Customer Reviews

Costuming from the Hip

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a TERRIFIC book for bellydancers who are starting to explore the world of costume-making for their craft. Even if you can barely sew at all (like me) this book gives you enough information for you to build a multitude of costumes. The drawings show how several different pieces can be re-combined, and multiple variations on a theme.

The binding was purposefully chosen to permit the costumer to lay the book flat (I only wish more cookbooks used this idea!); mine has been laid flat, folded over, and abused in dozens of different ways and has never lost a single page. Bad bindings are easily replaced by the publisher if you send a faulty one back.

This is a PERFECT book for folks on a budget who are trying to achieve an expensive look without breaking their wallet as well; it's affordably priced and it covers inexpensive techniques that look like a fortune. I've frequently referred back to this book while creating new outfits.

This is a very well-done book for costuming. From constructing a coin belt to making a Turkish coat and everything in between, you will be able to design the perfect costume for you. She even includes tips on what types of costumes look best on certain body types! No matter your "flaws," if you take the advice in this book, you will be a Goddess in your costume.

Brown's bibliography is extensive, and so is her resouce list. I cannot wait to get my copy of "From Turban to Toe Ring!"

I've been grabbing for any and all info in regards to the world of belly dancing. Though I do not sew (so far).. Going through this book was highly informative. It tells you how to pick the costume for your body type (something everyone should learn how to do!), as well as instructs on how to go about putting a costume together. I might donate this book to my sister, as she sews... maybe I can hire her to make a costume or two!
For anyone who does make their own costumes, or sews anything at all - I would definitely recommend this book.

A very basic book for the beginner seamstress looking to make their first belly dance costume. Good breakdown of subjects including how to design a costume that will suit each dance/dancer and the techniques needed to acheive the goal. The next book in the series (Bedlah, Baubles and Beads) includes all of this information and adds more detailed information.
Excellent resources listed at the back of the book, too.

I'm a costumer of the Philadelphia area bellydancers, with over 30 years of sewing experience under my beaded and bangled belt.
When I'm drawing up a new design for a customer, "Costuming From the Hip" is the book I always come back to for advice and moral support. There are lots of other wonderful books that address the sewing techniques that go into a costume, but few that address the unique concerns of a bellydance costumers.

This book really helped me with my costume making. It showed many different varieties of bellydance costumes and had informantion on how to make your own patterns. Also, it has a lot of pictures to get your mind rolling on ideas, or if you make costumes for another person they can point out what they like. There's many great sections from chest coverings, bottoms, veils, men's costumes, jewelry, folkloric, going professional- just everything! The "Designing for Every Body" section was also very helpful in constructing costumes with ideas on how to help your best features stand out. Overall, this is a fantastic book.

I really appreciate this little "how-to" book that also gives great explanations of the different kinds of costumes you'd make, i.e. what would be appropriate to wear for this kind of dance. It makes me want to just start sewing right away!

The first in a series of these types of books, which are aimed at the amateur sewer as well as the professional designer. Just because it is a belly dancing costuming manual should not limit those interested in sewing and making costumes in general. This is a comprehensive guide to allow you to create your own designs, and not slaveishly following someone elses pattern and creation, and is a must in anyones personal library who are interested in fashion/costuming and theatre. This book also touches on the tradional costumes of the Middle and Far East throughout the ages, as well as theatrical costuming tips and design for every body type. Plus it includes patterns and design ideas, as well as dozens of graphics to illustrate the author's information.

This book is full of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. It is written with a slightly skilled seamstress in mind, but it will aid anyone in pulling together a smashing costume. The illustrations could use color, but the are stunning and inspiring non the less. It is a must have for the gal who is looking for help to make her own unique style shine in her costuming.

I'm a beginning bellydancer but an experienced seamstress.My specialty is in proms/bridesmaid/formal wear.Love that this book is spiral bound for laying flat. Lots of good quick ideas, with variations & samples to enhance & create more ornate costumes. Some of the projects will be easier with some sewing experience(some of the instructions might be a little unclear at first reading) but most can be created with minimal sewing skills. It is a good starting point.I consider this book a definite plus in my sewing library for branching out into costuming.The ideas presented go beyond just bellydance and can be used in other areas of dance and/or costuming. I have several of Devine's books on my wish list.