Thread: spin off: why do you buy your costumes

a spin off of "why do you make your costumes?" for those who don't make theirs, why not? is it because of not having the time? not having the sewing skills? not WANTING to use the sewing skills? no fabric/bead/etc stores nearby? fitting to yourself? getting ideas for the design without ripping one off? easier to buy? something else? (i have NOTHING against buying costumes, i don't want to sound like a snob like "why on earth wouldn't you make it?!", that's not what i mean to imply AT ALL^_~ (actually, i decided to reward myself when i finish grad school in a year with a Bella. should i start trying to get a password now?^_~) im just curious about motivations for the other side of the coin.)

When I first went to college, I really wanted to be a fashion designer. One year later, I flunked out of Basic Sewing Techniques .w.:

I've tried so hard to make my own costumes and I never feel patient enough to finish. Not to mention, by the time I purchase all of the beads and put in all the hours, I feel like I'm already well on my way to getting a Bella or something I'll like better. It really isn't as cost-effective as I thought!

One of these days, though, I'll put in the energy and make something that I love!

Yeah, I agree... I don't think it is always as cost-effective as you think it will be and once I add in the frustration factor (I really don't like sewing), buying costumes is usually the way to go.

That said, I have been known to make a costume or two. I really prefer not to though.

When I am working full time I definitely buy more than I make. It's a numbers game. When I am working, including commute, dance classes, etc., I spend about 75 hours a week away from home and anything else important. If you factor in 56 hours a week to sleep, it doesn't leave a lot of time for anything else.

As for financial issues, once again, when I am working full time, I make enough money that buying a costume, especially if I can get one second hand from a dancer who I know is built along the same lines I am, just makes financial sense. I don;t have the time and energy to spend, so I spend the cash. Just a different form of energy.

{{{UGS}}}

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

As for financial issues, once again, when I am working full time, I make enough money that buying a costume, especially if I can get one second hand from a dancer who I know is built along the same lines I am, just makes financial sense. I don;t have the time and energy to spend, so I spend the cash. Just a different form of energy.

{{{UGS}}}

Same for me...work full time and teach as an adjunct so not much time left to make my own costumes...but i love love LOVE seeing all of the ones that talented bhuzzers have made! My hat is off to you!!!

I don't have the time or patience, the creativity to come up with a design, access to quality supplies, and most importantly... I can't sew. Even if I had the skills to do so, it's too painful. If I just have to sew on a button, by the time I've got the needle threaded I have to stop & crack all my knuckles because they've become so stiff & sore, and then have to do it again after the button's attached...c:: I can't even imagine attempting to do any beading.,f::

I wouldn't even know where to begin to think of a design idea for a costume. not to mention picking colors that go together! I'm totally craft challenged!

My taste out strips my skill! I actually prefer to rehab and revamp....

I don't have the time to make costumes nowadays, working fulltime and studying for a Master. Buying is faster and easier for now, I want to get back to making costume in a year or so when I hope to have more time on my hands.

Let's put it this way - I just made a bedlah for an "Ugly Bedlah Contest", and since it didn't need to hold up to actual dancing, I glued about 90% of it together. My sewing skills are limited to adjusting hooks and straps; I can't even hem a skirt correctly!

I buy pieces (L Rose Design stuff), because I simply can't compete with the quality and price. I also have little interest in making the basics; I can, but to me, it's boring and won't save money or time for me.

ExACTly. I do enjoy making costumes, but it takes a LOT of time. To get it a homemade to stand up next to the costumes I have purchased that I really love (a couple Pharaonics and Hoda Zakis), I usually end up spending quite a bit on crystals and such. I'm more than happy to pay for a ready-made that has been expertly constructed by skilled craftswomen/men. I think making your own makes you more critical of ready-made and more appreciative at the same time! ..g.:

There are exceptions, of course. There are many "professionally" made costumes that I don't think are worth what they cost (due to poor quality materials, sloppy work, and/or unattractive or unoriginal design). Plus occasionally a self-made comes together quickly and the materials don't cost as much.

Originally Posted by ceydahazine

Yeah, I agree... I don't think it is always as cost-effective as you think it will be and once I add in the frustration factor (I really don't like sewing), buying costumes is usually the way to go.

That said, I have been known to make a costume or two. I really prefer not to though.

Because I MUST have them. I NEED them. :-) And I have two left thumbs when it comes to sewing.

Originally Posted by laura 2

Let's put it this way - I just made a bedlah for an "Ugly Bedlah Contest", and since it didn't need to hold up to actual dancing, I glued about 90% of it together.

Are there any pictures? That sounds like fun!

Originally Posted by Karnak

Are there any pictures? That sounds like fun!

Oh yes...

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Originally Posted by laura 2

Oh yes...

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I know I'm derailing the original topic, but that is so awesome! Did you actually wear that? (I think you made it too nice because I didn't see the original bra straps and the belt looks like it would actually fit.) The trim on one cup is hilarious, especially with the jewel over the top of it!

Several reasons, not in order:

1. I am severely craft-challenged, and can't do much more than move or reinforce a hook.
2. I have absolutely zero free time as it is ,f::
3. My personality is very much INSTANT GRATIFICATION NAOW! ..l;,

I have designed a costume, including making templates and drawing up the beading designs/sourcing beads and crystals. I think that was a few years ago. If I made it, to the standard I want it to be and with the stonework that I want, it would be WAY more expensive than any of my bought costumes (Pharaonics, Hannan, Eman, and Yasser alike). And that's without factoring in any cost for my time!

I sew very well, but am very limited in free time due to work, so I opt to buy most of my dance costumes.

I still make my historic and SCA garb because there isnt anything out there that fits my needs thats made well enough for my tastes. Those things I can also make in a decent amount of time, which means I dont get bored of the project before its done.

The first year I was performing I made all my costumes. Then I switched to mid range Egyptian costumes and finally "graduated" to Bella's and Pharonics. There are several reasons I no longer make my own. First I feel that unless a person's sewing skills are on par with that of Bella's or Amira's seamstresses the costume will not look what I consider to be one that a professional should be wearing. Don't flame me....just my own personal opinion. Second, the cost of materials and the cost of my time just are not worth it. Third, I hate sewing. I would rather get a pap smear than have to sit down and sew something for a few hours. Seriously.

I love sewing - started when I was 9 or 10. My BA is in theatre production with a specialization in costume design, so I have a good bit of experience. BUT, I have NO TIME, or not the kind of time it takes to make something equivalent to an Eman or Pharaonics.

I buy used for (close to) instant gratification, or because I really like a design and it seems silly for me to make something I could buy for a reasonable price. I fix up costumes because I'm chap and I liked some slightly out-of-date styles...


And with every new to me costume I learn something more about constructing costumes.