Thread: Sewing Challenged - Need opinions...

My first costume belongs on that post about "costume regrets." It looks ok standing still, but when I saw it on video, I was mortified. The horror. But I see the possibilities to save it. I think it could use a new skirt, and a LOT less fringe. The new skirt doesn't seem like as much of a problem as the fringe removal. My sewing expertise = moving a hook or sewing a button.

So how much of a disaster is a sewing challenged person like myself in for if I start dismantling? I'd be proud of myself if I could transform it, but I don't want to eliminate the option of selling it if I end up with something worse. If you're adept with sewing, would you say this is not for the faint of heart?

You may want to post pics of what you're thinking of changing in order to get the best advice.

Take pictures of it, post them here, and we can give you advice on how hard it might be, talk you through it (and probably ask for more pictures)

In general, removing the amount of fringe or where it is positioned is very easy but changing fringe length dramatically is not.

If you take a seam ripper and slowly pick away the threads holding the lining over where the fringe is you can peel back the lining and see how the fringe is attached. The fringe is usually sewn/attached to one big string which is then stitched into the bra and belt. It's easy to remove the fringe altogether by just removing the thread that is holding the fringe-string in place. If the fringe is well made you should be able to cut the fringe-string without loosing much fringe and thus you can turn a WALL OF 4INCH FRINGE all around the bra front into, say, a 2inch-wide accent of 4inch fringe between the cups (and you'll have leftover fringe).

Does that make sense?

And once again, pictures.

Listen to Ozma.

Thanks for your quick responses! Ozma, I think it is one long line of fringe. Here are the pictures. The last one of the inside of the bra - I haven't touched it, it came like that:

Does your skirt have an elastic waist?

When you put the skirt on, does the fringe still hang drooped down like they do in the photo, or does it straighten out a bit, when you put it on?

Yes,
Listen too Ozma!

Ozma is very talented at reworking costumes!

IF the bra and belt are sturdy and fit fairly well, for someone who is comfortable with basic sewing that could be a solid fixer-upper.

Because I think the fringe is mostly all one piece and sewn on top of the bra/belt with a line of sequins to cover it...I'd end up first removing all the bra decorations (and the belt decorations) by unpicking the thread that holds it down. Then I would play with the fringe to find a better arangement.

That IS too much fringe for any dancer who doesn't have a long torso, and most who do!

This all being said. If you don't have someone there who can help you, it might be too daunting a task for a total costume/sewing newbie.

It might make sense to see if you could sell it for a price that wouldn't hurt you too much (here or locally). Because of the economy right now and how low prices are for higher-end costumes, I don't think it will sell, but you could try. If you find that you can't sell it for a price you think is reasonable...then try to do surgery. At that point, what have you go to loose?!

I'm sure I, and the other costume people of Bhuz, would be happy to help you if you decide to go for it. For sure if you get to a point where you have the base bra and belt and have separated the fringe and appliques...if you find that you don't know where to go from there I would take a picture of the bases next to all the fringe parts and ask us for sketches or ideas of how we would rearrange and re-attach.

Do NOT buy a new skirt until you've made the bra and belt work for you.

Ok, I'm going to try to see if anyone wants it. If not, I will be back here with my project in hand. Thanks, Ozma!

Gothique, to answer your question, the belt is a heavy fabric, like the top, with the skirt sewn to it, and it has that swag look already, so it stays like that when it's on. I'll try to have hubby take pictures of me in it for both selling and reference purposes.

Funny I got a similar costume regret sitting in my closet,(I was a baby dancer didn't know better. I looked good in it at the time. Its so damaged with the skirt with pailettes falling off. I am keeping it for spare parts.

Alrana