Pattern
Butterick B6319
Inspiration
Ghana Medical Trip
The “Wakanda” Dress
Two summers ago, I went to Ghana to provide medical care to some of the small villages and towns there. This journey would forever change my life in ways that I could never imagine. A 10-hour flight, six bags of medicine and supplies, over three hundred women and children serviced, one obstetrician, one psychiatrist and a nurse, and last but not least two fabulous fabric runs.
Everywhere we turned women were dressed in these fabulous dresses that were part of their everyday life. The colors. The shape. They never faded. They were vibrant. They lived in this lively colorful wardrobe amidst jeans, sneakers, and baseball caps. It was as if the fiber of their clothing immediately had something to say in a conversation. The chosen pattern told a story before you could even speak to the person. Some prints were small and other large, bold and unexpected.
I was in fabric heaven and in market hell in Accra. We quickly identified as Black Americans. Rich. Entitled. Money to burn.
It was on this adventure that I learned about Vlisco, Woodin and Printex fabrics. I learned why those colors are so bright and sustainable. The printing of these designs uses the coveted wax print. Drawn into the very essence of the boldness of the colors and print, mainly the modern and edgy Vlisco fabric which seems to scream I’m African, but I’m modern, edgy and fierce, I was in a sea of fabric in this country.
The fabric graced my stash for over a year before I was brave enough to create a dress that to this day is my favorite “make.” Today when I wore it someone nicknamed it my ‘Wakanda dress’ from the movie Black Panther. I personally considered that a compliment and an honor. This pattern brought out the boldness and beauty of the Angelina print.
Pattern Review
I adore this pattern. This dress is the third dress from this pattern I’ve made. I love the different ways you can place the fabric to change the look of the fabric. The box pleats in the front make for a truly classic look.
Pattern Description: Sleeveless fitted dress with pleated skirt
Pattern Sizing:10 on top, graded to 12-14 waist and hips
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes, but I didn’t use them much
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like the pleats, princess seams and the fact that you can mix up the princess seams, midriff band and skirt for a variety of styles
Fabric Used:Angelina print African Dutch wax from Ghana
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Serious bust adjustments and my standard adjustments to the length and back to waist (I’m 4’11”)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes, I already have. This is number 3 of 4 dresses made
Conclusion: Wonderful item to add to your capsule wardrobe. Hoping to make this pattern in black and one that is color block.