Thread: Totally new and would love some costuming advice plz :)

Hi everyone,

I am a mad costumer and have been making my own costumes since I got to San Francisco about a year ago. I have slowly incorporated sewing from scratch - I have zero idea what im doing, dont even know the different stiches! - but thats not going to stop my trying my best to get my vision together...

I have read through a lot of posts on this site and everyone seems so friendly and passionate. I have always had an interest in belly dancing but have not yet looked into doing it... I hope you would still like to help me though. I could see myself sticking around as this site is inspiring me to take classes sometime soon. I think it would really suit the way i move combined with the fact i love costuming it seems win win :)

SO, my questions are

1 is there an easy to navigate glossary of what stitches are what and why they are generally used? It would be great if other sewing know hows were in there as well. Including base patterns for making pieces to make bedlahs plz

2 I really want to make a 2 panel skirt and/or a slinky skirt. I think the former would be best as a first attempt... I'll put some pics, maybe you could tell me how you think you would make them? I am interested about your opinion of having a smaller front slit. I dont mind skin showing but would it just be awkward to walk around in and look sorta funny in real life? I think the white one is more like what i want... but am curious to know ur opinion.

2b I found the tutorial on how to make the slinky skirt and WoW they are amazing! BUT... I dont have a sewing maching. not sure when i can afford one. What is the best way to substitute sewing machine instructions for hand sewing

2c and more specificly I would love advice how to hand sew lycra.

I have more to ask but i definitely dont want to bombard you with questions!
Thank you so much and I really look forward to chatting with you :)
Kai

Also, I was just asked for the link to the slinky skirt. It really is a great tutorial so here is the link to that too. The skirts are beautiful and are definitely an inspiration just to look at!

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...nce-skirt.html

All I want to say is that these costumes are - WOW!

[QUOTE=soulnebula;518686]Hi everyone,
I am a mad costumer and have been making my own costumes since I got to San Francisco about a year ago. I have slowly incorporated sewing from scratch - I have zero idea what im doing, dont even know the different stiches! quote]

1. You are new to bellydance and confused about suitable styles.

2. Although creative, you have minimal sewing skills.

Firstly, I'll mention my costume books, "Flattering Costume for Bellydancers" and "Easy Costume for Bellydancers". I wrote these cause I kept getting questions like yours.

The first is all costume basics a new dancer needs to know. The second is for people with minimal sewing skills; straight lines, easy fitting, and of diagrams showing adjustable patterns; a measurement chart and simple glossary of stiches and such.

A "slinky" straight skirt pattern is in Book 2. Like others have said, it's very simple. Careful fitting, neat finishing, and pretty embellishments make it look nice.

But if you really can't sew, you could try simply wearing cut out panels over snug pants like Tribal dancers do. Picture of Maureen with a snake print panel:

She didn't even hem the edges.

LYCRA:
Whether hand-sewing or machine-sewing Lycra, you want to preserve the stretchiness of the fabric, otherwise it will pucker and hang unevenly. You do this with a tiny zigzag sitch or a machine stretch stitch which allows the fabric to stretch.

A hand zigzag or a loose backstitch will allow some stretch also.

PANEL SKIRT with open slits:
IMO the second picture is a style that's not suitable. The pose is alluring, but dance with both legs exposed up to the hip, and it quickly becomes so revealing it's distracting.

The way I was taught bellydance, the fluidity and expressiveness of the arms, torso and face is what the audience should be admiring, not staring at your legs. That's more like tango or some ballroom dance.

I've never seen a BD performance with naked legs, no matter how attractive the legs, that wouldn't have been better with more coverage there.

Also, unless your dance style is restrained with minimal leg movement, it's not flattering. I have taken MANY photos that prove the point. I wouldn't post them cause I don't want to embarrass anyone. What the audence often sees is your legs in pigeon-toed, knock-kneed, awkward poses - especially when you spin, and hip circle.

In fact this happens with one like picture #1 as well, unless you make an effort to keep the legs restrained. I would keep the slit no higher than slightly above the knee.

Congrats on your artistic journey :)
I can only say that I think you should invest in real live lessons, unless you find a really clear step by step video of someone demonstrating stitches.

Also, invest in an inexpensive machine(you can buy re-furbished ones for around $100 or even less in this economy; I saw a sign at a sewing machine shop last week that said "Machines for $40-$80"), because you will get to a point where you can't do what you want to do w/out a machine. They cut your work time more than half(more like 3/4), and give you much stronger stitches than you can achieve by hand, especially when putting pieces together, as opposed to attaching an applique oe fringe, which are both easy to do by hand.

This is especially true for sewing on lycra, because any machine usually has a special zig-zag stretch stitch. Your hand-stitching can't really give you a proper, strong stitch for stretch fabrics; a basic straight stitch will break on stretch fabrics.
And your hands will THANK YOU for letting a machine toil so they don't get cramped!
good luck, it's fun stuff!

Originally Posted by MelanieLA

Congrats on your artistic journey :)
I can only say that I think you should invest in real live lessons, unless you find a really clear step by step video of someone demonstrating stitches.

Yes, I agree with Melanie, your desire to create costumes means you need to learn the basics and own a machine. A simple used one is fine, you do well with just a straight and a zigzag stitch.

Maybe you can get some basic sewing lessons, if the cost is too much, by bartering. But first see if you can find a book in the library that teaches the stitches with illustrated line drawings. I think it would be difficult to learn by video.

Thank you so much. It would definitely be a good idea to get a book written by someone that has so much experience... At the moment I cant afford to buy anything like that - even the material may mean I have to go without dinner one night, but will be worth it!

Is the panel skirt as easy as it looks. Just 2 pieces stiched to the back of some sort of - - - belt material? Speaking of which, what should i be looking for when buying the belt part? Could I get it from a regular fabric store?

Thanks so much for you help!

If you can't afford to purchase anything right now, definitely look into your local library. You'll find many books from building basic skills to couture construction techniques there. They may even have a few videos on sewing instruction and techniques.

If you're also on a tight budget, second hand stores usually have a wealth of material to work with if you don't mind ripping into clothing. And you might even be able to find a basic sewing machine there for a really low cost. You can also check Craig's List for used machines.

Also keep an eye on the larger fabric stores clearance racks for material in your budget range. You can find some really good deals there!

One last thing, while learning sewing skills don't forget to learn how to recognize and identify which fabrics are suitable for what project you want to do.

Good luck and welcome!