DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget's topics - tribe.net

This is probably a dumb question, but...

2008-07-26T22:30:38Z

I have no shame. ;)

In the midst of making my mistake tribal bra, i.e. butchering my first tribal bra, I've hit yet another snag. I want to take two strands of beads and one chain, wrap them together and edge the bottom of my bra. The twisting part is no problem; but the sewing on part looks like crap.

I still like the idea and was even thinking of doing something similar for the top, but I'm kinda stumped how to do it in such a way that is strong enough to hold multiple beads/chains without thick strands of thread showing throw. Any ideas for invisible stitching? Fishing line or its' equivalent? Or is this just a bad idea altogether?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Black Satin Bra top needs decore...

2008-07-26T21:56:47Z

Hey Ladies! I have a lovely black satin tie on bra that I have been aching to bead with shells and the like, I will be stiching some hooks on so that I don't have to worry about the ties coming loose with the added weight. My question is, Do I need to back the areas that will have some longer fringe (beads & shells) with some buckram (the bra is just satin, no liner or firm cups to speak of, which is what I am used to working with) or would the satin be strong enough on it's own? Thanks for your imput!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 4 replies

What do YOU want for a Tutorial?

2008-07-26T21:50:34Z

I've suddenly wound up with a bit of free time, and of course that means it's time to make another costume ;) I've got a couple of ideas sketched out and I'll document the process as I go but i was curious....

what would YOU like to see a tutorial on?

so far, i've done tut's on covering a bra, re-purposing a ball skirt into a cabaret style circle skirt, and re-purposing a big top into a ren faire style peasant top...what else would you like to see? panel skirts are easy - i'll probably do that too - but i was thinking perhaps the mermaid skirt and maybe also some easy gauntlets?

looking for ideas...what do you need help on?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 13 replies

beaded fringe and more (help!)

2008-07-26T21:37:54Z

Hi everybody, I'm new to this tribe... my name is Yamê, nice to meet you all. This is a very long post, so I am making headings in caps so you can skip whatever you want.

BACKGROUND

I am terrible at sewing and I'm not much of an artist either, but I'm slightly creative and a little creativity goes a long way.
When I don't know how to do something the "proper" way, instead of learning this way (if it seems like a lot of effort) I just try to get around it by doing it my own way... sometimes I will have figured this out and accidentally done it correctly, but other times I will have done it in a much less efficient or "ghetto" way. This goes for a lot of things in my life, not just sewing.
Another thing about me is that if I have an idea for a project, I better get it started right then. If I don't, I will either never start it or never finish it.

So a few weeks back, I got it in my head to make an Egyptian costume. I have been doing Egyptian belly dance since January, and all I have for it is a hip scarf. I wanted a nice, flattering bedlah to perform in next time I get the chance. I looked for bedlahs all over the place... in all kinds of websites, and the few I have liked never come in sizes that would fit me. In addition, I feel a little iffy about buying something for SO much money without being able to try them on. I went to Spring Caravan and could hardly find something I liked, also anytime I did the sizes were too big. I'm a pretty thin girl and an A-cup. I could go on for ages about my sizing frustrations, but I'll leave it at this: if I'm going to spend a lot of money on a costume, it better be PERFECT.

I started making my costume. I am taking my time with it because I have no deadline, I don't want to burn myself out working on it too much. I am very slow at sewing, and I have to try the costume on after every little change to make sure I didn't mess it up. As I work on it though, a lot of questions arise about how to do some things... and I have no one to help me who would know what they are doing. I am considering buying some books to learn proper technique and ideas, but THIS costume can not wait for me to read a book, otherwise I will just stop it and start a new one.

WHAT I HAVE SO FAR

So, this is what I have so far... a black bra and a black mermaid skirt. The skirt is very cute, there is nothing like it... I made it with parts of things I already had, it is very tight but stretchy around the hips and butt but then still high up on the thighs is suddenly fluffs out into a different fabric (can you believe I'm such a newbie I don't even know what fabrics I used?), like a prom skirt almost. My mom thought it was ridiculous, but it's what I was going for and I couldn't believe it came out just how I wanted it... I think this is why it's so important to me to finish this particular one. I don't have the same things I used to make it, so I can not make something like this again.

I started to bead the bra. I've never done beaded embroidery before, so I wanted to keep it simple. I beaded a flower on each cup with blue beads (outline) and blue sequins. At first, I loved them. Now, not so much... I've been looking up bedlahs and I never see anything that obvious. The designs are always much more abstract, so now I feel like a retard with the flowers, and the way I beaded them there's no way I can get them off without ruining the bra.

WHAT I WANT TO DO

The plan for the bra was to do more beading, but not fully cover it. Also, I added some beaded fringes in between the cups.
As for the skirt, the plan was to do matching bead designs on the top part (like a belt), and then fringe under...
I wanted to use "peacock" colors for the design, but the closest I could find was the blue and green I used.

PICTURES

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/thybelovedsinner/IMG_1865.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/thybelovedsinner/IMG_1866.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/thybelovedsinner/IMG_1868.jpg
These are not the most flattering pictures... I think the general shape of everything looks much better in person. Also you can clearly see the costume is far from finished... I still have to add straps to the bra, hem the skirt, and do all the decoration. The fringes you can see on the side of the skirt on the profile picture (sorry it's so dark) match the bra fringes and are supposed to go all around the hip, but I stopped there to see how it looks so far and I'm not too happy with them.

ISSUES & QUESTIONS

Well, the first issue are the flowers on the bras. I am going to bead 2 flowers on the "belt" part of the skirt, but first I need tips on how to fix them. By "fix" I mean making them less obvious... I was thinking of removing the middle (silver) sequin and making the whole middle green, and bigger, then beading another outline in purple.
I could use tips in this area, but the most important thing I need help with are the fringes.

First of all, how does one even make beaded fringes? The way I did mine seems very inefficient... I individually sewed each fringe (from an old, long fringe belt I never use) to the costume, then beaded it, tied a knot at the end, and cut the remaining fringe. I've been thinking of just using needle and thread, beading the thread, and then going over the beads again to tie the knot up top where I started? That seems more "proper."

I'm thinking of scrapping all the fringes I made so far. I loved them at first, but now I don't like them... maybe it's the color, the shapes, the length. Maybe everything. All I know is: the hip fringes are a good length, but the bra fringes should be longer. They should be the same color, but what color should that be? If black, will they be too hidden by the skirt underneath? I think so, but whenever I look at costumes, it is very common that the fringe is the same color as the skirt, or at least a similar color in a different tone. As for bead shapes... which ones achieve a nice effect? Should I maybe alternate between small-medium-small-medium-etc until the end and put a bigger one there? I have no idea what to do, but I want to do it in a way that's more "common" so my outfit will at least be recognizable as a belly dance costume.

END

I'm sooo sorry for the huge post! If I felt like I have all the time in the world, I'd just get some books and try to figure this all out myself, but I feel like if I don't at least decide on what to do soon, I will end up scrapping the whole thing.
Thanks so much in advance to anyone who decides to help me in any or all of the areas I mentioned here... even if it's just recommending some books for next time.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 10 replies

Skirt pattern

2008-07-26T19:46:58Z

Hi all,

Sorry if this question has been posted before. But I have some nice sari fabric and would like to turn it into a skirt. I'm thinking a straight skirt with a slit. So I'm wondering if you know how to make a pattern for this type of skirt? I found a pattern on the Artemis Imports page, the Khariya skirts.

http://www.artemisimports.com/patterns/

I'm really not much of a seamstress, so if it's not too difficult to create a pattern for this type of skirt, I'd like to save myself the cash.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Jewelry, findings, beads etc bonanza

2008-07-26T15:57:22Z

I'm addicted to auctions anyway, but lately I've been buying costume jewelry by the boxfuls for $5.00 or less. Last night, I bought more than six boxes--true, there were only about 6 pieces that I would wear, but after weeding through all the bad junk, I found tons of cool junk: stuff that can be deconstructed and used on costumes, especially tribal-ly bras.

Just an idea...

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 0 replies

any ideas

2008-07-26T07:12:56Z

I'm making a tribal costume inspired off of snow. I have the belt done and i really want to continue with my silver, baby blue and white scheme. I just have no idea what to do about the bra or what to wear under the belt. Any ideas??

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 10 replies

acrylic yarn dreadfalls (tutorial)

2008-07-26T05:28:15Z

I haven't seen this method yet, so I figured I'd share. I've started making dreadfalls out of Homespun yarn. Results are generally softer & less shiny than fake hair dreads, though I haven't played with the fake hair ones for long enough to compare how they take damage.

http://randomsome1.insanejournal.com/35637.html?format=light

I like long-winded and pic-heavy tutorials, can you tell?

If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or feedback, please share! :D

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

What would you do?

2008-07-25T19:59:30Z

Ok, so now that my first bra is done it's time to move on to my skirt. I have about 4 - 4 1/2 yards of reversible fabric in red and black. (pic in my profile) I want to make this piece reversible so I can get 2 costumes from 1 garment. I'm tall and bottom heavy. I don't want to put too much extra fabric around my hips and make me look even more off balance.

So far I've thought about doing harem pants, a handkerchief point skirt, a circle skirt (if I have enough fabric) with openings up each thigh to give it more swing, or a mermaid skirt (which is low on my list because I have no pattern). Anybody have any ideas for me? What would you do in this situation?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 12 replies

2 way stretch, which way streetch?? (choli)

2008-07-25T15:17:09Z

ok, i dont have any fabric yet...but ive been thinking about making myself a new choli (my old easyfit is falling apart, so ill make a pattern from it if i can).
so i think all the crushed panne velvet at the store is two-way stretch. if i use that to make something, should the stretch be going from top to bottom, or side to side?? or should i just look for four-way?
if im going to make a pattern from a top that was originally 4-way stretch material, i can imagine that might cause some issue to use two-way?

hmmmm!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

How Long Should it Take to Make This Stuff?

2008-07-25T12:45:17Z

I just finished a 10-yard skirt, and it took me about 7 hours! Whew! (It's actually a little over a 13-yard skirt...) Anyway, how long should it take to make one of these things? I usually have no idea how much time I spend on costumes since a lot of the stuff I've made takes weeks or months to complete, but I do enjoy the projects I can get done in a day or two.

So, how much time does it normally take everyone else to make costumes? Pants, skirts, tops... etc...?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 18 replies

not bd related but still a costuming q --

2008-07-24T16:01:14Z

i'm starting early on halloween because it's probably my favorite holiday, i always start early, and THIS year i have someone to go halloweening with.
one costume i'm working on is a bride of frankenstein
and i'm wondering if anyone here has done the BoF thing and, if you wrapped your arms/fingers/legs, what did you use that would remain flexible enough to keep extremities useful?
this will be a nice costume if it's heinously cold this halloween =p

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 10 replies

Nooooooooooo.....

2008-07-24T12:19:22Z

I've been really excited the last few days because depite a tight financil situation I was able to buy what I needed to make my first bellydance bra. Yay! Tonight I was finishing up some stitching, and re-doing a few fringes where my hand beading had fallen off. So when I was done I took some crazy glue to the hand done fringes to keep them from falling off again and when I got up I had a white spot of glue on my black bra! Nooooooooooo.....

I tried acetone, it didn't work. I'm washing it on gentle cycle now. If that doesn't work I have a black permanent marker to try. If that fails I guess I'll have to add to the bra to cover the spot, which I'd prefer not to do. It was going to be so pretty the way it was.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 23 replies

how to? crop top from t-shirt...

2008-07-23T22:25:20Z

Hello all. 3-4 years ago I went to a high school football game where the entire drill team was wearing crop tops they made from t-shirts. The thing about these were the sides had somehow been cut into strips all the way down to the bottom then tied to make them snug fitting. Does anyone know what the heck I'm talking about and how to make the cuts? They were really cute, especially seeing the whole squad wearing them.

Thank you in advance.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 24 replies

How to -- fabric glue

2008-07-23T21:23:51Z

Stupid question coming...

When using fabric glue (Aleene's) it says to apply a layer of glue and "press" the pieces together. Does this mean just press it together or press as in with the iron? Also, how is the best way to apply? I tried to use it to apply grograin tape to the back of bra cups (to reinforce) then hand stitched once it was dry. However, when applying the glue it's really messy and leaves thin strands of glue. I'm just glad this was on the back and not the front. Surely there's a trick for doing this neatly...what is it???

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 2 replies

How do I make these?

2008-07-23T19:30:20Z

I've seen these on ebay and fallen in love with them but unfortunately so have several other people!!! If I'm not the winning bidder, how do I set about making some? I thought they looked a bit like wrap trousers but they're clearly not...

http://people.tribe.net/cc80f2a6-bdd6-4633-832b-14dea261daeb/photos/623e9517-5cdb-45c2-b851-3f4f43013e77

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 23 replies

Tracking the Bellydance Booty Box

2008-07-23T19:29:46Z

Hi ya' ladies

Please, keep this thread ONLY for tracking the box......

post the date received and the date you mailed the box.

~E

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 45 replies

Tracking B-Dance Booty Box - #2

2008-07-23T19:26:53Z

Woooo Hoo!

Round #2 (fabric, trim/embellishments, patterns - oh and a small bag of what I call "dancer droppings" - those odd beads, coins, bells, earrings, etc we always seem to find after a gaggle of dancers has passed through) is starting in Alaska with Xanthea. I've tried to set the mailing schedule by region, so it's Pacific Coast, Mid US, then East Coast.
;D If it looks like I've screwed up my geography, let me know ;D

Here's the line - up ...
1. Xanthea (AK)
2. Kate (WA)
3. Meeow (CA)
4. Lasair (LA)
5. Rya (IN)
6. Jeannine J (PA)
7. Alecia (NY)
8. Candace (NY)
9. Erika (ME)
10. Jaiyana (ME)

I will be *sitting* out this round, so when the box gets to Jaiyana, I'll set up a *SecondChance* round for anyone who's interested.

Questions? Again, keep my email address handy if you can't get to tribe vhbrown2@yahoo.com

Etana

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 12 replies

Booty Boxes - where are they?

2008-07-23T19:24:33Z

Ladies,
Please post your mailing info the "Tracking the Booty Box" threads! There are (2) threads...one with no number-that being the 1st box and the other is labeled Box #2.

We need to keep these boxes moving to make all this worthwhile.

~E

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 6 replies

monsterloon advice?

2008-07-23T15:46:00Z

ACK! I'm battling with the pleating and it's winning! Does anyone have any insight into making it easier? I'm using a separate casing up top. For the bottoms, I was thinking of just turning the hem under and inserting the elastic, but since the inside seam is already sewn I don't know if it's possible. Should I just undo the bottom of the seam and resew it once I get the elastic in?

Most of the tutorials I've seen are great up to that point but don't talk about pleating vs gathering.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 21 replies

Project Goals July 21 - July 26

2008-07-23T14:01:05Z

I'll get this started.

1. Spend 15 minutes daily cleaning off the desk and getting personal papers in order
<<<Had sick kid - stacked all my daily 15 minutes into one marathon session....almost got the top of the desk cleaned off..."balanced" some statements / some accounts are up to date>>>
2. Get e-mail list together for Swap-n-Shop - after double checking that I'm on schedule with the Recreation Center
<<<not done>>>
3. Continue working on "street" clothes
<<<not done>>>
4. Friday night (18th) - cut out harem pants to sew over the weekend <<have 5-6 pieces of fabric to make harem pants to sell>>
<<<cut fabric for -8- pairs of pants...finished -3-...started a 4th and fell in love with the fabric and now want to keep them...gotta' stop buying fabric that I like>>>

This week:
See #2 above
See #3 above
See #4 above

:-)

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

replacements for anti fray stuff

2008-07-23T06:58:39Z

So my bottle of it is missing and I don't have the time in the near future to get more. Would something like nail polish work or do I have to go out and buy a a new bottle?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 1 reply

I have a tip for large busted dancers making their own bra tops

2008-07-23T05:08:01Z

Okay...... I don't remember where I got this from, but someone who was wise told me to do this.... before you cover and line your bra, take some stays (I prefer the metal ones to the plastic) and cut them to size so that you have 4 of them that form a cross or an x for each cup, so that one is running across the cup horizontally and one goes from the bottom to the highest point of the curve at the top of the bra. (I'll have to post pix later, as I have none now). Sew these individually into casings and stitch them in place by sewing them down by the casings. Now cover, line, and decorate. The stays give support not only to your bust, but to the heavy beads or metal pieces that you will be applying to the top.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 8 replies

Ottoman Costume Dilemma

2008-07-22T04:22:06Z

Greetings all... I've got a really wonderful piece of Ottoman influenced music I want to use for a show this fall. I want to do it justice with a Ottoman style costume. Any ideas/suggestions/warnings on what I can wear?? I've looked at the Turkish Dancer pattern from Folkways Patterns but don't know if it's quite what I want. Also have explored the adjustable Gwazee Coat by Madame X over a tunic and harem pants. Thanks!!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

Fitted waistband!

2008-07-22T03:26:03Z

I need some help on how to design and attach a contoured waistband to a circle skirt. I've gotten tired of elastic because I can never seem to get it to stay in place withing pinning it (it likes to slide down my hips if the fabric is heavy). I've lost a little weight recently and want to do my new skirt with a fitted waist band but I've never been very good with them!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Ghawzee Coat

2008-07-21T23:42:15Z

Hi all!!

I am new to Tribe.net, and I've got to say... I LOVE IT! So much awesome information!

Anyway, I'm in the process of altering a pattern for a Ghawazee coat - I'm very modest when it comes to my belly.. Ironic. Has anyone made one? What kind of fabric do you use?

Thanks in advance!
~ Rain

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 12 replies

DIY full-blown bedlah. . .do I dare???

2008-07-21T01:12:03Z

I'm debating doing exactly what I told myself I"d never do: make a full blown, over the top beaded bra and belt. I can't afford a good one, and I'm wary of buying one that I can't try on thru ebay or someplace. . .so I'm looking down that long, long tunnel of possibly making one. Of course if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right. I have 20+ years of custom clothing production under my belt, so it's not my skills that are in debate. It's the time, effort, and money it will cost. Not even the time, really--I know it'll take forever. But I have to look at the expense--seed beads, sequins, fabric, bra (or cups from Sugar petals or whatever it's called), fringe (cheaper on ebay, but what if the color doesn't match the seed beads/sequins?) Am I going to end up spending as much money on supplies as I would on a decent pre-made bedlah? Has anyone out there made one, fully beaded? Where did you purchase your seed beads? How the heck do you determine how many beads to buy? Fringe? Suppliers for fringe? Maybe I just should hand someone a frying pan to klonk me on the head with. . .whadaya think?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 18 replies

jewelry opinion research, crosspost, please help in answering

2008-07-20T17:28:06Z

So, when you ladies buy jewelry, and belt and jewelry components, do you care if it is old or new or where it is from; or is it good as long as it looks right?

Would you buy new stuff in the old designs (reproductions)?
Would tou pay a little more for better construction or better fit (such as the cuffs)?
Or is it all about authentic jewelry from "over there" regardless of sharp pieces, missing pieces and often shoddy construction?
Please don't take offense to any of these questions. I do have some training in metal work and jewelry..... my instructor would have chewed my a-- if I had turned in something with the kind of workmanship I've seen on some of this stuff..... so I'm very curious!!!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Need some advice and ideas!

2008-07-20T11:25:32Z

So I have a beutiful scarf made 100% nylon and I know it needs to be hand washed, my qeustion is should it be hung up to dry or laid out flat? I'd like to avoid the drier at all cost.

Now I turn to the lovely women of this tribe for ideas, my fav animal as well as my totem is a wolf. Just recently my parents bought me an artic fox tail, which looks alot like a wolf tail. I'd like to do tribal costume based off the tail? And help?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 2 replies

poking holes in shells

2008-07-20T09:09:07Z

what's the best way to do it?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 13 replies

bedlah inspiration

2008-07-20T05:25:51Z

so, i've mostly looked at tribal costume since i started dancing, but lately i've been feeling am. rest, and i'm kicking around ideas for bedlah that i might make down the line.
i'm wondering, where do you guys get inspiration for the beading pattern on bedlah? i was thinking i wanted to some how use peacock feather shapes, but i have no idea how to turn that into a single color (which i do want to do) and how to turn it into a solid design covering a bra and belt.
i'm definitely open to something completely different for the design, haven't determined the belt shape, and am not doing this for any specific performance, or even with-in the year, just wondering how one goes about creating such a design, and where people get the inspiration for the patterns from.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Making a "mistake" bra

2008-07-20T00:37:44Z

For my first DIY bra, I've allowed myself to screw up as much as I want. I'm recycling a bra and a skirt that I loved but was too big for me. I will freely admit that sewing--like dancing--does not come naturally to me. On the other hand, paying $1000 for a costume doesn't come naturally to me, either.

So my results so far are crooked and just shy of laughable (and no, I won't post it, LOL)...but I'm still going to finish it, because I'm learning a lot from my mistakes.

Anyway, here's my biggest problem: handstitching. I've seen photo demonstrations for pretty/almost invisible stitching for the RS of the fabric, but it's just beyond me. I'm like a slow child...I need lots of instruction for the even the simplest of sewing.

Again, this is my demo bra...not a big deal. However, there is a Hafla coming up Oct/Nov and I know exactly how I want my costume to look. The skirt is mostly machine sewn--not easy for me, but easier, anyway...but the fabric I'll be using is very unforgiving (I know I should've gotten something sturdier, but I fell in love...) and I need those stitches to be as invisible as possible.

Can you offer any suggestions or books or websites for a REAL Dummies guide?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 6 replies

First DIY Tribal Belt

2008-07-19T05:52:06Z

I got the base at a shop in Australia...for $5....the Kuchi's at the Renn Faire...and the other trinkets are pieces of broken jewelry, that I've been collecting for years.

Pics are in my profile...I know it's rather simplistic, but I'm rather happy with it.

Opinions, please?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Refurbished Melodias

2008-07-18T12:37:07Z

I really really wanted a pair of Melodias but was apprehensive about spending a ton of money to see how something fit so...
I just bought (second hand) a couple pair of XL35 Melodias. Surprise Surprise, they don't quite fit.
I cannot return them so, it's either keep them until I lose enough weight to wear them without impersonating a sausage
or ...revamp them to fit me now so I can wear the heck out of them whilst I lose weight anyway.

Has anyone attempted this daring feat?
Does anyone have any ideas they could loan me?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 9 replies

which one should i pick..

2008-07-17T23:21:39Z

Hello! which do you ladies think is better - cotton velvet or silk velvet? I have the chance to buy them both for pretty cheap, but I can only afford 1 lot..so help me choose! lol.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

My First DIY Bra!

2008-07-17T23:18:46Z

I'm so excited that I finished my first DIY Bra... and I think it actually turned out pretty good. This has really encouraged me to get crackin' on the other ones I have. I tried covering a bra with fabric and that went bust, then I tried another idea and that went bust too... so to have one that actually turned out better than I imagined in my head, I'm just over the moon!!!

http://people.tribe.net/494a0fc7-d570-44c3-a199-300ad69af737/photos/312b8101-a129-4d7c-bcd7-8ab269d33c04

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 10 replies

ultimate drunkard recycling!

2008-07-17T07:13:01Z

so YOU dont have to be a drunkard to do this, but you have to at least know a few....i happen to have a group of VW friends, and they all quite enjoy beer, so im in luck haha!

so i had a few beer bottle caps laying around and wondered if i could make them useful, and of course dance costuming came to mind. i grabbed one and took it to the garage and pounded it (sort of) flat, to see how it looked, and i liked it. so the next party with my dub friends rolled around, and i made a sign on a cup to collect some more caps!

i have a variety of caps, with lots of colors and junk printed on them, so i realized i need to strip them somehow. next time, i think ill try to strip them BEFORE pounding them flat, to make it easier to remove the color.
to strip them, i sprayed them down with lots of easy off oven cleaner (mm lemon scented!) that i had laying around for stripping model horse resins for repainting (another one of my odd hobbies).

put them in a ziplock baggie, and spray the heck out of them, being careful not to breathe the junk, or get it on your skin/in your eyes!!!
they needed to soak for at least a few hours before the color would start to come off, and i had to use a ratty old tooth brush to scrub them. i may also try sandblasting a few at work on monday, to see how that goes.

scraping the rubber seal off the underside of the cap might be difficult, even after soaking in nasty solvents for hours...so i used my seam ripper to pry what i could off. i got most of it off on most of the caps, but a few need some more soaking and scraping, i think.

aaaand some pictures!

SUPPLES: http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/974/290/974290a2-fa9c-4329-9c6b-155ca8477d9c

THE CAPS: http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/98f/65f/98f65ffc-a52c-4cad-a29b-a60b9312c424

my fav spaten optimator caps, they take a lot less work!: http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/d3d/513/d3d513ff-916d-41d4-8ceb-b55b5bf38b57

FINISHED: http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/40c/343/40c34392-ac4d-4de1-b9bb-96c818026bbb

artsy shot of the stuff: http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/57e/c88/57ec88eb-c625-40fc-9dfd-794fda064ee3

so there you go, another excuse to get your beer on haha...theyre very sturdy and thicker than tin stamped tribal bits you can buy these days, and i think could be used for all sorts of fun stuff. next ill have to drill holes in them, for sewing!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 38 replies

Dollar store finds

2008-07-17T02:40:27Z

So, I was inspired by the cheap bra thread and went to the dollar store. While I didn't find a bra in my size I did find some great stuff there!

There were a ton of packs of beaded trim. I restrained myself and only bought for my upcoming project. I did however go a little crazy with some keychains that had beaded tassels hanging from them. I figure they'll make a great accents for a bra (when I find one... lol!). Two I have projects in mind, the other two I just had to have. I had to share. Check them out! (Sorry for the poor photo quality... I had to use my phone for the pics)

http://people.tribe.net/nooney/photos/0214226d-c9d9-418e-8234-7d8aea06d93e
http://people.tribe.net/nooney/photos/63aa686b-1989-4286-878a-e33474b39ddb
http://people.tribe.net/nooney/photos/a6c7f7f8-c12e-4aa9-8956-8a325d721e7c
http://people.tribe.net/nooney/photos/a8aac2aa-dcee-4051-b460-d905f0e510d6

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 4 replies

Circle Skirt Help!

2008-07-16T22:28:41Z

I would like to make a circle skirt pattern out of some lovely salmon colored gauze that I bought but I can't seem to get the pattern right! I tried to make one before and I ended up with a super uneven hem that wouldn't lay right no matter what I did. What pattern should I use? Any tips? Thanks so much!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 11 replies

Cheap Velvet Bra Sets at...

2008-07-16T19:44:05Z

I went to the Middle Eastern Gourmet AKA Costume Shop AKA Dollar Tree. I found velvet bra/g-string sets in either black or red. They must have been an X-mas item somewhere cause they have white maribou trim along the top of the bra cup and panty waist. I'm taking the maribou off as these could be decorated fairly easily for use as a dance bra. I'm thinking to take the straps and back fastening off to replace with the halter ribbon/back ring type of fastening.

The sizes are mainly in the 34B - 38C range. I suppose the panty could be used under a skirt or harem pants and they wouldn't creep up over the other costume waistbands but velvet might be hot.

If interested, maybe your $Tree has them, too.

Z

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 9 replies

Project Goals July 14-July 20

2008-07-16T15:02:44Z

Last week:
1.Work on house(did)
a. scrap and paint one side(scraped it)
b. finish planting flowers(almost-need to do hanging plants)
c. organize window room, office and basically the whole house(did-but more to do)
2.Start working out again-haven't for over a month(did twice-gotta keep doing this more often)
3.Sewing-did even touch the sewing machine
a. Finish diapers(NO)
b. Finish skirt(NO)
c. Finish hip scarf(NO)
d. Work on more beads(NO)

This Week:
1. House
a. continue scraping and try to paint
b. finish planting hanging flowers
c. continue organizing comp. room
d. organize videos and dvds
e. organize kitchen cabinets
2. Sewing
a. finish diapers
b. finish diy skirt
c. finish patchwork skirt
d. finish bracelet
thats it for now

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 6 replies

good tribal websites for bra trim?

2008-07-16T03:46:00Z

Hi all..
anyone have any good websites for getting trim for trimming the
top of a dance bra? I'm interested in old afghani stuff but will take
any place that has good prices and quality...
thanks all!
~M

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 4 replies

open underarm

2008-07-15T12:39:23Z

I'm looking for ideas for tops that have a sleeve of sorts, but the underarm is left exposed. Any of you girls have anything like that that you could post?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 1 reply

Crochet Hip Belt-What is needed? X-Post

2008-07-15T02:08:18Z

Below find pics of my current monster in progress. Something is needed... maybe to tone it down a bit, the colors got a little wild. I'm going for a funky happy theme, for practice only. Maybe I should add some black tassels around the hip line? This is meant to be worn with black, of course.

I know its a very hate-able design, but I kinda like the playfulness. Anyway, thoughts are solicited!!!

http://people.tribe.net/913f2222-f355-468f-a109-988ff8735661/photos/0d76030d-80d4-4c43-a48b-f2ba895a049f

http://people.tribe.net/913f2222-f355-468f-a109-988ff8735661/photos/933cd24d-a929-43a8-be28-9a2d5f19dc54

Thanks,
Whitney

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Making Veils

2008-07-15T02:06:33Z

So I have a veil workshop coming up, and intend to make two polyester chiffon 2.5 yard semi circular veils for it. I got thread as well as fray check... Has anyone had luck just fray checking the curved edge of the veil and going with that, or is a sewn hem going to be absolutely necessary?

Any tips for how to cut the shape out?

Any links or how tos on this? It appears to be straight forward, but the more I think about it, the more questions I have, lol. I typically use/make rectangular veils.

Whitney

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 19 replies

DIY music

2008-07-14T20:50:32Z

I don't know if this counts as a topic for here but it is DIY sort of!! How does one go about adapting music to dance to? I'm loving Paul Oakenfolds Zoo York and think it would be awesome from a Rachel Brice-esque attempt at tribal but it's a good 6 minutes long so I'd like to cut it down. If I downloaded it as an mp3 how could I go about doing a dance remix of it?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 20 replies

Traveling With All That Metal

2008-07-13T20:40:54Z

OK, guys... now that I've collected all this lovely jewelry, how do I pack it and travel w/it either around the corner to an in-town gig or across country without it all rattling and clanking together? I've tried putting each piece in an individual zip-lock baggie then wrapping the lot in a towel, stuffing pieces in socks, etc. I end up w/a big bulky ball that still clanks, pieces fall out and I'm just not that organized to begin with to put everything back in the baggies or socks when I'm done w/ em. Any suggestions for containers with compartments that will hold tribal style jewelry and fit into a suitcase or dance bag? Jewelry rolls made for conventional jewelry are just too small. Thanks.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 18 replies

How to clean out your clothes closet

2008-07-13T20:29:43Z

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-clean-out-your-wardrobe

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

...pants length

2008-07-13T05:17:57Z

I usually make my own harem pants - well, I do have (1) pair that was purchased - anyhoo. But one thing I've noticed while surfing around for the fancier pants...the length is rarely mentioned. Why?

Inseam measurements don't mean much to me ((if they're mentioned at all)), I mean, the crotch is usually cut low / big or there's a gusset for freedom of movement. So inseam measurements would likely vary from source to source.

After making several pairs of pants, I've finally got my own length worked out ((47" outside measurment, hip band to cuff )). Oh, I know I can email whatever vendor to get the outside measurement, but it would be nice to see it up front along side the hip measurements.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 1 reply

just wondering

2008-07-12T21:30:52Z

do you wash your bras? if so how cuz the only way i can think of is fabreeze?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 9 replies

dyeing shiny fabrics?

2008-07-12T17:37:41Z

i want to overhaul my oceany costume now that i know a bit more about bellydance and making stuff.
i've got cowries left over to add to the belt, i apparently have to do a new bra because the cups no longer fit, and i've got lots and lots of pearlesque beads. i'm going to do some beading on the green skirt panels but i also want to try to do a gradient blue dye thing on it to make it a bit more oceany. the fabric was from some old pillow shams i had and it's kinda shiny, so i was wondering if dyeing it will turn out well? will the shininess stick around or should i find another way to add some blue to it? i'm also thinking of maybe doing some alternating grey and blue slightly gathered strips to sew on it , just not sure... or maybe tie dye? hmmmmm...

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

fitting issues, help?

2008-07-11T03:58:13Z

ok, so i started this top the other day....its upholstery type fabric, so it has no stretch of course, and its giving me a hard time. ive worked with this type of fabric before and somehow got it to come out better than this, but this is a new pattern i whipped up just for this top. ive also gained some weight since the last top, and the girls are a little more substantial these days.

so i have some major gaps going on, mostly on the outer sides of the 'triangles' by my armpits. im not sure if this is due to poor shape/ing, the lack of stretch, or maybe the triangles are just too small? ive considered doing a more tailored triangle with some seams i can do some shaping with, but i wanted to try a more simple pattern first...ugh. the band does have elastic running through it currently, for more hold, but i dont know if thats even doing any good really, so it might go. its not down under my bust enough, as you can tell in the pics.

im really not THAT much of a sewer, but i can usually manage.

sooo heres links to the pics, what do you guys suggest i try? start over? or what?

http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/7a1/5cf/7a15cf42-b64c-4140-9508-b54bd38be5dd
http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/a6a/ed2/a6aed21d-11e1-4d4e-ba4b-cf8472100789

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 9 replies

anyone know where to get a lightweight 10 yard skirt ??

2008-07-10T19:01:58Z

I've got a gypsy style number coming up the end of the month, anyone know where to get
a lightweight black 10 yard skirt? I was recomended India Bazzar but it can take like
3 weeks and you can't really see what it looks like...
anyone have any ideas?
thanks
Maria

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Double Veil

2008-07-10T15:50:30Z

So I get to go to ShimmyFest (YIPPEE so excited! www.shimmyfest.com) and the Friday Night workshop is on veil/double veil work. I checked out the teacher's website, and she has a clip of herself doing double veil, with two semi-circular veils. I was planning on making two rectangular veils.

So the question: Is double veil usually done with semi circular veils or will rectangular regular 3 yard veils work?

Thanks!
Whitney

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 2 replies

Round piece of metal? (for a belt)

2008-07-09T22:19:26Z

Hi everyone,
I guess this question was already asked before but I can't find any anwsers.

I am looking for these round metal piece that are about 3 or 4 inches wide that people use to decorate their 'tribal fusion' belts. (I hope my question is clear enough!)

Thanks for your time!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 16 replies

tissue cotton

2008-07-09T00:45:42Z

Hey- does anyone know where I can order the really, really light cotton material? I'm not sure if it's always called tissue cotton, or if it has another name. Back in British Columbia, I could get it at Indian fabric stores for $2 a meter, but sadly I don't have access to such things anymore. Since it was so cheap there, I must be able to get it online for a reasonable price too, right?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Project Goals July 7-July 13

2008-07-08T16:36:49Z

Last week:
1.Work on skirt to sell(a little)
2.Work on another 3 pack of diapers to sell(no)
3.Work on Mati Hari outfit(NO)
4.Work on teal costume(NO)
5.Finish and bake my beads this week(DID)
6.Just add closures to my coin necklaces (NO)

This week:
1.Work on house
a. scrap and paint one side
b. finish planting flowers
c. organize window room, office and basically the whole house
2.Start working out again-haven't for over a month
3.Sewing
a. Finish diapers
b. Finish skirt
c. Finish hip scarf
d. Work on more beads
Thats it for this week-I even have it broken down on paper how much I supposed to do each day-house, sewing
I need to get this done this week because I am getting behind on too many things so you might not see me here in the next couple of weeks too much

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

what to do when you've run out of belt !

2008-07-08T16:36:06Z

GAH!
I bought a killa afghani belt base but it only goes
about 1/2 way around my hips as I'm full figured, what
can I do (short of driving myself nuts trying to find one
exaclty the same color and pattern etc)
to "extend" it towards the center of my belly, I will prolly find some beaded medallions
to give it more length but then what?
any and all ideas are welcomed!
thanks
Maria

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Favorite sites to buy trims?

2008-07-08T16:27:49Z

So I'm making a belt (out of old tapestry valances, cost me $.50!!) and I would love to find some great trims for it (and in general). Where are your favorite places to get some at good pricing? I'd love coin trim, but I'm up for pretty colored beaded trims too, since it's for more of a "gypsy" look than a show look.

Normally I dive the upholstery sections at JoAnns, but I was hoping to do some online shopping while I'm bored at work too. ;-)

Thanks!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

...oops! I think I need some help

2008-07-08T12:42:25Z

I'm making an outfit to wear to work. Nope, not bellydance costuming.....just bellydance inspired. When you go to the Folkwear Patterns website and pull up Turkish Dancer (in the Caravan section), there's a picture of this pattern used for street clothes. I like the outfit - so I'm making it.

Now, my dilemma - I can't really tell from the picture how the entari top is "closed" down the front. Since the neckline is large enough, I thought I could pull it over my head. However, it's more fitted than a regular pullover and doesn't work so good. I can see popping stitches trying to get this on / off over my head.

I want to wear this as a tunic. I'm thinking the button & loop method ((as used on an entari)) will leave a gap running down the middle and I don't want to wear a tank or whatever underneath. Help - I've gone brain dead.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 10 replies

NO SPAM

2008-07-07T21:54:37Z

please advertise in "LISTINGS" only, spamtastic spammypants.

Moderatrix out.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 0 replies

Redone studded belt!

2008-07-07T15:24:53Z

So, a while ago I posted pics of this belt ---> http://people.tribe.net/cbb2a2ac-7537-44b0-a33e-26b1ab8ef9cd/photos/b1b2158e-748c-4196-b729-7f6a968bd57c <--- asking for advice and whatnot. Well, I performed in it (as you can see) but I just wasn't happy with it, and feedback I got after dancing in it only confirmed my dissatisfaction.

So, I revamped it. TOTALLY revamped it.

Front view: http://tribes.tribe.net/diycostumes/photos/a51b9903-3ead-4b4b-aa5f-8e851b2cb6dd

Back view: http://tribes.tribe.net/diycostumes/photos/f36215e5-cb65-4572-9785-216276e743f2

Thoughts? Feedback?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Margaret's New Costume

2008-07-07T14:55:10Z

I made this halter bra by using a wireless underwire bra I bought from Wal-Mart. I cut off the band and straps and sewed new ones onto the bra cup's edge...the straps were attached using a metal loop from off an old belt. It's quite comfortable and supportive despite the fact I'm a DD. I find the straps a little uncomfortable if worn for a long time so I might find a wider material for them. Otherwise I'm pretty happy with it....I'll post a pic of the back now too.
Margaret

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 1 reply

stretch fabric without a serger?

2008-07-07T01:20:18Z

This isn't exactly belly dance related because this costume is for a Halloween party...lol. I like to plan early. Anywho, I need to work with hologram spandex for the pants (they have to be very fitted) and for the top (I plan to cover a bra with it). The top I can figure out, but the pants are going to be tough since I only use a sewing machine. Does anyone have any pointers or sources on how to with with spandex on a basic machine?

Also, if I get in a real bind...can anyone make the pants if I provide the fabric?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

WTB - Costume Goddess Books

2008-07-06T19:38:30Z

Hello all, I was recently reading the Costume Goddess' website and saw the books she offers. Before ordering, I thought to ask if anyone has any of her books you may no longer need/use and would consider selling. I'm particularly looking for her Easy Costumes and/or Thrifty Chic Costumes for Belly Dancers. If so, please message me with your selling price.

Thanks much.

Zina

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

Henna - any good websites out there??

2008-07-06T15:09:26Z

I'm dabbling with henna.
I've googled this to death, because I am actually looking for how to create designs...not how to apply henna, how to look after it, but sort of a step by step guide on how to do the intricate designs.
The ones I'm doing so far look cute, but haven't got that WOW factor....I just don't know how to do the amazing patterns.
Does anyone know of any websites, Youtube posts or anything where I can find out?
There was a book out which showed how to do this, but it's easier trying to find rockinghorse poop!!
I would be so grateful if anyone could point me in the right direction!

xxx

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 19 replies

finally setting up a real craft table :D

2008-07-06T14:15:08Z

so we were given a table when we moved here but it didnt really match anything we had. then my eversoloverly friend laura came and bought us a new table as a housewarming and because she wanted me to use the other one for my craft junk. :) so now i've got it in my room and my sewing machine is sitting on it, as well as beads and needles and whatever else. i've got boxes of fabric under it, my lego cans for the dr. steel thing, blah blah blah
my keyboard is even on it =p

sooo the question is, what do you recommend for organization for a table?? i was thinking about getting some of those office organizers from walmart and a cork board to tack stuff i'm working on to
it's going to be great having all my stuff in ONE place instead of spread out over everything =p

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 2 replies

Making a tribal bra

2008-07-05T16:24:23Z

Can any of you talented ladies show me where can I find some information on how to make a tribal bra? I have a bra I could use but I get nervous about cutting the straps...ugh! I dont own a sewing machine, so I do it all by hand. What I'm using right now just looks too big for my body.....I need to tailor it better so it looks better on me. help!
Donna

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 4 replies

ISO fabric-shops in the www and animal-fabric

2008-07-05T09:32:27Z

Hi everybody,

I´m searching shops in the www selling fabric for DIY costumes and delivering to germany, taking paypal...do you have any recommendations?

And the second thing: I need an elastic fabric (Jersey/Lycra) with animal print (tiger/leo) and colour (blue/green...) and perhaps some glitter?

Thanks for your help

Zarka

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 0 replies

Trying to figure out a non tummy showing costume for performance in about 2 weeks

2008-07-04T23:24:34Z

Here is my problem. I am about to have my second dance performance and my teacher wants me to have a second costume for musical track 2. Catch is she said she would rather we not have tummy showing. Something about "American dancers care too much about how they look" Thing is, I like my belly showing as I am not ashamed of my pouch or stretch marks and most costumes I see are tummy revealing. Probably doesn't help I want it in blue or green, most beledi dresses I see are black or red and they are online. I have until July 19, to get this figured out.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 17 replies

Portable costuming?

2008-07-04T04:36:54Z

I'm going down to the beach with my in-laws for four days this weekend and I'd like to take along something to do with my hands while we're down there. Any ideas?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

Steampunk

2008-07-03T16:44:21Z

I just was curious to see if anyone here had tried a steampunk bellydance costume? I am dancing at a festival in July and need to get something together
Thanks for any help!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 44 replies

Ghawazee Coat

2008-07-03T04:30:48Z

Hi,

It's been a while since I had the time or motivation to make anything but I have now finished my Ghawazee Coat.

It was made from two dresses that I had never worn but the material was too gorgeous for me to get rid of them.

For anyone who is interested, here is how it was made.

The main body of the coat was made from a sheath dress with a boat neck and a small slit up to my calf on one side. I cut the dress open at the front and opened the seams up to my hips on both sides, hemmed them and so I had the body of the coat.

The sleeves were originally a strappy dress made of a very slightly different material. Both dresses were made from velvet that seemed to change colour depending on how the light hit it. The main dress was blue/red and the sleeve dress was blue/purple. I think it looks pretty good anyway and not to glaringly different.

The sleeves were just tubes that I sort of left open at one end so as to sew them along the top of the armhole of the dress whilst still allowing freedom of movement. It's difficult to explain.

Also, since the body of the coat was made from a sheath dress I added darts in the back to make it a more flattering shape rather than a flat back hanging down.

Added the tippets and the frog fastenings (£1.20 from the local fabric shop, I believe) and its done.

All in all I'm rather pleased with how it turned out. There are a few more pictures in my profile for anyone that is interested.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

Where to find decent quality "mini" top hats.

2008-07-03T03:23:39Z

I found a few that look totaly handmade...

I dont want the super min hats, I want some midsize ones... for myself... Seems all I can find are mini tiny plastic hats!!!!

*sigh*

any help?

I want one like the "princess style" (in the customer gallery down the page) http://www.kat.neverlight.com/Site/Madame_Modiste-_Mini_top_hats_for_sale!.html

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 11 replies

How to: gussets/godgets/insets???

2008-07-03T02:46:48Z

Hi everyone!
I'm making a long simple sheath dress to put a belt over, but I want to put sheer gussets at the bottom to flair it out and give interest during spins. How do I do this? The dress is lycra and the sheer material is stretch mesh.

Thanks!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 3 replies

...and here we go again ;-)

2008-07-02T19:09:40Z

Aiyee! Just when I thought the costuming bug had calmed itself down...so I can get some other things done - you know, like clean the garage, do some painting inside the house, clean my desk, sort tax papers, etc etc etc

From a cd I've had for awhile, it seems all of a sudden I hear these (2) songs - back to back......the first is very short, slow, "new-agey", a little off-the-beaten-path kinda' sound... followed immediately by an energetic drum piece with the Mid-Eastern sound that would be perfect for a drum solo.

And, as is natural with us costumers, I'm picturing all the pieces in my closet trying to put a costume to the drum solo. I have a pretty royal blue sequin/fringe bra & belt set that has yet to be worn ((only needs minor adjustments))......harem pants, in a sky blue fabric that's already cut & waiting to be sewn...

Here's where the *vision* can go in different directions...
make panel skirt from a white on white brocade type fabric and tie it into the costume by using a white silk veil for the short "intro" - maybe wear the white gauntlets
-or-
I have a lightly tie-dyed royal blue silk circle skirt and matching veil. The skirt needs some work done on the hemline - has gotten way out-of-round

Oh, yeah - here we go again ;-)

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

Adding gores?

2008-07-01T14:43:45Z

How difficult would it be to add gores or inserts to an existing straight skirt in a stretchy knit fabric? It would be cool to add some chiffon inserts in a contrasting color to a dress I am working on. Can you just slit the skirt and attach triangular pieces of fabric? Will that work? I'm not much of a seamstress, is why I ask.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 6 replies

stiffening fabric?

2008-07-01T13:09:52Z

Hiya,

I've had a quick flick through the topics looking for something to use but can't find any method of stiffening fabric that's appropriate. I'm trying to make a hair fascinator for a wedding I'm going to in a couple of weeks time but the flower design I want to use is quite large so if I use the chiffon that I have left over to make it I expect it's going to be very floppy. Because the design is so delicate I can't felt it or use a stiff backing fabric and lord knows I've never used spray starch before so I wouldn't know if it's strong enough to hold. Does anyone have any ideas how I could make the fabric stiffer so that it doesn't look like I've been splatted with bird poo? (It's black and white).

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

.....HELP me..T.T

2008-07-01T05:42:52Z

so...the back of the pattern i bought says i would a a size 20 because of my bust size - 42 inches. However, on the pattern itself, it says i would be a 16. I am confused, and don't have the patiance to keep down sizing the pattern... Also, the pattern said it included a 5/8th seam allowance...what does that mean..?

AAAAnd...lol. how do you shape an oversized hood, without it looking funny?? <-- reason there i have no patiance for the pattern mention earlier..

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 12 replies

Project Goals June 30- July 6

2008-07-01T02:01:38Z

Last week:
1.Work on new tiered skirt to sell(DID)
2.Work on a new 3 pack of cloth diapers to sell(DID)
3.Work on Mata Hari outfit-just a little(DID)
4.Work on Teal and green costume-which I might end up selling(DID)
5.Work on fleece pjs I started on for my son(LOOKED AT IT)
6.Clearing out some fabric to get rid of(DID)
7.Finish up the coin necklaces(DID)
not on list
made some new polymer beads

This week:
1.Work on skirt to sell
2.Work on another 3 pack of diapers to sell
3.Work on Mati Hari outfit
4.Work on teal costume
5.Finish and bake my beads this week
6.Just add closures to my coin necklaces

Your turn

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 6 replies

stretch net in skirts

2008-07-01T01:47:10Z

I have purchased some beautiful turquoise lycra and some black stretch netting with turquoise sequins. My plan is to make a skirt with a flounce with the black in the back, but my questions have to do with what I want to do on the sides. Right over my hip bones, I'd like to put a 2 inch strip of the black and then let it flare out wider as it gets lower into the skirt.
Questions:
1. Does this make sense?
2. The net seems strong enough-will it be durable enough at the top of the skirt, or do I need to inforce the top part? Orwould it be better to make the top normal, and then inset the balck?
3. Where do people like their cut-outs? At the hip bones, or directly on the sides? I don't want to look overly risque with the netting over my hip bones, but this is appealing to me more than on the sides.

I'm thinking I need to just dive into this and see what happens. It has cut in front of all the other costumes I need to work on.

thanks!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

I got inspired...my DIY project

2008-06-30T16:16:44Z

I actually used alter clothes a lot before I started dancing (even with very little sewing experience) but with my work and dancing and sheer laziness and I just sort of quit. So I was perusing the posts on here the other day and I got inspired, I went to my room and started looking for stuff to cut up and recombobulate to wear with my dance stuff. I found this adorable pale lime green dress that I bought many moons ago and I loved it to death but its gotten rather short (that or I've gotten taller...I hope).

Anyway brief description of the dress: its a halter dress with a little faux wrap ruffle skirt with a flower applique on the hip (i promise its cuter than it sounds) my intention to make it into a little mini to wear over pants (like the petal skirts).

Heres my idea: Im thinking cut it at the waist and fold it over and sew it down to make a casing of sorts to put elastic in for a waist band. Fortunately my mother sews so she can help me with the cutting and sewing

Heres my question: What should I do with the top or the left over scraps (like the lining I cut out)? Any suggestions for little neat things I can make like a snazzy top or maybe use the halter straps for like...I dont know some kind of swingy-hip-things? Sorry I suck at describing stuff when I cant whip out a pencil and paper and draw for you, lol. Bear in mind I've "outgrown" the top of dress if you catch my drift, lol, which is why Im wondering what I can do with it.

I'll try to post a picture of the dress in my profile later on...

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 2 replies

New costume is finished

2008-06-30T02:50:48Z

I've just posted pictures of the latest costume in my profile.

I'm just not sure I like it. I needed a gold costume for the troupe (GRITS Raq) and I came up with this. I drew out the design last November. Then I found the material made into a shirt at Goodwill. It's shades of brown, black and tan stripes with gold thread. I don't think the gold in the material is showing up well in the pictures. I do love the bedlah. It will look even better after I finish the hours of detail beading that is planned for it but for now it is performance ready.

I'm just not sure this combo should be together. Maybe a black skirt instead of the brown? Leave off the overskirt? Dump the gauntlet thingy?

Help?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 5 replies

Project Goals June 23-June 29

2008-06-30T00:01:45Z

Last week:
1.Practice solo and group choreo(DONE)
2. finish solo costume top(DONE)
3. finish solo costume bottom(DONE)
4.not work on anyone's stuff but mine until show is over next thursday!!!! (DONE)

This week
1.Work on new tiered skirt to sell
2.Work on a new 3 pack of cloth diapers to sell
3.Work on Mata Hari outfit-just a little
4.Work on Teal and green costume-which I might end up selling
5.Work on fleece pjs I started on for my son
6.Clearing out some fabric to get rid of
7.Finish up the coin necklaces
there's more put this is for now

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

Bellydance Inspired Wedding Attire

2008-06-27T04:30:12Z

So, I was married this past Saturday. I've been slaving with my new Mother-in-Law since November to create this Wedding, and mostly this dress. I posted a few pics in the photos section of this tribe. The corset, skirt and pants were all handmade by my mother-in-law. In each of the pics you can see the pants a little. They were a Kathleen Crowley Inspiration. Not quite as fluffy as hers, but about 1/5 the cost. They literally cost less than $25 to make. all the lace and the stretch fabric included. (labor not included) also i am wearing a headdress inspired by one of the designers here on tribe. i think her tribe is "the temple" she has awesome headdresses, but i decided to try my own hand at making one that matched my outfit exactly. and after all the hardwork it really really really paid off. i thought it turned out well. what does everyone think? (mostly the pants) i think i surprised EVERYONE at the wedding, even my new husband. hahaha just wanted to share w/ ya'll!

whew!

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 30 replies

Dressforms

2008-06-27T03:16:19Z

Do any of you use dressforms when creating your costume pieces? I have been considering it for this, and also my knitting, and I'd like to start learning to make other clothes too. I would not be able to afford a very expensive one, but do not want to purchase one that will be of no use to me either. Does one exist between $100 and $200 that works fairly well? What are the key features I should look for? Also, I know that there are adjustable ones, but I am fairly petite, so a "one-size-fits-all" does not always include me. I thought I would check here first to see if anyone had any thoughts, advice, or insight.

Thanks, ladies!

PS I have not given up hope that the perfect one will appear at one of the local thrift stores or a yard sale this summer. But if not by the end of this summer, I might need to splurge on this item.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 4 replies

Booty Box line-up

2008-06-26T18:04:56Z

Since I didn't get any objections last week when I mentioned listing the names ;-) ;-)

1. Liliana
2. Bellatrix
3. Shamsa
4. Marta
5. Alleahnna
6. Basha
7. Lasair
8. Leesahh
9. Natalyn
10. Teivella
11. Nicole
12. Vitahni
13. Meeow
14. Shannon
15. Rya
16. Lena
17. Ash

Delivery confirmation is free, so take a minute to get that added when you mail the box. It will let you know when the box got delivered and we can keep track.

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 33 replies

B-Dance Booty Box - Round #2

2008-06-26T12:25:13Z

I'd be willing to start a 2nd round...say, fabrics only? If fabric, what should be the minimum size??

If you don't know what the Booty Box is - please - search this tribe using "booty box" as part of your search......we've had several conversations and those threads should tell you what you need to know.

Keep in mind this takes awhile to get around with a large group. We have 20 in Round #1 and it's going to take about 5 months to make it all the way through the group.

~E

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 28 replies

Finished duet costumes...

2008-06-25T15:31:16Z

I just finished making 2 of these costumes, Phew!
I'm happy with how they turned out, simple design. hope you like them...
Pics in my gallery:
http://people.tribe.net/7f457cdd-5707-433b-b4c9-6326894c8831/photos

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 7 replies

fed up.

2008-06-25T08:30:30Z

Ok, so I would not consider myself to be an overly large lady but the truth of it is that I get hot when I dance and I want tops that aren't restrictive, are small enough to be cool and have the support to deal with a large chest (36DD UK size). The issue is that I'm so new to all this sewing that I can't come up with a top that works. I've attempted 5 and of them all I've only worn one. The rest I chucked away in disgust because I just couldn't get them to work or fit or support. Every bra I have tried to cover just ends up looking like I could wear it on my head because it was such a vast expanse of fabric and the bikini style top I did make and wear I spent the whole show terrified that it was going to fall off and show my assets to the world in general.

Please help me with ideas or tips because quite frankly after I had to dismantle another attempt last night I just sat and cried. I just can't make anything that matches the skirts I've made because I just don't have the skill or the technical know-how to do it. I've never seen bra cups for sale here and wouldn't know what to do with them if I had. I don't know how to dart and the one pattern I got I couldn't make head nor tail of and ended up throwing that away too. How do you actually construct a bra out of non-stretch fabric?

posted in DIY/ Bellydance on a Budget - 35 replies