My first currently unfinished project is the purple costume I purchased on Bhuz a year ago. When I bought the costume I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. I was just in need of retail therapy. When I received the costume, I didn't know what to do! It was a beautiful shade of purple with pretty iris, fuschia and blue sequin accents, but the skirt had nude cut outs that I just couldn't wear in the fairly conservative area that I live in. The costume also required the normal amounts of adjustments, but I was too overwhelmed by the nudity to work on it. The costume stayed in it's box for a few months.
When I needed a purple costume, I lined the nude cut-outs with nude iridescent fabric and made the minor adjustments so I could wear it. I still felt like it wasn't quite right. I am very protective of the image that we Middle Eastern dance artists present to the general public. I don't want anyone in the audience to be more concerned that they may have seen the side of my butt cheek than a really great performance!
Since then I have hand beaded four appliques to cover the nude portions of my costume. I had no idea that beading was so much fun! It took hours but I am very happy with the results. I also made a wider and longer halter strap and beaded it to match the rest of my costume.
I am planing on wearing the purple in a few weeks at Amity's workshop showcase. I just have to make the final adjustments and practice with my music and I am ready to go!
Please pardon the cruddy photo. She is much prettier in better lighting.
