In Praise of the Lowly Rectangle Hip Sash


A while back I was reading a post by a dancer who was reviewing a local workshop, her words struck a tone in my brain.  She said, “All the venders were selling the same cheesy hip sashes.”  Her words shocked me, does this person not know the wonderfulness of the basic hip sash.  Sure everyone (or it seems so) has a hip sash for class, because it helps you see and hear your movements.  There are also times when it seems that every vender sells hip sashes.  I have sold them in the past and still have a few in inventory.  Some hip sashes being sold are cheesy and poorly made, but most are a good quality.  Could she possibly mean that you don't need to own more than one?  Shocking!!

But how could anyone own just one?  A hip sash is the perfect beginner costume belt.  It is always the right fit, while your body is adjusting in size to all this new exercise.  It works great, just as it is, for Folkloric costumes, as well as on Beledi dresses.  The hips sash is perfect for that first performance too.  But don’t stop there …. Oh no!



Make a quick Tribal style tassel belt by sewing tassels to the bottom side of the sash. 



Or you can make it look even more like a Coin Tassel Belt by sewing tucks in the sash in between the rows of coins, so the coins look continuous. 
The appearance is solid coins.



 Two matching hip sashes can easily become a quick costume.  Wrap and tie the first sash around your hips as you normally would.  Wrap the second one around your bust area for a top.  Wrap from back to front, cross over at center front and tie at the back of your neck.  Arrange the rows of coins decoratively.  Can be wrapped over a strapless bra or not as you choose.  A pin worn at the crossover will give more security.

 

Three matching hip sashes can become another quick costume with just a little sewing.  Once again one hip sash will be tied around the hips as you normally do.  Sew the other two hip sashes together leaving a hole for the neck on one side and a larger hole on the other for the body.  Leave the ends open.  You have a top.  Put it on over a pretty bra if the hip sash fabric is sheer.

 

You can even cover a bra and belt form with two matching rectangle hip sashes to make a more classic Coin Bedlah.  Once again use the “tucking method” described above for the belt.  Sew tucks between the coin rows so the coins lay more solid.  Baste the tucks in the second sash and cover the bra.  The use of basting stitches allows you to arrange the rows decoratively.  Basting stitches also allow you to take out the stitches where needed, to cover larger cupped bras.  The rest of the sash can be tied over the back bra fastening if you wish.  You can also cut the rest of the sash to cover the straps and sides and sew them into place, just as you would cover any costume bra.      

You see there really is no limit to what you can do with the basic rectangle hip sash.  You need lots of them in your belly dance closet, you just never know when and where you might want to use them.  Also if you teach, having a few extras in your dance bag will help your students feel more like Belly Dancers.  Same old hip sashes INDEED.

If you need or want more detailed instruction on any of these examples, you will just have to wait for my "Costuming on a Budget" book.  The book is due out in 2008.  I'm sewing and writing like a crazy woman.  Or you could take my "Costuming on a Budget" workshop to learn more.