My First Sewing Project: Belly Dance Costume

I recently took up belly dance as a way to get more exercise. I didn't realize that, eventually, there would be recitals. After learning about the recitals, I was informed that I would need an outfit for it. For my very first recital, I wanted to keep it simple. I ordered this two-piece outfit, except my belt was white.

Via Light In The Box

While this was a nice outfit, I realized, while at the recital, that it was a bit too plain. Everyone else had some sort of embellishments on their outfit, or fancy belts, or jewelry on. I knew that for my second recital, I'd have to take it up a notch.

Since "fancier" outfits tend to be a bit expensive, I decided to make my own. Turns out, fancier outfits are more expensive for a reason, but I still made it all myself because I already bought the pattern. I only used the pattern for the skirt. The top is just a bra with embellishments and halter straps instead of its regular straps.

The skirt used 6-7 yards of fabric. The pattern said 9 yards, but I adjusted the layout to use less.

I think I'm going to add more to the top, especially the middle. It's a bit bare. I also got the arm things from Light In The Box.

The belt is just a 2" strip of blue chiffon, blue tassels, with a stud ribbon sewn on top, and two jewelry-type chains.

Overall, I'm pretty proud of myself considering this is my first big sewing project with an actual sewing machine. Hopefully I can continue belly dancing because I love these outfits, and I really enjoyed making it, despite it taking me over a month.