I know I havent been around for a while, but having a newborn is so time-consuming that I really don't get much time to sit at the computer, or to make new tutorials... But I am trying to get back into the groove, as I am being creative again when I can these days, after not making items for a while during my pregnancy. I am also working on some written material on His Majesty and the duty and roles of a king as determined in the Ible. I also want to work on some video reasonings. so things are going on behind the scenes even if it may take me longer than before to get my products online.
I really wanted to make a maxi skirt to take some pictures or do a mini photoshoot for some upcoming designs. so this beautiful camo-like fabric is what I decided to use. This is a very very basic tutorial, nothing new to the blog - but since it is knit I decided to do another tutorial on the basic A-line maxi.
Keep on trodding the path of the Virtuous Dawta!
Rastafari!
Ila
I found out yesterday that I am having a son and we are so excited! All this time not knowing it seems so strange to finally know it is a prince inside there. But this pregnancy has been sooooo different from the first it is suiting that it is another gender. Now it is time to really find a name!
This is a refashion DIY that I have had for months and months that I finally remembered to post up.
Make a dress, halter or skirt into a high-waisted maxi skirt that has an elastic belt. I love this style as you can see I made about 4 different skirts.
I think I am pretty much the maxi-dress queen at this point! What else do I make but maxi dresses? And I have more styles that I want to try as soon as I get the fabric too! But I don't mind, an Empress is royal and free in her style and I love that a maxi dress can give you that flowing goddess feel no matter how you style it.
So don't be surprised that I've been making so many because they are also fabulous for pregnancy! I made two new ones recently out of jersey fabric. I redid my kaftan dress in a new fabric (my most popular post to date is that kaftan tutorial) and I know that you can also call it a Tshirt dress if you use the small little sleeve or simply trace a tshirt. IT has a T shirt style to it, but it really is just a kaftan maxi dress.
I decided to just make a simple video tutorial with not too much detail but I outline the basic way to make a kaftan as a T shirt dress which is ideal for summer spring or pregnancy! you can use the post for the kaftan dress if you need more help. the good thing about this tutorial is that you can either use a t shirt or use your measurements!
You can purchase my hemp braided belt at www.etsy.com/shop/iladesigns!
First I give thanks for the blessed selabration time, when I and I acknowledge His Majesty's visit to Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. I hope every I was able to do something special or attend a binghi!
I myself just had a quiet family day, didnt make it to selabrations this year. Just can't do the late nights like before!
Before continuing, the RASTAWIFELINE GROUP IS UP ON FACEBOOK! Yay! finally we are live, so the reasoning and sharing of pictures, recipes and your own personal Iditations and Inspirations and questions can flow! hope to see you there sistren! please ask to join the group.
I made this tutorial also yesterday but didn't get to post it up til now. I been trying to make some comfortable dress for maternity but also to escape the horrible heat that we are currently having in Trinidad. I received an email from old navy which has been one of the only brands I;ve ever worn since a teenager. and I was looking at all the lovely maxi dresses and prints they have right now.
And it occurred to me that I have come so far, in that I more make my own clothes than buy them. I only buy underwear or tank tops. I make all my skirts and dresses myself, and if they are not of jersey they are of Afrikan print. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to make your own garments, but to also represent who you are and your style everyday. I like flowing maxi dresses and skirts with a top or shrug/jacket - that's my basic style in just different prints.
RasTafari is a Livity where everyday we are RasTafari, showing our faith in our appearance as much as in our words and deeds. To feel positive and to feel complete as a Sistren, dressing in the way of your faith or Afrikan heritage is as important as wrapping the crown or eating ital. RasTafari must give all Sistren a sense of royal confidence, wisdom, power and security. I personally feel like dressing myself, daughter and kingman is an important aspect of my identity as an Empress, makes me feel like I am really setting a good foundation. So I encourage all Sistren to pick up the sewing skill as well as crocheting skill. If you have to save for that machine, then start saving! you can do it. All answers you need for lessons can be found in a friend or online on youtube. And trust me when I say you will be adequately and joyfully fulfilled by such a venture. Creativity gives much joy and positive energies to the body and Irit, truly priceles no matter what your creative outlet is.
So here's another tube dress, this time with a frill. very simple and straightforward.
Here's the link for the tube shrug. I used quiana fabric which is similar to jersey for this brown tube.
RasTafari Love Sistren!
I'm giving two posts today as I had both reasoning and tutorial for you to take in. This dress can be fitted or it can be loose based on how much seam allowance you add. If you want it to fix close or tight only take your hip measurement, divide by 2, add 1.5 inches or 2 inches, with a 1 inch seam allowance. If you want a loose dress for pregnancy add 4 inches after dividing by 2. you can choose any length you want it to be, add layers for the skirt using the rasta skirt tutorial as a guide or you can make it into a top - add some extra inches for a buff and put an elastic band!
note how this dress doesn't make my bump so noticeable, it's all about the style and fabric to make the perfect piece of clothing in my opinion. one that will give you everything you need for what occassion you made it for! ;)
This is not a "going out" dress for me persay. I dress nicely wherever I go and I dont go out on the public social scene very often - never these last few months since 2012. So this dress will be worn day or night because it's comfortable and simple just how I like it. if you haven't already figured out I am a pretty simple designer.
I love choosing multiprints because they allow you to achieve different looks for different occasions. Accessories like jackets, belts, bags, shoes and jewelry can take your look to the next level or keep it relaxed. A blazer and fancy shoes would make this dress perfect for going to a special gathering. I chose to dress it more on the casual side and I was pleased with how I could mix my accessories and designs with it - they mesh well in colour scheme. I mixed metallics with bright prints and black stone as the bold undertone instead of my usual brown.
I know it's been a long time, but have no fear I am still working on gathering information for two new video reasonings in addition to filling order and running the household. I haven't forgotten my works for rastawifeline! just trying to balance everything going on.
Today's tutorial is a much needed one, on how to make a jacket or shrug. it is more a shrug than a jacket because it has no zip or buttons to the front. but you could always add a belt or a tie to the front. i will hopefully go another tutorial soon on how to add a closure to the front.
hope you love it!
I've paired it here with my other designs - crochet belt, clay earrings and bangles and crochet clutch!
