I wish I had one of these dresses when I was going to prom! Check out designer Irene Begay's fabulous dresses she creates by weaving traditional and modern styles.
Navajo Times did a story on Irene Begay last year. Begay is originally from Standing Rock, N.M. She is Red Running Into the Water Clan and born for Red Cheek People.
Although she watched her mother weave as a child, she mostly learned by sneaking in when her mother stepped away from the loom.
“She never actually really taught me, saying, ‘This is how you do it.' I didn't learn like that. She used to chase me away,” Begay said recalling how she used to observe her mother create rug designs.
One day she didn't even notice I wove about an inch of her rug, Begay said.
Begay's tendency to observe her mother's work didn't stop at weaving – she took it a step further when she caught sight of her mother's old sewing machine.
Begay said her mother owned an old sewing machine that required pedaling with the feet and she remembers actually standing on it to make it function properly as she pushed different pieces of fabric through.
The first designs she recalls creating were on the bottom of her friend's bellbottoms where she would cut out the bottom and sew in native designs.
“Ever since then I've been weaving, sewing and crocheting,” Begay said.
Lucky for us she kept on going with her gift and now she can share her talents with us.
If you're in the Farmington, New Mexico area she does have dresses for sale at Novelty's Q-Tee, 222 W Main St, Farmington, NM 87401. Otherwise you'll have to contact her for a special order. According to the article, it takes three to five weeks for Begay to complete a dress order and three to five months for a rug dress order. Her dresses can cost anywhere from $30 to $875, the rug dresses being the most expensive. Not only does she have women's dresses but she has some pretty snazzy shirts and vests for the men too.
If you like what you see, feel free to reach her via her Facebook page: Traditional Authentic Native Designs by Irene Begay.
Last Updated on November 1, 2018 by PowWow Articles
LINDA BASS
says:I just LOVE the red desk and it was very hard for me to choose one!
Roberta Johnson
says:I’m looking for a plus size Pendleton pattern wedding dresse do you make them?
Geraldine Werito
says:Where are you located at? And us your store open ?
Roger Yazzie jr.
says:I was wonder if you made or make men’s 3xl tall vest? And do you happen to make ribbon shirts and velvet men shirts?? I would love to order some.
Adixon
says:She does make men’s attire.. u can check out her Facebook page .. Traditional authentic Native designs by Irene Begay.. u can order there online
Shanalyn
says:Hi , I’m looking for a mens traditional shirt size M for my 15 year old.
I do not have a FB page.
Paul G
says:Our classifieds use FB sorry. You can also try eBay.
warlady
says:I enjoyed viewing all your beautiful dresses you are amazing lady wow!
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ReAnna Rose
says:I’m looking for a dress for graduation and I was wondering how much you charge…
shirlene mud
says:wow you make a lot of beautiful dresses honestly. I’m a senior at monument valley high school mustangs and I am looking for a dress for my graduation and prom. I hope this isn’t much asking for.
Esmeralda
says:hello. i just want to say that the dresses are amazing and would like to know how i could get one. id love to be able to get married in one of your beautiful dresses.
Connie
says:I tried your FB page n can not leave a message! I live in Illinois n would like to know if u make 3x size clothing for women? N prices please! Ty
ella sunshinebear
says:Need a link to place orders wado.
LittleBear
says:I love all of the dresses! Especially the one with black velvet, think at the top and black at the bottom. 🙂 Thank you for creating and sharing your beautiful work!
Delores James
says:I reallt like the orange green and white dress second on the left of the picture.
Virginia
says:Beautiful dresses.
Virginia
says:Lovely dresses.
Snowdove
says:I just love these dresses….I think they are beautiful!!, wished I could have one or more made for me, but it would be quite a while before I could get the money for them….
Chelsea Janvier
says:please send me a link or tell me how to order… I really love this white dress and want it when I get married
Tanya
says:https://www.facebook.com/NativeTraditionalOutfits is where you find her
Chelsea Janvier
says:I love the white dress in the pic above!! I want to ordert one for my wedding!! please send me a link on how and where to order