As August ended, most Filipino school kids wrapped up the month with their own Buwan ng Wika celebration. And because we have enrolled with a homeschool provider (CFA), we're part of the celebrations too! :)
Little as they are, it is good to start immersing our children in our culture, our roots. To be aware that we live in an archipelago and how life and our ways of living are different from every nook and cranny in the Philippines. How a lot of things have evolved and one of the most telling would be our clothes then and now.
I know that my little Z is a bit of a fashionista so that was my first spark of inspiration. Obviously, this is the first time for our family sowe I was pretty excited! I mean, we have been homeschooling since she was 2.5 years old but it's only now that we have enrolled with a homeschool provider. On our daily commute I'd be looking at other children's previous Buwan ng Wika OOTD and saved some screenshots to my phone. I wanted Z's Filipiniana attire to be culturally appropriate, beautiful, sustainable (reusable), unique, and not be too expensive.
We had just about a week to prepare so it was better if we got everything RTW, right? Well, that was partly what happened....and then a lot of DIY thereafter! Hahahaha :)
This was the time I actually went to Divisoria alone (hubby was overseas) for 2 consecutive days. The first day I thought I had everything I needed. I actually did get everything... BUT, there was 1 item of clothing that did not fit Z! Gosh!! Mea culpa :( I used the measurements and when it fit the garment, I immediately got it..not calculating for allowances.. Ayayay! Anyway, it was a good thing that Divi is quite near our place and the commute was not too long nor expensive. Good too that I had Grab Rewards that time which I immediately put to use! A PHP 90 fare was discounted to about PHP 20!
So I got a kid sized barong for about PHP 600 in Tutuban. I know there are cheaper kids' barong but I like to get something with a little better quality. That way it won't be just a throw-away item. I plan to reuse it if it fits her next year. Also, she can pass it down to her little brother. After that, we can still de-stash / re-sell it as a pre-loved item :)
Lots of pretty things here :) Good thing I just bought enough cash on me, otherwise...lagot na! Hahaha :D
For my top, I spent around 2-3 days over all. From printing my pattern, pasting them together, cutting to my desired size...tracing and cutting the cloth and sewing it all together. I'm really so grateful for my hubby's cousin - Rose, for sitting by my side and helping me figure out the sewing machine hahaha..
PS. Z's necklace? I DIY'd it too :D
Now here she is all smiles and glowing during their Buwan ng Wika celebration.
It wasn't an easy experience. Actually looking back, I didn't have to go through all that. I mean, I could've just easily bought RTW Filipiniana costumes and called it a day. But it was really so much fun what we did.
Picking up a new skill, making something nice and actually wearing it...the smile on Z's face..aahhhhh, priceless! :D
Little as they are, it is good to start immersing our children in our culture, our roots. To be aware that we live in an archipelago and how life and our ways of living are different from every nook and cranny in the Philippines. How a lot of things have evolved and one of the most telling would be our clothes then and now.
I know that my little Z is a bit of a fashionista so that was my first spark of inspiration. Obviously, this is the first time for our family so
We had just about a week to prepare so it was better if we got everything RTW, right? Well, that was partly what happened....and then a lot of DIY thereafter! Hahahaha :)
This was the time I actually went to Divisoria alone (hubby was overseas) for 2 consecutive days. The first day I thought I had everything I needed. I actually did get everything... BUT, there was 1 item of clothing that did not fit Z! Gosh!! Mea culpa :( I used the measurements and when it fit the garment, I immediately got it..not calculating for allowances.. Ayayay! Anyway, it was a good thing that Divi is quite near our place and the commute was not too long nor expensive. Good too that I had Grab Rewards that time which I immediately put to use! A PHP 90 fare was discounted to about PHP 20!
So I got a kid sized barong for about PHP 600 in Tutuban. I know there are cheaper kids' barong but I like to get something with a little better quality. That way it won't be just a throw-away item. I plan to reuse it if it fits her next year. Also, she can pass it down to her little brother. After that, we can still de-stash / re-sell it as a pre-loved item :)
Now the skirt was to be the icing-on-the-cake to this attire. It has to be girly / right for her age but still beautiful. I think I found just the one in the purple cloth above. I found a coordinating ribbon/lace to be sewn as a 'belt'.
Now while browsing around the fabric store, this particular ethnic-looking woven cloth caught my eye. I got a couple of yards and made it into a sleeveless top. That way, I can also join in on the celebrations with something that is in theme but still wearable all year round.
Lots of pretty things here :) Good thing I just bought enough cash on me, otherwise...lagot na! Hahaha :D
Since I'm just a beginner in sewing, I decided to just take on one project this time rather than biting more than I could chew. Z's skirt -- we outsourced to another sewer and we just provided for the cloth and notions, he charged a reasonable fee so we were okay with that.
PS. Z's necklace? I DIY'd it too :D
Now here she is all smiles and glowing during their Buwan ng Wika celebration.
It wasn't an easy experience. Actually looking back, I didn't have to go through all that. I mean, I could've just easily bought RTW Filipiniana costumes and called it a day. But it was really so much fun what we did.
Picking up a new skill, making something nice and actually wearing it...the smile on Z's face..aahhhhh, priceless! :D
