Happy Chinese New Year!
As most readers know, I lived in Singapore for many, many years. Chinese New Year, often simply referred to as “CNY” is an extremely big deal there. Much of the population there is ethnically Chinese so this is a special holiday for them but in reality, everyone gets into the spirit.
Even though I've moved away from Singapore for the time being, this time of year still makes me a bit nostalgic. I thought
So here's a collection of some of the most beautiful Chinese New Year Sewing Projects that I could find. So Gong Xi Fa Chai! (which means Happy New Year in Chinese). Please enjoy and happy sewing.
2021 is a Year of the Ox
So what is Chinese New Year anyway?
Chinese New Year is also referred to as the Lunar New Year. It's an important annual holiday in China as well much of Asia. The date of the festival varies every year because the holiday happens on the first new moon of the year which falls somewhere between 21 Jan and 20 Feb each year. This year, the holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 and will start the Year of the Pig.
One of the most important features of the holiday for its celebrants is family gatherings. All around Asia, people of Chinese origin typically travel back to their family and ancestral homes to welcome in the new year, sweep away ill-fortune and make their wishes for happiness, good fortune, wealth and longevity.
Why the different animals each year?
Like the concept of the Greek and Roman zodiac that most westerns would be familiar with, the Chinese see each year as associated with a particular animal that is then meant to characterize the year and have some impact on the individual born that year. The years and animals rotate on a 12-year cycle including the pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and dog. This year, 2021, is a Year of the Ox!
Not exactly Chinese, but you may like this FREE bag pattern
Chinese New Year Sewing Projects Roundup
Please Note: Although many of the projects listed in this article are not Chinese, it will help you to make outfits and or gifts for your friends and loved ones.
Girls Qi Pao
Kimono Top
Simple Kimono
Simple Chinese Ornament
Bucket Bag
Pagoda Lantern
Ladies Chinese Dress
Replicate a Plush Toy
Cherry Blossoms
Mens Tai Chi Jacket
Mandarin Collar
Doll Kimono
Ang Pao Clutch Pattern
Treats Holder
Triangle Zipper Coin Purse
Wheel of Fortune Coaster
Hexagon Basket
New Year Greeting Pocket
I have visited Singapore 15 times….the first time was in 1970….staying at the hotel Singapura….in Orchard Rd…I thought I was on a movie set…..the smell of the city was so different….the hotel had a balcony facing the main street…something which you don’t have in the modern hotels…..I stood on that balcony ( I had arrived at night) and loved the scenery. I visited Singapore many times after that first time..the last time 2018….and again…2019….Christmas . I am hoping that this horrible virus doesn’t keep me away for too long, as it’s so much easier to fly from Perth Western Australia.
I do hope so Helena, for you is an easy comfortable flight and a nice scape to do some shopping and food tasting.
Thank you for this informative article about CYN. I too lived in S’pore for a period of time. In my case it was only for several months. I was not there during CNY but rather during the time when they celebrated the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts! Give me a good ole’Moon Cake anyday! Thank you for helping me to remember my time there. P.S. Did you try durian? I did and it actually tasted good (once I got over the smell!).
Hi Karen, durian was not really something I could develop a taste for. The smell is just too strong for me even though I agree that the taste isn’t nearly as awful. Glad you enjoyed Singapore. It’s a wonderful place.