First, I bought a regular molded cup bra (with under wire) from Wal-Mart for 10 bucks. I cut all of the straps on it off and put my own on. I used 1" gross grain ribbon (the kind with ridges in it) because it won't stretch. If you have someone to help you do this it will be a lot easier because you won't have to keep taking it off and on to get the straps in the right place. Note: Linda usually covers her straps with her fabric BEFORE attaching it to the bra. I do it after. Either way is fine. Her way may be easier for some people.
Once I got everything sewn on I covered it with my base fabric. I am using liquid lame because it's shiny and will complement the sequins I'm going to add later. I cut a piece of fabric that was about 2 inches bigger around each cup. I smoothed the fabric around and under as I sewed then I cut a slit in it and tucked one end under the other (that's what that line down the middle is. This process is a little harder the larger your cup size.
Next I started making the belt base. First I cut out my shapes for the front and back. Usually I do this all as one piece but because of the belt shape I did two this time. Remember when cutting to make it an inch bigger all around for your hem. I use a thin canvas-like material. Since it is thin I sometimes do two layers. I used a single layer for this belt. If you do two layers sew them together before you do the hem.
Since I made it two separate pieces I had to sew the two pieces together. The tricky part was making sure the point on the back lined up with the point on the front (so that the back point is in the middle of your back and the front point is in the middle of your front). To make this easier I usually don't put a point on the front. the front is usually just a straight band. This time I chose to make a point. You can make your belt in any shape you want. You can have straight bands, points, or rounded corners.
After I figured out where the pieces needed to go I sewed them together. I also added a dart in the back so the back curves. Otherwise the top part would stick out, away from my body.
The final step is to cover the belt with your base fabric. Cut it an inch larger than your belt so you can seam it.
Then tuck the ends under the belt and pin the fabric all around. Remove the pins as you sew so they don't get stuck in your sewing machine or break your needle. In the end everything should be similar to this: ------>
Peacock Costume started on 10/11/05 Time spent on Top: 2 hours Time Spent on belt: 2hours Time Spent on skirt: 0 hours Money spent on costume so far: $60 (Including the material I already bought for the armbands and skirt. Now you can decorate both pieces however you want! To continue on with beading this costume project, click below on Peacock Costume Part II.
