A Family of Three

Originally, I was going to do matching outfits for my daughter-in-law, granddaughter and me to celebrate the three years of The Monthly Stitch. However, we could not decide what I should make for all three of us and other projects got in the way. But I am still going to do this even though they went back home to North Carolina.

One of my projects was a request from a young lady to make matching Ankara print vests and bow ties for her husband and son for a vacation trip on a cruise. That was no problem except I had to choose what fabric to use, not knowing her taste nor the color. So I went to my favorite store for African prints, AKN Fabrics. As usual, I tend to get overwhelmed when I go there as there are piles and piles, shelves upon shelves of fabric in every color you can imagine. I finally decide on this fabric: The color were just vibrant and yet still had a masculine touch.

When I brought the fabric home and opened it. I saw it was going to be a challenge in matching the different borders and blocks in the design of the fabric on the vest. But I succeeded.

The young lady, Mrs.M, was satisfied with the fabric when I sent her a picture. However, she then asked if I could make a dress for her to match. OH, MY! I thought with only less than a week to do it in. Of course I agreed, not knowing what I was getting myself into. The only guidelines I had was her measurements and the dress was to be formfitted and long. Mind you, we were communicating cross country. I thought the easiest way was to get a spandex knit to match the fabric and work from there. So back to the garment district where I went to Spandex House and alas, I found a gold hologram foil 4-way stretch spandex that picked up all the colors in the African print.

I used the Closet Case Nettie Dress which was wonderful to make. (I think I might make one for myself). I cut the dress so it would reach Mrs. M’s mid thigh and I added a ruffled skirt of the African print. I reinforced the seam between the skirt and the upper dress with clear elastic. I am sorry I didn’t take pictures of the process as I really didn’t have the time—I was on a mission to finish.

Here are some of the pictures sent to me. This is my contribution to celebrating the three years of The Monthly Stitch: