It’s May, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with the uber glamorous Basinah and her mum to craft a multi-piece assiut capsule wardrobe. Our mission is to use a couple of assiut shawls and a dress to build as many wardrobe pieces as possible using a mix-and-match format.
Basinah
Basinah, and her mum Jiniko, have been part of our team since we worked on The Cloth of Egypt c. 2014. For the next edition of Costuming from the Hip, we are working together to create a small collection of ensembles that showcase different design and construction techniques.
The first ensemble is made from three purple assiut shawls and a dress. We’re building a coordinating bra and belt set, a two-panel assiut skirt, and a dress. Jiniko is executing the sewing for this design collaboration. We’re transforming the traditional dance dress in several ways:
- Redesign Neckline
- Remove Sleeves
- Embellish with Rhinestones
- Transform Sleeves
“Costuming from the Hip” update
I’m very happy that the text of the book is basically finished. During May, I’m editing the bibliography and other end matter content.
My goal is to create a bibliography that will serve as useful tool for future researchers. We’re sticking to published books, and organizing them into logical groups for locating publications thematically.
In addition, #CFTH30 includes a new research guide for using archives. I’m including my best tips, tricks and methodologies for finding information in newspapers, magazines, and journals.
Sewing Resumes here at Studio Davina
Some folks might have heard over on Patreon or in my Studio Davina group on Facebook, that I’ve been having some issues with my right thumb. Over the past two months, I’ve worked on some rehabilitation and I’m happy to announce that I’m once again able to pull a needle. Hurrah!
Time to head back into the studio to resume work on the appliques for the “Blue Mermaid.” Photos to follow in the next post!
Happy Dance and Costuming,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
May, 2025