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Sew & Tell — July Favorites 2026
Hi sewing and designing friends. Welcome to our celebration of creativity! Each month, we get to showcase the incredible talent and unique designs of our subscribers. From stunning dresses to cozy sweaters, we’re always amazed by the skill and passion you pour into your handmade garments. I’ll be sharing some of my absolute favorite pieces that have been submitted this month. These creations not only reflect beautiful craftsmanship, but they also embody the spirit of our community. Let’s dive in and get inspired by these fabulous, one-of-a-kind garments!Cynthia Ann made this gorgeous rendition of Vogue 9112 in Cafe Flor, a floral-printed linen. Jaine sewed this lovely shirt with a 1/4 button in Laurel Paisley, a lightweight cotton just right for warm summer months.
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Minimalist Caftan
The Minimalist Caftan pattern by the Assembly Line Shop in an Italian cotton panel print. Sewn by Marcy.No matter how you spell it, a caftan/kaftan is a wonderful garment to add to any wardrobe. Last April in Paris I spent a late afternoon at the Bon Marche with two women from our group, and we all fell in love with a stall with silk caftans in gorgeous silk prints, selling in the 1500-2000 euro range. Last summer, in LA I bought a caftan from the small clothing line Flora Animala, and loved wearing it. Katherine liked the design, so adapted that caftan, knocked out a pattern and has made 3 so far, one in cotton lawn, one in Indian cotton Ikat and another in cozy cotton flannel, proving that a caftan is not just for summer.So - this season it was high time to make one myself! The Minimalist Kaftan is part caftan/kaftan part dress, has a lot of good things going for it and is perfect for hot weather. A smooth cotton is the ideal fabric for right now. Made it straight out of the PDF pattern, no changes. The pieces are large. I used a cotton panel print; a stripe with a border, used 3 panels, one each front and back and a third for the sleeve section. Each panel measured 1 ¾ yards X 59” which sounds like a lot, but I really needed that third panel! The design is perfect for stripes and I had fun placing the border print and direction of the stripe on the top/sleeve panel. The pattern directions are only ok. If I make it again I would make some changes:Eliminate the V at the back neck and make it a curve because it tends to pull to the back..Consider eliminating the neck facings and binding the neck, leaving one side open at the front, binding the neck, then finishing the seam.Consider eliminating the back pleat. It adds a lot of fabric and weight, possibly causes the dress to hang to the back. What I like about this design:Love the pockets, they are in exactly the right place and are a good ample size.I really like the lines, shape and feel of this garment.The fullness in the garment and sleeve are great for hot weather.I think it would be super in black - cotton or linen and is a good ‘blank canvas’ design for dramatic prints and patterns.Take a cue from Katherine and take it to the next level by adding French knots at the neck and sleeve hem.
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Ikat Caftan
Caftan made by Katherine Tilton in a beautiful indigo-dyed ikat with contrasting stitching and French knots.
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