Question on patterns

Seren · 09-08-2009, 08:48 PM

I was wondering if the patterns from this vendor run true to size or do they run small?

Adira Dance and Costume: Adjustable Ghawazee Coat and Turkish Vest, Pattern #9803

The reason why I ask is everyone that I know who sews said that McCalls patterns all run big, Haha for me they run true to size for me anyway, I always have alter them to make the patterns work. I'm 44 DD, and what my friends refer to as fluffy, overweight and 5'10". Also would this be acceptable for a first time costume for dancing? Thanks for your help, Seren

adiemus · 09-08-2009, 09:29 PM

It's a gorgeous pattern, but I don't know how it fits. If you're used to sewing I'd probably do some comparison measurements using another pattern that you know fits or maybe make up a muslin version to see how it makes up. If they come in multi-sizes that might help too - I end up redrafting most patterns onto interfacing so they are stronger because I usually use the patterns over and again! Good luck and I hope someone else has used the pattern.
BTW for a first costume I used patterns from Kashmir's site

Aniseteph · 09-08-2009, 09:51 PM

That pattern appears to be very adjustable with those lacings anyway!

I second everything Adiemus said. Nice pattern - you could go more folky or more glitzy depending on the fabric.

Seren · 09-09-2009, 02:23 AM

With this vendor is there any particular pattern that I should get? I'm not sure what style of BD I want to try yet and I have found a instructor in my area but have yet to speak with her. The only type of BD that I have seen is the style done at renaissance fairs, so I'm not sure where to go from here. Is there any other place that a person could possibly find printed patterns for a larger person? I like the patterns on Kashmir's site but I'm not very strong on the draft your own patterns. I just started sewing a couple of years ago after 12 years of not sewing (I use to sew when I was 6yrs old).

shiradotnet · 09-09-2009, 02:52 AM

Hi Seren! Here's info on pre-made costume patterns: Sewing Patterns for Making Belly Dance Costumes

The patterns from Atira's Fashions tend to run small, so be prepared to alter them to make them big enough to fit if you're plus-sized.

The ones from Folkwear are VERY friendly to larger sizes.

You may find the book "Sewing for Plus Sizes" to be helpful in learning how to alter smaller patterns to fit you. Here's a review I wrote of that book: Book Review: Sewing for Plus Sizes - Creating Clothes that Fit and Flatter by Barbara Deckert

Just for curiosity's sake, if you aren't taking classes yet, why are you already looking at costume patterns? For purposes of attending classes, all you need is a snug tank top (which can have a supportive sports bra under it), a pair of yoga pants, and a hip scarf. You don't really need to worry about making yourself a costume just yet.

Seren · 09-09-2009, 03:29 AM

Good to here that all I will need is a good bra, tank top and yoga pants. What about sweat pants are they not good? Im a very slow sewer (it takes me a week just to sew a simple circle skirt). I know it sounds like a stupid answer, but I also like to have everything ready and waiting for when I do need the costume.

adiemus · 09-09-2009, 03:56 AM

I get too hot in sweat pants!
It depends on the teacher, but for many classes they have 'class sets' of costumes - and usually there is plenty of time to make something up, and plenty of people who will give advice!

Shanazel · 09-09-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Just for curiosity's sake, if you aren't taking classes yet, why are you already looking at costume patterns?

Oh, my, Shira, and here I thought you were a confirmed costume addict- because the costumes are there, of course! Because they're fun and beautiful and feminine and- well, just because! I never expect to need a pattern for a farthingale, for example, but I have one!

adiemus · 09-09-2009, 06:02 AM

...sounds like me and my ever-growing collection of fabrics and braids and sequins and doodadds! I have a pattern for a heavy winter coat I got 20 years ago - if I wait long enough it will come back into fashion and I might even make it up!

Shanazel · 09-09-2009, 06:08 AM

I love collecting patterns- I have some from the teens and twenties that I got from my grandmother and great grandmother- very different from patterns now! I defend my pattern hobby (or habit, as some uncharitable folks call it) by pointing out that it is less expensive than collecting Beleek china (oh, those 99 cent bargains!) and more useful than collecting ceramic poodles.

09-08-2009, 08:48 PM	#1
Seren Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 22	Question on patterns I was wondering if the patterns from this vendor run true to size or do they run small? Adira Dance and Costume: Adjustable Ghawazee Coat and Turkish Vest, Pattern #9803 The reason why I ask is everyone that I know who sews said that McCalls patterns all run big, Haha for me they run true to size for me anyway, I always have alter them to make the patterns work. I'm 44 DD, and what my friends refer to as fluffy, overweight and 5'10". Also would this be acceptable for a first time costume for dancing? Thanks for your help, Seren Last edited by Seren; 09-08-2009 at 08:50 PM.

09-08-2009, 09:29 PM	#2
adiemus V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 1,800	It's a gorgeous pattern, but I don't know how it fits. If you're used to sewing I'd probably do some comparison measurements using another pattern that you know fits or maybe make up a muslin version to see how it makes up. If they come in multi-sizes that might help too - I end up redrafting most patterns onto interfacing so they are stronger because I usually use the patterns over and again! Good luck and I hope someone else has used the pattern. BTW for a first costume I used patterns from Kashmir's site __________________ How many bellydancers does it take to change a lightbulb? --- only one because the world revolves around her!

09-09-2009, 02:23 AM	#4
Seren Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 22	With this vendor is there any particular pattern that I should get? I'm not sure what style of BD I want to try yet and I have found a instructor in my area but have yet to speak with her. The only type of BD that I have seen is the style done at renaissance fairs, so I'm not sure where to go from here. Is there any other place that a person could possibly find printed patterns for a larger person? I like the patterns on Kashmir's site but I'm not very strong on the draft your own patterns. I just started sewing a couple of years ago after 12 years of not sewing (I use to sew when I was 6yrs old). Last edited by Seren; 09-09-2009 at 02:29 AM.

09-09-2009, 02:52 AM	#5
shiradotnet V.I.P. Join Date: May 2008 Location: Iowa City, Iowa, USA Posts: 1,306	Hi Seren! Here's info on pre-made costume patterns: Sewing Patterns for Making Belly Dance Costumes The patterns from Atira's Fashions tend to run small, so be prepared to alter them to make them big enough to fit if you're plus-sized. The ones from Folkwear are VERY friendly to larger sizes. You may find the book "Sewing for Plus Sizes" to be helpful in learning how to alter smaller patterns to fit you. Here's a review I wrote of that book: Book Review: Sewing for Plus Sizes - Creating Clothes that Fit and Flatter by Barbara Deckert Just for curiosity's sake, if you aren't taking classes yet, why are you already looking at costume patterns? For purposes of attending classes, all you need is a snug tank top (which can have a supportive sports bra under it), a pair of yoga pants, and a hip scarf. You don't really need to worry about making yourself a costume just yet. __________________ www.shira.net and www.bellydanceplus.com, on twitter @shiradotnet

09-09-2009, 03:29 AM	#6
Seren Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 22	Good to here that all I will need is a good bra, tank top and yoga pants. What about sweat pants are they not good? Im a very slow sewer (it takes me a week just to sew a simple circle skirt). I know it sounds like a stupid answer, but I also like to have everything ready and waiting for when I do need the costume. Last edited by Seren; 09-09-2009 at 03:35 AM.

09-08-2009, 09:51 PM	#3
Aniseteph V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sussex, England Posts: 4,013	That pattern appears to be very adjustable with those lacings anyway! I second everything Adiemus said. Nice pattern - you could go more folky or more glitzy depending on the fabric.

09-09-2009, 03:56 AM	#7
adiemus V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 1,800	I get too hot in sweat pants! It depends on the teacher, but for many classes they have 'class sets' of costumes - and usually there is plenty of time to make something up, and plenty of people who will give advice! __________________ How many bellydancers does it take to change a lightbulb? --- only one because the world revolves around her!

09-09-2009, 06:02 AM	#9
adiemus V.I.P. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 1,800	...sounds like me and my ever-growing collection of fabrics and braids and sequins and doodadds! I have a pattern for a heavy winter coat I got 20 years ago - if I wait long enough it will come back into fashion and I might even make it up! __________________ How many bellydancers does it take to change a lightbulb? --- only one because the world revolves around her!

09-09-2009, 06:08 AM	#10
Shanazel Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rocky Mountains USA Posts: 11,289	I love collecting patterns- I have some from the teens and twenties that I got from my grandmother and great grandmother- very different from patterns now! I defend my pattern hobby (or habit, as some uncharitable folks call it) by pointing out that it is less expensive than collecting Beleek china (oh, those 99 cent bargains!) and more useful than collecting ceramic poodles.