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McCalls 7531

 

This is definitely a TNT pattern. I have already made several iterations of this that I will be posting soon.

Pattern alterations:

1 inch off center back then cut CB on fold.

1.5 swayback adjustment

Used size small from shoulder through bust, medium everywhere else

1 inch off sleeve width.

I lined up Simplicity 8386 at the armsyce and cut from there.

The Fabric

Now, let's talk about the shoes. I Posted about buying these before and finally got around to getting them. I purchased them from Amazon and love them. I will definitely be grabbing the black ones.

Im grateful to be able to create works of art and even more grateful when that creativity helps me produce a personal piece and facilitate self expression.

#MBC #PrettyInPink

SewVintageBunny

Simplicity 9268 English & Français

Pattern Alterations:

   Size 16 bodice

   Size 18 pants

Lengthened Bodice by 2 inches

     African Print 

Modification du patron:

Haut de soutien-Gorge Taille 44 

pantalon taille 46

Corsage allongé 5.08CM

tissue ankara

SewVintageBunny

 

McCalls 8092

 

For this dress I used a small. It was a fairly easy make. Except for the gathering. Which was difficult for no apparent reason. I gathered the bottom of this dress about 5 times. I'm not sure what was going on but it was not coming out to my liking. Usually gathering goes pretty smoothly. It was so frustrating with such an easy make. Finally the gathering gods bestowed their favor upon me and let me get a nice gathering at the bottom. I also changed the sleeves. Instead of the fluttery sleeves I added elastic to the bottom. I really like how it came out. The best part about this dress is that I had just enough fabric to complete it. I was unsure I would have enough of the fabric used to complete any item, and was wondering if I would even be able to use the remaining. Voila, just enough. I used flat fell seems for the majority of the garment and my serger for the rest.

If I made this again I would definitely add more pouf/ Volume to the bottom flounce.

#LeaveNoFabricLeftUnsewn

                                                                      Lower Sleeves

                                                                        Gathered Bottom

                                                      Inside of gathered bottom before gathering stitches were removed

                                                                 Inside of the flat fell seam

SewVintageBunny

African Fabrics Part 1 Ankara

 Lets have a chat about African Print. I really love the fabric and am interested in the continent as a whole. I use this fabric a lot. Authentic African print is 100% cotton but due to its expensive price, knock-offs have been made that are normally 100% polyester. So be sure to read the fabric content as most African print sold in the states is the polyester variety. The polyester variety is used if not more often than the cotton due to its pricing. Vlisco is a well known company that sells African prints. I have recently read that they are trying to partner more with African designers to I "assume" enhance their marketing to there target populace which of course would be their African buyers. I am excited to see the partnership and creations.

I normally buy my prints from Here and another online store called AfricanPremier which is no longer in business. More recently I have been purchasing from amazon. A couple of years ago it was really hard for me to locate these prints. I'm happy to see there are more resources available especially for african print in different fabrics such as chiffon and knit.

After reading female Monarchs and Merchants I learned about the Mama Benz's of Africa. These are business women( textile wholesalers) who excel at selling African print. They do so well they are able to buy a Benz. Often cutting out the middle man and purchasing fabric directly so that they can sell at a cheaper price. The purchasing is usually through Chinese textile manufacturing. One notable woman is Mama Benz Lawson you can read more about her Here. The business acumen of these women is very inspiring. The book also goes into African women owning businesses across the continent. Not a top read for me but definitely gained some insight from it.

Although intended for Indonesians, it became the fabric that is distinctly African.  What I like a lot is that the markings on the fabric sometimes tell a story. According to Adaku Parker you have Ripple Effect,

represent a stone being tossed into water creating a ripple effect. Irons, is a middle class status symbol, one can also find other electronic motifs computers etc

. Candelbra and light bulbs

the design style is circa 1950's and a status symbol for the wealthy, Animals, pretty self explanatory and Adinkra, these feature Adinkra symbols

 I am crazy about Adinkra symbology. Of course this is not all the patterns that the fabric holds. 

These are the resources used for this information.

Adaku Parker-Sewing with African wax and print fabric. You can check out her blog Here

Female Monarchs and Merchants-Nwando Achebe

African Textiles today-Chris Springs, is simply a wonderful book that goes over African fabric, fashions and some of the meanings behind both. I adore this book and have learned so much.

                                                                         SewVintageBunny

Simplicity 8124

 

I really wanted to like this pattern and have it for summer but I do not like the way it looks on my body, or rather how it makes my body look. So I added an additional open layer that ties around the waist to give it more of a cinch and dress feel (Play suit skirt). It was pretty hot when I wore this and the fabric held up well with the heat. I wasn't overly hot. 

I am think about  making this again, preferably at floor length with a waist belt to cinch it in. I also think it would look really nice as a crop top especially with the sleeves. We shall see though, as I have so much on my to sew list.

Lets talk about these sleeves. I am a big fan of big sleeves and couldn't wait to put experience the poof. I put the sleeves in a different African print fabric, it blends very well though and you almost can not tell.

And the shoes, because I think they are so cute. It is impossible to not be in love with these shoes.

And lastly the necklace. I normally get my jewelry custom made and I am happy to tell you that the jewelers online boutique will be coming soon.