Sewing: Preppy Caftan Resort Dress in Pink and Green

Is it just me? Or do we all have a fantasy of being a resort-bound 1965 housewife with a chic style and a wardrobe to match? Maybe a Lily Pulitzer long wrap skirt in a bright pattern (similar to the one that hung in my mother-in-law's closet) or a white pique tennis set or maybe a trendy caftan to wear with a head wrap? My mother wasn't one of those women, and I'm not either, but sometimes I like to play by their rules. 

So for this year's beach vacation I pulled a nearly-all-nighter to make myself this preppy caftan inspired by vintage Lily Pulitzer. I used some Jennifer Paganelli Multi Floral quilt fabric from Jo-Ann and modified Simplicity pattern 2702.

I added three-quarter length sleeves with a slight flare (because you know that is my favorite length) and eliminated the pleats in the front so that the dress isn't as full. Then I ended up taking out even more of the fullness and compensating with small side vents at the hem. I sewed a lining first (which isn't called for) but then finished the dress unlined because this fabric has some great stretch which makes it really comfortable on its own. So we'll just call that lining a "muslin," which is a first for me. I usually jump right in.

I love the large patch pockets. Very handy for a cell phone or a pair of sunglasses. And I love the top stitching I added around the yoke. It's stitch 713 on my Bernina 580. It resembles hand embroidery! Green stitching on pink of course to go with my preppy theme.

My giant beach bag is from IKEA (it's our swimming bag at home). Scarlett is wearing her own preppy beach outfit I sewed for the trip and Tess is wearing (out) the Floral Lulu Dress I made her earlier this summer.

Now that I've fulfilled this vacation idea I can move on to back-to-school!