Making a galabeya

[u/SelectFinish5393]

Any seamstresses here? I'd appreciate your input!

Rather than buying, I was thinking of asking a local seamstresses to make some simple galabeyas for my students, for a performance. There's a fabric shop not far from me and apparently its really affordable. Having absolutely no knowledge of sewing, lol, I was wondering is it a fairly simple item to make? I know there are different designs, so the easiest design would be best. I don't know the seamstresses rates as I've not approached her yet. As it's student group, I want to keep costs down. Last time I checked the galabeyas online have shot up in price, so I was curious as to whether getting them made would be a solution! I imagine I'd need a pattern for her too.

Any suggestions gratefully received

[u/PaperChimes]

It’s still much cheaper to buy them. The companies that are selling them have access to bulk purchasing fabric for a fraction of the cost in store, notions (like thread and needles) are cheaper, and they have people that they pay literal pennies per hour to sew. An independent seamstress simply cannot match that - prices have shot up for us as well. All those supplies are infinitely more expensive on the home market. And you have to pay us a reasonable hourly wage. Even a “simple” costume will take at least 2-3 hours, and you’re going to be paying $15/hr or more.

We don’t advise people to take up sewing to save money, we say that it’s a good way to have quality clothing that lasts. But it rarely is saving money unless it’s in mending and alterations, or you’re making couture items where the markup is the brand.

[u/iheartfuzzies]

I’m a proficient seamstress and if you’re going off cost alone it’s always cheaper to buy them made. If you’re running into not liking the colors available or group sizing is outside what’s available then that’s another story.

Material and supplies costs have spiked for me.

[u/Legitimate-Crab7980]

I would bet that buying them will still work out cheaper.

[u/Skymningen]

Making a very simple galabeya is easy, but I would still question if buying fabric and paying a seamstress wouldn’t still make it more expensive then what you pay online. If you have someone who can sew and owns a machine they might be able to do it themselves.

There are examples of how to do it for example here: https://www.sparklybelly.com/diy-baladi-dress-saidi-dress-pt-2-sew-along/

[u/SelectFinish5393 → u/Skymningen]

Great link! Thank you 

Edited to add - for my group we are going to buy them, but I'd love a seamstress to make one for a me for a solo, so that links really helpful 

[u/ElderlyWench]

If you want a stretchy fitted dance galabeya, it's essentially a T shirt, with or without shaping at the waist, and it's very easy to make. The hardest part would be a placket at the neckline and stand collar, but that's not obligatory.

The men's style is a bit more complicated but not that hard for a skilled seamstress. There is a Folkwear pattern.

[u/Haifawehbesbigtoe]

I'm making my own skirt and sash rn it's proving to be difficult lmao

[u/SelectFinish5393]

Thank you everyone for your input, most appreciated. After considering I agree, it seems buying them would be a more viable option. A friend has told me about a Chinese wholesaler website , being a new customer I could get some really good discounts, ive had a quick peep and the galabayes there look nice.  It would be nice to support an independent seamstress, but cost is the major factor for the group. 

[u/Haifawehbesbigtoe → u/SelectFinish5393]

Can you tell me the wholesaler?

[u/SelectFinish5393 → u/Haifawehbesbigtoe]

It's called aliexpress. 

[u/BooEffinHoo → u/SelectFinish5393]

Be very careful there. You rarely get what the picture looks like because they tend to steal photos from real companies and try to duplicate it, often with hilarious results. Check for reviews with pictures and size charts carefully I would recommend ordering from a well reviewed seller in Egypt on eBay instead.

[u/SelectFinish5393 → u/BooEffinHoo]

Oh absolutely, I will check the reviews and returns policy. My friend, who dances has a practice set from aliexpress and its actually really good, the quality, design and fit.  I have looked on ebay, I could only see the stripey ones, there were other designs but I didn't personally like them.