Customer Reviews

Bedlah, Baubles, and Beads

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is more than just directions for putting together bras and belts! Davina does a wonderful job starting in Chapter 1 as she gives the reader a brief summary of the costumes seen in the US over the past 100 years.

The true jewel in this book is going to be Chapter 3! Davina provides invaluable insight on the principles of design and wonderful examples of how it can translate to the cabaret bra/belt costume. Even if you have no desire to ever pick up needle and thread, you should read this book and make it a practice to sketch costume ideas on your personal croquis, as it will help you discover what looks good on you and what doesn't all without having to spend hours trying on various costumes!

This book has all the information needed to make or select a spectacular, flattering costume. It is clear, practical and comprehensive.
I especally liked the Design section. Her method to design for individual body types is very objective. For example, she tells you how to both emphasize and de-emphasize wide shoulders. She makes no value judgements here - the dancer decides what effect she wants to make.
Construction details seem very complete. This chapter can help dancers select a well-made costume that will last thru many performances. All the essentials for making a complete ensemble!

Of Dawn and Barry's series of Belly dance costumes books, this one is the best and most comprehensive. A good basic book explaning costume elements, design basics and simple construction techniques. As a very useful chapter on how to emphasise each dance move and enhance a dancer's physique through design details. Line drawings illustrate most the complex ideas although a few sewing stitches could have used pictures, too. An excellent addition to any library for the dancer or costumer alike.

As someone that is new to belly dancing I was surprised at the prices of the costumes. Being an avid do-it-yourselfer, I decided to figure out how to make my own. Unless you count 7th grade home economics I have never made a garment in my life, nor have I had any sewing training. This is not to say that I don't sew at all, because I do. I have made lined Roman blinds, pillow covers, duvets, and slipcovers for the v-berth of a boat. Garment sewing has been something that I avoided because it seemed far too complex. This book has given me the confidence to give costume making a whirl.

This book is extremely well written and very easy to follow. The directions are very clear, even for a novice sewer like myself. The book covers the following information:

PART - DESIGN
1. History
2. Contemporary Styles of Costume
3. Principles of Design
4. Designer's Toolbox
5. An Analytic Approach to Designing Bedlah
6. Designing for Every Body
PART II - BEDLAH CONSTRUCTION AND EMBELLISHMENT
7. Bra Construction
8. Belt Construction
9. Surface Embellishments
10. Beading Techniques
11. Developing Beaded Designs
PART III - COMPLETING THE LOOK
12. Skirts and Pants
13. Accent Garments
14. Dresses and Gowns
15. Accessories and Embellishments

The section on the contemporary styles of dancewear is very enlightening. The costumes that the author identifies go way beyond what a new belly dancer is aware exists. The author's drawings have opening up a new world of possibilities to me.

The principles of design outlined by the author are extremely helpful. The author managed to answer questions that I didn't know that I had. Once I read about the right and wrong way to proportion things, and emphasis different areas it all made complete sense.

Everyone can learn from the section on how to design for your specific body. We all have areas that we want to emphasize or de-emphasize and the author explains exactly how to go about it.

The author covers Bra construction in this book. However, I recommend her book "Embellished Bras" for a more complete dissertation on the subject. Embellishment of the Bra and Belt are the most difficult parts of the costume. If you can get those done you are home free.

Overall, I thought I knew what I wanted to make until I picked up this book. Now I am thinking my first costume will be an Indian costume from Sari fabric. The options are endless once you have this book for inspiration and instruction. I highly recommend this book to any dancer.

Inspiring! It has great notes on different styles and ways to flatter your figure, and clear directions on making your own costume for the moderately crafty. The beading section is highly recommended. I hear her website is good, too.

It covers everything from body shape to how to make a bra from scratch. Excellent reference book.

I'm an experienced sewer and found this book very useful and informative. The instructions are clear and simple. The information highly valuable and practical. Fantastic resource!

This book has been written with the view of helping people that are just starting out with designing their own decorated bra-and-belt bellydance sets. It begins with a brief overview of various costume styles (both traditional and modern) and the key features within them; then goes into more detail about designing the beaded and sequined bras and belts; and finishes with a section about what to do for the rest of the costume (garments and accessories).

The techniques described are fairly basic and are explained in language that is easy to understand. I have a background in design, fashion and dressmaking, and bought this book as an added aid for designing costumes for my dancing. Although the techniqes may not be as advanced as others out there, it is well worth the read and a great tool for anyone who needs help with their costumes - I will certainly be refering to it in the future.

Overall, a very well-written and concise book about designing bellydance costumes.

This is another FANTABulous Devine book packed full of great ideas! A must have for every dance library! I bought this as well a number of years ago and have used it many times for guidance and inspiration. I especially love this costume primer, as Miss Devine really covers all of the costume elements from A to Z. This is a wonderful book for any one at any level of the dance.

I absolutely love this book!!! Descriptive, simple instructions. Helpful hints and suggestions. I recommend these books to anyone from a beginner to a pro. I also have the Costuming from the Hip. Also awesome. Tons of idea inspiring creations!!!