The Nenuphar jacket by Deer and Doe is a winner for African waxprint, in my opinion. The pattern actually suggests more drapey fabric but I love the structure that ankara gives to the garment.
There are two options to play around with, this three quarter length sleeve version with patch pockets and another with long gathered sleeves. The patch pockets are generous and have a v- notch in the top that echo the v- notch of the collar band.
I get excited about easy to make patterns, I guess I am a lazy sewer. There are no difficult steps. The lower back piece is gathered before attaching to the upper back piece. I point this out because I don’t love the process of gathering but I do quite like patterns with gathers and ruffles. During this make I actually snapped the threads as I pulled the gathers, not nice. But other than that all went smoothly with this pattern. The instructions are very clear and it was a quick make.
I actually cut out the pieces for this jacket last year from this vibrant fabric I won in an Instagram challenge. For some reason I didn’t make it up until I was prepping for Ankara appreciation week. This was my “with jeans” look, teamed up with denim shorts and trainers. A dead casual, relaxed look.
This bright, bold Ankara fabric in my favourite red and yellow just lifts the denim, smartens it up a bit while still being fun. A good top to wear with the nenuphar is the True Bias Ogden Cami beloved by almost every sewist I know! I made this one out of scraps from another project and could only fit the pieces on if I cut the front and back as 4 separate pieces rather than 2 on the fold. I french seamed the pieces together and I quite like the Ogden with centre seams.
The Nenuphar jacket is unlined and makes a great summer alternative to a denim jacket. You may may want to opt for French or bias bound seams for a super neat finish. I French seamed the easier seams and for quickness, I just used my overcast foot and zigzagged the sleeve seams. I really love everything about this jacket, the shape, the length sleeve of version 1 is more me, the quickness of the make and that it is so good in ankara. I’m on the look out for fabric with blue tones to make another.
If you’re not really a dress or skirt person but are looking for ways to incorporate Ankara into your wardrobe perhaps a jacket is the way to go. The nenuphar opens up options for colour blocking, for example, you could have just a hint of ankara by just msking the collar piece ankara. Or for the more bold, you could play around with two coordinated ankara fabrics. Here are a few other jackets I think would look good in ankara: Simplicity 8418 – bomber jacket, Cambria Duster- Friday Pattern Company, Butterick 6739- Wrap jacket and the Jasika blazer – Closet Case Patterns. I’d like to have a go at some of those one day but for now I’m enjoying my nenuphar. I’d love to know if you make one from waxprint!
Theunpickstitchpapers 