God Son's Wedding

The Groom & His Brothers

The Groom's Mothers Skirt

Maid of Honor Skirt

With Sash & Pockets

Fabric: African Ankara 

Vests & Skirts #MadeByMe

Ankara Fabric Wrapped Bangle Bracelets

Ankara Wrapped Bracelets

Upcycled Scrap Fabric 

I threw some frayed denim in there!

Vogue 9247 and Self-Drafted Gathered Skirt

Vogue 9247 Jacket & Gathered Skirt

Pattern: Vogue 9247 View E

Fabric: Angelina/Dashiki Wax

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Changes to Pattern: Did not add fringe to the bottom.  

                        Added pockets to the jacket. 

Ankara African Fabric Duster Coat

#KeysToTheKingdom Ankara Print Maxi Duster

Pattern: New Look 6514

Fabric: Ankara Wax 100% Cotton

Changes Made to Pattern: Lengthened Sleeves and Added Pockets & Belt

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

African Print Ankara & Kente-The History

A Little Bit of History

You may have heard them referred to as ‘African wax prints’ or ‘tribal’, but what you may not know is that the fabrics are usually neither made in Africa nor designed by Africans. They are actually European-made textiles certain African countries have embraced and made their own.  

Read the Full Story Here

Wax Print African Fabrics

Non-African Fashion Designers Use African Prints in Their Designs

Cultural Appropriation?

African inspired fashion is the new rave in the fashion industry, again. This trend infiltrated the mainstream in 2010 and has received a significant presence in the runway at fashion shows all over the world! While Western and other non-African Fashion designers have incorporated African elements in their designs, this trend is identified by the use of African print fabrics, such as Ankara, Kente, and the embodiment of African themes in designer creations.

The Originator(s)! 

Cultural Appropriation?

African Print Ankara Dutch Wax Fabric-Peplum Top-McCalls 7356

Fabric: Ankara Dutch Wax (2 different prints)

Pattern: McCalls 7356 View B

Sewing Machine: Bernina Artista 200E

Sewing Skill: Easy to Intermediate 

Sew Again: Maybe, I have quite a few peplum patterns

Recommended: Yes.  Instructions were very easy to follow.  After the first few steps I tossed them aside.

Pattern Alterations: Instead of just doing the usual ol' hem, I created my own bias tape and created my hem with it. I used my Simplicity bias tape maker, I just love that machine.