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There’s something so special about creating a garment from scratch, and this custom skirt is one of my favorite projects! Using a self-drafted pattern, I crafted this vibrant piece with a sunflower African Waxprint cotton fabric I bought from House of Mamiwata. The print is bold, colorful, and perfect for making a statement this season.
This skirt features a high waist, a gathered silhouette, and a fun ruffle hem that adds just the right amount of flair. And of course, it has pockets—because who doesn’t love a skirt with pockets? The back zipper gives the skirt a clean finish, and the fit is both flattering and comfortable. I used 3 yards of fabric to bring this design to life, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
One of the reasons I keep going back to African Waxprint cotton is its versatility and beauty. The fabric is breathable, making it perfect for warm weather or to layer for cooler months, but also structured enough to create garments with a lovely shape. Plus, the designs are always so bold and vibrant—they’re a dream for anyone who loves color and pattern!
To let the bold sunflower print really shine, I styled this skirt with a simple navy blue blouse and paired it with gold button earrings I made. Keeping the top understated allows the skirt to be the star of the outfit while still maintaining a polished, put-together look.
My love for sewing goes way back to when I was growing up. I remember watching my mom sew dresses for my sisters and me, which sparked my initial interest in creating garments of my own. Both of my grandmothers were also skilled seamstresses. My paternal grandmother used to tell me how she could look at a dress in a store, go home, and make it herself. Their stories and skills have always inspired me. I took my first sewing class in high school and started drafting my own patterns in 2013 after my niece was born. I love using my Brother sewing machine to bring projects to life.
If you’re curious about how I created this skirt, let me know in the comments! I’d be happy to share a more detailed post on the process and offer tips for drafting your own patterns. Sewing has been such a big part of my life, and I love connecting with others who share the same passion.
Have you ever worked with African Waxprint cotton? What’s your favorite fabric to sew with? Let’s chat in the comments!
You can shop this skirt in my Etsy shop.
1 comment
I would love to see more posts about your process, from initial idea to drafting the pattern to constructing the final design.