This Is An Experiment

I just wanted to ask how you made Wah Paw Moo’s traditional Karen dress? I have a few dolls I’d love to dress up in traditional Karen attire.

thank you so much again ♥️♥️

I wish I had a pattern to give you! Unfortunately I improvised so I don’t have one. The construction is essentially three rectangles: the front is made by measuring approximately shoulder to shoulder for the width, and the length is however long I decided I wanted it to be, then the back is made with two rectangles about half the width of the front with snaps down the middle so I can get it over her head. I also added tassels with embroidery floss.

What I can share is where I chose the fabrics from. I bought some woven towels from this Etsy shop, focusing on the striped fabrics. If you cut strategically, you can use the already existing tassels on the bottom edge of the dress.

You see, there’s a fundamental flaw in your premise. Nobody has ever wanted to work. People, humans, want to play.

Some people are lucky enough to have jobs that allow them to feel a sense of play. But for most people, a job is just work. Now, we live in a society that requires that we have a job in order to pay for the things that are required to stay alive. And so, we work.

However.

If your job does not allow you the chance to play, and does not pay enough to allow you to afford the necessities for survival, then what’s the point?

It’s not that people don’t want to work anymore. We never did. But we’re aware of when we’re being exploited.

Hi Anon! I’m so glad to hear from you! I am guessing from your message that you are Karen yourself, and I’m delighted to know that my doll brought you joy. I decided to bring her out for a new photo just for you, so this is what she looks like today!

I looked back at that post you mentioned and realized I hadn’t named her yet when I first wrote that post, so let me introduce you to Wah Paw Moo! I did manage to find some resources on Karen names and chose her name carefully. Her name means “White Flower Alive” - as I understand it, the name Moo (Alive) is often given to a new baby as a celebration of life. (Sharing this detail with the caveat that I am not a member of the Karen community, so my understanding is rudimentary and I’m open to having someone else explain it further!)

I did make her a couple outfits meant to resemble traditional Karen clothing, and I have a few more fabrics on standby for the day the sewing itch strikes so I can make her more. Here’s my favorite of her traditional looks!

I think I mentioned in my original post that I teach in an area with a notable Karen population, and Wah Paw Moo is inspired by my students. Her story has grown in my imagination since she joined my collection. She lives in an intergenerational home with her grandparents, parents, and older brother. She is the first member of her family to be born in the United States after her family left Burma. Her story is a mish-mash of elements I’ve seen in the families I’ve worked with.

She has also gained classmates! These girls are also inspired by other populations I work with in my school.

Emauni (left) is African American, loves playing soccer and video games, and has a large extended family. Her older stepbrother is also good friends with Wah Paw Moo’s brother! Inez (right) loves art, and recently moved to the USA from Honduras with her mom. These three are in the fourth grade together and are best friends!