The Unpickstitch Papers

Fibre Mood Amira- Check out that Tartan

I made a new thing. Nothing new there I hear you say, but this new thing was a little bit different for me. For a while now I’ve felt that I needed more long skirts in my wardrobe. Before this one, I only had one. I’m more of a short skirt with thick tights kindContinue reading “Fibre Mood Amira- Check out that Tartan”

Fibremood Tilda

I am fortunate to receive previews of the Fibremood magazine each time it comes out. The last time round as I looked at all the patterns the Tilda shirt dress called to me. The dress has elbow length sleeves, a relaxed bodice through the waist, a tapered midi length skirt and a wonderful statement collar.Continue reading “Fibremood Tilda”

Ankara Appreciation Week:Paloma Dress by Emporia Patterns

There is a particular, traditional way of wearing cloth among the men of Ashanti that my dad really doesn’t like. It involves taking a large yardage of wax print or kente and carefully wrapping it around the body, draping over one shoulder and gathering over an arm. Always worn over shorts. My dad says heContinue reading “Ankara Appreciation Week:Paloma Dress by Emporia Patterns”

Ankara Appreciation Week- Saraste Dress Hack

As I write, it is the day after the beautifully bright and colourful week of Ankara celebration that Juliet Uzor and I had the pleasure of hosting over on instagram. Ankara appreciation week was first launched in 2020 and it really seemed to hit the mark so we thought we’d do it again. Back thenContinue reading “Ankara Appreciation Week- Saraste Dress Hack”

My Birthday Dress: Lessons from Millie

For my 50th birthday I wanted to make a simple dress in my favourite fabric, African wax print. I had been gifted the book “Sewing with African Wax Print Fabrics” by Adaku Parker and she asked if I was happy to blog a review of one of the patterns. I chose the Millie dress asContinue reading “My Birthday Dress: Lessons from Millie”

The Calia Skirt by The Patterns Room

I’m pretty much a knee length dress or skirt with thick tights and boots kind of person. And that’s fine for most of the year here in the UK. But last year, I began the search for the ultimate skirt I could wear on those warmish to warm days when I could ditch the tights.Continue reading “The Calia Skirt by The Patterns Room”

Batik and Mindy

Well, I have had the absolute joy and privilege to work with some gorgeous African batik fabric. I was very interested when Comfort from Letasi design studio asked if I would like some of their fabric and as I scrolled through their website I got very excited and just could not choose! Letasi design studioContinue reading “Batik and Mindy”

Cozi by name, cosy by nature

I pattern tested for one of my favourite indie pattern companies again. The Pattern Scout’s patterns are really cool, totally wearable, every day garments. What I love about these patterns is that there are always options so you get more for your money and they are so hackable. The latest from Pattern Scout is theContinue reading “Cozi by name, cosy by nature”

Stretch African Waxprint! What’s this?

Back in December Jacqueline who owns Wax and Wraps selling African print subscription boxes and lovely African fabric got in touch with me with an irresistible offer. She had some stretch fabric in some popular wax print designs. Yes, stretch African waxprint is a thing! Amazing right? I was really excited to be able toContinue reading “Stretch African Waxprint! What’s this?”

Claudette Trousers- The Power Pants for 2021

I am so in love with these trousers. I feel ready to take on anything wearing these! Bring it on 2021, I’m ready for you. These trousers are seriously ‘the boss’! When Adaku of Dovetailed London asked if I’d like to have some of her gorgeous fabric and her Claudette palazzo pants pattern in exchangeContinue reading “Claudette Trousers- The Power Pants for 2021”