I am really struggling with the fabric choice though. It is for belly dance purposes, so I definitely don't want something too plain. But I am only 5 foot nothing and with too bold a fabric, that would definitely be too much look for my short round body.
These are some fabrics I am considering, conveniently on sale at Gorgeous Fabrics....
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Any favorites? Or other recommendations? Or would all of these overwhelm me and I should just go with a solid of some sort?
Ack! And Shimmy!
ETA: Hmmm. The more I look, the more the subtlety of 13 and 14 appeal. Hmmmm. But then again, subtle not exactly the belly dancing way. :-D
More ETA: Now I may also be considering a pattern like the one below....
8 comments:
Great pattern, but I'm not certain if it's the best style for a cover up. My concern would be that it looks like you have to pull it on over your head. I dance Egyptian style, and my hair is usually decorated with either a big hairstyle or crown or something. I would look for a different pattern that opens up the front. If you are not wearing a head piece or turban, then this pattern would work. By the way, the pattern you selected resembles a Saudi thobe, especially the sleeves. There's nothing *wrong* with a thobe.
When I make coverups, I usually use sparkly semi-transparent fabric (embroidered saris can work really well). Semi transparent because I'm wearing a costume beneath the robe, and after I dance, I'm really warm, so I want something lightweight. Knits stick to my skin and don't allow me to cool down. Sparkly because you *will* have your picture taken in it (trust me! :) ). I would look for a non-wrap bathroom pattern that closes with buttons (use large snaps to close the garment). My favorite coverup is a lightweight polyester voile (I *think* it's voile) that's lime green and orange (the sari came that way) . The fabric is light enough that it moves very similarly to a veil, except that the fabric is embroidered.
Aziza has a great green coverup with kind of illustrates what I mean. It's on her website in the gallery in the Friends section (http://www.azizashimmy.com/gallery.php?categorie=17 )
I hope this helps! If you are set on the Decades of Style pattern, do for it!. I'd love to see how it turns out.
Regards,
Rose in SV (AKA Masouma Rose)
Thank you so much for your advice Rose! This is my first show so I am a little at a loss as to what to wear. We were told that bathrobes styles were not appropriate, which is why I went for this pattern. Although looking at the pics you mention, I see that what you are talking about is not at all bathrobe-y!!
I will not have anything in my hair, so having to pull it over my head is not a concern. And this pattern is so super duper simple to make and I don't have a lot of time.....But those styles you describe me to are sooooo pretty.
Ack! :-D
I'm not certain why my earlier comment was deleted. Apologies for this message.
Rose in SV
I'm sure that you will find a way to make your pattern work. :) The robe pattern you selected is exactly the type of pattern I would select for a coverup. In either case, choose fun fabric that you can see youself photographed and yes, subtleness has a place in bellydance, but it's usually not in costuming LOL.
I do want to wish you luck for your performance--I'm sure that you will have a great one!
Rose in SV/Masouma Rose
Glad to see your post! I like the green #8 myself.
I like numbers 10 and 12 myself as they are lower contrast, but you have to choose whatever makes you happy!
I love, love, LOVE the Decades of Style pattern, especially for belly dancing! It's so Auntie Mame, and she was probably a belly dancer for sure. Remember little Patrick going to the co-ed nudist Progressive school because Auntie Mame wanted him to grow up to be a free thinker?
So, fabric... I like #1; it's got lots of energy and would give your coverup a bit of Asian flair. Good luck with your project!
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