Thread: Have you made a Fringe skirt like Tahia's? + 2nd Question

I'm planning to attempt to make a near replica of this outfit of Tahia Carioca's:



...because I love it so. But I'm a little nervous about that fringe skirt. Have any of you attempted to make something like this? If so, how did it go? What material did you use as the base? How was it for dancing in?

Also, I'm not sure how comfortable I'll feel in a split front and center skirt. Do you think if I shifted the split to one side it would ruin the whole effect? Or put two side splits instead of the center split?

Thoughts? Solutions?

It would need to be a heavy non-stretch material, like a satin, and perhaps a double layer of fabric, to provide a good solid base to all that beading.

As for the split, I agree a side split is perhaps more flattering. Personally, I wouldn't make it a double split, because I think it would be hard to handle with all those bead drops moving around, I'd be constantly catching beads between my legs and ripping them off! A single split moved over to the side (and dance shorts underneath for modesty) would also be a fairly straightforward modification of the belt shape. And again, it would be hard to modify the belt for two splits and still keep to Tahia's basic design, where it scoops up to meet the split.

I think putting the slit on the side would be fine. Someone posted a similar skirt to this recently, and if I can remember the post I'll bump it up. The skirt was for sale on Ebay, and I think was marketed toward the Latin dance community.

Thank you, both of you! I'm going to have to look for that latin skirt example...

This might be it:
Has anyone purchased this skirt off ebay?

Direct Ebay link:
Tailor Drag queen LATIN BELLY dance Fringe long Skirt | eBay

There is a video in that Ebay link of a bellydancer wearing a yellow one.

Why did you remind me of this? Now I'm back to wanting one like when I first saw that!

I myself would say TO HELL WITH MODESTY and do the front slit - I mean, it's your gold standard Golden Age skirt and belt combination, just dooooo eeeeeet Shems, with huge boyshorts, and maybe don't split QUITE so high, and perhaps consider some kind of glitzy lace leggings or something to make you feel a bit less legtastic.

And for a base fabric, I'd consider something really hardy that still flows, like a heavy cotton. It wouldn't necessarily even need to be satin - the beads have all the shine you need.

I think you should do the front slit; I like the look of it for this vintagey style. Will you please post photos or video when you're done? I've always loved this skirt and wish I had the nerve to wear it!

I'm wondering whether the original skirt was lined. The interior looks so smooth and it doesn't seem to have any obvious hem.

okay, 2nd question on a related topic.

A long time ago I cut the top off of one of these Egyptian crochet baladi dresses, similar to this:
Crochet Dress with Sparkly Beads ~ Beledi - $130.00 : The Gypsy Den ~ belly dancer wares
but with a straight hem, thinking I would turn it into a skirt. Then I chickened out.

Now I'm thinking to complete that intention by cutting through it top to bottom, installing it on some reasonably hefty red habotai silk I have hanging about and use that for this skirt base, feeding the rows of beaded fringe through the holes. I realize this will make for an extraordinarily heavy skirt, which I'm hoping wont be too problematic since I definitely have the hips to hold it up, but I'm wondering if I'm being foolhardy in other ways.

If I cut that crochet along the length of the skirt, will it just totally unravel before I can do anything with it?

Or do you think it will suck the whole skirt into an odd shape?

I wondering if the edge finish that the crochet would require would distract from the fringe skirt thing at all...
It seems risky...

Your opinions: cool idea or mad idea?

Thank you again for letting me pick your brains, I appreciate all of your thoughts.

If I cut that crochet along the length of the skirt, will it just totally unravel before I can do anything with it?

I don't know enough about the construction and don't crochet particularly well. Is it possible that it unravels neatly from the cut end? If it does, then all you'd need to do is knot the loose end. If it doesn't, then that would be more problematic. If you know someone who crochets a lot (or do yourself), it probably isn't hard to determine if the direction is up or down. (Would it unravel naturally from the top or the bottom?)

Or do you think it will suck the whole skirt into an odd shape?

Using both the crochet overlay and fringe would be hella beads. I'm also not sure if the fringe wouldn't work its way under the mesh as you danced, unless you fixed the crochet layer tightly to the base. Do you really need both? The fringe skirt is spectacular enough on its own, and there's a certain retro charm to the idea of the crochet skirt. Where's that clip Norma had of the beaded skirt?

Shems, how did you do the cutting on the crochet dress? I posted a question about cutting one of those once, and all the replies said don't do it, it will be a nightmare. How did you accomplishcutting without unraveling everything?

And I also vote for the center split, just don't make it too high or put in a chiffon insert or wear leg coverings of some kind. I just saw a beautiful dancer last night wearing slim harem pants under a skirt with a high slit and it looked great.

I would think the crocheted fabric would have to much give. Unless you plan to sew down each individual intersection the entire thing would be pulled out of shape by the weight of the hanging fringe. That is assuming cutting a slit doesn't make the whole thing fall apart first. (I don't crochet either.)

Originally Posted by dunyah

Shems, how did you do the cutting on the crochet dress? I posted a question about cutting one of those once, and all the replies said don't do it, it will be a nightmare. How did you accomplishcutting without unraveling everything?

And I also vote for the center split, just don't make it too high or put in a chiffon insert or wear leg coverings of some kind. I just saw a beautiful dancer last night wearing slim harem pants under a skirt with a high slit and it looked great.

I just cut it. I don't remember doing anything to protect it. I'm a little reckless that way. I'm wondering if cutting it one way is worse or better than the other. So far I've only done a cross cut, not sure what will happen when I cut lengthwise. I'll let you know when I do it.

Originally Posted by Zumarrad

I myself would say TO HELL WITH MODESTY and do the front slit - I mean, it's your gold standard Golden Age skirt and belt combination, just dooooo eeeeeet Shems, with huge boyshorts, and maybe don't split QUITE so high, and perhaps consider some kind of glitzy lace leggings or something to make you feel a bit less legtastic.

And for a base fabric, I'd consider something really hardy that still flows, like a heavy cotton. It wouldn't necessarily even need to be satin - the beads have all the shine you need.

Zummarad, I agree with all your suggestions - I wouldn't give up that center split because it just looks better for this era costume. Boy shorts a great idea - one never knows when one will be performing on a stage raised 5 feet, .:

I've wanted to make this skirt for years and years, and have done it in my head a hundred times.

I pictured some kind of satin fabric at first, but was afraid it would look puckery from all the stitching necessary to hold the rows of beaded fringe on (all that weight always pulling down on all those stitches!)

I was starting to think about a non-stretch velvet, because it would hide the stitching and showcase the shiny beads. I was thinking of a dark color, like navy or black. Then I was imagining a brilliant fuschia lining... and matching velvet gauntlets with just a touch of fuschia at the top.

So excited someone is actually tackling this project IRL .. keep us posted!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I don't know enough about the construction and don't crochet particularly well. Is it possible that it unravels neatly from the cut end? If it does, then all you'd need to do is knot the loose end. If it doesn't, then that would be more problematic. If you know someone who crochets a lot (or do yourself), it probably isn't hard to determine if the direction is up or down. (Would it unravel naturally from the top or the bottom?)



Using both the crochet overlay and fringe would be hella beads. I'm also not sure if the fringe wouldn't work its way under the mesh as you danced, unless you fixed the crochet layer tightly to the base. Do you really need both? The fringe skirt is spectacular enough on its own, and there's a certain retro charm to the idea of the crochet skirt. Where's that clip Norma had of the beaded skirt?

I personally would wear the crochet skirt alone for reasons stated above. Unless you tacked down the crochet everywhere, I'm afraid fringe would just pull it out of shape. I loved my crocheted skirt. Pair it with a belt that has long fringe for coverage.

Norma, Detroit Belly Dancer, Ala Rimsh Ayouna - YouTube

Mona Said had the fringe added to a solid layer of fabric, BELOW the crochet, not on the crochet. Still I wouldn't be surprised if all that weight eventually pulled the whole dress out of shape.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu5SU...eature=related

Originally Posted by norma

I personally would wear the crochet skirt alone for reasons stated above. Unless you tacked down the crochet everywhere, I'm afraid fringe would just pull it out of shape. I loved my crocheted skirt. Pair it with a belt that has long fringe for coverage.

Norma, Detroit Belly Dancer, Ala Rimsh Ayouna - YouTube

Mona Said had the fringe added to a solid layer of fabric, BELOW the crochet, not on the crochet. Still I wouldn't be surprised if all that weight eventually pulled the whole dress out of shape.
Mona Said Egyptian Bellydancer part 02 of 3 by Youssef Batanero Danza Oriental - YouTube

Nice Norma, unfortunately, my crochet skirt isn't full like yours...

so many options....

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I've wanted to make this skirt for years and years, and have done it in my head a hundred times.

I pictured some kind of satin fabric at first, but was afraid it would look puckery from all the stitching necessary to hold the rows of beaded fringe on (all that weight always pulling down on all those stitches!)

I was starting to think about a non-stretch velvet, because it would hide the stitching and showcase the shiny beads. I was thinking of a dark color, like navy or black. Then I was imagining a brilliant fuschia lining... and matching velvet gauntlets with just a touch of fuschia at the top.

So excited someone is actually tackling this project IRL .. keep us posted!

oooh, velvet, not a bad idea! I hadn't thought of that. I like the idea of the accent lining too.

Originally Posted by Darbla

This might be it:
Has anyone purchased this skirt off ebay?

Direct Ebay link:
Tailor Drag queen LATIN BELLY dance Fringe long Skirt | eBay

There is a video in that Ebay link of a bellydancer wearing a yellow one.

Why did you remind me of this? Now I'm back to wanting one like when I first saw that!

This skirt is cool... I've been attracted to it, too. But it's chainette fringe rather than glass beaded fringe like Tahia's. Nice budget (& lightweight!) substitute, but the effect won't be quite the same.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I've wanted to make this skirt for years and years, and have done it in my head a hundred times.

I pictured some kind of satin fabric at first, but was afraid it would look puckery from all the stitching necessary to hold the rows of beaded fringe on (all that weight always pulling down on all those stitches!)

I was starting to think about a non-stretch velvet, because it would hide the stitching and showcase the shiny beads. I was thinking of a dark color, like navy or black. Then I was imagining a brilliant fuschia lining... and matching velvet gauntlets with just a touch of fuschia at the top.

So excited someone is actually tackling this project IRL .. keep us posted!

Ditto. I have plastered my face to the TV screen a hundred times watching this movie, trying to figure out how her skirt works and why the weight of the fringe doesn't cause the fabric to hug and tangle in her legs.

I kind of suspect that the fringe is not sewn through the skirt strand by strand, instead it is similar to fringe on thread/ribbon like with our standard fringe costumes. In my own building Taheya's skirt fantasies, I have sandwiched the ribbon of fringe between horizontal sections of broad A-line skirt (as far as I can tell she has about four or five rows of horizontal fringe down the skirt) to minimize pulling of individual bead strands. I also figured the skirt would be a much heavier than veil weight silk and is completely lined. With huge center slit. And glitzy sequined boy shorts. Very short ones though, 'cause it really is about the miles of leg......

It looks to me as if the skirt is 4 distinct layers sewn together and getting fuller toward the bottom. Then the fringe is sewn into the seam. I agree the fringe is probably on a thread and not sewn on directly.

oh, I like the idea of the layers with the beaded fringe hidden in the seam, that is definitely the way to do it. I was thinking to cover the edge of the beaded fringe with ribbon, but that is a much better idea.

I certainly don't have the patience to sew a bunch of individual strands. I've got some classic Egyptian prestrung beaded fringe on the way.

Originally Posted by shems

oh, I like the idea of the layers with the beaded fringe hidden in the seam, that is definitely the way to do it. I was thinking to cover the edge of the beaded fringe with ribbon, but that is a much better idea.

I certainly don't have the patience to sew a bunch of individual strands. I've got some classic Egyptian prestrung beaded fringe on the way.

It be a little more work but intead of sewing the entire piece of fringe on, I think it would look nicer and have less weight if you cut it up and sewed it on in pieces, instead of a solid wall of fringe. Then stagger the pieces on each layer.

Originally Posted by norma

It be a little more work but intead of sewing the entire piece of fringe on, I think it would look nicer and have less weight if you cut it up and sewed it on in pieces, instead of a solid wall of fringe. Then stagger the pieces on each layer.

ooh, that sounds like it might be a painful task to keep it even looking. I'll evaluate it when the fringe arrives and I pick my base material. It is a good idea, I'm really hoping it wont be necessary.

Originally Posted by shems

ooh, that sounds like it might be a painful task to keep it even looking. I'll evaluate it when the fringe arrives and I pick my base material. It is a good idea, I'm really hoping it wont be necessary.

You'd need a measuring tape for sure, to space it evenly.

Oh, Shems, I found it I found it!

Here's a clip where Tahia, playing two different characters, wears the skirt in both black (the one I wanted to make) and white.

You get to see the skirt really well when she's just walking/talking in it, especially!

Originally Posted by Lauren_

This skirt is cool... I've been attracted to it, too. But it's chainette fringe rather than glass beaded fringe like Tahia's. Nice budget (& lightweight!) substitute, but the effect won't be quite the same.

Not sure if you thought I was telling her I found the exact skirt, but when I said "this might be it", I wasn't referring to the skirt but to my previous reply where I said I was looking for a post about a similar skirt. I thought it might give her ideas but I stated it was not the same skirt. Didn't want to get her hopes up too much, but now I want BOTH of these skirts!

While looking for something else, I found a clip with a slightly different variation of the skirt. Gives an idea of what it looks like with sparse, high-contrast fringe and embellished seams.

I think the skirt that Tahia wears has real beads. I think the skirt on Ebay is chainette fringe. They both remind me a little of the fringed flapper dresses in the 20's, revived as mini dresses in the 60s.

I think Tahia's skirt is definitely lined. I also like the slit in front, either dead center or over one leg. I'd wear shorts, pants, or lace or opaque tights.

As for using the crochet skirt and fringe. I think this madcap idea could work.

I assume you're planning to use bead fringe, not chainette. Purchased beaded fringe comes on a string or ribbon, so if you're making your own fringe, do the same.

Start with a sturdy fabric with a soft hand for the base. Cut it on the grain, not on the bias.

Attach the strings of beaded fringe to the outside of the skirt base, using seam tape or grosgrain ribbon on the INSIDE or wrong side of the skirt base. This extra strip helps support the weight and keep the shape.

Next step would be to lay the panel out flat, right side up. Position the crochet piece on the panel, pin it in place along the top and sides, then pull the fringe through. Tweak as necessary, you might need to pin the crochet skirt to the base skirt on the face of the fabric, in other words, just attaching along the edges may not be enough, you may need horizontal rows of pins across the skirt.

Pick the panel up, swirl it around, see what it does, how it acts, tweak the pins as necessary. If the skirt panel is triangular or comes to a point like the bottom of the crochet dress, you may also want to add a strip of seam binding or grosgrain ribbon on the inside of the diagonal hem lines so they won't stretch over time.

Sew the crochet skirt panel to the base skirt panel where it's pinned, and add a lining.