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If you've enjoyed reading about my experiences in Tanzania here, check out the new blog I've started on Wordpress as of November, 2017. It's called "Back to Tanzania" and you can read it here. All new adventures in Tanzania from an older, wiser, more experienced expat.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Kitenge Report

I promised to report back on the kitenge dresses that Anna and I ordered during our Christmas shopping excursion (which you can read about here). We picked them up today, and they are so cute! The tops on all three were a bit different than we expected. For two of them, it was a nice surprise. For the third, alterations were quickly accomplished and everything is good.

Here are pictures of the finished dresses. We thought we'd try some of the dramatic, fashion magazine poses that are popular here in Tanzania when you take pictures of your friends (or pictures to post on Facebook).


 
This pose, in addition to being dramatic, shows off my car. I was expecting short sleeves, a v-neck, and no ruffle at the collar. But I love it anyway! The skirt is just as ordered. I asked them to shorten it a couple of inches (the hem was hitting the ground), and they took care of it while we waited.


Anna's car was in the shop, so she posed with her Christmas tree, which has strawberry-shaped flashing lights.


Here's a better look at her dress. The top turned out to be ruched with rows of elastic stitching, which was a total surprise. But she loves it! I think she is stunning in this dress.


She picked this one up on Christmas Eve. It had huge puffy short sleeves cuffed with blue ribbon. She thought the sleeves looked "too '80's." She brought it back today and asked them to change the sleeves, which they did while we were out at lunch.  Now she loves it!

That's all for now. Happy New Year everybody everywhere! I hope to see you here again next year.
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9 comments:

  1. ChrisDecember 31, 2010 at 11:24 AM

    A creative seamstress must follow her muse. You and Anna look fantastic in your new kitenges!

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  2. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 12:01 PM

    You both look fabulous. I love it sis...wow!!!

    Have a happy new year :)

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  3. LoranDecember 31, 2010 at 12:37 PM

    Love the new dresses, you both look Mahvelous!

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  4. Linda MedranoDecember 31, 2010 at 1:03 PM

    Happy New Year! I love that you are an adventurous and you and your friend look wonderful in your new dresses! Just darling!

    ReplyDelete
  5. BarbaraDecember 31, 2010 at 1:15 PM

    Thanks everybody, for all the compliments!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    CUTE I love the prints, and the models. (well at least one model) from joanie dodie

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  7. BarbaraJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Hmmm, Joanie, I notice you don't say which model...

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  8. RuthJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Hi Barbara
    Love the kitenges! Your blog is so entertaining, and it helps to keep me in touch with life in Arusha. Hope to see you in March.
    Ruth MacKenzie (Anna's mum)

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  9. BarbaraJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Hi, Ruth! Anna told me you were reading my blog to keep up with her. Often when she and I are doing something together, she'll suggest I cover it in my blog so that you can read about it. when we picked up our dresses, I asked her if we could please take pictures for my blog, and she immediately said she wanted to, because her mum would love to see them!

    ReplyDelete

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