Dear Costume Goddess,

I want to make a ghawazee coat, but hate to buy expensive patterns for every new garment. How do I convert another pattern to make the front of the coat look right? I have several vest and bodice patterns.

Thank you for providing this info. It's great!!!!!

--Northwest Newbie

Dear Newbie,

A ghawazee vest or jacket, for those who don't know, is cut out under the bust to show the decorative bra or blouse underneath. It looks good on almost anyone, and is perfect for those occasions when a cabaret-style bra is just too bare. The jacket is generally long and flared; the vest usually midriff length.

No need to buy a separate pattern, if you are an accomplished seamstress. To convert a regular fitted jacket or fitted vest pattern to ghawazee, make a cheap muslin mock-up using the original pattern pieces, Make sure it fits snugly, with front and back darts. Then draw a line with marker (easier with a friend to help) starting at the top of the shoulder, then curving out around and under the bust. (See illustration). Cut fabric away on this line, then try on mock-up with costume bra, making sure the edge of vest or jacket comes just above bottom edge of bra without showing extra skin. Make corrections if necessary.

Now you can use this piece as a pattern, remembering to add a half inch or so to the edge as a seam allowance. Finish this edge on the final piece by staystitching on seamline to prevent stretching, then adding a facing, a lining, a bias binding, or simply serging or zigzagging the raw edge, and covering it with decorative trim. Don't forget that like any curved edge, it must be clipped in order to lie flat when turned under.

--The Costume Goddess

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Belly Dance Costume Patterns. Identifies sources of belly dance costume patterns, including some who offer patterns for baladi dresses.

General: | Home | Shira's Classes | E-Mail Shira | About Shira | Shira's Photo Gallery | Shira's Performances | Troupe | Mailing List |

Belly Dancing Information & How-To's: | About Belly Dancing | How-To's | Middle Eastern Culture | Belly Dancing Fun & Frolic | Belly Dancing Poetry & Art | Reviews: Books, Music, Videos | Find Belly Dancing Teachers/Performers | Tech Talk | Links |

Shopping: | Mugs, Shirts, Mouse Pads | Videos | Toys | Books | Music |

Using This Site: | Table Of Contents (Site Map) | Search This Site | Survey | Behind The Screens |