PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

Keep in mind that heavy fringe will tend to drag the gauntlet down if it's not elastic and tight all over. (Tip: the elastic can be dyed or colored with permanent marker to match skin, if it shows.)

For those with more sewing skills, consider alternatives: Some gauntlets work better just above or below the elbow instead of at the upper arm. Or make a full sleeve reaching shoulder level, using a fitted sleeve pattern, cut a bit out under the arm, and attach it to your bra strap at top only, about three inches either side of center. Keep trying on and adjusting until correct, as always.

(About the photo: Dina is modeling velvet gauntlets with a chiffon scarf attached that matches her pantaloons.)

• Ask The Costume Goddess: Making Gauntlets. Describes how to make a pair of gauntlets for dancing.
• Ask The Costume Goddess: Sleeve Variations. Suggestions for various styles of sleeves.

• Ask The Costume Goddess: Jiggly Arms. Suggests arm accessories for camouflaging flabby upper arms.

Dina has been sewing for more than twenty-five years (yes, she started as a toddler!)

She's also an artist (Maryland Institute of Art) and perfected her sewing techniques apprenticed to various designers, freelancing for small theaters, restyling vintage garments, and altering wedding gowns.

Dina fell in love with belly dancing costumes upon her very first lesson. Now the pleasure of wearing her own designs, and seeing others wear them, offers as much pleasure as dancing. She's become expert as well in altering those troublesome ready-made Egyptian costumes, and modifying designs to flatter individual figures.

She holds workshops in Seattle to teach design and construction of cabaret costumes, and analysis of figure characteristics. She will also give private lessons, or resize or repair a secondhand costume. She's thus earned her Costume Goddess title.

The Costume Goddess Tells All Costuming Books

Dina has published six books of her own on belly dance costuming as well as writing nearly all the costuming section for The Belly Dance Book. For information on her series of books, The Costume Goddess Tells All, see her web site at www.costumegoddess.com. For reviews here on Shira.net of some of her books, see:

• Volume 1: Flattering Costume for Bellydancers. Advice on designing a belly dance costume that will look flattering for your figure type.
• Volume 2: Easy Costume for Bellydancers. Explains how to create easy-to-make costume items if you have very little sewing experience.
• Volume 3: Cabaret Belt and Bra for Bellydancers. Detailed instructions for making your own bra/belt set. Emphasis on the beaded/sequined look, but some coin information too.
• Volume 4: Arm Costume for Bellydancers. Creative ideas for sleeves, armbands, gauntlets, and drapes.
• Volume 5: Tribal Toppings for Bellydancers. Cholis, vests, and other tops suitable for U.S. Tribal costuming.
• Volume 6: Thrifty Chic for Bellydancers. Transforming thrift shop bargains into belly dance costume pieces.
• Volume 7: Headpieces for Bellydancers. Many simple, inexpensive ideas for costuming from the neck up.