It's getting warmer and to celebrate that fact, I'm starting to sew spring. Since I bought this fabric to #CarriageCornerSewCamp and didn't get to work on it, I decided it should be the next thing up in my sewing queue. So in that spirit, I started a topper to be worn with jeans and a tee or a tank top!
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My Inspiration ~
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I follow the singer Monica Brown on Instagram and loved this topper on her and thought it would be cool to add one to my wardrobe. Monica's dashiki jacket is made by DashikiPride.
After looking at their pieces, I knew I could make my own. So I convinced Marcy to meet me at AKN Fabrics on Broadway to shop for some African Fabrics and bought this one home with me.
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The pattern ~
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I chose McCalls 7481 as my starting point and I made a couple of alterations to the pattern.
1. I added 5" of length to the front and back pieces. 2" at the lengthen/shorten line and 3" at the hemline.
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2. To the front and back pieces I added an inch at the sides - grading down from a 1/4" to a full 1" at the hips.
3. 5/8" seam allowance was added to the back to make use of the print.
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4. I also made facings since the pattern calls for the jacket to be lined and I wasn't lining this lightweight cotton jacket.
5. The pockets were omitted. I never put my hands in my pockets in a jacket like this so I left them off.
Honestly it doesn't close over my body in the hip area but since it's not made to close, that's fine for this time. If I want to use the pattern in the future, I'm going to need to add some more space so that it closes around my body.
A few pictures of the jacket ~
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Conclusion ~
It's something new and part of my "I can wear anything I like" wardrobe. I love the dashiki print and may buy some more in the future since the African Fabric Store is only a couple of blocks from me. For now it's one of the first pieces of my spring/summer wardrobe and so I'm happy to be sewing for spring!
...as always more later!
My Inspiration ~
I follow the singer Monica Brown on Instagram and loved this topper on her and thought it would be cool to add one to my wardrobe. Monica's dashiki jacket is made by DashikiPride.
After looking at their pieces, I knew I could make my own. So I convinced Marcy to meet me at AKN Fabrics on Broadway to shop for some African Fabrics and bought this one home with me.
The pattern ~
I chose McCalls 7481 as my starting point and I made a couple of alterations to the pattern.
1. I added 5" of length to the front and back pieces. 2" at the lengthen/shorten line and 3" at the hemline.
2. To the front and back pieces I added an inch at the sides - grading down from a 1/4" to a full 1" at the hips.
3. 5/8" seam allowance was added to the back to make use of the print.
4. I also made facings since the pattern calls for the jacket to be lined and I wasn't lining this lightweight cotton jacket.
5. The pockets were omitted. I never put my hands in my pockets in a jacket like this so I left them off.
Honestly it doesn't close over my body in the hip area but since it's not made to close, that's fine for this time. If I want to use the pattern in the future, I'm going to need to add some more space so that it closes around my body.
A few pictures of the jacket ~
...and one more cause let's "Fight the Power!"
Conclusion ~
It's something new and part of my "I can wear anything I like" wardrobe. I love the dashiki print and may buy some more in the future since the African Fabric Store is only a couple of blocks from me. For now it's one of the first pieces of my spring/summer wardrobe and so I'm happy to be sewing for spring!
...as always more later!