Thread: Costume Alteration Problem!!!

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of getting one of my costumes altered by a local seamstress that lives closer to my house. Today, I went to her shop to get an estimate on how much it would cost me to get the bra fitted, add a piece of sheer fabric to the skirt and also have a couple of custom pieces made (headbands and armbands) to round out the costume and give it some flare. The price she quoted me appeared to be fair (approximately $70-80 total).

However, when altering the bra the seamstress wants to cut the straps down (bra is halter style, has intricate beading along the straps) so that the bra fits me perfectly. Well, although I love this costume, and I do want it to fit me perfectly, I am just not so sure its a good idea to cut anything at all!! I then suggested that she could possibly open up the lining inside the bra cups and push the straps down into the bra cups - so, no cutting and loss of beading would occur. The seamstress didn't like my idea because she said the straps are a bit long, they would bulk up inside the bra cup and I would not have a comfortable fit.

I totally understand what she is saying but, the thought of cutting down the heavily beaded straps for a custom fit kind of scares me! Is this a normal procedure or is it a receipe for disaster? Should I find another seamstress? I've had 3 costume bras altered in the past (done by another seamstress altogether) and I've never run into this kind of situation.

Any seamstresses or costume gurus out there with a better alternative? If so, I really would welcome some feedback!!! Help!!!!!!

Thanks!

It's a bellydance costume, they are not supposed to be comfortable ;-)

Is she aware that BD costumes tend to keep their value and are frequently re-sold, in contrast to, e.g., ball or prom gowns?

What kind of straps are they, specifically, are these the standard thin, material covered strap where the beading is done on the outside material and then the material is sewn onto a stiffer, buckram-like strap? Or is the beading sewn right through both the cover material and the strap? If it is the former, than the material can be separated from the strap, the strap trimmed down and the beaded material tucked into the bra, which should cut down on the bulk issue, and the inside strap material can be replaced if you should choose to sell later on. If the beading is sewn through the strap, this is a tougher (and potentially more expensive) alteration, where the decorative beads & such would have to be removed first, and stored carefully (don't loose!) before the above alteration suggestion could be done, I would recommend taking a close-up pic of the straps before alteration to assist in reapplying the removed decoration if you should choose to return the straps to their original length.

HI!!! I'm with you...cutting doesn't sound like a good idea either. Try looking up The Costume Goddess tells All on google, it's a start. But I'm also curious what the experts on Bhuz suggest too...

Explain to her that dancers expect to be able to sell used costumes to other dancers and that alteration to that degree will cut into the sale price you can ask for. Thank her for her worry about your comfort but explain how you only wear a costume for a relatively short time and would prefer it done this way.

If she argues, thank her but hire someone else.

Since you're in the San Diego area, I would suggest taking it to Attire by Lea. They do alterations to costumes all the time, and you won't have any problems with mistakes.

Originally Posted by gypsydanse

Since you're in the San Diego area, I would suggest taking it to Attire by Lea. They do alterations to costumes all the time, and you won't have any problems with mistakes.

It's funny you mention Attire by Lea! I love both of the ladies there! I usually go to them for all my costume alterations. In this case, I was really hoping to find someone in my area to do the work. This way, I would be cutting down on travel time and gas. After hearing this woman's statement about cutting into the costume, I am starting to have SERIOUS doubts about her working on my bellydance costume all together. This seamstress has a lot of experience working with heavily beaded/embroidered bridal gowns. I then quickly assumed she would understand that bellydance costumes would need similar care. Again, this was probably my own ridiculous assumption as I am not a seamstress! (smile)

At any rate, I am beginning to believe that I should just take my costume to Attire by Lea or another seamstress that was recommended to me by a fellow dancer. But, either way, I am back to traveling long distance. It's so frustrating, but I guess it's better for me to make the long trip and have it done right, as opposed to, having sleepless nights wondering if someone is butchering my costume!

What are you doing? Bouncing back and forth between here and FB? What are you stalking me now!! First the phone calls....now in between threads...maybe it's good thing we don't live close to each other God Forbid we might just die from laughing too hard!!!

PS sounds like a good idea

Originally Posted by NaimahJannah

What are you doing? Bouncing back and forth between here and FB? What are you stalking me now!! First the phone calls....now in between threads...maybe it's good thing we don't live close to each other God Forbid we might just die from laughing too hard!!!

You are too funny! ..l;, Ha-ha!!!

Now, I know who I need to contact when I need a good rollin'-all-over-the- floor kind of laugh!!! Take care!

Thanks ladies all your suggestions and feedback! I really appreciate it!!! :)

Originally Posted by Andalee914

This seamstress has a lot of experience working with heavily beaded/embroidered bridal gowns. I then quickly assumed she would understand that bellydance costumes would need similar care.

She understands how to work with the materials, but bridal gowns serve a very different purpose. People are never thinking "can't alter it too much, I plan on selling it after!" with gowns. They simply want a perfect fit for them, it's not supposed to be anyone else's beloved dress.

I do suggest explaining things to her and dialoguing before takining business elsewhere, because it is nice having someone local to you.

Hi
Belly dance Costumes are not even in the same universe as wedding dresses. The use of glues and unreliable tacking, paste overs and general "quick fixes" can make a costume unstable during wear (strap falls off, belt loses integrity, bra falls off). I advise you to take your cossie to someone who works on BD cossies. You will reduce the value of the cossie and if they use anything like glue or are not proficient at reconstruction you lose the value of the cossie.
I am an experienced BD cossie alterations and construction person and I have seen the damage these folks can do. It really is worth the extra expense if you plan to resell the cossie.
Andrea

Originally Posted by baadrobot

Hi
Belly dance Costumes are not even in the same universe as wedding dresses. The use of glues and unreliable tacking, paste overs and general "quick fixes" can make a costume unstable during wear (strap falls off, belt loses integrity, bra falls off). I advise you to take your cossie to someone who works on BD cossies. You will reduce the value of the cossie and if they use anything like glue or are not proficient at reconstruction you lose the value of the cossie.
I am an experienced BD cossie alterations and construction person and I have seen the damage these folks can do. It really is worth the extra expense if you plan to resell the cossie.
Andrea

Thank you, for the advise! More than likely, I will sell this costume so I am so glad I asked this question on Bhuz. What a great resource! Thank you EVERYBODY!! :)

A fellow dancer friend referred me to a lady that specializes in BD alterations so I made the 40 minute trip to go see her. I was totally happy about that because in the long run, she does good work and her prices were right up my alley - (woo-hoo!). No, I am not totally thrilled about driving long distance, but I was so happy that she knew exactly what to do and how to do it; without me having to sit there and discuss every detail over and over again. My costume is in good hands now. :)