The troupe has a Celtic-themed belly dance show coming up in March for which we are preparing quite the little dance number. To tie our look together on stage, we ordered 30 yards of the same miscellaneous cotton plaid, from which we will each be making a garment–or rather I will be making several garments for different individuals to wear.
As you know, I love harem pants, and of course I also love medieval attire. I decided to combine the two by drafting an experimental combination between a medieval celtic trouser and a modern hip-hop harem pant. Because I like to play with fire, I did not make a muslin or follow someone else’s pattern. I drew in RED SHARPIE right onto the wrong side of my fabric using only a waist and outseam measurement as a guide. Do not try this at home, kids. I knew I wanted the crotch to hit about mid thigh, and the pouf of the outer leg should hit at least the same if not higher. I also knew I wanted either gathering or pickups on the outer leg, so I made that pouf pouf.
I added a large pocket on the right hip with a secure inner pocket and flap inside that pocket. We’re always talking about going from no zils to zils quickly, and this pocket considers such fancies. I did settle on pick-ups for the drama after the elastic waistband was already installed and I could see how the fabric fell on my body.
Yes, they do look a bit like men’s pajama pants, and I assure you, they are just as comfortable. The mobility is insane and the androgyny intentional.
