Dovetailed News

The Millie Dress: It's Party Season

by Adaku Parker June 24, 2021

For my 50th birthday I wanted to make a simple dress in my favourite fabric, African wax print. I had been gifted the book “Sewing with African Wax Print Fabrics” by Adaku Parker and she asked if I was happy to blog a review of one of the patterns. I chose the Millie dress as it had the vintage vibes I was looking for. Adaku also gifted me 4 yards of this gorgeous fabric.

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The Jennifer Jumpsuit: The on-trend Summer staple.

by Adaku Parker June 01, 2021

This pattern has 4 pieces: front bodice, back bodice, front trouser and back trouser. There is also an option to have a fully lined bodice which I didn't use at this time. The jumpsuit came together very quickly in less than an hour.
Attaching the zips, binding neckline and sleeve edges were a breeze and instructions can be found on page 114-115; 120-121.

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The Philippa Pinafore Dress: Stylish and oh so versatile!

by Adaku Parker May 28, 2021

This pattern is marked a three star difficulty (most of the other garments are two stars) and there definitely were some new techniques for me. I’d never done a half elasticated waist before, it was quite fiddly and a bit different from elastic all the way round, because you don’t pull the elastic through a channel, you insert it from the long side. It felt a bit counterintuitive and was a bit fiddly, but it worked a treat! It’s so nice to have it fitted at the back waist but still have a nice clean flat front. Definitely more half elasticated waists in my future!

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MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE: How to measure yourself for the perfect fit.

by Adaku Parker May 09, 2021

Knowing how to measure yourself accurately is key to a well-fitting garment. For best results, ask a friend to help or take your measurements whilst looking in a full-length mirror. Wear the undergarments you would normally wear under clothes and use a flexible tape measure. When measuring, hold the measuring tape so that it's comfortably snug but not tight. Remember to jot down your body measurements on a piece of paper for reference.

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The Etta Shirt Dress: A guaranteed show stopper!

by Adaku Parker April 12, 2021

African wax print fabrics are also perfect for new beginner dressmakers, being woven they are easy to create a variety of different projects from. From the projects within the book, the Etta dress was the one I just said ‘wow” as I turned the page! A classic shirt dress which a closely fitted bodice teamed with a flared skirt. A timeless piece that will be perfect for the summer days to come.

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The Lottie Culottes: Made for Summer

by Adaku Parker April 03, 2021

Black woman standing in front of a red brick wall wearing a pair of culottes made in African wax print fabric in red fabric with large circular motifs and a white top.

When I received the 'Sewing with African wax print fabric' book, I was so excited to make the garments in the book. The book is awesome, it has a wide variety of garments and in an unusual fashion, it also has accessories, which is simply amazing.

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IRIS INFINITY SCARF

by Adaku Parker March 15, 2021

Infinity scarves are great for when the cooler weather starts setting in. This one is lined with fleece but you can use satin or cotton for a more lightweight accessory. Simple yet stylish, this infinity scarf is long enough to wrap around your neck twice!

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Full bust adjustments: A step-by-step guide.

by Adaku Parker January 01, 2021

In this guest blog post, Emerald (aka @highbellamy19) shares the step-by-step process that she used to create a full bust adjustment alteration.

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Gathered Magazine | The story of African Wax Print Fabrics

by Adaku Parker December 05, 2020

Includes Q & A with Adaku Parker, owner of Dovetailed.

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