Saturday, 23 January 2016

Zebra Print for Jungle January

This year I have garnered my inspiration for Jungle January  from the savannah rather than the jungle. I think the only requirement is that the garment be made from an animal print, not necessarily from the jungle, and who doesn't love a zebra print.



I found this lovely zebra print in a poly/spandex knit on a recent trip to Spotlight. I actually made a top from this very fabric a couple years ago, so I was quite excited to find the fabric again. I loved the top but it was just too tight and is no longer in my wardrobe.


I used the Named Clothing Kielo Wrap Dress pattern for this dress which I have made before here. However I did make some changes. Inspiration came from Anne Whalley on Pattern Review.


The dress was shortened to just above the knee and the ties were left off completely. This allows the wings to drape loosely at the sides, creating a loose fitting, yet stylish dress.


I found the drapes did need a little bit of arranging to sit nicely. I sort of turned the corners back in on themselves, telescoping the drape rather than leaving them as flaps. Hope that made sense, it is rather hard to explain.


I also lowered the bust darts by about an inch which put them in the correct place for my body. The neckline was also lowered and the neckline and armholes were finished off with a self fabric band. This is a very comfortable dress and I think it suits my rectangular shape so much better than the wrap style of the original pattern. How is your Jungle January sewing going? I'll leave you with my inspiration picture.


Happy Sewing


32 comments:

  1. Amazing! That telescoping thing makes it look so stylish!

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    1. Thank you Marianne. The drapes did add something extra to the dress.

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  2. I have this pattern but not made it yet. I really love your version - very chic!

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    1. Thank you Sue for your lovely comment. I look forward to seeing your version when you get around to sewing it up.

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  3. Great looking dress! Love the print you chose. You look lovely! Great job.

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    1. Thank you Bonnie for your very kind words. I love a black and white print.

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  4. Just the thing for the somewhat tropical weather we've been having recently too.

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    1. Thanks Paola...it's very cool and comfortable to wear.

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  5. Love your dress and the zebra print. I have this pattern too, printed but not assembled. I'm also debating about which way to tie it. Maybe I will leave the ties off, it looks lovely on you. My snakeskin print georgette for jungle january remains unmade as yet.

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    1. Thanks Kathy. You should make this pattern up. Oh, and there's still a few days left for Jungle January sewing...you can do it.

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  6. As always, you look chic! Black and white look great on you. I love the style, too.

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    1. Such a lovely compliment Nursebennett, and very much appreciated. I do love a black and white print.

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  7. A climate change Jungle January - I love it! I think I like the zebra stripes - they suit a rectangle figure. The telescoped drapes are a great improvement and suit the fabric as well.

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    1. Thank you Sarah Liz. I do think the dress suits my figure so much better without the ties.

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  8. This is lovely on you. So fresh looking and stylish. I have telescoped drapes before but didn't know how to describe them. I do now1

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    1. Thank you so much Kate. I'm so glad my description of the drapes made sense.

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  9. Oh I do love this on youJ ean Margaret. I prefer this loose style as well and it certainly is comfortable for our Canadian summers so I imagine it;s great for your summers as well.

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    1. Thanks so much Diana. It is a lovely cool and comfy dress for our Australian summer.

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  10. This is a great summer dress. Fabulous print as well :)

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  11. Fab fabric and you've worked it so well.

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  12. What a great idea to leave it drapey. I really like the crisp black and white zebra print!

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    1. I've been experimenting with some looser styles and I am loving the comfort factor. Thanks for your comment Andrea.

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  13. I think this looks lovely on you, love the way the fabric falls.

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    1. Thanks Louise. I appreciate your lovely comment.

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  14. What a beautiful dress! Thank you so much for the pattern.
    African Wax Print, African George Fabric

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  15. Jean, this is so CUTE!!! I love the print and what you did with the pattern is super cute!

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