Pink Retro Costume Page 4

Adding Straps, Lining, Hooks, and Making Accessories

You're almost done!  Usually at this point I'm very ready for the costume to be DONE, but it's important to take your time with these last steps.  The finishing touches are crucial - the straps and hooks ensure a proper fit, the lining helps protect the costume, and accessories make the whole look come together.

Note: when stitching through several layers at this stage of the process (starting with #2 below), I use heavy duty thread such as upholstery and have a thimble and needle-nose pliers on hand for pushing and pulling the needle.

1. Cover and line the straps.   Use the tie sections from one of the hipscarves to cover the straps.  (I decided to line up one of edges to 

take advantage of the crocheted stitches and gold beads.)  Hand stitch in place and trim excess on the wrong side of the straps. From the cotton lining fabric, cut rectangles to mimic the straps, adding an inch to the length and width.  Center the lining fabric over the wrong side of the straps and pin in place.  Turn the extra fabric under and hand stitch the lining to the chiffon and/or through the base canvas.  See photo Q.



2. Attach the straps. This step is more easily accomplished with the help of a friend. Securely pin the ends of the straps inside the bra cups, towards the outer edges.  Angle them slightly towards the center. Try on the bra (have a friend hold the back secure) and see if the straps are in the correct position for you.  Have your friend hold the straps together at the back of the neck as well.  Make the necessary adjustments.  Stitch in place.  See photo R.  Trim excess. 

3. Line the bra and belt. Follow the same steps as for covering with base fabric to cut the lining from the cotton fabric.  (Use the cotton knit for lining the bra band pieces since they need to stretch or use the cotton, but leave some slack to allow for stretch.) Pin in place and turn the edges under.  Hand stitch in place.  You will need to dart/tuck the fabric inside the bra cups. (Photos coming soon.)

4. Add the hooks and eyes.  Time to make everything fit perfectly!  I usually use two hooks on the bra band, one on the halter straps, and two on the belt.  

5. Accessories. I love having at least arm pieces that are part of the costume.  I actually feel quite bare if I'm not wearing even little bands on my arms!  I covered pieces of wide elastic with my base stretch fabric, fit them to my upper arms, and stitched the ends with a zig zag stitch.  I then attached leftover pieces from the scarves. Of course you will need skirts, too!  But those are really another costume piece, not just an accessory.  I was thrilled to find this matching chiffon that has round ducos on it that I think compliment the circles of the paillettes, coins, beads, and roundness of the cups.  


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