Thread: Pattern for stretchy "Saidi" dress?

Can anyone recommend a pattern for a stretchy "Saidi" dress. Like those Dahlal calls "Saidi Jewel."

Like these:

Saidi Jewels.

I really need a pattern, even it it needs modifying, and can't seem to find anything current that's even close.

I've been looking too! If I find anything I'll let you know.
Patricia

Could the one on the right be modified to make what you need?
Vintage Sewing Pattern Women's Hippie Caftan Med '72 - eBay (item 370111855875 end time Nov-18-08 16:58:17 PST)

I'd check eBay for '70's caftan patterns.
Vogue had a really nice one from that era.
Sorry, I can't find mine to show you, or tell you the number. I'll keep looking.
There are some shirt patterns that might be altered for this.

It's easy to knock up...
It's basically this:
http://www.beatricecurtis.co.uk/images/lycra1.jpg
but with a round neck, slashed, and with long sleeves, slashed.

A tunic pattern would suffice.

The "Elena's Beledi Dress" pattern by Atira's Fashions is pretty close. It has multiple neckline & sleeve options. Here's a pic on Amazon, and I know you can buy it from some other bellydance sources:
Amazon.com: Elenas Beledi Dress Pattern (Belly Dance): Office Products

Banat Susan posted her revisions to a basic pattern. Her's worked way better than mine did. If you search bhuz, you'll find the old thread. I think we talked about this at least 2x and there were patterns discussed each time.

I'm too lazy to search.

danidance...

Was this it?

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/m/91-forev...s-pattern.html

Looks like the original Fifi pattern thread isn't available anymore but that pattern is there. The only problem with the original thread being gone is that Susan had gone into some detail on her revisions.

A friend of mine (bhuzzer magdalenam) whipped up some fantastic patterns for a stretchy saidi dress based on Dahlal's. They turned out great - now I want one in all colors! I don't know if she could be convinced to mass produce the patterns for sale, but they were easy to make, comfortable and very flattering! They were based on this design:

https://www.dahlal.com/ctl/showcostu...R_close_lg.jpg

Originally Posted by tamrahennatx

A friend of mine (bhuzzer magdalenam) whipped up some fantastic patterns for a stretchy saidi dress based on Dahlal's. They turned out great - now I want one in all colors! I don't know if she could be convinced to mass produce the patterns for sale, but they were easy to make, comfortable and very flattering! They were based on this design:

https://www.dahlal.com/ctl/showcostu...R_close_lg.jpg

I'd totally buy one!

Originally Posted by danidance

Looks like the original Fifi pattern thread isn't available anymore but that pattern is there. The only problem with the original thread being gone is that Susan had gone into some detail on her revisions.

The dress Susan was making on that thread was the Eman style galabiya, with a placket collar opening, rather than the simpler Hannan-style stretch baladi dresses, which are a lot simpler.

Yes, the placket bedeviled me and was a real pain.

I would buy the pattern T-HTX is mentioning above for sure instead of doing the eman style.

Originally Posted by beafarhana

The dress Susan was making on that thread was the Eman style galabiya, with a placket collar opening, rather than the simpler Hannan-style stretch baladi dresses, which are a lot simpler.

Originally Posted by beafarhana

The dress Susan was making on that thread was the Eman style galabiya, with a placket collar opening, rather than the simpler Hannan-style stretch baladi dresses, which are a lot simpler.

Ours was based on the Hannan dress, which has exactly four pattern pieces to it, and no darts or zippers. One facing on the collar. Takes just an hour or so to cut out and stitch together. The most time-consuming part is beading the sleeves, slits, and collar - but I like that part. We also made a tie-front belt of the same fabric with beaded fringe to go over. CUTE!!

Here is another pattern that might work:

Simplicity Patterns - Simplicity 4377 - Simplicity Sewing Patterns for Sleepwear,*Plus - Simplicity Pattern Reviews

Souzan

I can do the pattern for you - PM me at magdelenaraks@yahoo.com

I'm making another dress in that style & will take construction pictures as I make it so there are easy visual ques to help the sewing process

I work as a corporate designer now (use to work as a pattern maker)

As soon as we get pictures from our Saturday night show, we can post so you see how the dresses looked

Originally Posted by Souzan

Here is another pattern that might work:

Simplicity Patterns - Simplicity 4377 - Simplicity Sewing Patterns for Sleepwear,*Plus - Simplicity Pattern Reviews

Souzan

I tried that one and it is very straight. What I did was make it smaller than my size and I used a stretch lace, but it still wound up looking boxy. I think there needs to be more of a curve to the dress and perhaps some darts...

Originally Posted by Adishakti

I tried that one and it is very straight. What I did was make it smaller than my size and I used a stretch lace, but it still wound up looking boxy. I think there needs to be more of a curve to the dress and perhaps some darts...

I think that is a good basic pattern. I know I've used a dress pattern before and it had the darts at the bust and in the front and back which come in at the waist . . . and I was using stretchy spandex and lace fabrics. LOL, this was long before this current trend, but I have gotten lazy and short of time . . . so I bought a couple of those Hanan galabeya's when I was in Cairo the last time! But I gotta say, the choices can be limited and it would be nice to make something that doesn't look like everyone else's now. I have tons of stretchy fabric floating around, lol.

Originally Posted by Adishakti

I tried that one and it is very straight. What I did was make it smaller than my size and I used a stretch lace, but it still wound up looking boxy. I think there needs to be more of a curve to the dress and perhaps some darts...

Because I am busty, I generally end up with the torso too wide and boxy if i cut to fit my bust and shoulders (which are wide). So what I do is just add long torso darts in the front and rear extending down into the hip area. That gives a more customized fit. You can also curve the side seams in a little at the waist. I am short waisted so the long darts seem to work better for me and seems to help lengthen my torso a little.

I have some burgundy lycra with gold lurex stripes that I am thinking of making one up in. Last year I madea beledi dress from cerise crushed velvet with straight 3/4 length sleeves that I added circular sleeve drapes to. Edged the neckline, sleeves, hem and side slits with silver-lined turquoise rocaille beads and silver and turquoise holographic pailttes and made a hip scarf out of same.

Souzan

Originally Posted by Souzan

Because I am busty, I generally end up with the torso too wide and boxy if i cut to fit my bust and shoulders (which are wide). So what I do is just add long torso darts in the front and rear extending down into the hip area. That gives a more customized fit. You can also curve the side seams in a little at the waist. I am short waisted so the long darts seem to work better for me and seems to help lengthen my torso a little.

I have some burgundy lycra with gold lurex stripes that I am thinking of making one up in. Last year I madea beledi dress from cerise crushed velvet with straight 3/4 length sleeves that I added circular sleeve drapes to. Edged the neckline, sleeves, hem and side slits with silver-lined turquoise rocaille beads and silver and turquoise holographic pailttes and made a hip scarf out of same.

Souzan

Yeah, I think darts would work for this dress. It's otherwise quite nice. For my shape, I'd need to probably take in at least an inch at each dart and curve the waist, though. I guess it depends on your shape for the most part. (Tiny waist, big bootie here)

It's probably best to do a mock-up if you can.... Now, I know we should always do a mock-up, but I admittedly don't.

Look at this luscious new lycra from Spandex House. Available in several colors. http://www.spandexhouse.com/lerge_image.asp?id=6689

I used to work a couple of blocks away from Spandex House on 40th & 7th and that is a very dangerous neighborhood for me

I am a fabraholic and shouldn't be left alone in midtown (i cant wait till I go home for christmas - woohoo!)

Originally Posted by Souzan

Look at this luscious new lycra from Spandex House. Available in several colors. http://www.spandexhouse.com/lerge_image.asp?id=6689

Originally Posted by Souzan

Look at this luscious new lycra from Spandex House. Available in several colors. http://www.spandexhouse.com/lerge_image.asp?id=6689

That one is NICE!!!

And you can get swatches sent to your house to lust over . . . most of my stretchy fabric I got from the Spandex house (some I picked out personally while in NYC, the rest through mail order) . . . my favorite which will probably not ever make it into a costume for me since I expanded my butt too much (even though it has been shrinking lately) is the turquoise leopard spots like one of Dina's costumes from a few years ago . . . loved that costume!

Originally Posted by cbarros

That one is NICE!!!

And you can get swatches sent to your house to lust over . . . most of my stretchy fabric I got from the Spandex house (some I picked out personally while in NYC, the rest through mail order) . . . my favorite which will probably not ever make it into a costume for me since I expanded my butt too much (even though it has been shrinking lately) is the turquoise leopard spots like one of Dina's costumes from a few years ago . . . loved that costume!

Be still my heart! My fabric stash is getting bigger and bigger, although I have started sewing up some things lately. With knits being back in vogue again I have been snatching up knit remnants at Joanns--just the perfect size to make tank tops, headbands, scrunchies, gauntlets, shrugs, etc. I think if I visited Spandex House in the flesh I would go mad.

Souzan

Originally Posted by Souzan

shrugs, etc. I think if I visited Spandex House in the flesh I would go mad.
Souzan

Oh my dear - it would be such a delicious madness!!!

Oh, my. The Khaliah Ali one is Plus sized. Too many adjustments. And the Oriental tunic pattern looks like the armhole adjustment would be hard. I am a REALLY basic sewer. For some reason I don't mind the hand beading, but I am intimidated by garment construction. Just give me a piece of paper with lines on it.

Wanders off to PM magic Magdalenam for pattern...............

Oh, and thanks everyone for the tips. The pics have got me inspired. Love the spandex, too. I must never go there. Just got back from the 50% off sale at Joann's. Which is why I have the striped stretch material that I need a dress pattern for. Don't know why I'm so afraid of messing up fabric that was only $2.00 a yard.

Originally Posted by dancingrrrlz

Oh, my. The Khaliah Ali one is Plus sized. Too many adjustments. And the Oriental tunic pattern looks like the armhole adjustment would be hard. I am a REALLY basic sewer. For some reason I don't mind the hand beading, but I am intimidated by garment construction. Just give me a piece of paper with lines on it.

Wanders off to PM magic Magdalenam for pattern...............

Oh, and thanks everyone for the tips. The pics have got me inspired. Love the spandex, too. I must never go there. Just got back from the 50% off sale at Joann's. Which is why I have the striped stretch material that I need a dress pattern for. Don't know why I'm so afraid of messing up fabric that was only $2.00 a yard.

Right now the bohemian tunic look is really in so there are lots of caftan and tunic patterns out there is all sizes. The Khaliah Ali one is nice because it already has bell sleeves and the vee neckline, but I think if you look around you'll find others. Just remember that when working with lycra you will need to cut smaller than you would with a woven fabric, unless the pattern is designed for a knit or jersey. The patterns designed for woven fabrics have ease built into them that you won't need with lycra or other stretchy materials.

Tips for working with stretchy fabric--change your sewing machine needle to one for stretch; for fit baste first with long straight stitch using a different color thread so it is easy to remove without damaging fabric; when you get the fit adjusted, make final seams with either zig zag or stetch overlock stitch to keep seams for popping open with the fabric stretches.

Souzan

[QUOTE=dancingrrrlz;292467]
Wanders off to PM magic Magdalenam for pattern...............
QUOTE]

Emailed you the measurement sheet

Oooh, I would love to have info about this, too. I can figure out the dress part, but it's usually the sleeves that stump me regarding being able to lift your arms without the dress riding up (gussets aren't my strong point). I'm even happy to pay for the pattern. Let me know (kiyaana "at" kiyaana "dot" com).

Originally Posted by magdelenam

Emailed you the measurement sheet

I know this isn't the style the OP is referring to, but since it was mentioned, here's a working thread for the Forever Fifi style: Bhuz Forum - New costume

Some dancemates and I made this for a group cane number. Here's a photo of how mine turned out:

Originally Posted by danidance

Looks like the original Fifi pattern thread isn't available anymore but that pattern is there. The only problem with the original thread being gone is that Susan had gone into some detail on her revisions.