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Nov 5, 2012

In the Home Stretch!



I'm nearly finished with my costume, readers.  Getting the beaded gimp onto the harem pants was not as easy as it looks -- or does it look easy at all?  There are so many layers to deal with: gathered chiffon, power net, gold mesh, embroidered trim -- and of course you have to keep all those beads out of the way.

I put a bit of elastic in the top of the pants -- pulled ever so slightly taut so the pants don't droop with the weight of the beads.  Then on top of that I stitched the trim using a zig zag stitch.







I shortened the length of the chiffon pants and added an elastic casing at the bottom, pretty much according to the original pattern, McCall's 9559.  I was going to leave the pants loose but Michael thought it looked better gathered at the ankle and it does look more harem-y, ultimately.





Do I need more beads -- say, loose strands hanging from the side seams over the abdomen?  I'll take a fresh look tomorrow.  I think when you see the final outfit you'll agree that there's plenty of glitz; basically whoever wears this costume is going to look like an Arabian Christmas tree. 

Tomorrow I'll also go to the shoe repair place and see if the shoes have been soled, and then we'll schedule some kind of photo shoot.  I'll likely let the Nor'easter headed our way pass first, however.

I leave you with Willy, taking it all in stride.



Have a great day, everybody!

19 comments:

  1. That looks great! Love the colors and beads.

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  2. Oooh, a teaser shot! So glad your mojo came back.

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  3. Post-it notes are handy for keeping beaded fringe out of the way. It's low tack too and doesn't pull the beads off the the string.

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  4. Nah on the "do I need more beads?" question...less is more. The pants turned out great! Can't wait to see the whole ensemble! Are you doing a headpiece/scarf wrap?

    Enjoy your day Peter!

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  5. Zipper foot and two straight stitch rows. Treat it just like cording.

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  6. all those hours in the gym and with yoga pay off not to mention scouring the flea mkts and fabic/notions: an elegant look, perfectly fit and beautifully executed.

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  7. Hats off to you Peter for taking chiffon on, I tried once and never went back! LOL! The pants look wonderful!

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  8. The harem pants are wonderful! I made a genie outfit for our granddaughter this haloween, and I agree with you about the trims. I had tassles, beads, embroidered tape, little disc bangles here and there...she was a sparkling delight. Can't wait for the photo shoot. Sweet little Willy ... don't you think dogs have a way of keeping us sane and happy through everything?

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  9. Willy's World!!!

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  10. Thanks for sharing the beading. I think it is fine as it is now, no need for anything more. Of course need has nothing to do with it!
    I just want to give Willy a big hug. How can I have a bad day starting out with a cute dog picture.

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  11. I think it looks great, but I prefer bolder colors or brighter. It kind of looks washed out, maybe it is just the photograph.

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  12. "Less is NOT more" when it comes to costumes!
    Although Peter did a beautiful job sewing difficult fabrics...it looks like a project from a Home Ec class. It definitely need more jewels and beads! Swags of the beaded trim, a sequin applique, large paillettes...something...

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  13. It looks wonderful, you are so good with fabrics i regard as out right scary to sew.
    If it were me, ( and fortunately for you and your readers its not me, because i would be muffin topping that waist) I would whip up a couple of beaded ankle cuffs to just peek out from under the drape of the pants and just top off the Haream-esque look.
    I am looking forward to seeing the whole ensemble,
    and i am so glad your Mojo returned, I find you very inspirational.

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  14. If you want to go the whole dramatic hog I would say go for more beads!

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  15. It looks fab! and you're a better man than I. If that were my 'past halloween costume' it would have been relegated to the UFO neverland and I'd have gone on to something else. Cheers to you!!!

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  16. Whoof. No, that does not look at all easy.

    I like the "ankle cuffs" idea. Do you re-use costumes? I do, and I tend to add to them as I go. ^^;

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  17. I think it needs more bling and it looks washed out. I have a friend who does belly dancing and their costumes are really rich in color, and elaborate. I think ankle cuffs would be a great idea.

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  18. I really like the pastel pink chiffon!! Great progress!

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