Coin Wrap to Bedlah Sew Along Task 8: Making a Belt Base

Supplies:

• Base Fabric
• Interfacing, felt, denim, or equivalent
• Paper, pencil, tape
• Measuring tape
• All-purpose sewing thread and needle (or sewing machine)
• Scissors 
• Pins

Hey, Hey! I am getting back into the swing of things Well, a little at least. I've actually had this part of the sew along done for a few weeks now but have not been able to put it all together. So far the belt is going much smoother and faster than the bra, working with a fairly flat surface and all. All the base construction can be done with a sewing machine. That speeds things up a lot.

My original plan was to make a V-shaped belt because (for me anyway) the shape seems to fit around curves easier, with less darting and altering than other shapes. But as you will see, it changed into a heart-shaped belt part way through the process.

The pattern I made based off of the Sage Applique belt only with a much deeper V and higher, narrower sides. I just realized the pattern says 4.5" instead of the 5" that is clearly marked on the graph paper.

I took my hip measurement, divided it in half (for front and back), added 2 inches of overlap, and then drew a V to the depth I wanted. I recommend not going  over 5-6" at the thickest part of the belt. I have noticed that plus sized dancers that have a wider hip measurement tend to also add inches to the height of the belt and throw the visual proportions off. Just because you may be fuller figured doesn't mean you are also taller, and vice versa.

I've been altering another of Sa'dia's costumes and really liked the front of this belt. I also liked that the front and back of the belt are completely separate and finished pieces. It is sewn together on one side with hooks on the other side. The front piece overlaps the back piece like a giant belt buckle. I have read that this type of belt is easier to take apart and re-size than a belt that is a continuous piece but never really understood how it was sewn together. After studying it's construction, I decided to toss my belt pattern and make a belt similar to this.

This side of the belt is sewn together and looks just like the other side with hooks. It isn't as bulky as I thought it would be. To alter it, you only need rip out the stitches, move, and restitch. This way there is no need to add or remove sequins, cut length off, add length, or redo the lining when resizing.

 The inside of the sewn edge.

I used the same hip measurement from the first pattern and traced Sa'dia's heart-shaped belt onto an old pair of khaki denim jeans for the front and back of my new belt. I added 2 inches to each side of the back piece for overlap. I intend on overlapping both sides (one stitched in place, the other with hooks) just like Sa'dia's belt. I then measured the base fabric with 1inch of overlap. I also wrote myself a note for posterity.

I had already covered the front of the belt with fabric when I realized it was only one layer of denim thick. Oops. I cut a 2nd layer and carefully stitched it on as close to the edge as possible, (it looks kinda pretty.) Then I covered 2 layers properly for the back of the belt making shallow cuts along the edge to allow the fabric to curve smoothly. No darts where needed. The belt base is now ready for decoration.

Next Task 9: Decorating!

Supplies:

• Remaining crocheted coin fringe from hip wraps used on bra
• Beading needle
• Sequins
• Rocaille beads
• Seed beads
• Acrylic sew-on jewels
• Upholstery thread/Beading thread
• Scissors 
• Pins 
• Fabric glue  

Want to see ALL of the pictures from my bra build? Join the Flickr Sew Along group and add your own at http://www.flickr.com/groups/bellydancesewalong/.

Good luck and have fun!
~N

Crochet Zill Muffs

Now watching: Farscape season 4
mood: Long John Silvers with vinegar, yum

With my renewed interest in crochet I dug around until I found this pattern for zill muffs on shira.net.

I don't yet have the skills to make these. They are a little fancy. I have however made a pair of muffs that cover the whole zill. They almost completely muff the sound and protect them from my greasy finger prints. I have to make the other pair and take pics.

I actually really really like crocheting even though it aggravates my right wrist. I suspect I have a bit of carpel tunnel from the past 7 years of having a desk job.I think my next BD project will be some Barefoot Sandals, or something similar. When I get good enough, I will have mom show me how to crochet the fringe you see on hip scarves like this.

~N

Crochet Dress Pattern

Now wishing: I was off work so I could go shopping for yarn
mood: Olive Garden

When I was in elementary school, my mother showed me how to do some basic crochet. I remember crocheting a baby blanket for a friend every day on the bus on my way to school, (it took almost an hour one way). Afterward, I lost interest, as I did with all of the sewing Mom showed me and I haven't crocheted since.

Then I found a crochet pattern for

<-This Crochet Dress

With some modifications like thicker yarn, longer skirt, add some bra cups, etc. would make an awesome bellydance dress. Just find some awesome sparkly yarn and you're good to go.


~
<- Like this Dress from Dahlal

Why did I stop crocheting? Why didn't I pay attention to my mother when she tried to teach me sewing and crafts?!!!

Making whiney-poopy face here-> =\

I also found this vendor link that I have never visited before. Some nice costumes that are pretty reasonable. The Belly Dance Store. Still out of my price range for the time being =\

~N

I almost forgot, I worked on choreography for the workshop last night. Got it half way done. I think it is turning out better than I expected. It's not too difficult but with just enough going on to make it fun. Yea me!