I asked my Malaysian friend an age limit for this dress, a little too much skins showing you may know, then she told me there aren't any, none! That encouraged to make it, yes. This is a Chinese dress and I made it from white fabric to design, batik and sewed.
I've been in Malaysia for more than a dacade. I get to know people as daily part of life here. In my place, I go buy news papers in the morning, 3 languages to choose from!!
There are many different kind of people live here today, from Malay , Indian, orang asli, Dayak and Kadazandusun in Borneo, and of course, Chinese from different part of China.
You could say this place is a melting pot, people do mix marrage, just simply fell in love, or historically by Babanyonya whom Chinese married to Malay. Some of Babanyonya are pure Chinese but completely lost Chinese culture and adapted to Malay culture.
But still, many didn't get melted, keep their traditions of their own, making their own community, own schools, keep their own culture and traditional wear.
So today, I want to share my first time made, with batik, a traditional wear worn by Malaysian. It is Chinese lady's dress called Cheongsam or also called Qi pao.
I started from making a design. As I am not so much into flowers, I do like vines and bushes they grow all over this tropics. Yes, I know they are nightmare to many people, they can cover up your garden, vegetables you grow, fence, you name it.
That is why I am fascinated by their strength. It is one of the few vegetation that survives and cover the earth after dooms day..... acording to the program I watched on Discovery channel!!
I also like the shape of those leaves. Some are similar to heart shape, some are star, some are don't know what it is but beautiful in their own way.
I wanted those vines all over me!!!
As usual, I cut the colored papers in motifs to see the balance. I measured myself and made a newspaper pattern and traced it on large paper. so I would know where the leaves should be at.
Here is the one I refeted to.
Then I draw other stems.
Ok, so here the biggest challenge was.
I usually design for men. I know where I want the focus to be.... because it is where I feel the guys charm is. Chest, shoulder and side of ab... right.
What about women? Have I ever attracted to them...physically?! To be honest, it was a challenge... I had and have no idea where the errr....charms of women.
So I pretty much gambled on this! The main vine is going from neck to chest continue to go back side of hip. How did I do? I hope to hear any comment and suggestion of the focal point.
Okay, then I transfeted them on fabric and took it to batik workshop.
I did some light yellow, pink and blue for highlights. After it dried, I did the wax.
Then colored. I wanted to be deep red or vergandy... it tured out to be dark pink.... need more practice on that.
After the color stabilization process and washed, I tailored them.
It shrunk, as rayon always shrinks, side didn't match but there is a flow, so I am satisfied with that!!!
Front
Back
Tried installing zipper on the side.
All the artwork and sewing and photos are done by me, @naomipangolin. Source