Thread: I think I have a Costless Belt? What do I do with it?

I think I have a Costless belt, because I have only seen anything like it from Costless. It doesn't have any maker's markings, is there any way to tell for sure? The crystals are in settings (rather than glued on) except for the smallest ones inside the black medallions.
In any case, I love it to pieces! I have a piece of silver metallic fabric I was going to use to cover a belt (and bra) for it, but I'm not sure I'm loving the fabric. After seeing Satinworship's set on a sequinned bra, I was thinking of maybe some silver sequinned fabric. Any other ideas? I'm going for a cabaret look.
Finally, I need to take four medallions off to make it fit me (and to have bits to decorate a bra), but I'm not sure how to shorten the heavy chain link drapes. Could a strong guy open the links with pliers, or is it a job for power tools?

I agree that this looks like a Costless set.

I'm able to open the jump rings connecting the pieces together using needlenose pliers.

I agree with your plan to use sparkly fabric. I'm not so sure I'd use sequinned fabric, though. The problem with sequinned fabric is that it's often not very sturdy, and you'll definitely want something sturdy underneath, especially under the belt. The metal pieces rub back and forth against your fabric, and put wear on it. I personally like twilight velvet as a backing.

I agree with Shira. Velvet is lush and sturdy. Pewter velvet would be lovely and a nice way to display the lovely black metal on the belt.

I have no problem using pliers to open the links. When reattaching the links I prefer split rings from Hobby Lobby or some other craft source. I prefer not having to open the rings and no worry re the links pulling open.

This is a Costless set. I've had several and still own several. They are amazing and are not made anymore. Most beading and craft stores sell a needlenose pliers just like Shira suggested that are made for opening and closing the jump rings. Also like Shira mentions, the metal that rubs on your fabric may also eventually stain the fabric, so stick with something dark and in the tone of your metal. Twilight velvet is a great suggestion, and if you also line it with the velvet it will help prevent slippage with whatever skirt your pair it with. Beautiful set - keep me in mind if you ever decide to part with it!!

Yup... costless and it's lovely!

I use pliers too. If you get a set of jewelers pliers at a craft store it'll make it easier for you to open them, because you'll use two pairs to do it and not hurt your hand.

I've used that cheap crushed stretch velvet (sewn to a thick piece of buckram/felt) to back mine and it worked really well. I'd definitely use a color of fabric that is bright or vivid in order to make this set pop. I think silver is just fine, but the one you picked out looks a bit dark to me and the medallions don't stand out w/ it.

Forgot to mention, I also make an optional matching velvet liner in the exact shape of the belt drapes. The optional velvet drape is versatile and allows me to wear my metal belts without concern for silk or chiffon skirts, knit pants and any other fragile fabrics being shredded by the metal pcs. The liner is secured by huge snaps, they are about the size of quarters and stitched inside the fabric belt every 4" or so. Without the optional liner I would not have the flexibility I prefer.

I will look into the twilight velvet, sounds like a winning idea! Thanks!

The belt is 8" too long, and I need to take a medallion off of each side of both the front and back piece. So I'll need to shorten the drapes, and I will have to open or break the heavy links to do it. I'm not sure how to get them open, is there some sort of... machine shop... or something that will break metal pieces?

Originally Posted by showtime

Forgot to mention, I also make an optional matching velvet liner in the exact shape of the belt drapes. The optional velvet drape is versatile and allows me to wear my metal belts without concern for silk or chiffon skirts, knit pants and any other fragile fabrics being shredded by the metal pcs. The liner is secured by huge snaps, they are about the size of quarters and stitched inside the fabric belt every 4" or so. Without the optional liner I would not have the flexibility I prefer.

This is a great tip, I had not gotten far along enough to worry about my skirts. I will order enough fabric to do this. Thanks!

I have two costless costumes-neither is on a base. I ALWAYS wear a hipscarf under the belts and know that the hip scarves will get pulls in them. Most of the skirts that I have made, I have also made matching hip scarves for, for this very purpose.

Anything that you take out, save for a bra cover. Costless/Nature's Gems might have extra medallions, too. I ordered about 20 small medallions and made a 2nd bra to match one of my belts.

Originally Posted by khalima

I will look into the twilight velvet, sounds like a winning idea! Thanks!

The belt is 8" too long, and I need to take a medallion off of each side of both the front and back piece. So I'll need to shorten the drapes, and I will have to open or break the heavy links to do it. I'm not sure how to get them open, is there some sort of... machine shop... or something that will break metal pieces?

Sometimes, the links that hold the belt part (not the drapes) are soldered shut. In that case, you may need to shop for special snippers at the home center. However, even heavy chain is usually unsoldered and thus easily opened by kinda twisting the links, two pliers and a bit of elbow grease will do the trick. Just make sure you don't drop any parts into the couch internals or anywhere else where it is hard to retrieve them from ;-).

Thanks, Steffib. Those links not saudered, some of the jump rings are but I think wire cutters will get them. I'll see if I (or someone that actually has some hand strength) can't get the links apart. I think I will just take the excess danglies off and let the extra links hang if I can't, shouldn't be so long that they'd get in the way.
Off to order velvet, love the idea, liked the shiny silver but think the problem with the fabric I had was that it was just too glossy and slick.