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Fall Dresses: Seeing Double Charlie Caftans

When my sister and I were kids, there were always groans when my mom brought out the matching outfits. Now that we're older, we relish the opportunity to be a little matchy-matchy but keep our own style. I was really excited when Heather of Closet Case Patterns released her Charlie Caftan pattern, and thought it would be a great pattern for both of us!

Caitlin's Two Caftants

Most of the Charlies I've seen are very summery.  It really is a perfect summer dress ~ throw it on for a day at the beach or to walk around the farmer's market, and you're all set. But, Fall will eventually arrive here in Colorado (though not soon enough), and I had a hunch that Charlie could work just as well for the cooler months. With the right fabrics, I couldn't be happier with the end results and I can't wait to pair mine with boots, leggings and a jean jacket!

Fall Charlie Caftans

Pattern: Charlie Caftan by Closet Case Files
Materials: 2.5 yds Brussels Washer Yarn-Dyed in Redrock from Robert Kaufman
Size Made: 16
Modifications: Added waist tie to View B

Abby's Charlie Caftan in Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer

Abbey's Charlie is made from a rust colored yarn-dyed Brussels Washer - perfect for Fall and one of Abbey's go-to colors!  This was my first time sewing with Brussels Washer and I'm totally in love.  It's affordable, easy to sew, and will just improve with washing.

Robert Kaufamn Charlie KaufmanCharlie Caftan Detail

For both dresses, I made view B, but added the ties from view C.  The gathers at the waist are nice and flattering, and the tie accentuates the waist even more. I chose the sizes based on the finished measurements because I wanted it to be a little more fitted around the bust.  I think I could have gone down one more size in the bust for each of us, but that's just personal preference.  We're still totally in love with our new dresses and they will be getting a ton of use!

Closet Case Files Charlie Caftan Neckline

Pattern: Charlie Caftan by Closet Case Files
Materials: 3 yds Lei Nani Nani Iro Linen Sheeting
Size Made: 18 through the bust, graded out to a 20 through the hips
Modifications: Added waist tie to View B, cut out on the cross-grain, no hem

Nani Iro Linen Charlie Caftan

I picked up a pretty Nani Iro linen sheeting for my Charlie.  We've since sold out in this colorway, but have many other lovely Nani Iro fabrics to choose from. I cut the pieces on the cross-grain so I could use the border print along the hem. I didn't even bother to hem the bottom - the selvedge won't fray and I think it adds a little interest. This is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I love how it turned out!

Un-hemmed Charlie Caftan

Charlie comes together quickly and is really easy to fit. The inset panel at the waist may look intimidating, but Heather has an amazing tutorial on her website that walks you through it step-by-step. Take your time and you shouldn't have any problems!

Nani Iro Charlie Caftan Detail

Come back tomorrow to see Tiffani's Lenox Shirtdress and the last of our #fancyfalldresses.

Comments on this post (5)

  • Aug 23, 2018

    Oh yay, I am about to purchase this pattern and was considering adding some of the yarn dye to my cart and looking for projects that used it. I’m so glad I found your post!

    — Ali M

  • May 10, 2018

    I love the selvedge hem (or non-hem)!

    — a

  • Sep 15, 2017

    Hi DJ,
    The tutorial can be found on the Closet Case website. Happy sewing!

    https://closetcasepatterns.com/sewing-inset-center-panel-charlie-caftan/

    — Fancy Tiger Crafts

  • Sep 14, 2017

    Hi, great work. Lovely colours. I just wondered do you have the link to the Waist inset heather has a tutorial on? Thanks.

    — DJ

  • Sep 14, 2017

    BEST NANI IRO HEM EVAHHHHHH! Love this! Very summery!

    — alsn

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