eshta amar
New member
Hey everyone. I love to make my own costumes. That is pretty much all I do. I only own a few that are pre-made or came form Egypt. Let me know what you think. Here are the 2 newest ones.
Eshta Amar said:I think I am going to start making custom costumes for other dancers. I feel like I have enough experience at it now to branch out.
A dressmaker once told me her rule of thumb was to figure out what her materials cost, add up her labor costs, and add 10-20% to the total. I don't know if that is still true or not, but I would not go into costume making with the idea that I couldn't charge as much as other costumers just because I wasn't famous. I know how much time the damned things take to make, and people should expect to pay what the costumes are worth. You don't go into business to do people a favor, you go into business to provide a service and make a living. Shanazel
She wouldn't even let me try on one of her costumes except some pharonic dress style which I really didn't like. I think she was alluding to me being too big for her costumes. And I'm not that big - like a US size 12/14 so seriously...that did not want to make me buy something from her and she charges about $400-$500.!
thanks everyone! the green one is actually several shades of teal with a velvet trumpet skirt. It is edged in crytal sequins of various shades. It has big stones and lavender and green loop fringe. The other one is black velvet with crystals, coins and turquoise bead tassels. It has a sheer chiffon skirt.
I have been taking studio pictures every month trying to get a handle on what looks good and what doesn't. Since I am a bigger girl I have to watch out for those things!
I think I am going to start making custom costumes for other dancers. I feel like I have enough experience at it now to branch out. Any ideas on how to start?
P.S. Here is another one I made. I call it my treasure chest.