So it's been 3 years since I first created my free qipao patterns for girls, first published in January 2014. It's been downloaded so many times I've lost count, hehe partially because when I first uploaded it I didn't know how to set up a download app to track the downloads.
One thing I have heard very frequently from my readers, is the repeated request for more sizes. The free pattern only came in 4 sizes, I can't even remember why I picked those 4 sizes. For sure, 2 of them were picked because I had to make them in my daughters' sizes. At that time I was drawing every single pattern from scratch and it was painfully slow. Until last year where I discovered patternmaking software and learned how to use it
I only got around to making it again in 2014, because this time I have 2 girls to sew for and I couldn't find a ready made pattern anywhere. So this time I made drafted it on the computer, added a side zip. I actually referred to an actual Qipao that my husband bought (mummy + daughter set) from Shenzhen. I think he was hinting at me to stop trying... heh.... but thanks to his purchase, I finally figured out how to attach the side zip and the rest is history.
Every year end, people start planning their Chinese New Year makes, and then I get some queries again on adding sleeves, how to do the back zip opening that I mentioned casually in one of my posts on my own hacks. When will I add more sizes etc.
So this year, I decided to actually get around to doing something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. Create a full range of sizes for the Girls Qipao and also to launch my own PDF pattern store! In fact, I was working on two other patterns while I got reminded by one of my readers that Chinese new year sewing season is coming up, and please do I have a pattern with sleeves for it was cold where she came from. So just like that, I paused work on the other two patterns, and went into this full steam as I didn't want to miss the sewing frenzy. It's quite exciting every year to see the makes on my timeline, from people in the local sewing community. I actually documented some of these makes early this year. I hope to see more once I launch this pattern.
made by Ivelina
ONE DAY ONLY! As today (21st Dec) is the Launch day of my store, I would like to offer all my Japanese sewing book readers a special 20% discount for supporting me the past 6 years. Please enter JSB20 to code at checkout to claim the discount. Discount code is valid from 11am 21st Dec to 11am 22nd Dec.