African Wax Print Maxi Dress

For the month of January, the members of the Mood Sewing Network were given the opportunity to work with an African Wax Print, also know as Ankara fabric. I've never looked too closely at these fabrics. They come in such big quantities, and I've not needed 6 yards of anything for a garment, so I skipped right by them. When asked, though, I thought - why not? It might be fun to work with a new-to-me fabric. I chose the Gold and Dark Navy Waxed Cotton with Gold Metallic Foil, the one with the foil leaves. There is also the same colorway with peace signs in foil instead, if that is more your style. I did a ton of searching through google images and even created a board on my Pinterest account of garments made in this type of fabric. What I really wanted was a jacket and fitted pants combo, but I wasn't sure where I'd wear it, so decided on a maxi dress instead. I got out all my fabric hog patterns to choose from, in order to use as much of the yardage as possible.

Vacation project - Brown & turquoise beaded skirt

I took a few projects with me during my vacation to keep me occupied during the evenings when the little boys went to bed early. I tend to get car sick so didn't plan to work on them during the long long drives. (We went from Texas to Northwest Wyoming!) However, as you may guess, I got super bored. Justin suggested I do something, so I gave it a whirl and low and behold sewing tiny beads to fabric didn't make me nauseous! Neither did knitting, but that atrocious sweater is for another post.

Anyone remember this outfit from October 2008? I decided to add a little bling and sewed small turquoise beads to the insides of the flowers. This idea came to me via a Macy's ad of a wonderful daisy skirt with large black beads in the center of the flowers.

Here's a closeup of the fabric with the beads affixed. They're pretty tiny. I didn't want to sit on large beads - sounded uncomfortable - but don't like the looks of beading in the front only.

Here I am in a matching summery sweater. I guess it's not too much of a change but I really like it. Now I'm combing through my closet looking for other garments I can sew beads to. (Not finding much.)