This dress project was born inside of my head about a year ago.
On Sparkly Belly’s Facebook group, one image of a belly dance dress was shared, and many people were liking it.
When I see a popular style, I have to re-create it! 😀
So here’s what happened:
Learn how to make this dress step by step here!
This dress took me about 16 hours to make, which is pretty quick for a belly dance costume!
But that’s ONLY because I spent about 4 months testing patterns and prototypes over and over again. This project really gave me the opportunity to study pattern making and costume making more!
So here’s what made this project quick:
+I had the whole process planned out ahead of time (you can learn it here!)
+I used lace for side panels, which added a visual interest to the overall dress. This means that I didn’t have to decorate the dress heavily because the intricate design of the lace already made the dress look “busy”.
+I made appliques out of sequined lace, instead of making them from scratch (see around 2:05 of the video).
+I glued on most of the rhinestones 🙂
And I am happy to announce that I’ve polished this dress making method (which took 4 months to develop) and put it together as a premium course (which took another 4 months!) 😀
So you don’t have to spend months trying to figure this stuff out 😉
Did I tell you that you’ll get another style in the course? It’s like 2 courses in 1 🙂
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Like the music? It was created by my fiance, Navid Goldrick “Azadim – we’re free” (Available on CD baby here)
I just love what you’ve done! I’m in the middle of a major move and it’s killing me that I can’t jump on this now! It looks fantastic!
Thank you so much, Amar! 😀 Good luck with your move, and give this project a try once you settle! 🙂
This is so beautiful! I was given an old Singer sewing machine (not even electric – has a foot treadle) – I am just about to try to teach myself to sew – can you use a straight stitch on the costumes?
Thanks!
Kris
Thank you, Kris! How exciting you were given a vintage machine!
If you are making pieces that don’t require stretch – for example, belt or bra straps that don’t stretch – you can use a straight stitch.
But if you sew stretch fabric (like the Hourglass dress), you’ll need a zigzag stitch or other stretch stitches. Otherwise, the stitches will pop as soon as you try it on.
I have been wanting to get my hands busy with this dress since you made it Mao, so now I’m cutting and judging and trying to make it without your pattern. I, wish me luck!
Oooh, good luck Jacqui! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your version!!