Comments on: Welcome, YMIB Sewing Circle Members!

By: Omotoke Olagbaju

Omotoke Olagbaju — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:31:58 +0000

When coming up with creative concepts for culture focused outfits I always begin by choosing a color palette that inspires me and reminds me of my rich heritage (thank goodness I have such a colorful culture). I also like to use elements of traditional wear in my outfits and once I’ve found something inspirational enough I style it out in my own way and add a little personal flavor to it. I always finish off the outfit with some trade beads (or brass ornaments but only if they compliment the design).

And voila my recipe for an outfit full of African soul, inspiration and spirit.

By: Dee

Dee — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:57:19 +0000

My design and creative skills are an aesthetic expression of my poetic soul, inherently sensuous, a dynamic effluence of my spiritual and cultural SELF. I invoke and welcome my ancestors when I am creating, with incense, candles and uplifting music, evoking ancestral memories in the drape and cut of what I create, often cutting freehand or just wrapping and knotting fabrics. I use African fabrics, natural cottons, hemp and silk in rainbow colours and vivid patterns that echo the vibrance, beauty and spirit of my African and Caribbean heritage. I embellish my creations with shells, beads, buttons, embroidery, crochet, paints and dyes, incorporating African motifs and symbols that are birthed from the womb of elemental femininity….. And as I look forward, in reverence and respect for Mother Earth, and the healing waters of Osun and Yemoja, I recycle, and reuse, creating something new from old, using patchwork and quilting. I have embraced eco friendly, organic and sustainable dyes, paints, fabrics and yarns such as bamboo and banana silk. I source materials from fairly traded projects in the Motherland, and other First World countries, so that my sisters and brothers are able to provide for their families, and hold their heads up high….. Cultural “style” is more than just a mere fashion statement for me it is the manifestation of my divine creative energy……….
BLESSINGS!!

By: pamela

pamela — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:50:59 +0000

yes, i celebrate the african culture in my home everyday. instead of the traditional everyday items i make my own using mudcloth, burlap,
going to all the cultural events in my hometown of philadelphia.
we have some coming up in may& june. i just love creating it calms me and makes me happy that i have created a beautiful work of art.And when people asks me where did you get that i just say i made it myself. it is a wonderful experience to have and to know the culture……

By: sylshessa

sylshessa — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:22:41 +0000

I prefer to piece star patterns and similarr celestial imagery into my quilts. The women of my family have often looked up towards the heavens when they need inspiration or guidance or simply to remember. The sky was one thing that could not be taken away from them when everything else was, so they looked to the stars and learned to be just as unflinching as the fiery giants who make their presence known as often as the setting of the sun. Just as I look up to remember my family, I like to think that they looked up, once, and knew their strengths and sacrifices would not be forgotten by their children.

By: Rimi

Rimi — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:11:08 +0000

Culture can be reflected in so many ways. I love creating something new and I love Color! I always think about how color makes me feel, when I start a new project. If I am creating a project for someone I always incoporate some of the color personality of that person. Then it becomes very easy to add adinkra symbols,shells or other embellishments, anything that might represet a little of my style and culture as well as the style and culture of the person that I am creating for. I like to also use natural strips of fabic, pieces of fabric with different textures and shapes.

By: Fola Afua

Fola Afua — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:10:26 +0000

I enjoy incorporating the use of abalone shell buttons, iridescent trims or some ethnic style button to emblish a garment or home project like a pillow. Many times, I will just ‘play’ using various types of threads and many different feet for my machine(s). Yeah I’ll admit it….I have more than 1 sewing machine. Please note, this is not a brag, but a confession (lol). I love embellishing with manipulating fabrics for a unique and creative effect. Many times, I may not even know what the creation will turn out to be. It just ‘evolves’ into something beautiful.

By: Fola Afua

Fola Afua — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:44:10 +0000

I love to use various natural trims and buttons that are made of abalone and sea shell. Many times I will put something that glitters or with an iridescent touch to catch the eye. I enjoy using various types of threads; buttonhole twists; sliver; shiney; metallic. Then I just embellish with all of the stitches on my sewing machine. I also, love experimenting with all of the speciality feet to create various textures on the surface of the fabric. I enjoy combining dressmaking and quilting skills to create a unique project.

By: Queen Auset

Queen Auset — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:53:43 +0000

Almost everything I wear pays tribute to my ancestors both Asian and African. I wore an Afrikan printed sari to a Hindu ceremony I attended a few months ago. The female elder, who spoke to me through an interprer explained how to properly wear it. (I had gotten instructions from an Indian friend who actually hates wearing the sari). It felt as though my own great grandmother was talking to me that day. So every day, whether it is cowrie shells, an adinkra symbol, kimono or sari fabric does find a place in my life. Somedays I wear colours that are earthy (brown, terracotta, green) and/or mysterious (purple, indigo, sapphire, turquoise) and someays it all about passion (red, pink, yellow)! But then the real fun begins when I combine certain colours. All I can say is wow. I know my ancestors are delighted!

By: Chayil

Chayil — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:33:03 +0000

I love to use “checks” on items where it would not be expected. I make aprons, tablecloths, bedsheets, tops and everything else imaginable with them. In my homeland the checks are used to make pangi’s (cloth wrapped around the waist) and have different messages this way a man can tell if a woman is ready for him, sisters can tell if one or the other is aggitated it is an “unspoken language” and I hold it dearly. When making pangi’s I try to use other fabrics like javenese batiks and extremely bright red checkered fabric that the native indians use. It’s a fun way to pay homage to all my ancestors and to feel close to home living so far away.
As soon as I get a new sewingmachine my next project will be sari made from african dutch wax even if it is only to spite my indian aunties at the next get together

By: Livvylove

Livvylove — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:44:17 +0000

My sewing is more for fun and it is about expressing ones creativity. I like to sew outfits that are a tad on the unconventional side. I enjoy costuming. The costumes I like to make are inspired by Disney and Japanese Animation. My favorite outfit that I made was Princess Jasmine outfit. It was fun because I had little kids believing I was really her. So basically the outfits I pick tend to be heavy towards Asian clothing which is fun for me.