Dance and Shantell

Anyut or Baladi Chemise

Suggested Fabrics

Traditionally, this chemise was made out of asyut (a wide-weave fabric with metal--gold or silver--studs in geometric designs). Asyut is difficult to find and is very expensive. Lightweight sof cottons can also be used. Voile and some chiffons with gold or silver metallic designs, or any fabric that drape well and it slightly transparent, can be used.

Method

  1. Body and sleeves of chemise should be cut on the straight of the fabric. If you have enough fabric to cut both front and back from a single piece, with no shoulder seam, go for it!
  2. French seams should always be used. This chemise is usually made from tranparent material and ragged semas can destroy the whole look of the dress.
  3. If the body of the chemise is not a single piece, sew together the front and back at the shoulder.
  4. Sew in the side seams leaving enough at the top to put in the sleeve and sewing down to just below the hip line.
  5. Sew bottom seam of sleeve and attach to chemise.
  6. Roll hem neckline, sleeves, bottom of dress and side opening.
  7. Trim can be added if desired.

Variations

[Chemise]


Baladi chemise with two sleeve variations:

  1. straight cut
  2. flared cut with sleeve seam open below elbow for a nice draped effect

Dots=hems; arrows=straight of fabric.


[Sleeveless Chemise]


A variation of the Baladi chemise. Follow the instruction for the chemise, but don't use sleeves. Roll hem to arm holes.


[Sleeveless Chemise]


Baladi chemise, or anyut, wide-weave fabric with metal studs forming geometric designs.


© 2006 Shantell Powell