Costume Ideas and Suggestions

NOTE: INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS SLOWLY MIGRATING TO OTHER PLACES WHERE IT IS MORE APPROPRIATE. PLEASE ADD NEW INFORMATION TO SUCH OTHER PLACES AND NOT HERE.

Here is Miyong's resource list. You can figure out where to find tons of useful items in NY: Miyong's resources list

Reflective tape

Using reflective tape on your clothes is an easy way to be seen on the playa. You can sew or glue bits of it on. Here is a good website to buy different types of reflective tape: http://www.reflectivelyyours.com/index.html

Faux Fur

See Sewing fur for information on how to work with Fake Fur.

See Miyong's resources list for locations in NY and on the internet to purchase fake fur

Headpieces

See Headpieces

Fosshape

Is something else that I was introduced to which I've made several costumes with. It is another awesome material to make a headpiece with. When you heat up fosshape (with an iron or heat gun) it will keep it's shape. It shrinks slightly when you heat it up. It is really amazing stuff - it reminds me a lot of felt. I think this is the cheapest place I have found it and it is in the city, yea!! http://www.sculpt.com/

Patterns

This awesome burner website decided to discontinue their business but they posted up all their patterns on the website. You can print them out and make some really awesome items!!! http://www.ilaniowear.com/patterns/index.html

You will need Photoshop or a image program to be able to print them out, but they are worth it! Here is a pic of a yellow Jumpsuit I made for my niece last week from the Illanio Wear Pattern. by Josh and Cody

Pasties, Whips and Naughty Bits

There are many stores near the West 4th (on West 4th) that specialize in naughtiness (and belly dancing gear and other sexy aspirations). Any kinky props, costumes and pasties can be found here within wide price ranges.

SEWING SUGGESTIONS (luv JET)

• STICKY fabrics like vinyl and plastics can get stuck sometimes in your sewing machine - so I use a layer of tissue paper on top so it can glide through my machine and then it just rips off once finished, otherwise you can also purchase a Teflon foot to make things easier.
• RUFFLES! - tutus anyone? of course you have yards of tulle that your just dying to gather up-don't have a ruffling foot on your machine? Use a zig-zag stitch over a line of dental floss so the floss is free in between the zig-zag stitches and when you are done just pull the floss line on one side and the gathering is easy and fast. Once gathered stitch on top with a normal straight stitch to hold your gathers in place.

• Pasties - Making your own pasties is easy with your favorite fabric scraps. Most art stores in the city carry "Double tack" art paper which is like a sheet of double sided sticker paper.Peel off one side and place your favorite fabric scrap, then on the back draw and cut out you favorite pastie shape (hearts, stars...ect. the list goes on)
  When you're ready to wear them just peel off the paper like a sticker (non re-usable but they are custom and fun!)