Qipaos

As an extension of our Asian studies a few weeks ago, we introduced the construction of a traditional Chinese dress: the Qipao (chi-pao).
By attempting this design, courtesy of Japanese Sewing Book, http://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/2014/01/16/girls-qi-pao-chinese-dress-sew-along-day-2/
we would be learning a few new sewing skills: bias tape trim and zipper insertion.

The pattern was free. You have to print the pages and paste them together in their numbered order, before cutting out the template.
We've been using more patterns to learn the shape that clothes take when they are deconstructed.

We also included a lining, though tedious, completes the inside of the garment.
We essentially made two qipaos and sewed them together, inside-out.

Bias tape was new to me too, so I had to learn alongside the kids (after watching some tutorials!)
Luckily we chose a wide bias tape which is more forgiving.
Open your bias tape up and sew to the right edge of the garment, before folding back over the edging and sewing shut.

Zippers were another challenge for this project.
It helps to open the zipper while sewing each side.

We only have to add a few decorative buttons to complete the look.