Making a Kampala dress for a student

3 months ago

Hello, my fellow needleworker! Hope you are having a a nice week. Today I'd like to share with you a dress I made for one of my students at the school where I teach.

After learning that I was a seamstress, she came to me with a fabric and asked if I could make a dress for her church anniversary. She didn't have a specific design in mind and she told me to make anything cute. I had no idea what to make, so I decided to just make a simple gathered dress with a bow to make it cute.

The fabric used is a Kampala print fabric, inspired by the traditional Kampala fabric, which originates from Uganda—hence the name Kampala which is its capital city. Kampala fabric often has a unique and steady texture, as the base fabric is made from the inner bark of the mutuba trees, then it is hand-painted, embroidered, or sewing appliques to create beautiful patterns and motifs. However, Modern technology allows Kampalas to be made easily and more affordable with Kampala-inspired prints. However, the original Kampala is quite expensive and eco-friendly.

The fabric used is a Kampala-inspired print. It has a steady texture but is a little light. This is great if you want to make a dress or cloth that has volume and structure.

Making this dress was pretty easy and It took me less than 4 hours to make. I made this dress a while back but was waiting to receive a picture of her wearing the dress which she didn't. So sad I couldn't get a picture of her in the final look.

Materials used:
Kampala print fabric, lining, thread, zip, half-inch elastic band, and rhinestone cord.

**Let me work you through the process:

Step 1
I cut the bodies which are the upper part of the dress and the respective lining.

Step2
I cut the sleeves

Step3
I sew the bodies pieces together with their respective linings.

Step4
I fold the hem of the sleeve and insert the elastic band.

Step 5
I cut and gathered the skirt which is the lower part of the dress.

Step6
I sew the sleeves to the armhole of the bodies and the waist of the bodies with the gathered bottom

Step7
I sewed a zip to the back opening.

Step 8
I contemplated whether to put the rhinestone cord around the waist or simply make a bow.

step 9
I went with the idea of making the bow because is easier, less stressful, still cute, and can never go wrong.

Here is the final look! Although I was unable to get a picture of her wearing it, I hope you like the dress and find the tutorial helpful. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.