From Shower Curtain to Charlie Caftan!
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2025
- Welcome to my pattern review video of the Closet Core Charlie Caftan! In this detailed and candid review, I'll be sharing my honest thoughts and experiences with the Charlie Caftan and showing you how I upcycled a shower curtain in the process. Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a sewing beginner, I hope this review will help you make an informed decision before embarking on your next sewing adventure.
CHANNELS MENTIONED:
Sew along for center panel - • How to Sew Charlie Caf...
PATTERNS MENTIONED:
Charlie Caftan - Closet Core - closetcorepatt...
My current measurements for reference:
B: 48.5”
W: 43”
H: 50”
Height: 5’1”
Sewing Machine: Brother CS5055PRW amzn.to/3D41NLf (affiliate link)
Serger: Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S400 & Janome MOD-8933
This video contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, I'll receive a commission. I only promote those products that I have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.
Amazon Favorites (affiliate link): amzn.to/3BhH4CT
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Take a peek at my stashes in Trello -
PATTERNS: trello.com/b/S...
FABRIC: trello.com/b/N...
DYE: trello.com/b/F...
Reach out to me via email: cmwh1966@gmail.com
Hi Michelle. Wow -- your spectacular dress looks like a gorgeous tropical sunset that is elegant besides. I'm not surprised you are getting compliments right and left, Antonia
Thanks so much Antonia! You are so sweet!! I LOVE your way with words - that description is fabulous 💕💕💕
Well you just can't beat that gorgeous fabric and pockets. You can't even tell that you pieced the front skirt. That origami business is really interesting! You're always so comprehensive with your reviews. I'm even tempted and you know me and indies . . . xoxoxoxox
Cute dress, perfect for summer. The fabric gives off such a happy vibe.
Thank you! I think so too 😊
I'm not surprised you got compliments Michelle. This version of the Charlie is beautiful... and that fabric!!!!!!!x
Thank you Libby!!
Hey Michelle, that dress looks amazing on you. My daughter asked me to make beach bags for her children, my grandchildren,so while i was watching your video amazed at what you've created i had an eureka moment. I could make the beachbags out of a showercurtain with a kiddie motif. Thanks for the inspiration. And yes you have swayed me to oneday makke the charlie caftan. You're looking great . Have a great evening.
Yes! Shower curtains would make great beach bags! I forgot to mention that mine was 100% cotton - but a waterproof shower curtain would be perfect for a beach bag! Thanks so much for watching!!
Another stunning make. It’s the most flattering caftan I’ve ever seen. This is one that could be made out of a dressier fabric for the wedding. Bravo!
Thanks Barbara! That means a lot coming from you! 😊💕
Oh my gosh, perfect summer dress for Florida. I wore lots of loose fitting dresses when I lived in Florida. It's beautiful.
Thank you so much Carol!!
Great use of the shower curtain. Perfect for Florida weather. I just saw the tutorial for the center piece. I feel like yanking off my shower curtain and trying it. 😅
LOL you crack me up! But I say do it!!
Another fantastic make Michelle. The Charlie looks great on you!! The fabric is gorgeous ❤
Thanks so much Suzette!
I love it and it looks wonderful on you. Your cleaver placement of the fabric with the pattern pieces really makes the caftan a work of art. The ice dying is beautiful, and you are truly a expect at it, and everything that you have showed us that you have done is gorgeous. Take care and I can't wait to see your next project.😀❤
Thank you so much Jeanne! You're so kind 💕
Looks beautiful, I’m loving the fabric, great job, Deb 🪡🧵💕
Thank you so much!
You’ve inspired me! I am a dress girl and have had the Charlie Caftan for years but have never made it. NOW is the time! Thank you.
YES! Make it!! 😀👏👏👏👏
Love your caftan! I think the material makes that dress. I love your ice dye technique.
Thanks so much Sandy!
That middle piece puts me off, but that caftan looks so good on you! I can see why you gave some of your makes to charity. You have grown as a sewist and your style is evolving…bolder, beautiful. Keep going.
Although I didn't love sewing the middle piece, I think it's what makes the caftan so different and makes it more flattering than just a plain front. But all of our different opinions are what makes the world go round - right? Thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words! 😊💕
Your caftan is gorgeous Michelle. I love that you “made it work” for the bottom of the front pieces. To be honest, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I don’t think I would have noticed. You look pretty amazing in a dress by the way!! Xx 💞
Thank you Izzy! 💕💕💕💕
The dress looks great on you. I can hardly wait to get started on mine. I hope mine turns out as well as yours did. I think that I am going to make a muslin with the pleated version first. Thanks for sharing.
Making a muslin is probably always the smart thing to do 😊. I have had mixed responses - some people love the pattern and others think it's too "sack like" on them. Only you can decide if it's a good one for you! Good luck!!
The dress looks great on you. The look is quite slimming for you. Fabric is fantastic 👏👏
Thank you so much!
The caftan looks great on you. And as usual the tie dye is perfection. 👏🏻👏🏻I made this pattern over three years ago. I used you C. I adore it and get compliments every time I wear it. Stay cool. ❤🧵🥵☀️
Thanks so much Dotschi! I think view C would be fun!
Great review. You’ve inspired me to give the Charlie caftan a go. Love your caftan.
Thank you so much Carol!
I didn't even notice you had pieced the bottom front till you pointed it out. It looks great. The placement of the burst on your back and the two differently colored sides of the bodice make it super special. I've been going through making some of my tops patterns but now I'm itching to do some of my dresses, so yes, you've inspired me. I can see why you received compliments... it's really wonderful.
Choosing between tops and dresses is always so difficult! Thanks Diane 😊
A loose fit that is still figure flattering is a real find! Looks lovely on you and the ice dye is stunning. 😊 -Deborah
Hi Deborah! Yes, I agree, so hard to find that combo of fit and flattering! Thanks so much 😊
Hi Michelle - Using the material from the shower curtain you no longer need is a great idea. It made a beautiful caftan. I think you do exceptionally good pattern reviews. I always learn something new about what has transpired. I do not have this pattern but am now considering a purchase. Thanks so much for the great video. Take Care
Thanks so much Janiece - that's so kind of you to say!
Got the pattern delivered one day! Bought fabric for it the next day. Hope to make it up next week after I finish my youngest granddaughter's butterfly quilt! Cheryl 🇨🇦 Love how yours turned out. You've encouraged me to get started.
Wonderful! I can't wait to see it!
I have the pattern you have inspired me to make it up. The position of the starburst is SO perfect and panels in front do not show. Gorgeous. Welcome to the world of wearing dresses! Just wish we had more of your weather in the UK. Having holidayed many times on Sanibel and Longboat Key I think I could live there quite easily.
I am enjoying living here for sure! Even the hot HOT summers don't deter me 🤣. Thanks so much!
Great upcycle project.. Your fabric colours are lovely and the caftan looks fab on you 😊
Thank you so much!
Carol from Omaha:
love, Love, LOVE your caftan/dress. The style, print, colors look like it was "made to perfection for YOU". Want to say again your hair/coloring makes you look so classy, Michelle, (even without being all dolled up.)
Love your sewing room. Was amazed to hear that you are unboxed and near completion for settling in your new place. Do you plan on a house tour for us sewing "friends"? (Understand if that is not in your comfort zone, but thought I'd ask.)😊
Hi Carol! Thank you so much - you are so kind! As for the house - I'm not really planning on doing a house tour but I am going to show some special things that I've done that I know my creative friends will appreciate 😊. Once all the artwork is hung I'll film that!
Hi Cuz! I think that dress looks great! All your ice dying is amazing to me. I don't think that pattern is for me but it looks interesting to figure out.
Thanks so much cuz 😊
Very cute, Michelle! Looks great on you and the tie dye fabric was a great choice. I like it so much; I paused this video and ordered the pattern and printing. Thanks for a great review!
Oh Dixy - this has turned out to be one of my favorite dresses EVER! I wear it ALL the time. I'm about to cut out another one to make for a vacation we're taking at the end of July. Did you end up making it?
@@MichelleSewsAgain yes I did! Made out of of thrifted cotton sheet. Very happy with it, but that front piece was tricky!
Wow, a beautiful caftan. You look stunning in it
I am loving your new style and looks.
Thank you so much Vanessa!
Enjoyed your video today. Sewing nothing as I have had major back surgery and just enjoying everyone else. Choice of dress style is you last one. My option is your dresses shine with your fabric. You done seem to see yourself as the slimmer beautiful Michelle you are becoming as beautiful. You have something I would like to have a honest opinion from Jen. You a special person at this wedding you need to shine and you will. Might take a few tries but you know best. Thanks for being a bright light in my day.
Thanks so much Linda - you are so sweet and kind 😊. I appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!
❤❤❤❤ thank you for the review I’m planning to make this today and this was so helpful, you rock the dress 🎉
Good luck with your make! I hope you love it!
I love your caftan!!! Did not realize you had lived in Blue Bell, PA at one time - I'm in Philadelphia and have gone through the Fort Meyers airport several times to visit my sister in Florida - loved the seashell designs set into the airport floor and was intrigued by the differences between where I live with so many older buildings and the "everything new" feeling in Southwestern Florida. You have also inspired me to want to try to ice dye!!
As many times as I've been to the Ft Myers airport I've never noticed the seashell design in the floor! I'll have to pay better attention next time 🤣. Ice dyeing is addictive (for me at least) - if you try it I hope you love it!
Love the caftan, looks so cool and comfy. Appreciate all the details on the pattern!
Thanks so much!
Love the caftan. The fabric is so pretty and I like the loose fit. You wear it well. Hope you have a good weekend, keep cool. It is very hot here in southern Indiana, so I stay in as much as possible.
I do the same Carol! Either inside the house in air conditioning or inside the cool pool 🤣. Thank you so much for watching!
I LOVE IT!!! Too cute!!
I own that pattern…..
it’s now in the list! 😊
Yay! I hope you love it!
Love it! Once again, you have worked your artistic magic. WOW!❤this.
Thank you so much 😀💕
It looks fabulous 😊❤
Thank you Stephanie!
Your caftan is adorbs love it. I wasn't going to get the pattern but I think I will now.
Oh I hope you like it as much as I do!
Shower curtain caftan is gorgeous..
Thank you Cindy!!
The caftan is stunning 😍
Thanks Alison! 🥰
Great make. Yes I have made view A love it I wear it all summer definitely making the long one this coming summer x
Awesome!
You’re starting to look quite slim. Good job! 😻
I personally like the little “tucks” on the sides of the band. I thought it was part of the design, since it echoes the designed pleats! 🤷🏼♀️
I live in Los Angeles and much prefer wearing dresses when it gets really hot. 🥵 I only wear pants at night. The dresses are even cooler than shorts.
Thanks so much Nancy!
Ooh you did make it already! It looks great on you - summery but very put together if that makes sense. I have made view c, which I have worn a lot. Am 5 foot 0. This is inspiring me to go back and try your version :)
Oh wow - view C is the maxi length, right? I thought that length might be too much for me at my height - but maybe you've inspired me!!
Super cute! I have made two of them with that same view, but I lengthened mine to midi length and used rayon chalis. They are so good in the heat. The panel is tricky, but I used printed fabric both times and it wasn't super noticeable when it wasn't perfect.I probably won't make one in a solid. I really love those dresses. I think that little bit of a fold you have may be because your fabric is a little thicker? But make another one! I will too! It's a great design.
Oh I bet this dress is perfect in rayon challis! 😊
Love it cool and comfy your speaking to me it's winter at the moment but summer will come great ice dye
Thanks so much Robyn!
love it!the colors are perfect for Fla., good job😁
Thank you! 😊
The cantankerous looks good on you!
Thanks Zelda!
I love this, and I love following you cos you have exact same measurements as me (inc height). I love colour like you too, and I must find out about ice dyeing, cos I’ve seen a few fabrics you’ve used and mentioned that. I have a white sheet that I’m sure could be dyed and become something beautiful, thank you for the inspiration. I could also see using this dress pattern as a pinafore dress with a long sleeve t shirt under it and tights and boots to make it a great winter outfit too. I live in UK which is orobably a bit chillier than your home in Florida 😂
Oh wow - I can't believe we have all the same measurements! That's so wild! Oh, if you delve into ice dyeing, you will be hooked (probably - I have friends that don't love it so you never know 🤣) I think this dress would look great as a pinafore in the winter! Have fun with it Janey! by the way - my nickname (in my family) when I was a kid was Beasley - so it looks like we have yet another thing in common 😂
This looks awesome, Michelle! I’d never have known that you’d pieced the front bottom section together… looks fab! Every review I’ve seen of this pattern has mentioned the difficulty they’ve had with that waist panel thing. Looks fab to me! Is the shower curtain synthetic? You know, I always appreciate your unwillingness to get caught up in people pleasing and apologizing to viewers repeatedly because your taste differs from theirs. It pains me to hear makers I admire feeling they need to justify and explain their personal preferences on their own channel where they are making their own clothes! Thanks for just being your awesome self, unapologetically.❤
Hi Faith! The shower curtain is actually 100% cotton - otherwise I wouldn't have been able to dye it. I should have mentioned that! THANK YOU so much for your last comment! I do have to catch myself from time to time when I KNOW that I'm going to get feedback on "you should do THIS to make THAT fit like IT SHOULD". Fit is such a personal preference thing. I really appreciate you Faith!! 💕💕💕
Fantastic result!
Thank you!
You swayed me, I got to find that pattern
Oh I hope you love it!
Great dress! I can't see where you pieced it in the front-looks good to me👍
Thank you! 😊
I made view a & b, toiles only & both ended up in the rag bag. Ugh, so frustrating! I love it on others but just did not work for me. Yours turned out is lovely! 😂
Oh no! Just goes to show - I don't believe there is a pattern that is perfect for every body! Thanks so much Shirley 😊
Oh crap! I just ordered the Style Arc patterns in the wrong size range.....I missed the D cup thing, I am not gifted in the top. Thanks for the info.
Oh bummer! But there is probably an easy solution to your fit whichever direction you need to go. I bet you can find help on YT 😊💕
A super cute dress.
Thank you! 😊
Your Charlie Caftan looks great on you - mine looks horrible on me. Wonder why the difference? I may have made mine too big.
There is a LOT of ease - maybe, depending on your shape, you would look better with LESS ease? You could drop a size (or maybe 2) and still have a good amount of ease as intended but it might suit your style better?? I hope you find a solution!
Hi I love your dress beautiful colours. To be honest I think you could have gone down a size and it still would have been roomy. You are doing so well losing weight👏👏👏. Please don’t take this as criticism. Happy sewing.
Thanks so much 😊. I probably could go down a size but I'm still happy with the end result. I don't often get upset with feedback as long as I can tell the intention is to be helpful and not judgemental - which I can tell you're intention is to help. So thank you!! 💕
Fabulous
Thank you!
The center front does sound a little confusing. You are going to get so much wear out of your Charlie. Totally can't tell that you pieced the dress. I think we should start a new hashtag - #howmanyshowercurtaingarmentsareinJen'scloset 😂. I want to make the Charlie!
I love the hashtag idea 😂 And you definitely need to make the Charlie!!
hello I did see your sewing room tour please kindly film how to stop the runaway sewing machine foot pedal how you make it stay in place even on carpet please kindly film how to sew a shower curtain please kindly let me know ok?thank you very much and have a beautiful day 😊
Hello - I don't actually have a problem with the runaway sewing machine foot pedal so I don't have any advice to offer there. I also have never sewn a shower curtain - I bought the one I dyed and used for this dress. Sorry I can't be of help but I hope you have a wonderful day!
The fit is loose, but, to me, the pleat and perhaps the front band appear to give the waist definition. It is somehow an illusion because it has plenty of ease when he hold it out. That is an illusion I can live with!!
I know, right? It's the perfect combination LOL!! Thanks Debbie!
Auto correct! How does YOU turn out as HE!!!🤣
Could you cut out the front so you wouldn't have to put that piece in. Just my opinion but I don't think it adds anything. I love the fabric and I do like the dress.😊
I probably could but I think that piece is what makes the dress! I didn't enjoy sewing it but I do love the way it looks. I appreciate the advice though! Thanks Pam 😊
Wouldn't know that fold over wasn't supposed to be there if you hadn't told us
Well that's good to know! I wouldn't point it out to anyone else 🤣. But at least I know they won't be talking behind my back LOL! Thanks!