Ruth (thisnovembergurl) wearing the 'Jennifer' jumpsuit crafted with African print fabric from Dovetailed London.

The Jennifer Jumpsuit: The on-trend Summer staple.

In this guest blog post, the lovely Ruth (aka @thisnovembergurl) shares the process that she used to make her version of the Jennifer Jumpsuit in African wax print fabric that I have called: 'Seashells (on white)'.  This fabric is also available in a green colour way.  The pattern shows this print off beautifully and it is available in my sewing book: Sewing With African Wax Print Fabric. I love the way Ruth rocks this jumpsuit with the sleeves folded upwards for a shorter look. New to African Wax Print Fabric?  Then you will love this  blog post.  Grab a cup of your favourite drink and enjoy!!

"Hi everyone, I'd like to share my make with you today.  I made the Jennifer jumpsuit pattern from Dovetailed London. The instructions can be found on page 18 - 21 in the “sewing with African wax print fabric” book. This is my second make using the patterns from this book.

The Jennifer jumpsuit has a very relaxed and laid back look, especially the bodice which reminds me of the “Buba” piece from Iro and Buba. ('Iro and Buba' is a wrapper or pagne, which is worn commonly in West Africa. 'Iro and Buba' is a fashion piece that originated from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, and has now spread worldwide. It can be made from different fabrics such as silk, chiffon, satin and jacquard).

Ruth is a black woman with afro hair styled into a quiff at the front. She is wearing the Jennifer jumpsuit in Sea Shells on White African wax print fabric.  The fabric has mustard and blue sea shells on a white background with black polka dots.
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.

Ruth is a black woman with afro hair styled into a quiff at the front. She is wearing the Jennifer jumpsuit in Sea Shells on White African wax print fabric.  The fabric has mustard and blue sea shells on a white background with black polka dots.

Here are some adjustments to my own Jennifer to suit my shape.
1. I cinched the waistline from the loosely styled waistline of the pattern.
2. I added an inverted pleat to my neckline to make it smaller.
3. From the pictures, you would see that the sleeves are folded but they can easily be unfolded to elongate the sleeves.

Ruth is a black woman with afro hair styled into a quiff at the front. She is wearing the Jennifer jumpsuit in Sea Shells on White African wax print fabric.  The fabric has mustard and blue sea shells on a white background with black polka dots.

I enjoyed making this pattern with this lovely fabric. The seashells pattern on the fabric is so pretty, the mustard, navy and white colours are very cool especially for a spring/summer vibe and the fabric is lightweight, stable and easy to sew.

Ruth is a black woman with afro hair styled into a quiff at the front. She is wearing the Jennifer jumpsuit in Sea Shells on White African wax print fabric.  The fabric has mustard and blue sea shells on a white background with black polka dots.

The sewing book and fabric have been generously gifted by dovetailed London in exchange for this blog post."

Shop Sewing with African Wax Print Fabric Book here.

Shop Sea Shells on White African wax print fabric here

Shop Sea Shells on Green African wax print fabric here.

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