania ❤️
You are a fantastic teacher! I have a goal this year to try out things that scare me (sewing being one of them) and I am so happy it is turning out well because of your help.
Just got my pattern from Etsy. Using it as a coverup. Thank you for sharing this wonderful Sew-Along. God Bless....Looking forward for your next videos 🙂
I made this same caftan this past weekend and I LOVE it but I really struggled with connecting the yoke to the front. I really wish I would have waited one more week to watch you video. So helpful!
I am just waiting for my pattern and fabric to arrive by mail. I've watched the video all the way through, and will be referring to it as I sew the caftan. I'm excited to make this! Thank you for doing this video!
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that you are enjoying the channel. And, yes, it's okay to observe before subscribing. It's wise to make sure the space is a good fit for you. Thank you for being here.
I did sew along with you and I love my new caftan!! I’m so excited to choose other patterns you’ve made just to make them along with you! You are adorable and the way you explain things makes this beginner feel more confident! Thank you for making this video!!
Hi, I bought the pattern and fabric today. I purchased them both from Joann's. I love how detailed your sew alongs are. My daughter wants to start sewing and I told her to subscribe to your channel. Have a blessed weekend and stay safe.
I really liked the pattern review followed by the sewalong, thank you! The dress looks so beautiful on you and what a lovely fabric. And it looks so comfy, can’t wait to make one for myself.
Thank you so much. Yeah, I'm definitely gonna continue with this process of providing a pattern review before the sew along. I'm glad you enjoyed both videos. Have fun making your caftan.
cut out the pattern yesterday & need to choose my fabric-which is in my stash of course. I looked at the measurements & decided to grade it from "small to medium"; the small is from the waist & below, then increased measurements to medium for above the waist & hope I get the results I think I have in mind. Thanks for motivating us to get it done. You're awesome
Making this for the second time, thank you for your video, I followed it both times and it came out great! Im adding pockets to the side seams on this one;)
Thank you so much for this sew a long! Your caftan is beautiful! I am planning to make up this dress and watching you make it will be so helpful and make sewing go much faster and smoother :)
I love the dress, you demstrated step by step, and I love that I brought the pattern the other day I'm looking forward making this dress and posting it.,I subscribe your tutorial, I'm looking forward of more Of your sew-long.
Love your videos, Anita. So nice to not have music in the background, and your camera work is excellent. Keep up the good work! 😊 Raewyn Adelaide South Australia
Hi only found you last week, already ordered four of the patterns you have used. Hope they turn out as good as yours. Thank you for the free video, not many are so generous .
New subscriber here. I really want to learn how to sew, but I feel so intimidated by it. I’m currently binge watching your videos (and stalking your IG). I have a very basic sewing machine that’s gathering dust in a closet. I wrote all that to say thank you for generously sharing these tutorials, they really are helpful to us sewing newbies. 🙏
Yaaayyy!!! I'm so happy to have you join me. Make sure you have your machine serviced first if it's been sitting for a very long time. You want it to be in good working condition before you start. Sometimes, after they sit for a while, they don't perform properly, like a car. Thank you for subscribing and I hope you will continue to enjoy the content I offer here.
First, I love the knee pads idea! Second, I love how you kept the camera angle clear enough for us to see all the tricky bits, especially the pivoting around the midriff corners and getting the fabric to lay flat around the corners! Third, what a beautiful caftan you made! It fits you so well and looks lovely! I have some questions/concerns though. First, it looked like you clipped through the stay stitching into the corners? Second, even though I'm not large busted, I'm worried about the yoke pieces being long enough for the midriff piece to sit under my bust and not ride up on my bust. Third, I'm considering raising the center seam of the yoke front to make sure it's as modest as I would like. It looks like it should work without causing problems in other areas. I'm thinking of doing a mock up of the top part of the caftan for fit check and for practice first! I am so grateful for this tutorial! Thank you, Anita!💕
Hi Tammy. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the sew-along. Your Questions: 1. Yes, I cut through the stay stitching at the corner but the stay stitching is still in place. 2. You may need to lengthen your yoke pieces. 3. Yes, raising the neckline is easy. Just a matter of extending the stitching past the suggested stopping point. Making a muslin is a good idea to check for fit. Have fun sewing your caftan. It's so comfortable.
NOOOO! I've just sold a ton of vintage patterns because I didn't really know where to start when it come to patterns and this was one I was tempted to keep. Oh well, I love to watch anyway and may use this to start drafting my own patterns.
OMGosh! 🤭 I never knew you could see who "likes" and "dislikes" your videos. That's too bad that people have to do that. I've never hit the thumbs down on a video. If I don't like it, I just move on.🤷🏽♀️
Can you BELIEVE the prices of summer dresses?!! $200, $300, $500, 1,500?!!! I worked my own sweatshop over 3 days and made a pretty good, chic summer dress with $15 of fabric from the clearance section of Joann’s. I am very pleased. I heard another sewing you tuber say you have to sew a pattern three times to really get good at it and I think I will because in making the first, I found the flaws in the pattern and will fix those problems in the second go around. Just like the hem problem in your dress, Anita. I wish there was some way to share pictures here! Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Yes, I heard that suggestion about sewing a pattern 3 times too and I think it's a great idea, especially if it's a basic garment. I probably wouldn't do it with a specialty item though. I will be trying to address that hem issue in my second make of this caftan. If you're on Facebook or Instagram, you can share photos with me there. Or you can email them to contact@anitabydesign.com
Hey Anita. Growing up in the 70's, I never thought I would like a Caftan. Now that I am old I love it. Just got the pattern. But I was wondering if you will be doing a kimono at some point.
Anita, thank you so much for all the help and love you send out into the world! You have such an infectious smile that really makes others feel welcome. I do have a question about this pattern if you don't mind. Is there any reason I couldn't cut the front piece specifically pieces 5 and 5a on the fold? Actually if I am not going to use the button and loop, the back piece too. Is there a reason I shouldn't try to do that? Thanks again for all of your time and effort you put into your videos.
Hi Raquel. Yes, you can certainly cut the back on the fold. It would definitely cut out a step. One sew sister did that because she didn't want to disturb the print in her fabric. In fact, I may do the same thing with my next one. Have fun sewing your Caftan.
Ok, Im not a pro sewer, a semi beginner for clothes. Ive sewed off and on for in my life, quilted and I'm fine with a sewing machine and basic patterns even some a bit complicated. I enjoy a challenge. I saw this and thought I love it! I would recommend no one who is a beginner do this. The yoke is driving me crazy. Just about going to quit and I got rayon matrial, very slippery. I don't know if I will make it thru. I just don't want a newbie doing this and saying "Im done sewing". Get a simply pattern without all the complications of that darn bodice...lol.
Hi Anita, 😀You look fabulous in the kaftan. 😍I can't sew this yet so, I request here, Could you kindly make a video on how to sew a wrap skirt for summer? It is a Simplicity model. Thanks! 😊
Hi Christina. Thank you for the compliment. I will be adding more sew-alongs to the channel and a wrap skirt is already on the list. I can't promise when though.
Thank you so much for walking us through this, Anita! I have a larger bust and will need to move the midriff a few inches lower and account for more bust space in the yoke. Do you have a way to do this that won't throw off the proportions or the rest of the pattern front?
Hi Penny. You can increase length of the yoke. Not sure if that pattern piece has a lengthen/shorten line. If not, you can add one somewhere in the middle and spread the two pieces apart the amount you need to add. Tape pieces to tracing/craft paper. Make sure you remove from the skirt length whatever amount you added to the yoke. Hope that helps.
@@AnitabyDesign I wound up adding 2" panels to the top to lengthen the yoke, while also adding length at the bottom of the yoke to accomodate the extra full bust. The midriff needed to be lowered (in my case) so it lands a bit lower than the pattern. With lengthening the tops of the yolk pieces, the shoulders join at my shoulders (otherwise the seam comes too far forward). I made extra pattern pieces to use in future versions to account for these changes. This was such a challenging pattern but I learned so much and I know I could not have gotten through it without your sew-along!
Nice video, clear and easy to follow. But I think you should cat the edges of the material with either an overlock or zig-zag stitch. Material that fray like mad is a beginners curse 😊
This is a wonderful tutorial - thank you sew much! I am attempting this project and have had a lot of trouble following the directions. The seam ripper and I are becoming good friends. I do have a question for you. I am making this for a friend who is recovering from surgery. We don't live nearby one another, and she is MUCH smaller than I so I can't try it on. How would you suggest that I handle the hem issues?
I'm so glad you find this tutorial helpful and what a wonderful thing to do for your friend. If you have a dress form, that would be the best way to handle the hem. You would need her measurement from center back (at neck bone) to floor (or wherever she wants the hem to fall). If you don't have a dress form, you could put it on a hangar and hang it in a place where you can work on the hem.
Thank you Shirelle. I used the walking foot whenever I'm using knits or really thin fabrics to make sure the layers of fabric are moving through the machine evenly. It works great.
I didn’t know that was a knit fabric but that’s good to know to use a walking foot on knits. thank you so much you have made me smile today not feeling myself. 🥰🦋
Hi Anita. Thank you so much for this video! I have a few questions for you: if you were to adjust the pattern with an elastic instead of the ties, how would that work? Would it be one piece of elastic sewed on either side or would you have one side of the elastic someone attach to an inside button maybe? Sorry, I'm not very experienced with sewing so I'm trying to think this through. Also, I'm having a hard time deciding on a fabric to choose to from. I think I would like to go with a polyester spandex blend (not sure about 2 way vs 4 way). If I go ahead with this, would I still use the same type of stitch or would I need to alter it for the stretch fabric? Again, thank you so much!
Hi there. You're very welcome and I'm glad you like the video. 1. You can use either method to insert your elastic by deciding which would be more comfortable for you. If you sew the elastic to both sides, you would just pull it over your head with the dress. If adding button, you would need to lift the dress after putting it on the button the elastic. 2. If you choose to use a knit fabric, you will sew a zig zag or stretch stitch on your machine. I hope this helps.
HI Anita, I just came across your RUclips. Love your teaching style. I would like to make the Caftan for my mother but she would not be able to tie the ties. How could I adjust the pattern for her to wear without using ties. Thank you
Hi Rita! I'm glad to hear you enjoy the teaching style. I would use elastic in place of the ties. When I make it again, that's what I plan to do because I don't care for the ties.
Check out my new ONLINE SWEING COURSE for BEGINNERS 👉🏽 learntosew.anitabydesign.com/courses/learn-to-sew
Anita, I said it before. Your lovely. Your a wonderful teacher. I wish you could do a few videos on topics no one else seems to cover.
The importance of understanding fabric types for each pattern.
The types of fabric and how each is handled.
Understanding the marks on your machines pressure plate.
The importance of using the correct needle and thread for your project.
Why we generally don’t mix fabric types in the same garment.
These are some of the things that a beginner can find very intimidating or in some cases discouraging. I’ve been sewing for over forty years. I learned from my grandmother on an old singer treadle machine. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.
Oh my gosh Anita! You are so talented. I love your speaking style.
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, Anthony!❤️
I love the dress. I think the caftan is timeless. I remember Isabel Sanford (Weezy) of the Jefferson's wore them quite often on the show. When I watch the reruns of the show, in 2020, the caftan still looks great on her. You look great in it as well. Good to see you back. Take care.
Hi Dee! Yes, Weezy was rocking the caftans. You take care too.
I love sewing
I just wanted to come back and give you my biggest THANK YOU for this video.I decided to purchase this pattern and I actually made this piece I one evening after watching this video once through. This is my first sewn garment and I'm so happy. All I need to do is the hemming.
Oh my gosh! You made this as a first garment? Okay, you're gonna kill it in this sewing game. Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear that you found the tutorial to be helpful. Makes my heart smile.
Dear Anita,
Thank you so much!!
No one teach you for beginners like me. Thanks for your time.
You're very welcome.
I completely adore your fabric!
I made this caftan for myself back in the 1970s and I loved it. The midriff insert was a challenge but a neat learning experience. I also made one for my Mother-in-law and she also loved it. The caftan was a very in vogue garment at the time. Very hippie. 😂
I love your saw along..
Super detailed... Thanks 😊
You're very welcome
This video was very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! You're very welcome.
I really appreciate your videos, and how detailed you are with the instructions. I have a brain block whenever I try to read patterns, for some reason it just doesn't compute from paper to brain. But with your videos and the visuals it makes me feel like I can follow along and make it happen! So thank you so much for your patient and kind teaching approach and keep up the fabulous content Anita!
Thank you so much for your helpful feedback. I'm really happy to hear that you find my teaching style helpful. Thank you for being here.
Thank you for being such an excellent instructor
You are very welcome
Excellent instructions thank you
You are welcome!
you are the best sew along teacher there is on you tube! Clear instructions and camera views. please keep it up🎉❤😊
Yeeesss!!! Thank you so much, Regan!
Fabulous tutorial! Feels like sewing with a girlfriend. Looking forward to watching more.
Carrie, don't you just love it. I enjoy watching sewing tutorials so much. It's just so relaxing watching others sew. Yes, we're sewing girlfriends online. I love it.
This is the first time watching sis Antia I really enjoyed you thank you for sharing your gift.
You are very welcome.
Thank you really help me to undertand the front part.Take care
You're very welcome. I'm so glad this was helpful.
Thank you Ms. Anita for the sew along. Now to pick a fabric for this same pattern.
You're very welcome.
Perfect for our vacation! Ordering the pattern and making this ASAP! Thanks Anita ❤️ always a fan of your videos. Easy to follow and very detailed.
Yaaay, Adrienne! Oh yes, perfect for vacation. I'm so glad to hear that you like the video. Have fun making your caftan. You're gonna look so glamorous on vacation.
Very pretty! You make it look easy. Thanks Anita!
You're very welcome Elizabeth
Anita! I did it! It took me a week but I did it. I don’t have a serger so
I had to hem the armholes and I can’t quite get the inside cover piece to stay put but I’ll figure out something. I wanted to finish this by Mother’s Day so I can lounge in it all day and I finished it. Thank you so much for a wonderful and detailed tutorial.
OMGooosh! Kimberly, you've got me so EXCITED! Congratulations on finishing your caftan! Guess what? I wore mine to a tea party today. You're gonna love it! It's so very comfortable. Enjoy, my sew sister!💕💕💕
Your tutorial is so great!! You really saved me with walking through attaching the yoke! Thanks so much!!
You are so welcome!
Thank you! This vlog is going to help me this weekend!
Awesome! Have fun making your caftan.
Beautiful. Sewing instructions are easy to follow. I even appreciate the mistakes. Thanks Anita!
Hi Roz! You're very welcome.
Thank you so much for this video. I can't wait to make this. I will be making one for my sister for Christmas. Love your spirit.
Ooohhh, what a GREAT gift for your sister. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Have fun making the caftan.
So beautiful, Anita! The dress is too! Wonderful work and instruction.
Thank you so much!
I’m so grateful you included all the detail on that corner. I just know it would have given me trouble!
I'm glad you can appreciate the details, Hillary.
This dress is so adorable, thanks so much for the sewalong Anita!!!
You’re very welcome.
You are so beautiful ,thank you for your bright personality .I hope more of us can become like you.God bless and keep you .I bought this pattern today making it for my daughter that is as beautiful as you
Thank you so much Mary! Your daughter will love this caftan.
YOU ARE A SEWING ANGEL! I have such a hard time with sewing instructions. Watching you walk through it means less time screaming at the sewing machine, and for that I applaud you. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I am making it for a friend and I am so excited with this understanding going in. Much love to you!
Chris!!!!!! Yeeesss!!! I'm so glad you found this to be helpful. What an amazing friend you are to sew this for your friend. Have fun making the caftan.
This really turned out lovely. Doesn't look hard to make.
This is fantastic! I am just learning to sew and I just ordered this pattern yesterday. your video will be so helpful when it arrives!
Awesome Callie! Have fun making your caftan.
Love it. Love it. Love it. 🥰
Yay! Thank you!
I’m so excited to watch this video! You have the most amazing personality, not to mention talent! 💕 Thank you for taking the time to record this!
Thank you so much!! Your excitement makes me happy. Thank you for commenting, even before watching. I hope you will enjoy.
So true!🥰
Beautiful yoke caftan tutorial.
Thank you!
Beautiful as always. Love this fabric choice! 🥰
Heeeeyyy! Shonna! Thank you my beautiful sew sister.
Oh Anita I love your videos!!
You make sewing even more fun with your lovely voice, sweet vibe and methodical instructions 💕 Jus ordered the pattern, so 70’s cool and adorable, thanks so much!
,
You are so welcome! Have fun making your beautiful caftan.
Thank you for your easy to watch and learn sewalongs. I’m starting my caftan tomorrow.
You're very welcome! Have fun making your caftan.
I LOVE this!! I hope you make other things!! I’m a great sewist but I can’t make clothes for anything. I’ve watched the entire video and when I start the caftan tomorrow I’ll do it step by step. Watch, stop, sew. Watch, stop, sew.
Thank you so much.
You did an amazing job on that beautiful dress sis. And I love those knee pads. Great idea 😘🙏🏽💖
Thank you and bless you
Thank you so much 🤗
Thank you. I can't wait to make this when my pattern arrive this Friday. Great tutorial. BJ
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the video.
I love this video! I am a beginner, this was my first attempt at making anything and this video was so helpful!
YES! I'm so glad it was helpful.
Thanks a lot for this video!!!!!!
Thank you for this wonderful and informative tutorial! I'm a new sewist, dabbled in it briefly as a young girl, and want to really get into making my own clothes. I own a few of these vintage caftans, but they are so hard to find! I love vintage style and fashion, and have had this pattern saved for a couple years. In my search for a tutorial or a sew-along, I found your channel. I can't wait to sew my own caftan!
Yaaayyy, Jennifer! Have fun sewing your caftan.
Anita, Watched your blue knit raglan top video and your cropped pants video and you are a very good teacher! Thank you for your clear instructions. Mary in Leola Pennsylvania ❤️
Hi Mary! Thank you so much for watching my videos. I'm really glad to hear you like them.
I am so glad I found you! I am trying to teach myself to sew and am looking forward to binge watching 😀
I enjoyed this video. Your instructions are easy to follow and understand. I will give this caftan a try 🙂
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the video. Have fun making your caftan.
😊thanks for sharing your talent . I enjoyed the video . Blessings to you and yours .
You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
You are a fantastic teacher! I have a goal this year to try out things that scare me (sewing being one of them) and I am so happy it is turning out well because of your help.
Discovered you while browsing, the best I have seen so far. Subscribed to your channel will be definitely following you - fantastic
Awesome, thank you! I hope you will enjoy the content on the channel.
Just got my pattern from Etsy. Using it as a coverup. Thank you for sharing this wonderful Sew-Along. God Bless....Looking forward for your next videos 🙂
Awesome! This will make a beautiful coverup. Have fun making your caftan.
This is excellent Anita! You’re a great instructor. I’m learning so much.
Anita what brand of sewing machine are you using?
Thank you so much. I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. I'm using the Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine and Baby Lock Evolution serger.
I made this same caftan this past weekend and I LOVE it but I really struggled with connecting the yoke to the front. I really wish I would have waited one more week to watch you video. So helpful!
Awww, Samantha! Well, at least you have some guidance for next time if you have to use this type of construction again.
I am just waiting for my pattern and fabric to arrive by mail. I've watched the video all the way through, and will be referring to it as I sew the caftan. I'm excited to make this! Thank you for doing this video!
Awesome! I'm glad to hear you have watched the video and are ready to go. Have fun making your caftan.
Yay!!! Thank you 🙏🏽💕💕💕
You are so welcome
Your voice is so calming to me! Ty for all the tips and for helping me learn to sew...I was a watcher way before I subscribed hehe
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that you are enjoying the channel. And, yes, it's okay to observe before subscribing. It's wise to make sure the space is a good fit for you. Thank you for being here.
I did sew along with you and I love my new caftan!! I’m so excited to choose other patterns you’ve made just to make them along with you! You are adorable and the way you explain things makes this beginner feel more confident! Thank you for making this video!!
Yaaayyy!!! I'm so excited to hear this. Congratulations on your new caftan. Have fun on your next project.
You saved me! I was having trouble with the midriff attachment. Thank you for posting this one.
You are welcome!
Hi, I bought the pattern and fabric today. I purchased them both from Joann's. I love how detailed your sew alongs are. My daughter wants to start sewing and I told her to subscribe to your channel. Have a blessed weekend and stay safe.
Yes! Have fun sewing your caftan and thank you for sending your daughter my way.
I really liked the pattern review followed by the sewalong, thank you! The dress looks so beautiful on you and what a lovely fabric. And it looks so comfy, can’t wait to make one for myself.
Thank you so much. Yeah, I'm definitely gonna continue with this process of providing a pattern review before the sew along. I'm glad you enjoyed both videos. Have fun making your caftan.
cut out the pattern yesterday & need to choose my fabric-which is in my stash of course. I looked at the measurements & decided to grade it from "small to medium"; the small is from the waist & below, then increased measurements to medium for above the waist & hope I get the results I think I have in mind. Thanks for motivating us to get it done. You're awesome
Ohhh, this sounds so exciting! PLEASE share with me when you’re done. I would love to see your caftan.
Beautiful! I ordered the pattern today, I can’t wait to get started
Wonderful! Have fun making your caftan.
I just love your hair!!
Thank you so much
Excellent. ..
Thank you so much, Veronica! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
Making this for the second time, thank you for your video, I followed it both times and it came out great! Im adding pockets to the side seams on this one;)
That is AWESOME! Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing your beauty
İ love your Chanel and everything
Iam from oman🇴🇲
OMGosh! Thank you so much! I'm really happy to hear that you like the channel.
Thank you so much for this sew a long! Your caftan is beautiful! I am planning to make up this dress and watching you make it will be so helpful and make sewing go much faster and smoother :)
You're very welcome, Stephanie. I'm so glad you find the video to be helpful. Have fun making your caftan.
I love the dress, you demstrated step by step, and I love that I brought the pattern the other day I'm looking forward making this dress and posting it.,I subscribe your tutorial, I'm looking forward of more Of your sew-long.
Awesome! Have fun sewing your caftan.
Love your videos, Anita. So nice to not have music in the background, and your camera work is excellent. Keep up the good work! 😊 Raewyn Adelaide South Australia
I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. Thank you so much for your feedback.
You have a fantastic channel and you do a great job explaining "how to " I really appreciate you doing them thank you again
Ooohhh, I'm so glad you hear that you enjoy the channel. Thank you for your feedback.
You look so adorable!!
Hi only found you last week, already ordered four of the patterns you have used. Hope they turn out as good as yours. Thank you for the free video, not many are so generous .
You're very welcome, Sheila.
New subscriber here. I really want to learn how to sew, but I feel so intimidated by it. I’m currently binge watching your videos (and stalking your IG). I have a very basic sewing machine that’s gathering dust in a closet. I wrote all that to say thank you for generously sharing these tutorials, they really are helpful to us sewing newbies. 🙏
Yaaayyy!!! I'm so happy to have you join me. Make sure you have your machine serviced first if it's been sitting for a very long time. You want it to be in good working condition before you start. Sometimes, after they sit for a while, they don't perform properly, like a car. Thank you for subscribing and I hope you will continue to enjoy the content I offer here.
I just bought this pattern! I'm so happy you made this. I'm going to wear it to a wedding and I'm so nervous about it haha.
You got this! I hope the sew-along will help you get it done.
Your guidance around pivoting around the notch was really useful. I've done something recently with a similar construction, and it was really tricky.
Glad it helped!
What an awesome video Almost feel like I can do it. Looks gorgeous
You can do it!
Love it
First, I love the knee pads idea! Second, I love how you kept the camera angle clear enough for us to see all the tricky bits, especially the pivoting around the midriff corners and getting the fabric to lay flat around the corners! Third, what a beautiful caftan you made! It fits you so well and looks lovely!
I have some questions/concerns though. First, it looked like you clipped through the stay stitching into the corners? Second, even though I'm not large busted, I'm worried about the yoke pieces being long enough for the midriff piece to sit under my bust and not ride up on my bust. Third, I'm considering raising the center seam of the yoke front to make sure it's as modest as I would like. It looks like it should work without causing problems in other areas. I'm thinking of doing a mock up of the top part of the caftan for fit check and for practice first! I am so grateful for this tutorial! Thank you, Anita!💕
Hi Tammy. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the sew-along.
Your Questions:
1. Yes, I cut through the stay stitching at the corner but the stay stitching is still in place.
2. You may need to lengthen your yoke pieces.
3. Yes, raising the neckline is easy. Just a matter of extending the stitching past the suggested stopping point.
Making a muslin is a good idea to check for fit. Have fun sewing your caftan. It's so comfortable.
NOOOO! I've just sold a ton of vintage patterns because I didn't really know where to start when it come to patterns and this was one I was tempted to keep. Oh well, I love to watch anyway and may use this to start drafting my own patterns.
You have 6 strong competitors who have Disliked your awesome vid! 😀
OMGosh! 🤭 I never knew you could see who "likes" and "dislikes" your videos. That's too bad that people have to do that. I've never hit the thumbs down on a video. If I don't like it, I just move on.🤷🏽♀️
Can you BELIEVE the prices of summer dresses?!! $200, $300, $500, 1,500?!!! I worked my own sweatshop over 3 days and made a pretty good, chic summer dress with $15 of fabric from the clearance section of Joann’s. I am very pleased. I heard another sewing you tuber say you have to sew a pattern three times to really get good at it and I think I will because in making the first, I found the flaws in the pattern and will fix those problems in the second go around. Just like the hem problem in your dress, Anita. I wish there was some way to share pictures here! Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Yes, I heard that suggestion about sewing a pattern 3 times too and I think it's a great idea, especially if it's a basic garment. I probably wouldn't do it with a specialty item though. I will be trying to address that hem issue in my second make of this caftan. If you're on Facebook or Instagram, you can share photos with me there. Or you can email them to contact@anitabydesign.com
I wear knee pads too! Great video!
Hey Anita. Growing up in the 70's, I never thought I would like a Caftan. Now that I am old I love it. Just got the pattern. But I was wondering if you will be doing a kimono at some point.
Hey Roberta! Yes, I used to think they were old fashioned but I LOVE them now. And, YES, I will be doing a kimono sew along. Stay tuned.
I bought that pattern a few weeks ago but I haven't made it as yet so this video is very timely :D
You're very welcome. Have fun sewing your caftan.
Anita, thank you so much for all the help and love you send out into the world! You have such an infectious smile that really makes others feel welcome. I do have a question about this pattern if you don't mind. Is there any reason I couldn't cut the front piece specifically pieces 5 and 5a on the fold? Actually if I am not going to use the button and loop, the back piece too. Is there a reason I shouldn't try to do that? Thanks again for all of your time and effort you put into your videos.
Hi Raquel. Yes, you can certainly cut the back on the fold. It would definitely cut out a step. One sew sister did that because she didn't want to disturb the print in her fabric. In fact, I may do the same thing with my next one. Have fun sewing your Caftan.
I bought the pattern and watched the tutorial. My question is about the ties. Do they tie up under the dress?
Hi Melissa. Yes, they tie on the inside of the dress. Not the best, in my opinion.
Ok, Im not a pro sewer, a semi beginner for clothes. Ive sewed off and on for in my life, quilted and I'm fine with a sewing machine and basic patterns even some a bit complicated. I enjoy a challenge. I saw this and thought I love it! I would recommend no one who is a beginner do this. The yoke is driving me crazy. Just about going to quit and I got rayon matrial, very slippery. I don't know if I will make it thru. I just don't want a newbie doing this and saying "Im done sewing". Get a simply pattern without all the complications of that darn bodice...lol.
Anita I’m not a beginner but I luv following you your a super girl Anita luv teresa
Thank you so much, Teresa!
Hi Anita, 😀You look fabulous in the kaftan. 😍I can't sew this yet so, I request here, Could you kindly make a video on how to sew a wrap skirt for summer? It is a Simplicity model. Thanks! 😊
Hi Christina. Thank you for the compliment. I will be adding more sew-alongs to the channel and a wrap skirt is already on the list. I can't promise when though.
Thanks for this video it’s hard to find this pattern... can I purchase and download from you? I can’t find this pattern
Hi Cecil. I posted a link to the pattern in the description box below the video. It's available on the website. I don't sell patterns.
Thank you so much for walking us through this, Anita! I have a larger bust and will need to move the midriff a few inches lower and account for more bust space in the yoke. Do you have a way to do this that won't throw off the proportions or the rest of the pattern front?
Hi Penny. You can increase length of the yoke. Not sure if that pattern piece has a lengthen/shorten line. If not, you can add one somewhere in the middle and spread the two pieces apart the amount you need to add. Tape pieces to tracing/craft paper. Make sure you remove from the skirt length whatever amount you added to the yoke. Hope that helps.
@@AnitabyDesign I wound up adding 2" panels to the top to lengthen the yoke, while also adding length at the bottom of the yoke to accomodate the extra full bust. The midriff needed to be lowered (in my case) so it lands a bit lower than the pattern. With lengthening the tops of the yolk pieces, the shoulders join at my shoulders (otherwise the seam comes too far forward). I made extra pattern pieces to use in future versions to account for these changes. This was such a challenging pattern but I learned so much and I know I could not have gotten through it without your sew-along!
Love watching your tutorials. I want to know what’s the best material for a beginner sewer to start sewing with.
Thank you so much, Jean. I would recommend starting with a cotton fabric, like a quilter's cotton.
Nice video, clear and easy to follow. But I think you should cat the edges of the material with either an overlock or zig-zag stitch. Material that fray like mad is a beginners curse 😊
I'm pretty sure I mentioned using a serger to finish raw edges. A double fold works well too. I discuss seam finishes in my Beginners Sewing Course.
You are such a great seamstress. Do you have many vintage pattern videos?
Hi Princess Catherine. I don't at the time. But maybe I will in the future.
This is a wonderful tutorial - thank you sew much! I am attempting this project and have had a lot of trouble following the directions. The seam ripper and I are becoming good friends. I do have a question for you. I am making this for a friend who is recovering from surgery. We don't live nearby one another, and she is MUCH smaller than I so I can't try it on. How would you suggest that I handle the hem issues?
I'm so glad you find this tutorial helpful and what a wonderful thing to do for your friend. If you have a dress form, that would be the best way to handle the hem. You would need her measurement from center back (at neck bone) to floor (or wherever she wants the hem to fall). If you don't have a dress form, you could put it on a hangar and hang it in a place where you can work on the hem.
Awesome teaching. I have been rewatching all y our videos. Why did you use the walking foot ?
Thank you Shirelle. I used the walking foot whenever I'm using knits or really thin fabrics to make sure the layers of fabric are moving through the machine evenly. It works great.
I didn’t know that was a knit fabric but that’s good to know to use a walking foot on knits. thank you so much you have made me smile today not feeling myself. 🥰🦋
Hi Anita. Thank you so much for this video! I have a few questions for you: if you were to adjust the pattern with an elastic instead of the ties, how would that work? Would it be one piece of elastic sewed on either side or would you have one side of the elastic someone attach to an inside button maybe? Sorry, I'm not very experienced with sewing so I'm trying to think this through. Also, I'm having a hard time deciding on a fabric to choose to from. I think I would like to go with a polyester spandex blend (not sure about 2 way vs 4 way). If I go ahead with this, would I still use the same type of stitch or would I need to alter it for the stretch fabric? Again, thank you so much!
Hi there. You're very welcome and I'm glad you like the video.
1. You can use either method to insert your elastic by deciding which would be more comfortable for you. If you sew the elastic to both sides, you would just pull it over your head with the dress. If adding button, you would need to lift the dress after putting it on the button the elastic.
2. If you choose to use a knit fabric, you will sew a zig zag or stretch stitch on your machine.
I hope this helps.
HI Anita, I just came across your RUclips. Love your teaching style. I would like to make the Caftan for my mother but she would not be able to tie the ties. How could I adjust the pattern for her to wear without using ties. Thank you
Hi Rita! I'm glad to hear you enjoy the teaching style. I would use elastic in place of the ties. When I make it again, that's what I plan to do because I don't care for the ties.
Love your instructions, would you make this with quilting fabric?
Thank you Del! I wouldn't use quilting fabric because it doesn't have the drape that I want. But you are welcome to use it if you like it.
Anita by Design thanks for getting back to me, any pattern suggestions for this material,living in AZ it gets pretty warm.