Thread: Does anyone know how to make armbands like this?

I just love these armbands/sleeves that Melodi is wearing in her "Dramatic Red Costume" from Shira's site. I tried finding contact info for her to ask her directly, but I couldn't find anything.

Does anyone know how to make something like this? (scroll down to the "Dramatic Red Costume.")

THANKS!!!

ETA: The link - that could be helpful! Bellydance Plus! Melodi's Photo Gallery, An Egyptian Sense of Style

Can you give us a link please- Shira.net is huge, and Shira's got more than one site!

Sorry about that! I realized that I forgot to add it right after I hit the "Post" button! :)

"This costume originally did not have sleeves but Melodi and her friend went to the fabric store and found the same color lycra. They used it to make the sleeves, which attach with hook and eye closures to the bra. Melodi used the same lycra to create anklets and a headband and added large plastic jewels to them which, to her amazement, matched perfectly."

Sounds like you could just modify the sleeve from a stretch-fabric blouse pattern. She might have scooped out a bit from the edges to give more definition on the sides, or added a little extra fabric to the top where it connects--hard to tell from those photos. I would start by mocking up a regular set-in (not drop or raglan) sleeve, and see how it works out. Once you get a design you like, remember to add a bit of reinforcement like grosgrain ribbon to where your hooks are, so that the fabric can take the stress of attachment.

Here is a great article by the Costume Goddess (also on Shira's site) on making your own gauntlets or attaching sleeves. She sews hers to her costumes, and uses a few different ways of altering a sleeve pattern. She also talks about using stretchy/non-stretch fabric. Her books are really good, too. There is one just for arm costuming.

I may see Melody tonight the Kismet Hafla. I'll ask her.

Well, missed her last night at Hafla. Miss Red was there and I asked her. It's based of a regular sleeve pattern and with hooks and eyes to attach to bra, like Tourbeau mentioned... hope this helps. Good Luck!

I hate all the hooks and stuff,so why not a tube shrug? It'll cover just your back and upper arms? Just a thought

Originally Posted by Roeska

Here is a great article by the Costume Goddess (also on Shira's site) on making your own gauntlets or attaching sleeves. She sews hers to her costumes, and uses a few different ways of altering a sleeve pattern. She also talks about using stretchy/non-stretch fabric. Her books are really good, too. There is one just for arm costuming.

Awesome - I'll have to give this a try!!!

Originally Posted by shenudance

I hate all the hooks and stuff,so why not a tube shrug? It'll cover just your back and upper arms? Just a thought

What's a tube shrug? I've never seen one...

Thanks for everyone's input! :)

Princess Farhana does the tube shrugs all the time to cover her tats. They are easy to make.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

What's a tube shrug? I've never seen one...

It's basically two sleeves connected by a back.

Hmmm.. This sounds interesting...

[runs off to look for pics and vids...]

it's totally a tub shrug. And you can get a pattern for a regular or tube shrug online and modify it if you want the diamond shape connector in back or over the shoulders. You can also design them so they attach to the straps of your bra without a back.

Cool! I'm going to see what I can find for patterns, and then once everything is done, I'll make sure to post pictures! Thanks, ladies!!