Red and Black Top (cont.) and Belt

The Top

The goal this week was to finish the top from last week and at least make good headway on the belt.  Goal accomplished.

Michael's was having a convenient sale yesterday, and I was able to get a good pendant and a few accent beads (as well as two other future project items) for a very good price.

The pendant attached to the chain lining the top of the bra with a small jump ring.  More jump rings, a few head pins and some leftover silver chain lent themselves to a nice, dangly addition to the pendant.

The only other thing the top still needed was straps.  The original bra straps served as a rough guide for the new straps.  I put a little curve into the extended portion so that they could be tied as halter straps.  Tying isn't the best option for pleather, as too much strain eventually pulls apart the faux leather surface, but I figured the wear in a less noticeable area wasn't too bad for the benefit of customized length and tension.

A few runs through the sewing machine and a little hand stitching to attach them to the bra itself and ta da!

One finished bellydance top.

The Belt

For the belt, I didn't have enough of the materials to make a perfect stylistic match to the bra, so I experimented.

First, I cut out the base, with pleather for the outside, non-stretch black fabric for the inside, and a little bit of light interfacing.  The latter would have been better replaced with stronger interfacing, but, again, I was working with what I had.

Before the top and bottom were sewn up, I needed to start working on the details.  I wanted to do a panel of interlaced red ribbon but ran out of red, so I had to improvise.  I created a criss-cross of red ribbon on a white background, using Sobo fabric glue to tack everything together.

Sewing the top and bottom finished this section up, and now it was time for the tassel trim.  I had enough black left over to cover the entire base of the belt, but I didn't have enough red.  With the advice of my honey, I decided to have the black overlap the red on the sides.  To avoid getting the trim stuck in the sewing machine foot, I went ahead and stitched it on by hand, starting and ending with slip-stitching the side seams.

 The belt also needed grommet for laced ties, so I went ahead and added those in.

So here it is, the (semi) completed belt (very much in need of careful ironing).  As you can see (and as the Mr. pointed out), the ribbon creates a very different look from the bra .  I was originally planning on adding cowrie shells, but they just didn't look right.  I don't think sequins would be quite appropriate either.  Mr. CouchCrafting suggested red tulle along the top, like the bra, which I may do if I can find similar tulle at a good price.

I kind of like the simplicity, but at the same time, I feel like it still needs a little something more.  Ideas?  Perhaps some design "embroidery" with more silver chain?