Thread: Malaya dress

Ok. I have a Malaya Choreography, and a time/place to dance it, but since I don't want to do it nude, I figured I'd better get working on figuring out what to wear. It's a fairly quick song, fun and cute, but I have to bend over to clap the floor, so not too short or

Any ideas? I can sew relatively simple things... I've made middle east costumes for renaissance fests, so...

Any and all ideas are welcome. THANKS

You could probably find a commercial pattern to adapt. By changing the fabric and trims, you could convert this nightgown Sewing Patterns : Simplicity Patterns : Misses Sleepwear to a melaya dress. You might want to take in the sides or add darts or wear it with some kind of belt to give it more shape, if it's too baggy for the look you want.

Alternatively, if you are thinking of a one-shoulder style, you could use a straight hem on the cavegirl/toga costume here http://www.simplicity.com/p-3033-misses-costumes.aspx, measure the top and bottom seams, and attach ruffles of matching fabric to get something like the style available from costume vendors. Usually they recommend that the ruffle should be about twice the length of the seam to get a nice full effect (just like with window curtains), but you can play with the fullness depending on how much fabric you have--and remember to buy extra than the pattern calls for.

I would try shopping at Goodwill or thrift shops in your area. I find they are a great source for items that can be re-purposed. If you can sew, you can probably find something cheap that you could alter or add to.

Thank you both. I didn't even think of that before, so I'll check the Goodwill first, and then if I can't find anything to adapt, I'll start from scratch. Thanks for the pattern suggestions and the reminder about the extra fabric. : )

I see really cute salsa dresses on e-bay all the time that I think could easily be adapted to a Melaya dress, too.

Sharifwear has some cute salsa dresses with asymetrical hems. Or just find any flowery old tight short dress.

Here is cute variation I saw--toreodor pants with low cut blouse. For those too young to know about them--the pants are tight, black knee length with flowery embroidery down the side of the legs. Something like in Grease. Very cheeky with the milaya and a face veil. Make it kinda Carmen Miranda meets Milaya Leff.

Hmmmm. Cute idea.