I’m always in the mood to make a new outfit for a party. And fortunately some of my friends as well. So it happend that when a girl-friend asked me to accompany her to her mothers birthday party, I suggested to make our outfits.
This fun party had an African theme. So I immediately felt like diving into African prints.
The two of us set out to Matonge in Brussels, searching for fabrics I could make our outfits from.
Sibylle chose a bright pink fabric with golden flowers. Just like I would have expected her to pick from the many fabrics and prints in the store.
For the outfit itself I had gotten carte blanche. But pretty soon I got the idea to make a two piece. And after throwing some ideas back and fort we decided on a wide skirt with pleats and a short top with puffing sleeves. After some measurement taking, a fitting, and some last decisions, I locked myself in to reappear some days later with the outfit.
Normally I take my time drafting the pattern for a custom made piece. But because I already had made a couple of outfits for Sibylle I know her measurements quite well. And since using the bunka pattern I’ve gained more confidence in what I’m doing. It may sound strange, but this base pattern is a lot easier to go from 3D to 2D (or in reverse) in my head. So there’s less trial and error in drafting the pattern, and getting quicker to a result I’m happy with.
So a week before the party I went over to drop off the new outfit. And very soon she was dancing through her house, like a small girl in a princess dress.
Just like that I was reminded why making clothes is such a joy for me. Not to loose myself in drafting the pattern, or to dream away over the rhythmic sound of my sewing machines. But the magic to see somebody so happy with a new outfit.
I’m very aware of the fact that I as a white woman am using fabrics that are described as ‘African’. Also known as Ankara or Dutch Wax. I’m also very aware of the origin of this fabric. How due to colonization the Indonesian batik technique was introduced in Africa, where colours and prints were adapted to local flavours. And was made completely their own.
But isn’t that the beauty of fashion? That we can get inspired by everything anywhere? And that we can share what is beautiful. Because what isn’t joyful about a bright pink skirt with golden flowers on it.