Skirt corresponding to pattern 3A from Burda easy spring-summer 2012.
Burda Image
This skirt was in some ways my first masterpiece!
Indeed, my friend Caroline is one of the people who inspired and encouraged me the most to embark on this creative adventure. She was also the one who kindly told me to stop sewing my dust bags and tackle making real clothes.
So the day I felt ready to sew something decent for someone, I decided to make her a skirt in Dutch Wax*.
Fabric choice: In summer 2011, Caroline showed me a Gerard Darel collection, an ethnic collection made with “ethnic” fabric (you probably remember that period when several designers and fashion houses adopted this fabric). Looking more closely at the magazine, I realized that one of the fabrics used by the designer for many pieces was a classic Dutch Wax called “Congress”. So this is the Dutch Wax I used to make Caroline’s skirt.
The Making: Not complicated at all, especially since readers of “Burda easy sewing special editions” very often get detailed and illustrated instructions. The only technical aspect that might seem intimidating, but really isn’t, lies in the pleats that create the puffy look characteristic of this skirt.
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Result: Caroline looks absolutely stunning in her skirt.
*Dutch Wax: Ethnic cotton canvas fabric popular in Africa, originating from Holland. I’ll write an article about these fabrics as they’re linked to a great history and are part of a rich cultural heritage.
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[ENGLISH]
This skirt is based on pattern 3A of the 2012 spring-summer Burda easy sewing.
[Burda image]
I consider this skirt as my first masterpiece, as it was the first “technical” project I made. My friend Caroline is one of the people that inspired me and encouraged me the most in this creative adventure. She was the one persuading me to stop sewing dust bags and start some “True” sewing (hahaha!)
Therefore the day I felt capable of sewing something decent and correct for my friend, I decided to make her this skirt with a Vlisco* fabric.
About the fabric: Caroline once showed items that Gerard Darel (european designer) had designed using African prints for their spring and autumn collection. When looking closely at the magazine, I found out that the fabric used by the designer for many of the items were made out of classic Vlisco fabrics (I recognized one of them. In fact being an African, many classic Vlisco fabrics remind me of my grandmothers, mum or aunts who used to wear them to special functions.
About the realization: I got a little stressed when I was making the pleats; for some reason I got the impression that I had gotten something wrong. But it was OK. The easy sewing series of Burda are very good for beginners as every step is illustrated. The only technical part is the pleats on the sides.
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The Result: Caroline is magnificent in her skirt!
*Vlisco: Trade mark of the famous Dutch wax prints. Great influence in the African fashion history. I might write an article on this.
