Orchids are commonly used in lei making.
Located in the Pacific Ocean approximately halfway between California and Japan, Hawaii is a chain of islands in northern Polynesia. While the other Polynesian islands are independent or associated with countries, such as France or New Zealand, the Hawaiian islands were annexed by the United States in 1898 and achieved full statehood in 1959. Though American and Japanese influences are visible on the islands, Hawaii has retained many elements of its unique culture and heritage. Uniquely Hawaiian fashions are one example of this and are perfect for making an authentic Hawaiian costume.
Instructions
Create a Hawaiian Costume
1. Buy clothing patterns: a muumuu for a female and an aloha shirt with long shorts for a male. The muumuu is a traditional Hawaiian garment that combines Hawaiian and English styles. The muumuu is a long, loose short-sleeved dress that is made up of solid colors or floral print fabrics. The aloha shirt, a short-sleeved, button-down shirt that is made in bright, floral print fabric, first combined Japanese fabrics with Western shirt styles.
2. Read the pattern instructions and make a note of how much fabric you will need. Buy floral prints in a hot-weather fabric like cotton as well as the supplies indicated by the pattern, such as buttons and zippers. Cut out the pattern pieces, pin to the fabric and cut out the fabric pieces. Pin the fabric pieces wrong sides together and sew according to the pattern directions.
3. Accessorize the Hawaiian costume with a lei. The lei is a flower or plant-based garland that is worn about the neck. Buy or gather fresh fragrant flowers to create your own lei. Keep the blooms, and optionally some of the leaves, but discard the stems. Double thread a needle and pierce the blooms one by one to create the flower garland. When it has reached the desired length, tie the ends together and cut off the extra thread. You can also buy a lei if don't wish to make one. Any costume shop will stock an inexpensive brightly-colored plastic flower lei, but for a more authentic costume or for a special event, you can buy fresh leis shipped in from Hawaii. For women, choose leis made of orchids, plumeria or ginger. For men, opt for leis made of kukui nuts or ti leaves.
4. Buy open-toed sandals or flip flops in a complementary color to complete your Hawaiian costume.
Tags: aloha shirt, fabric pieces, floral print, Hawaiian costume, leis made
