My first finished Baju Kurung top

This was the first time I actually sewed and finished a baju kurung top. Previously, when I was pregnant, I tried sewing one to wear during my pregnancy. I finished sewing everything together, but didn't have time to hem it. As they say, time and tide wait for no man, and baby was soon delivered which meant that there was no need for that huge baju kurung anymore. And I put it away. Now, almost two years later, my mother-in-law was in the midst of sewing her baju kurung for Eid and I decided to learn a thing or two. She has been sewing since she was 9! Isn't that grand? That's more than 60 years of sewing experience under her belt!!

This time I had some of Mo Bedell's Party Dress fabric to play around with. After prewashing the fabric, I was ready for my lesson. First she taught me how to cut the pieces. I used the measurements from a baju kurung that I had in the closet. Then I sewed the pieces together, zigzag stitched the raw edges and hemmed where needed. It was looking good, and then she taught me how to stitch the neckline with the 'tulang belut' stitch. It was rather tedious and I'm not sure if I'd be willing to do that again! lol

Next would be the 'kain' or skirt of the baju kurung....

Fabric Review: Mo Bedell's Party Dress - Diamond in Cool

I love blue and I love polka dots. Maybe that was why when I saw this print in Mo Bedell's debut collection, I had to have it! I ordered the Diamond print in the cool colourway from her Party Dress line by Blue Hill Fabrics. I had decided on making a baju kurung with said fabric. The fabric bled during its first wash. The cotton was also on the heavier side. When I had finished sewing the top for my baju kurung, I really felt the weight. I guess this is where it boils down to personal preference. Whether you prefer to wear light cotton or heavier cotton; or perhaps if you're always in an air-conditioned room or wearing such pieces during fall/winter, then it'd be fine. In my case, I prefer lighter weight cotton for apparels unless its for a jacket or skirt, etc. But the fabric still looked stunning especially when my baju kurung top was finished. Because of the directional prints, I had a shortage in making the 'kain' or skirt part of the baju kurung. So next time, (note to self) I need to keep in mind about the direction of the prints and whether I would need extra yardage to accomodate cutting all the pieces I'd need for a sewing project. *sigh* Feast your eyes on some inspirational photos of her fabric in action!

Happy fabric shopping!