Author: Davina

Davina ~ Dawn Devine is a belly dance costume designer, dance instructor and author of more than a dozen publications on Middle Eastern dance.

Categories
General

May 2013 Costumer’s Notes Newsletter – SENT

This is just an update for my readers – I sent a issue of Costumer’s Notes Newsletter!  I’ve received quite a few emails from folks with questions, many of which are the same.  If you’re having difficulty reading Costumer’s Notes or didn’t receive it all, one of the following things may have happened.

  1. I didn’t receive it. – You may not be signed up. Solution: simply sign up again. There’s a signup form on the top of the right hand column.
  2. I didn’t receive it, but I know I’m signed up.  It may be in your Spam folder. Do a quick search of your spam folder and move my newsletter back to your mailbox. Depending on your particular email service and viewer, you may need to add my email address davina@davina.us to your white list.
  3. I got it, but I can’t see any pictures! You have the ability at signup to pick HTML or Text-Only versions of my newsletter. If you would like to switch, simply signup again and pick the HTML option.

If all else fails, email me at davina@davina.us with  RE: NEWSLETTER in the description and I will check on it for you!    Thanks for your continued support!

Costumer’s Notes Reader Exclusive
Get a copy of “The Belly Dance Reader” for $20.
Special thanks to Lynette, editor of Gilded Serpent eZine for extending this fantastic offer.
Coupon code is in May 2013 Costumer’s Notes Newsletter

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Categories
Assiut/Assuit General

Assiut Costuming Suppliers

Tribal Assiut Bra

Assiut Costuming Suppliers

Many people have written to me with the same inquiry, Where did you get _______?   In an effort to share my costuming experiences with the world, here is a short list of the top resources I’ve used during the production of my next book, The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut.   I hope that some of these links will prove useful in your own costuming projects!

Happy Costuming and Delicious Dancing ~ Davina.

Modern Assiut – Vendors in the US who have I have reliably bought modern assiut from.

–       Scheherazade Imports

–       Dahlal International

–       Turquoise International

Things I use in the preparation and construction of many of the assiut costumes that will appear in the book.

–       Jewelry – Shiny Sparkly Things

–       Rhinestones – Rhinestone Guy

–       O – Rings for Tribal Bras –  Purse Supply Warehouse

–       Favorite Bra – Frederick’s of Hollywood XXtreme Cleavage

–       Make your own bra – Bra Makers Supply of Canada

Assiut-Bra-Stand-Judy-WEB

Categories
Belly Dance General Jewelry

Cheap Statement Necklaces from Forever 21

Why not bling up this spring with an affordable rhinestone statement necklace from Forever 21. This spring, their necklace collection includes some fantastic offerings that will look great with daywear, for evening, or even for performance wear!Cheap Statement Necklaces
Cheap Statement Necklaces by davinadevine featuring forever 21 jewelry
Categories
Design

Costume Planning Sheet: Tool for Designers

One of the most useful things in my arsenal of tools is my Costume Planning Sheet.  This is the place where I record details about each project I work on.  I record the name and contact information of each dancer, title of the costume, materials, embellishments and a sketch.  I also make notes as I work on the project, especially keeping track of the time in the sewing log.  In the notes section, I include measurements I need, and any notes that come up in any fittings.  I almost always make more notes on the back and that’s where I sketch out sketches of the garments laid flat.

Even if you don’t sew for anyone other than yourself, this tool might help you stay organized, efficient and on budget.  Good luck with your next costuming project!

CostumePLanningSheet1-web

Categories
Assiut/Assuit Design General

Assiut One Slice Swing Vest

One Slice Swing Vest

Making a simple and easy vest out of an assiut shawl

One of the most simple, easy and affordable items to make out of a standard assiut panel is the One Slice Swing Vest.  This graceful waterfall style of vest works best when made from cloth with intrinsic stretch.  Assiut, with it’s strong hexagonal structure, is at once both extremely strong and quite flexible.  However, I’ve made really nice versions of the One Slice Swing Vest out of jersey and fleece.  If you are worried about making a mistake, you can make a sample first and give it a try.

Assiut-One-Slice-Swing-Vest

Racquel-Swing-Vest

To make the One Slice Swing Vest, all you need to do is cut a simple straight slice down the center of the fabric 14″ to 20″ long.   Position this slice approximately 3″ – 4″ from one edge.  This narrow edge will become the collar and will rest on the back of the neck.   The longer length becomes the back which will rest from the waist down over the hips.

VestDiagramThe one slice swing vest is a great way to integrate assiut into your daywear wardrobe!  You can wear the vest dressed up with a dress, belt and heels, or you could play it down with casual jeans and sandals.