Certified by the Guinness World Records in May last year, the world’s largest holdall measuring 7.62m long, 5.44m tall and 3.04m wide (the size of two Myvis) was on display at the Ipoh Parade for ten days from Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 28.
Running on the theme “The Power of Unity – From Fingertips towards World Record”, a total of 1492 participants from government agencies, schools and NGOs put together 2984 pre-loved T-shirts to construct the holdall which took six months to complete.
Co-organised by the Malaysian Association of Creative Sewing Art and Epal Handicraft Training Centre, the exhibition also featured DIY sewing activities and talks on entrepreneurship development.
Everything on display was 100 per cent handmade using sewing machines and used materials, such as old clothes and discarded banners. Other than backpacks, tablet covers, pencil cases, table runners, quilt bags, bedsheets, patchworks and embroidery, portraits of public figures formed by pieces of fabric intricately sewn together was especially eye-catching.
“Sewing skill is a necessity which produces not only clothing but handicrafts, home decorative items, fashion accessories and soft toys. Our objective is to educate the public on how pre-owned items can be turned into useful items, which in turn generates income,” Asmassura Tokiman, committee member of Malaysian Association of Creative Sewing Art explained. For instance, the bags made from banners are produced by the Orang Asli in Kampung Semelor, which generates income for them.
When asked on her advice for those who would like to venture into the sewing business, she said, “You must have the effort to advance and attend courses.”
According to the association’s chairperson Chye Goet Lee, the record showcased the unity of the multi-ethnic Malaysians who worked together in completing the amazing feat.
“We encourage the community to love the environment by using recycled products,” Chye added.
The exhibition began last year at Malacca, Seremban, Kuching, Sabah and Kota Bharu. After Ipoh, the upcoming destination is Kuantan.
Based in Selangor, the Malaysian Association of Creative Sewing Art, which to date has over 5000 members, offers training and courses in sewing. It obtains its instructors from the Epal Handicraft Training Centre. One of its branches is located in Medan Bestari.
Mei Kuan
