Summer sewn up

People constantly ask me the same question. They say Squeamish Kate, how can we be more like you? Come summer I am asked this all the more. Last year Squeamish Louise wrote about dressing for summer when you are a heavyset person. This year I am writing about dressing for summer when you are usually a little bit of a wilting flower in the sun and wish to get a little crafty. As others sweat and burn in the beam of Mr Sun I stay cool and unsullied by UV rays. My trick is not staying inside all day until night falls. I always keep a tube of Soltan factor 50 in my bag alongside something else that can be scrunched and screwed up into a ball until the time comes. Ladies and gentlemen I bring you The Beach Cape. 

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What’s a beach cape? Oh phh, you know perfectly well. A beach cape shields you from the sun and keeps you at an ambient temperature. Tired of positioning, then re-positioning a parasol, or covering up with damp beach towels my partner in craftiness, I designed (ish) these summer cover ups. People have questioned the beach cape before, these people usually have long-term sun damaged skin and even though it’s too late for them their belief that their red bits go brown eventually is too entrenched. There is no other beach cover-up that actually covers up the areas that usually catch the sun. These areas are the back of the neck (hence the need for a hood), chest and the shoulders.  

The Beach Cape

You will need about 2 metres of material. To make the curve on the pattern use a string and pencil to get the curve. Or just guess and even the thing out before it’s too late I suppose. Before you cut out your material try the paper pattern for size.

Before you start sewing lay all the pieces out to check they fit together. 



Step 1 – Join both front sections to the outer seam of the back. Your cape should be taking shape.

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Step 2 - Fold the hood and sew the seam.

Step 3 – Match up the centre of the hood to the middle of the cape. Attach the hood to the neck opening and then hem all the edges. 

Step 4 – Stitch up about 10cm for the sleeve area.

Ok, perhaps the beach cape blew your mind a little. Perhaps it’s not suave enough for you. If this is the case then you my friend need the beach kimono. Now, I urge you to go with a material similar to the flamingo patterned one I chose, roll up the sleeves and I think I would NOT look out of place hanging out with the other characters of Grand Theft Auto. I am so ready to go cruising for chicks in this cover-up and no matter how long I am out cruisin’ I won’t burn. 

As with the cape you need about 2 metres of a material of your choice. For this pattern it is best to iron hems and pin the seams as you go along.

Beach kimono

As with the cape you need about 2 metres of a material of your choice. For this pattern it is best to iron hems and pin the seams as you go along.

Step 1 – Sew both fronts on to the back, leaving 5cm from the middle

Step 2 – Sew the sleeves (inside out), it’s a good idea to iron them. Turn them the right way round.

Step 3 – Attach the sleeves. When the sleeves are attached you can sew up the side seams.

Step 4 – Fold the trim in half and attach all the way round, then fold over with a 1cm hem. Fold it in half length ways and sew.

Step 5 – Hem sleeves and hem the rest of the kimono.

Both these patterns are rough guides, the kimono is easier, but if you take your time and try it on for size as you go both can be made in a day.

Squeamish Kate