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Knitted Kebaya for Lion Brand Challenge

Knitted Kebaya for Lion Brand Challenge
OK, here goes.
You probably wonder "What's a kebaya?". So I'll tell you about it first. Kebaya is an Indonesian traditional women's clothing. It's basically a blouse, usually made of sheer fabrics with lace, brocade, wore with a bustier, paired with batik cloth, and usually wore on special occasions like weddings, graduation day, etc. I love this type of clothing because it's very figure flattering.
Anyway, as an Indonesian living abroad, I wanted to knit something that is very Indonesian, because knitting has never been a part of our culture, if only a very very small part. So I made this one as a tribute to my roots.

I used light worsted 100% rayon yarn because Indonesia is a tropical country, so the yarn has to be suitable for its climate. The red color and the glimmering shine of rayon add an elegant and luxury feel to it, after all it's for special occasions.

I made the pattern myself (I think there has never been any knitting pattern of kebaya anywhere), and knitted it with a pair of #6 needles. For finishing, I crocheted the body's edging, button loops, and the buttons.
It can be made without buttons too, simply use a brooch or corsage (I used knitted flower corsage in matching color) for closure.
41 comments
1-40 of 41next »
Feb 3, 2008. 6:01 PMcanida says:
Beautiful, I love it! The traditional kebaya is a beautiful thing - it's neat to see a knitted version. Please tell me you took notes on the pattern! If you'd like to share I would love to try it.
Sep 5, 2010. 9:07 AMcookmartyn3 says:
I also would love the pattern, it is so beautiful. cookmartyn3@yahoo.com melody
May 7, 2008. 12:28 PMhelenkosings says:
Please do send me the pattern This is gorgeous. helenkosingsATcomcastDOTnet
Aug 17, 2010. 9:00 AMireth0283 says:
I would love to have the pattern as well. Thank You. Email address: mariaadamczyk@msn.com
Aug 12, 2010. 4:52 PMzeldaa says:
so very beautiful , could i have the pattern. diana_smith87@yahoo.com thanks in advance diana
Jul 27, 2010. 1:48 AMleeyaliya says:
Cantik sekali kebaya anda..How much do you charge to make one? TQ.
Nov 17, 2009. 8:00 PMAERenoir says:
Woo.. Sesama orang indo... can i have the pattern too?

my email is sha2_g9ATyahooDOTcom
Sep 4, 2009. 1:20 AMubai says:
What a wonderful Knitted Kebaya! And finally I find Indonesian else here. Desain yang bagus kawan.
Mar 13, 2008. 7:08 AMcozycoleman says:
wow! That's gorgeous!
Mar 3, 2008. 8:03 PMbabakers5 says:
It is absolutely beautiful...I'd love to make a garment piece like this. Beautiful, Love the color, style and over all look of your whole project. Definitely something to be proud of. Congrats on winning too. You really deserved it.
Mar 1, 2008. 6:56 AMSaraHawk says:
I didn't finish my project in time to enter and I thought mine was great. But, yours is Magnificent and a Real Winner! Thanks for sharing it.
Feb 29, 2008. 7:14 PMMicky Kay says:
Wow how fantasaroo your knitted Kebaya is - congratulations in producing a first. It is so satisfying to do this I know. I would really love the knitted pattern also for the flowers - anyone who may have patterns for knitted embellishments of any kind I would dearly love the patterns thanks so much. eg Flowers, leaves, etc. Thanks a million, Micky Kay (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) Kayresearch@aol.com PS I just love this group so much thanks!
Feb 23, 2008. 5:57 AMmita603 says:
I just have to compliment you on this beautiful piece of work, you really are very talented! How long did it take to make this?
Feb 20, 2008. 8:12 PMdeadalchemist says:
Wow this is REALLY something special. You've done some excellent work here, and congrats on making a beautiful pattern!
Feb 20, 2008. 7:14 PMjkennett says:
Absolutely beautiful. I don't suppose you'd like to share the pattern?
Feb 9, 2008. 9:53 AMMugs5 says:
Very gorgeous!
Feb 9, 2008. 12:46 AMThata says:
Great work. Now, many people know about our traditional woman's cloth. Congrats for your amazing kebaya
Feb 7, 2008. 4:16 PMdefenestr8or says:
wonderful! I'd certainly need it in much larger size, but I would definitely make this!
Feb 4, 2008. 12:30 PMregisd says:
that's quite lovely. i really like the line along the front bottom edge. could you make something like this in multiple colors? or is the kebaya traditionally monochromatic?
Feb 4, 2008. 6:25 PMstinkymum says:
It's really beautiful
Feb 4, 2008. 12:18 PMZontee at Lion Brand says:
It's really beautiful--a wonderful tribute to your heritage.
Feb 4, 2008. 10:03 AMrizkyw says:
woop an indonesian instructable! :D
Feb 4, 2008. 9:48 AMnrlaing says:
Sexy!
Feb 4, 2008. 8:52 AMinquisitive says:
Really beautiful and inspirational! Thank you!
Feb 3, 2008. 7:41 AMbcharmer says:
Beautiful. Wonderful work.
Feb 4, 2008. 6:04 AMZujus says:
Great work, very nice ;)
Feb 4, 2008. 4:26 AMgyromild says:
Wow it's a knitted kebaya. Never knew one even exist =)
I love kebaya, especially the ones using sheer fabric, jaw dropped every time I see my other half in one of those.
You should seriously consider getting someone to model this for you, together with the batik sarong.
Nonetheless, great job!
Feb 3, 2008. 12:41 PMroughrider says:
The pattern certainly shows off the beauty of the curves... which is why I'm reluctant to critique further... but here goes... I have similar stitching that is tighter in the form of thermal blankets. When new they function well between sheets or other coverings as insulation but now that they are old and worn and the stitching has stretched they have lost their looks as well as their thermal capacity.
Feb 3, 2008. 9:10 PMMichelej7 says:
A+ to you!! That is some fantastic work.
Feb 3, 2008. 8:50 PMPurpleChicken says:
Wow that's georgous
Feb 3, 2008. 6:16 PMdarkmuskrat says:
That is so very cool. The first thing I thought of though was the Guild Wars Mesmer Outfit :P
Feb 3, 2008. 9:46 AMGorillazMiko says:
Agreeing with everybody else, this is very very awesome.
It looks like a professional done thing (as T3h_Muffinator said), and it looks just great. Awesome job.
+1 rating.
Feb 3, 2008. 6:48 AMT3h_Muffinator says:
That looks professional! Amazing work! .....(I could have sworn I just saw my friend wearing the same thing in school....)
Feb 3, 2008. 12:17 AMPatrik says:
Very elegant - nice work!
1-40 of 41next »

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