Fashion
McCall 4968
McCall 5009
McCall 4968
McCall 4968

KAFTAN KRAZY

Australian Sewing Guild Sewing Challenge 2009

Sponsored by McCall’s, Butterick and Vogue Patterns Australia

The Kaftan has well and truly established itself in fashion ranges everywhere over the past two years and it definitely looks like it’s here to stay.

The style is loose fitting and very forgiving, yet still very flattering. From flowing beach-wear to heavily embellished, floor sweeping drama, the Kaftan is Queen. One of the keys to success is that it looks good at any length – from hip (called kaftan top or ‘kurta’), to knee, to ankle. V-necked, round necked, collared, hooded, no sleeves, ¾ sleeves, long sleeves – straight, fluted or belled.....there is a style to suit everyone.

And, from the fashion sewer’s perspective it is oh so easy to fit and sew!

So for 2009 the ASG Sewing Challenge will focus on the KAFTAN.

You can use any pattern; you can draft your own pattern or mix patterns up to create your own one-of-a-kind design. You can adjust, adapt, embellish and go where ever your creative spirit leads you.

The challenge has been created to inspire the novice sewer, the experienced sewer and everyone in between. The whole purpose is to get you sewing something beautiful and interacting with others.

The challenge is free to enter and you can enter as many times as you like (imagine a whole wardrobe of beautiful Kaftans!)

The challenge will be displayed and judged at the 2009 ASG Convention in Perth, W.A. You do not however have to attend the Convention to enter. Every member is invited to have a go.

CATEGORIES –

  • Day Wear – open to all members
  • Special Occasion Wear – open to all members
  • Convention Collection – 5 to 8 coordinated garments –Convention attendees only This can include pants, skirts, shell tops etc but should include at least 3 Kaftans (e.g. 1 Kaftan dress, 2 Kaftan tops, 1 pant & 1 skirt)

Each winner of the three categories will receive:

  • 1 years subscription (for you or a friend) to Butterick and McCall’s Sewing Today Magazine AND Sewing Today’s Vogue Patterns Magazine
  • $100 voucher redeemable for any McCall’s, Butterick or Vogue pattern (redeemable from McCall’s)
  • 2 metres each of Sheerweft, Textureweft, Whisperweft and Armoweft interfacing

And BEST OF COMPETITION - VIEWER’S CHOICE – selected from all entries

  • $100 voucher redeemable for any McCall’s, Butterick or Vogue pattern (redeemable from McCall’s)
  • One each Palmer Pletsch book AND DVD (of your choice)
  • 1 ‘Collectors Gift Box’ of Mettler’s premium sewing thread – Metrosene Plus (28 spools various colours)
  • 1 ‘Collectors Gift Box’ of assorted Mettler embroidery, sewing and quilting thread (28 spools)
  • 3 x 5 metre lengths of Sun Silky lining (colours of your choice)

How to enter – For your Entry form and full terms and conditions click here

HISTORY OF THE KAFTAN

Most of us first embraced the Kaftan (or Caftan) when it hit the hippie culture in the 1970s, but the Kaftan has been around a lot longer than that!

Kaftans were worn by the Ottoman sultans from the 14th century. Some of them were so precious that they were given as rewards to important dignitaries and victorious generals. They were often embroidered on the front and sleeves and made in luxurious fabrics imported  from as far away as Venice, Genoa, Persia, India and China. The most popular colours were ‘China Blue’, ‘Turkish Red’, Violet, Quince and Saffron Yellow.

Russian Kaftan
By the 19th century Russian Kaftans were the most widely spread type of clothing amongst peasants and merchants. Currently they are used as ritual religious clothing by the most conservative sect of Old Believers.

Moroccan Kaftan
In Morocco Kaftans are worn only by women and it is the traditional Moroccan dress. It can be dressy casual to extremely formal depending on the fabrics used.

Batik Kaftan
In South East Asia, batik Kaftans are produced for their cool, floaty feeling in hot, sweltering heat. Floral and abstract designs heavily influence the Kaftans from this region.

Dashiki Kaftan
In West Africa, a Dashiki Kaftan, is a pullover woman’s dress. The Dashiki is worn by all tribes.

Australian Kaftans
Australian designers have included Kaftans in every area from beach cover-ups, today dresses and evening extravaganzas. They show influences from India, Morocco and Bohemian peasant styles and are beaded, embroidered, printed, dyed and trimmed.

Be Inspired by - One Australian designer in particular, Camilla Franks, has become an international favourite with her unique Kaftan ranges. Camilla creates feminine, exotic pieces that can be worn by women of all ages and sizes and from all cultures. She admits that most of the success of her label is due to the exciting use of colour and an incredible flair for superb fabrics. Her favourites are fuchsia, mandarin and turquoise and her designs are high-end bohemian gypsy style. They incorporate hand-beaded details on chiffon, silk and satin in a series of exotic and playful prints. Labelled the Kaftan Queen you can glean inspiration from her fabulous web site www.camilla.com.au.