Saturday, February 13, 2010

Bedouin tents


Ok I know I am meant to be concentrating on my corporate wardrobe, but the white cotton was still on the machine and the overlocker. So I worked on my 'other mission'. I'm travelling to Israel and Jordan in late March to visit my daughter and return to the land where I met my husband 30 years ago! As we will be spending most of our time in Jerusalem, the Sinai and in the Wadi Rum region of Jordan I need some light, modest garments that are respectful of both my ultra-orthodox co-religionists and of Bedouin culture.
This blouse could be mistaken for a Bedouin tent, but for the fabric-the softest Swiss voile. Voile is too see through for modesty, so I will need to pop a cami underneath. It is perfect for the humid, hot Sydney summer. I used Simplicity 2619 a borderline hideous pattern, but super quick and easy. I changed the sleeves by gathering in the sleeve (without adjustment) and adding a small band. I plan to make at least one more of these and am making the trousers in khaki cotton. Suggestions for another kaftan pattern would be welcomed.
Tonight I'm cutting out some more corporate blouses. I'm concerned that my look is a little dull and want more edgy garments like the red, crumpled jacket. I often receive complements on this one. So look out for more interest in the fabrics.

18 comments:

  1. If you have a Burda subscription, there were quite a few flowy tops/kaftans in April - July of 2009. I hope you do, I love my subscription. If you don't, email me, and I could trace one off for you. Beautiful top, by the way!

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  2. Nice top and honestly, it looks like a photo shoot for a lovely beach scene.

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  3. A delicate and lovely blouse. Have a GREAT trip. Lucky!!!!!!

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  4. Lovely top! I love the necklace, too.

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  5. Gathering that sleeve makes a world of difference. I have some airy swiss dot cotton and am always troubled by the sheerness... I would like to get over it, but it's been in the stash for 2 years now, untouched. Maybe I should try to find the right pattern for it this summer.

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  6. Your trip sounds wonderful. I love any white shirts esp. the flowy type. From the photo, this pattern appears a great shape. Loose but not too big. I like it!

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  7. What an exciting trip you have planned!

    That pattern pic *is* rather 'blah' - I can't believe that it's the same top. I agree with Antionette - gathering the sleeves makes a huge difference. It's really pretty!

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  8. What a lovely top and so right for this time of year. I think I have some 70's kaftanish patterns that I'll have a look through tonight. I went to Israel about ten years ago and would like to go back and see more.

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  9. This top looks light and perfect for hot weather. Have a wonderful trip!

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  10. That top is perfect for hot temps and have an awesome trip.

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  11. I'm on the hunt for a kaftan too. I'l keep my eye on this space for some inspiration. All your blouses are looking fab.

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  12. This top is lovely and I love the outfit in your last post too. That one would be a great corporate look. What an interesting trip you are planning. My husband is Lebonese but we've never been to the Middle East. I'll be very interested in reading about your trip if you post on it that is.

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  13. Your top is beautiful and perfect for your upcoming trip. It looks very cool and comfortable. I'm so envious --- I've always wanted to go to that region of the world!

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  14. What a beautiful top - it's exactly the thing that I like to wear in hot weather (yes, Gail, we are definitely sewing twins!). It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned and this top will be perfect - light, comfortable and very pretty.

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  15. Your top is beautiful and you will really enjoy it in hot weather

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  16. Hi Gail and thanks for commenting on my origami blouse. Bon voyage in Israel, I hope you'll enjoy it in your new lightweght cotton tunique. White cotton is the best.

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  17. How lucky you are to be traveling to Israel and Jordan! One of my good friends went there recently and she couldn't stop gushing about it. Do you keep kosher? She does and the thing she talked about most was being able to eat in fast food places like McDonalds, since everything in Israel is kosher.

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