I wish I knew where I first spotted this dress but just know when I laid eyes on it I knew it had to one day make it’s way to my closet. I have been looking for a cute and playful dress that I can easily throw on that can be dressed up for an occasion or dressed down to casually meet friends for lunch and this pattern is it! I grew up seeing my mom and other Nigerian women wearing long African dresses that we called “moo moos” around the house or out at Nigerian functions. They were able to do so much in them like entertaining guests, serving food to large crowds at Nigerian parties, throwing down in the kitchen and dancing the night away. There was literally nothing they couldn’t do in that dress and I knew I needed me one of those but more updated.
Cynthia Rowley’s Simplicity 8636 pattern provides the flexibility and comfort of a moo moo with a more modern and younger aesthetic. The shorter length plus the ruffled neckline and hem makes this dress more feminine and versatile. I decided to use this green cotton fabric with tiny yellow flowers that I purchased from Golden D’Or fabrics last year. It’s light weight and wouldn’t weigh the dress down as this pattern requires a lot of fabric.
There aren’t many pieces to assemble so the dress came together quickly. The most challenging piece to put together was the yoke that went around the top of the dress. I never sewed a yoke before making this dress and this was not an easy first try for me at all. I am still determined to try this pattern again in both views. My mom loved the dress and wants ones for herself so I will be getting to work on that in the near future.
When I attempt this pattern again, I will probably go a size down so it won’t look too baggy on me. I think this would be so bomb in a chambray fabric or a lace with a slip dress underneath. The possibilities are literally endless. Let me know what you think I should do the next time I make this pattern. Until next time loves!
Love,
Christine
Create & Pray 