This book was written for the dancer who is interested in incorporating textiles, jewelry and garment shapes from tribal peoples of North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. However, many dancers who do folkloric, ethnographic or fusion dance wear costumes similar if not identical to the style favored by ATS dancers. Many dancers who participate in historical recreation or living history events like to adopt tribal style costuming because the textiles produced by tribal peoples varies little in technique and structure from the pieces made in these same cultures centuries ago. These books include directions for making your own patterns from your individual body measurements. There are some basic belt shapes in Costuming From the Hip , but in general, the pieces can be made following directions, measuring your body, and going from there.
Patterns are a recent invention, while for centuries people have made clothes right on the body.
This is the approach I utilize in both of my books. At some point I may offer some patterns for costumes. In the mean time, I recommend visiting my links page for connections to vendors who carry patterns for dance costumes. All of my products are available on line at this web site . You can also inquire of your favorite dance vendor.