A Quarterly Newsletter dedicated to costume for Middle Eastern Dance, Danse Orientale, Raks Sharki, and Belly Dance.
 
Holiday 2002

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New Folkwear Pattern - Turkish Dancer

I have always been a big fan of Folkwear patterns. And I was very excited to get a new pattern from them, the Turkish Dancer #108. This ensemble is the latest edition to their Caravan collection and is designed to appeal to dancers and historical re-enactors alike. Folkwear is in the process of resizing their patterns. The Turkish Dancer pattern is multisized to accommodate a range of sizes from small to 2XL. This is a boon for dance troupes who are looking to purchase a single pattern from which to cut all of their troupe costumes. As a large sized dancer myself, it's great to have another upsized pattern option. This new Turkish Dancer pattern contains three different garments to create a versatile mix and match wardrobe.

Entari
This semi-shaped, open fronted robe is a very versatile garment. Its long lean lines slightly flare to the hem with slits up the side to the hip. The sleeves are slightly bell shaped, but the entari can be made sleeveless creating a slim fitting vest-like garment. The elegant fish-eye darts provide shaping through the waist and can easily be adjusted to fit the exact curves of the body. As long as you don't change the shape and size of the sleeve head, you can experiment with different styles of sleeve by altering the seam.

Yelek
A tightly cropped vest is designed with princess lines to provide an excellent fit over the bust. This vest could be designed and worn as an independent garment, an alternative to the more familiar cholis that are currently popular. When the entari is made from soft supple drapy fabric, the vest can be worn as the outermost layer as depicted in the pattern cover art. Alternately, the vest can be worn as an under layer with the robe worn partially open to reveal the vest below.

Jacket
There is a waist-length jacket included. This piece is a traditional garment that is worn layered over the Entari.Turkish women would have been layered or quilted for warmth. For dancers performing at Renaissance festivals, this cropped jacket can be worn in inclement weather or as a cover worn before performance. This pattern can also be used to create an embellished art-to-wear jacket for cruising dance festivals or attending performances.

An excellent companion pattern is Folkwear #119 Sarouelles, a collection of three pant styles from Turkey, North Africa and India. These pant patterns are comfortable and the perfect complement to many dance costuming styles. For a more complete dance cover, the Moroccan Burnoose #132 is a great flowing cape. It that can be made from durable natural fibers for a historical look, or out of sumptuous satins or velvets for a more upscale glamorous look. A more fitted cover garment from the Turkish coat pattern #106 a garment that's based off of traditional loose fitting Anteri styles that date back as early as the twelfth century.

Visit the Folkwear patterns new and improved website for these and many more patterns.