chinese dress – Japanese Sewing, Pattern, Craft Books and Fabrics

Pattern Tester Call for Girl’s Qipao pattern

November 17, 2017

I haven’t been posting much lately, because I have been busy with a big project. Ever since I launched my first Qipao pattern and sew along in 2014, I’ve been asked many times to add on more size options, sleeves and detailed instructions on how to do the back opening instead of the standard side opening. I have always wanted to make a full set of patterns since I make this every year and have to keep upsizing as my girls grow, but doing a proper sewing pattern is really time consuming and it’s almost like writing my thesis all over again! Except that this is a lot more interesting than my thesis. Anyway, I have finally done it and I will be launching this pattern soon as my first pattern for my new pattern shop called PorcupinePatterns! The website is still under construction but I will add the links to it later.

So what’s new with this version of the Girl’s Qipao? The original free pattern was 4 sizes only and there was only a sleeveless option in the straight cut style.

This new improved version will include a sleeved option, two styles – the more traditional straight style with side slits and ends below the knee, as well as a new A-line style which is is shorter and cuter. The sleeve options include short/long (not shown in the diagram below but it’s just a long sleeve)/cap and frill sleeves. The dress in the image above is a A-line with frill sleeve. The collar has also been made lower so that the younger kids won’t find it restrictive.

There are also full detailed step by step instructions for how to make both the side opening style (which means a side zip and the front flap is secured with decorative buttons and metal snaps), or the back zip opening style.

This pattern will be launched in mid December (barring any major revisions of course) in time for the Chinese new year sewing season, on my new pattern shop Porcupine Patterns! I already have more patterns lined up for ladies and kids as well. Hoping to do some boy patterns too.

Since this will be a full version pattern, I am looking for pattern testers to help me test the patterns. Don’t worry if you are a beginner and just starting to make garments. I will consider all entries carefully as I do need to know if my patterns are easy for beginners as well as advanced sewists. The only requirement is that you will be able to stick to the timeline and submit your photos and feedback on time. Interested? These are the sizes I need testing for.

This tester call will last for 3 days (17th-19th) and the testing period is from 20th (Mon)-1st Dec (Fri). I will notify all the successful applicants by email and send them the test files by Monday morning. Interested?

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

0 Comments

Free Patterns Girls Sewing Patterns Kids Sewing Patterns Sew-along Sewing Tutorials Sewing Videos

Throwback Thursday – Free Chinese Dress / Qipao pattern for girls

January 19, 2017

Every year just before Chinese New Year, I see a renewed flurry of activity in our local sewing community -The Sewing Network, from mothers/aunts/crafters sewing and making Qipaos /Cheongsams for their little ones. This year I’ve decided to compile some of them to show you all the amazing things that they have done with my simple template as a base. From adding sleeves, to tulle sleeves, going collarless for comfort, adding gathered skirts, romper style, matching doll sets. All you need to give your little girl a wide smile for Chinese New Year is a simple and free pattern, plus lots of love and creativity. 🙂

This pattern had its roots 9 years ago, when I first ~~made~~ attempted to make a mash up dress+chinese collar for my then 3 year old daughter. Being inexperienced, I created a front flap opening, but sewed up the gathered skirt at the waist line. Needless to say, it was a struggle getting in and out of it, haha… That idea was revisited a few years later, you can imagine how traumatized I was at my failure, but I was determined to get it right, by copying the side opening from a store bought Qipao my husband bought for us from his business trip to China. I finally understood how it worked and so created a free pattern (click here for the free pattern) and launched it in January 2014, plus sewing video tutorials (click here to watch the videos on youtube) to make it easier to understand.

Anyway, this year, Chinese New Year falls on 28th Jan which is rather early. It seems like Christmas just came and went and I just got settled in the new school routine. But it’s based on the lunar calendar so it’s not up to us to decide ;P I am still struggling to spring-clean, and am still sewing our new outfits for CNY2017. I have lowered my personal expectations for this year and I’m probably only going to make one outfit per person instead of 2. I just hope I can make it in time!

In the meantime, have a look through and get inspired by these creative ladies from our local sewing group – The Sewing Network. Click on the arrows to see the next slide. The copyright of photos belong to the owners as stated in each picture. If you wish to be included in the gallery, just message me on Facebook or email me with your photos. Enjoy and be inspired!

3 Comments