Thread: Vintage costume troubles! =(

Hey guys! I'm having a supreme issue with being able to make my panel skirt. Would I be able to make a full 3 panel skirt with just 4 1/3 yards? I went to Joanns and they didn't have a full 7 yards of the chiffon that I really wanted to purchase, so I left with 4 1/3. Would it be possible or will the chiffon be extremely see through? I'm going for a vintage belly dance costume look.

Also, I purchased the Fame and Fortune bra and belt set from Dahlal, and I happen to like it and I figured I could just fix the center of the bra, because being a bit flat chested it didn't look too flattering on me. I tried moving the piece up a bit, but the bra cups just still look like they're upside down, when I don't think they are supposed to be? Help anyone? It would be much appreciated! ..c::

Hi Leonine. You can make a two panel circle skirt out of the yardage you have, but not a three panel. If sheerness is a problem, make a pair of harem pants to go underneath. That would work well with the vintage style you're looking for.

As far as the bra, can you post a pic so we can see what's going on there and give you suggestions on how to fix it. Our troupe has the beyond the basics bra/belt set and we had to work with the bras quite a bit to get them to fit everyone.

It depends on how "vintage" you want to be. Some of those old skirts from the 1960s-1970s were pretty skimpy and see through.

Originally Posted by shahla

Hi Leonine. You can make a two panel circle skirt out of the yardage you have, but not a three panel. If sheerness is a problem, make a pair of harem pants to go underneath. That would work well with the vintage style you're looking for.

You could also buy a second color of chiffon and make a four- or six-panel multicolor skirt to bulk it up. Another option would be to make an underskirt out of a different fabric--either a second color of chiffon or something more opaque in the same or a contrasting color. They often wore multiple skirts back then, too.

I bought a similarly constructed costume, to make the bra cups look right I cut out the original bridge between the bra, shortened it by an inch and attached it lower then it was originally set to make the cups more like a regular bra, then I converted the straps to a halter to pull them up more.

I have a Fame & Fortune set that did nothing for my girls either! The solution that worked for me was to sew the two "points" of the bra (right next to your cleavage) together. It kept it from gapping and gave it a more flattering look. I used a gold metallic thread to match the costume. Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

It depends on how "vintage" you want to be. Some of those old skirts from the 1960s-1970s were pretty skimpy and see through.



You could also buy a second color of chiffon and make a four- or six-panel multicolor skirt to bulk it up. Another option would be to make an underskirt out of a different fabric--either a second color of chiffon or something more opaque in the same or a contrasting color. They often wore multiple skirts back then, too.

I did something similar for a circle skirt I recently made (based on the skirt Ansuya wears in Live at Al Amir). I bought some really nice iridescent lace fabric and added a lace panel in the front and back along with the chiffon. I still wanted the leggy look, but wanted some extra coverage since I do a lot of floorwork. So I made harem pants with the slit up the front. The costume had it's debut over the weekend, so I don't have a lot of great pictures yet, just a few snap-shots my mom took, but it will give you an idea:



Here you can still see a little leg:

Can you post a pic of it? We can check our respective JoAnn stores and send you what you need.

Originally Posted by LeonineLotus

Hey guys! I'm having a supreme issue with being able to make my panel skirt. Would I be able to make a full 3 panel skirt with just 4 1/3 yards? I went to Joanns and they didn't have a full 7 yards of the chiffon that I really wanted to purchase, so I left with 4 1/3. Would it be possible or will the chiffon be extremely see through? I'm going for a vintage belly dance costume look.

Consider returning to Joanne's (if it is close) & have the staff contact their sister stores to ask if they have more and will ship it to the Joanne's near you. There will be a charge for this service.

I am SO sorry ladies! I haven't been able to get back to you all because this past week I fell down the stairs and injured my tailbone, so I haven't been on much. =(

However, I ended up buying 7 yards of red fabric instead of the turquoise so I am going to end up making a red skirt instead... since I have a red veil to go with it. The only problem is the bra.

The bra cups are my only concern, but I think I'm going to ultra sew the two cup pieces together. lol

I hope I am able to keep the pendant in the middle from popping off. It was a necklace and I sewed it on through the holes in the pendant. Maybe I'll get a picture of it up today.

Thank you all for all the fabulous help. I really appreciate it. =)