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Celtic Flame Irish Dance Costumer's Message Board

Irish Dance Costumer's Message Board
Welcome to the message board for the designers and makers of Irish Dance Costumes, Irish Dancers of all ages, and others interested in Irish Dance. Please feel free to ask questions and give advice often! Check out the FAQ for these topics: Puffy Headband Instructions 4 & 5 Panel Dress Instructions and Poll Zipper Poll
FAQ Link

Subject: Help needed....
Author: frustrated [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, December 06, 11:38:36am I've somehow managed to change my measurement reading in my Bernina V6 software to mm and I can't figure out how to change it back to inches... Any one know where or how I do this? Currently searhing the web and getting nowhere. Thanks for any info you can give. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Does anyone have a formula for calculating overall dress length from the dancer's height please? Just to give an average dress length, for a start?
Author: Thanks [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, December 02, 03:47:00pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Personally, I would not use this kind of formula. Not a dressmaker, but my dd is 5'2" and friends dd is about 5'7" and their dresses are only around 1" difference in length. Tall dd has very long legs and average body length. Another dancer of the same height could have a long body and shorter legs which I would imagine, would change the dress length. Happy to be told I'm wrong though! (NT) -- -, Monday, December 02, 09:48:15pm I'm 5'4" and have the same length torso as a 5'10" classmate. Drop waist dresses look ridiculous on me. (NT) -- mp, Thursday, December 05, 11:20:42pm I think technically, the skirt has to hit at least halfway between the BACK of the knee and the gluteal fold...not that ANY judge gets out there with a ruler, but...use that point from the ground and you have your dress length. (NT) -- **, Tuesday, December 03, 02:58:28am* On average, the back dress length is half the dancer's height. Doesn't work for unique shapes, small ones, etc. Desired length is also subjective as usually prizewinner wear longer than prelim or open champs. Also we see regional differences and teacher preferences. (NT) -- AVERAGE, Tuesday, December 03, 09:47:58am Thank you! That's exactly what I was looking for. I know it's not a perfect measurement, just an average for quoting an initial approximate price. (NT) -- OP, Tuesday, December 03, 02:18:22pm My dd is now 22 dancing since 6, her chest measurement has always been same as length of dress, strange but true!! (NT) -- dm, Wednesday, December 04, 10:43:20pm I've noticed that a lot! Girls with thin/average builds often have chest measurements that equal the dress length. Busty and/or heavier dancers don't tend to follow the ratio as neatly, and are more likely to need different front & back lengths. (NT) -- .02, Thursday, December 05, 04:34:58pm

Subject: Crystal search
Author: Have glue, will travel [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, December 02, 01:18:32am I can't find large flat back round Rivoli crystals on any of my usual websites, including Dreamtime Creations. I want clear crystal, not sew-on. I'd appreciate any leads! Thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Looks like Fire Mountain Gems has them. (NT) -- mp, Monday, December 02, 11:55:30am

Subject: We are looking at a used dress that fits well except that it is a bit tight in the front between the shoulders so that my daughter couldn't pull her shoulders all the way back. Is this something that can be fixed by letting out at the shoulder seam?
Author: M [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, November 23, 02:59:35pm Or is this an area that can't really be altered? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
That would depend on if there is any extra fabric in there. (NT) -- Probably not., Sunday, November 24, 12:43:31pm Thank you. I sew myself (but not Irish dance dresses- I know my limitations!), so I didn't think so, but I was hoping that maybe there was something specific to Irish dance dresses that would make it possible. (NT) -- M, Monday, November 25, 10:50:39am These are hard to leave excess in all areas, because you need to clip curves. -- so they don't bunch up., Monday, November 25, 08:04:01pm I no longer clip curves, to make alterations easy (NT) -- ., Saturday, December 07, 01:54:51am

Subject: advice on back of bodice - almost every time I make a dress the back bodice is left in a bump - sometimes a huge one - it's like the bodice is too long - but if I take the extra material away the whole back of the dress comes up short - can anyone help? This is becoming a nightmare, really because I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Author: DM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, November 21, 05:11:33am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Try moving up the widest part of the dart on the back bodice. If there isn't enough room below the widest part of the dart the fabric can't settled onto the hip, but bunches up instead. I highly reccomend picking up "Fitting Finesse" (or any fitting book by Nancy Zieman), it's full of clear and useful fitting advise. (NT) -- LOVE her, Thursday, November 21, 07:50:21am Many dresses are received new this way. First check how it hangs when it is unzipped. Usually the problem is that it is too tight at the hip area and rides up. Usually letting this area out solves the problem. Then -- My Thoughts, Thursday, November 21, 12:01:25pm This always happens to my dd because she has an ample butt and a deep curve in her lower back. (NT) -- letting out hips helps!, Friday, November 22, 09:08:03pm It may be the skirt ( more inside) -- Sewing mom, Friday, November 22, 08:02:28am

Subject: Show costumes
Author: looking for ideas [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, November 15, 09:41:42pm Hi all... I normally make costumes for my school's end of year show/displays. In the past, the costumes have typically been made as two piece, with a circle type skirt and a fitted bodice. Bodices have always had large side seams, waist hem and zipper allowance so I can alter them as needed. It has worked pretty well in the past as I've been able to alter bodices up around a size, or take in as needed as and when dancers have grown, and when dancers have retired or left and new dancers have come up the levels. The two piece concept also means we can switch things up a little (bodice A with skirt B, Bodice A with Skirt C, Skirt C with a fitted tee and a belt...). However I AM looking to update or expand a little bit in the next year or so as we've had these costumes for around 5 years. I am trying to think out side the "bodice & skirt" box. I'd love to do some princess line "jean butler" style dresses but am concerned about the long term fitting/altering aspect. We also have a large variety of shapes and sizes so whatever I do needs to be flattering to super slim teens as well as curvier women. Does anyone have any input as to what styles have worked for their schools? In particular with long term altering as dancers grow or as costumes move on to new dancers. es - just trying to get some basic ideas for concepts [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The most user-friendly school dresses I have seen were princess line velvet or gabardine dresses made with room at the waist and a wide flare to the skirt. On the back sewn into the princess seams at the waist were wide tiesthat could cinched in the waist to accomodate whomever was wearing the dress, and which were hidden by a vertical cape. The dresses are flattering on all the girls and and the alterations were minimal as they were passed from dancer to dancer because of the cinching. (NT) -- DM, Tuesday, November 19, 09:53:46am The most user-friendly school dresses I have seen were princess line velvet or gabardine dresses made with room at the waist and a wide flare to the skirt. On the back sewn into the princess seams at the waist were wide ties that could cinch in the waist to accomodate whomever was wearing the dress, and which were hidden by a vertical cape. The dresses are flattering on all the girls and and the alterations were minimal as they were passed from dancer to dancer because of the cinching. (NT) -- DM, Tuesday, November 19, 09:54:47am

Subject: Would love some ideas for crystals on white satin
Author: Blinging Mom [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, November 15, 03:26:06pm Hi, we're in the home stretch before the O. and are blinging a lovely SNDM OTR solo dress. DD's teachers prefer only clear crystal or crystal AB because that's what Gavin's shop uses. I think they use only those to make things simple -- they make and bling a large number of dresses, fast! It is DD's last dress, and she has chosen matching colored crystals for the embroidery. She wants to do a scattering of crystals on the white satin bodice and sleeves, as well, but doesn't want the harsh polka-dot look of clear crystals (her words, not mine). She wants to try small "opal" crystals instead. I'm afraid that they won't sparkle enough to be worth the bother and expense. Does anyone have experience with the opal crystals, or have an alternative to suggest? I need to get this order in right away; nothing like waiting until the last week, LOL! Thank you so much. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I used opal once & didn't care for them. They do not sparkel as much & look cloudy. (NT) -- MO, Friday, November 15, 04:55:21pm I would definitely stick with crystal or crystal AB (NT) -- for the best sparkle, Friday, November 15, 07:01:58pm I agree with the other posters, the opals are very milky and don't sparkle well at all. (NT) -- ., Friday, November 15, 09:53:39pm AB's and clear work very well on white. I use it all the time (NT) -- ., Saturday, November 16, 06:50:28am Thank you All! (NT) -- OP, Saturday, November 16, 10:53:24pm try the "unfoiled" AB crystals. They are just as shiny but have a little opal look (NT) -- MJ, Wednesday, November 20, 03:33:00pm We have laid the unfoiled ones on fabric, and they end up just looking like rubber dots. Don't look sparkly at all. Maybe on a huge stage with great lighting - but at a regular feis, they would look like rubber dots on your dress. We didn't like it (NT) -- beware, Thursday, November 21, 09:14:16am That was my experience with the unfoiled clear as well. Wish I had the know-how to develop the right color and sell it to Swarovski... (NT) -- ~Kris, Friday, November 22, 07:59:31am

Subject: Tips for shipping dress from Canada to USA?
Author: MAR Dancer [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 12:30:13pm Wondering whether anyone has advice for shipping a dress from Canada to the US. I have a limited time frame (just over 1 week) to get a dress from Western Canada to Eastern US and am wondering what the best way is to list the dress on the customs form so as to avoid delays. Currently looking into Canada Post, UPS, and Fedex as shipping options. Thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
If the person shipping is near the border, can they ship from the US? That would be fastest. Otherwise I've seen advice to label it as used children's clothing, but the insurance value could still trip a customs check. Best of luck!! (NT) -- ~Kris, Thursday, November 14, 10:54:41am Thanks! Unfortunately the border is a 4+hr drive, but it sounds like since it's a soft-skirt design, it's easier to pack than the old stiffened panel dresses. (NT) -- Fingers crossed for smooth customs crossing!, Friday, November 15, 12:35:58am Yup, I also do the childrens clothing label or used cotten dress valued at $200. So far, haven't had any troubles and dresses get there in 3-4 days using Express post Canada post. Not gauranteed so make sure the buyer knows it's out of your control if it does get held up... (NT) -- KD, Friday, November 15, 09:38:13am careful labelling it as a child's costume. due to the newly implemented lead laws it may be opened and held up in customs if it has crystals. better simply to label it as a dance costume. (NT) -- x, Friday, November 15, 12:26:59pm Just wanted to update and say that the dress arrived without any delays at its destination, and looks even better than in the photos! Marked it as a "used costume" and used Canada Post's 3-day "XpressPost" Thanks for the tips! (NT) -- Excited MAR dancer =), Wednesday, November 20, 11:50:15pm

Subject: Trying to find a good color stone to use on flourescent hot pink fabric. I got "fuschia" from Dreamstime but its too dark of a color. Any other suggestions on what to try?
Author: mom [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, November 12, 06:43:23am I want to stone the pink fabric to make it sparkle, but I don't want to have the stones look too much like polka-dotting the fabric. thanks for any suggestions. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Maybe dark rose or rose AB?? (NT) -- LynnToledo, Tuesday, November 12, 07:49:19am Indian Pink (NT) -- is nice, Tuesday, November 12, 01:59:56pm The regular Rose. (NT) -- ., Friday, November 15, 10:17:54pm Thank you!! We bought the Rose color and it works great! (NT) -- thank you, Sunday, November 24, 03:32:28pm

Subject: digitizing software
Author: dress maker [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 10, 07:00:39pm Whats your prefered digitizing software? I have embird and masterworks 3 (baby lock) and I'm not super crazy about either for irish stuff. So what do you have and why do you like it for dressmaking? Thanks :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I'm also looking to purchase new software. So fat I've only looked at Floriani--anyone using that or have experiance with it? The cost has doubled since I bought software 8 years ago! (NT) -- LynnOH, Monday, November 11, 10:59:46am OOps! That's "far" not fat. (NT) -- LynnOH, Monday, November 11, 11:02:11am looked at floriani also (more inside) -- author, Monday, November 11, 01:33:06pm I was told that Bernina was good have just purchased V6 Editor Plus and currently have PE design Next which isnt so good for Celtic design. Hoping Ive made the rigt choice!:) (NT) -- IDM, Monday, November 11, 07:46:53pm I second Bernina V6 :-) Lots of tutorials on youtube to get you familiar with the differences from PE Design too. (NT) -- Works great for me, Tuesday, November 12, 09:23:09am bernina v6 (NT) -- bg, Wednesday, November 13, 07:21:00am does bernina v6 have hoop splitting? (NT) -- author, Thursday, November 14, 11:10:18am yes (NT) -- bg, Friday, November 15, 11:35:40am Re V6 Editor Plus does anyon know if you can manually digitise with this level of software? I would like to buy it as I am about to take the leap with embroidering a dress. I cant find any info to advise me. I would like to be able to manually digitise some designs in the future and am wondering if this version is the right one. Thanks in advance. (NT) -- Newbie, Tuesday, November 19, 10:04:58pm I haven't used bernina yet, but with other brands the editor just edits. You need digitizing software to digitize (NT) -- author, Wednesday, November 20, 10:50:44am Bernina V^. Was told by a commercial digitizer that it is the closest thing to the professional WILCOM software on the market. (NT) -- BJ, Wednesday, November 20, 07:27:03pm

Subject: Just got back from JoAnn's. Got all the fabric for DD's next dress - the good velvet, crepe backed satin and organza. With sale prices and coupons - only $70
Author: Great prices this weekend! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, November 08, 11:31:25am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
You made good use of the sales and the 25% off total purchase. WAY TO GO! (NT) -- Only through Saturday, Saturday, November 09, 12:25:57am

Subject: dress cost formula
Author: dress maker [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 06, 11:59:05pm How do you price your dresses? Does anyone have a formula they would be willing to share with me? if you don't want to post it publicly you could email me jen dot blackerby at gmail dot com. Thanks :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
You really have to work out how bet to charge for yourself. I use a combinationof size, amount of embroidery/digitising, fabric type, complexity of construction etc. (NT) -- And experience, Tuesday, November 12, 02:09:15pm best (NT) -- ., Tuesday, November 12, 02:10:10pm

Subject: Wow that was some bus that I just got thrown under. Better work on those eyes in the back of my head.
Author: Still sore.... [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 06, 07:58:19pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
You just never know when those buses are going to come out of nowhere, so unexpected. Maybe it was the same one I met a couple of weeks ago. (NT) -- Hope you recover soon!, Thursday, November 07, 04:55:40am RIGHT?!?!!! Wish we had a union. (NT) -- *, Friday, November 08, 10:52:01am* Is it a situation you could share? Help the rest of us avoid where you're at right now. (NT) -- Sorry for your bad news, Sunday, November 10, 11:16:07am Dang that bus gets around! (NT) -- me too!, Wednesday, November 20, 07:28:14pm

Subject: I need a new crystal supplier. I've had it with tamisplace.
Author: movin on [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, November 04, 11:43:49pm Her site changes constantly and now it don't just take paypal. I can't get an order with all her bs Im fed up. I need links that work and that I don't have to waste hours on. Thanks for any help. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Love Dreamtime Creations (NT) -- J, Tuesday, November 05, 06:54:06am Dreamtimecreations & Harmans beads wholesale prices are quite similar, and Dreamtimecreations regular prices are good. Great selection with both, dreamtime is especially easy to order from. (NT) -- --, Tuesday, November 05, 06:54:39am Wow, I'm sorry about your difficulty, but I love Tami's place. Just ordered some crystals, very easy, ordered Wednesday night, got them Saturday. (NT) -- without paying for rush service, Tuesday, November 05, 01:14:30pm rhinestonebiz.com (NT) -- AT, Wednesday, November 06, 01:04:01pm Did you try eBay? (NT) -- Some good finds, Wednesday, November 06, 11:35:31pm

Subject: Gavin sleeves
Author: Helen [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 03, 05:50:38am Good morning all, my sister and I are going to attempt a solo dress for her daughter,we have been looking at gavin dresses at the feis, my sister is convinced that the sleeves on gavin dresses are cut the same back and front,if so is this the norm for dance dresses? Thank you for your help,I have made team dresses in the past with a lot of help and tips from this board,this will be first solo. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Yes, sleeves are symmetrical, front and back. Be sure to have a full enough cap. -- Sewing mom, Sunday, November 03, 05:28:47pm Yes for Gavin but not for all. (NT) -- style choice, Sunday, November 03, 08:25:57pm gavin sleeves -- Helen, Tuesday, November 05, 12:02:22pm

Subject: Does anyone know of a tool that looks like a pen, that you poke thru fabric,
Author: curious [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, November 01, 05:01:12pm as you hold a sequin underneath, and it pokes thru and sews it to the fabric. I saw this on a video, of making a couture dress. I would love to know how this is done and what this tool is. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
is this it?http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Kantan-Couture-Bead-Embroidery-Tool/3462746/product.html (NT) -- never used it, Friday, November 01, 06:15:54pm Yes that's it!! (NT) -- Thank you!!, Friday, November 01, 06:18:04pm

Subject: Are we all making three panels again?
Author: ! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, October 21, 03:01:55pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
No (NT) -- ., Wednesday, October 23, 09:40:45pm Not yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to be making them again by March. We'll see how many show up at the O's! They're still new enough that people are hesitant I think, and I don't blame them. Soft skirts are more comfortable, imho, and while panels leave room for interesting designs... Some things are better off in the past. (NT) -- .02, Thursday, October 24, 08:42:58am Yes have three orders. (NT) -- low bodice though., Thursday, October 24, 01:31:01pm I'm making some too, but totally different to the old style (NT) -- ., Thursday, October 24, 02:57:14pm Are thoose skirts stiffened or soft? (NT) -- Thank you, Thursday, October 24, 03:21:21pm yes---mine was stiffened.... (NT) -- bg, Thursday, October 24, 06:41:24pm I'm making one in the " new" style, using the standard skirt frame. The 3-panels are like a box pleated skirt with fewer pleats. (NT) -- Not sure I want to figure out skirt hang without the frame, Thursday, October 24, 07:05:24pm That is what I thought. (NT) -- Thank you, Friday, October 25, 08:38:23am That's interesting, so it still moves more or less like any soft skirt? Sounds like a great update. (NT) -- --, Saturday, October 26, 01:27:39pm The skirt is satin and I am using a heavy weight stiffener because there is more embroidery, so the skirt doesn't "float" as much as the satin box pleat ones I have made. (NT) -- PP, Sunday, October 27, 08:11:36am 3 panels how do you do the back of the skirts? gathered pleated or the same as the front? Thank you. (NT) -- sequin queen, Wednesday, October 30, 04:02:50pm

Subject: Does anyone have any experience or input on the following Juki Machines?
Author: looking for used model [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, October 16, 07:57:17pm Juki LU 563 Juki DDL 5500 Looking to purchase a more reliable used machine. Thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Note for Jeanne Farrell (in case she sees this list). I am trying to get in touch with you but the email address I have is bouncing. Please email me regarding a large order for earrings for a school. If anyone else has a good contact for Jeanne, please let me know. Thanks!
Author: BJ of Irish Seams, LLC [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, October 11, 06:12:18pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Rehooping on large machine question.
Author: KD [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, October 05, 09:22:14am While the large hoop on the big machine is great, I've hit an obstacle. I'm trying to do an embroidered pattern around the edge of the skirt. Even with a nice wide hoop span, I won't be able to get my pattern all the way along my 60inch piece of fabric. Normally, when I have something that needs to be rehooped, I digitize a placement line on the first hooping, then repeat it for the second hoop and place my piece for the remaining embroidery. My problem this time is I have a continuous repeating pattern that I want around the edge of the skirt. I was hoping to do a skater style skirt (large folding pleats usually with trim of ribbon around the edge). 1. Am I rehooping incorrectly? Should I be using the hoop layout/rehooping feature on my software (Bernina V6)? Ashamed to say I've never used it, my way usually works great for me. 2. Should I scratch the idea of a full skater skirt requiring 60 or more inches of fabric and just do a less full gathered skirt? 3. Am I over analyzing this? Apologies for all the questions, but I'm stumped. I welcome any and all input anyone is willing to share!! Thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Here is what I do---I only have the border frame so I rehoop alot -- as, Sunday, October 06, 09:50:59am THANK YOU!! Yes, this is almost identical to what I do now. -- more inside :), Sunday, October 06, 10:13:30am you don't have to pick the lines.... -- as, Tuesday, October 08, 07:44:02am Thanks again, I didn't even think of that.....ug...overthought the process. Thank you, thank you! (NT) -- KD, Tuesday, October 08, 11:03:51am Or simply join pieces of embridered fabric together, hiding the seams inside the pleats (NT) -- ?, Tuesday, October 08, 05:29:47pm I have done that too--depending on the 'fullness' of the skirt (NT) -- as, Tuesday, October 08, 06:51:13pm Have seen that also, with my luck the seam would end up front and center! LOL (NT) -- :), Thursday, October 10, 09:00:37am I do it slightly differently. I stitch the line out on the stabilizer, spray it with adhesive, line up my fabric, use a couple of pins to hold it until the basting box stitches, and then stitch. Works for me and I can use all of my hoop/frame because I don't have to be able to move the design around in the frame to line it up. (NT) -- BJ, Friday, October 11, 06:14:41pm

Subject: Do you have a photo of what you're looking for?
Author: :) [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, October 03, 07:35:55pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Oops! This was meant for the poster below who is looking for a dangle sequin fabric. (NT) -- sorry, Thursday, October 03, 07:40:37pm

Subject: Digital Embroidery Machine
Author: ndm [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, October 02, 05:19:23am looking for a bit of help. having started making id dresses am now looking to invest in a digital embroidery machine. Any advice on which machines to avoid etc. would be appreciated. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
If you scroll through the archived posts there are some great chats about machines. Which model depends on how busy you plan on being and how much you want to spend on supllies. Best rule of thumb is to buy the machine with the largest size hoop your budget allows. Visit your local dealer, take pictures or an actual dress with you. They'll be able to help you. (NT) -- :), Saturday, October 05, 09:02:25am Agree, get the biggest hoop you can afford. I like my Happy HCS 1501 15 needle. (NT) -- BJ, Friday, October 11, 06:05:35pm

Subject: Hi. Looking for a dangle sequin fabric thats muliticored, any ideas please?
Author: sd [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 08:52:33am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
http://www.spandexdepot.com/stores/sequins-fabrics-multi-color-sequins-c-40_204.html (NT) -- Maybe this, Tuesday, October 01, 07:27:01pm

Subject: Is there some other kind of sparkly fabric that can be used for dresses that is not sequin? Looking for sparkle, but without having an issue with sequins rubbing
Author: a mom [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 08:25:45am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Check out performance fabrics at Joann's , also glitter velvet, holographic Lycra for appliqu�s, very tiny 2 mm circle sequins are also not hard to work with. (NT) -- Another sewing mom, Wednesday, October 02, 07:57:28am A decent satin with lots of rhinestones looks equally up-to-date, with less wear and tear. The 2mm sequins are really nice, much less rubbing/catching. Lycra is ok in applique, but (imho) looks dated in large sections (skirt/bodice main fabric). Glitter velvet/satin can be pretty. (NT) -- --, Wednesday, October 02, 08:45:15am

Subject: circle skirt for large hip measurement
Author: DM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, October 01, 04:56:28am Hi, I am looking to see if anyone can help. I have material of 40 inch width and a hip measurement of 43 inches. My calculations mean that I can only get approx. 13 inch length for the skirt and this is a really big girl. Any hints on cutting it different? It is velvet so I'm stuck with the position of the pattern. Any help is much appreciated. I've hit a brick wall. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
can you do 2 half circles and connect them at the side seams? (NT) -- as, Tuesday, October 01, 07:48:41am For a very large person, you may want to use an oval instead of a circle. This allows the front portion of the skirt to lay a bit flatter. (NT) -- To draw an oval, use two push pins and a string., Tuesday, October 01, 05:44:11pm

Subject: Enter the FeisDresses.com contest for a chance to win an "Irish Dancer" fleece jacket. You can enter through our facebook page and let your friends know to vote for your entry!

Author:
Rhonda at FeisDresses.com
[ Edit | View ]

Date Posted: Monday, September 30, 12:59:02pm

We are having a contest at FeisDresses.com -- Spread the word!! Enter for a chance to win an "Irish Dancer" fleece jacket. Just enter our contest by submitting a photo of your favorite Irish dance dress. You can enter the contest through our facebook page. Get your dance friends to vote for your entry!

Also, don't forget to visit our website at FeisDresses.com where you can post your dance items for sale for free. Listings are always free. You can list your Irish dance dresses, vests, wigs, shoes, accessories, anything ID related. Happy shopping and selling and good luck in our contest. Contest details and entries are through our facebook page. Just click on the "win" button that is just under our FB header picture.
https://promotion.binkd.com/Direct.aspx?id=11737

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Does anyone have any suggestions to get rid of that line in a velvet bodice that has been let down
Author: Me [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, September 28, 01:35:37pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Light steam and a soft bristle tooth brush to "refluff" the crushed fibers. Test on a scrap/hidden area if possible, sometimes it makes it worse. Otherwise...rhinestones? (NT) -- --, Saturday, September 28, 02:57:35pm

Subject: Have been looking through the FAQ's for industrial sewing machine information. There are lots of posts from 2001, but looking for some more recent threads. Interested in purchasing a newer model than the ones listed as the older, durable machines aren't always available on for sale sites. Thank you for any advice you can give.
Author: Appreciate your input [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, September 25, 06:44:24pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I should note that my last machine was a dud. Looking to upgrade :) (NT) -- OP, Thursday, September 26, 09:50:28am I have 2 Janome 1600s that I love. They are straight-stitch only, steel housing, metal mechanisms, and real workhorses. They sew up to 1600 spm but have a "speed control" switch to allow you to control your max speed. They go thru the thick layers of solo dresses with ease. I have also just purchased a used Consew commercial machine but I haven't done much sewing on it yet. (NT) -- BJ, Irish Seams, Thursday, September 26, 08:54:05pm Thanks BJ! Any extra model numbers for your Janome 1600's? I have located a couple of the Consew machines on local for sale sites, interested to hear your experience on that one when you have a go on it. Many thanks for our input. (NT) -- KD, Friday, September 27, 09:16:21am

Subject: new carriage rule---we were all wondering about the 'shoulder bands'
Author: AS [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 23, 07:48:11am From the new worlds syllabus: "In order to comply with Health and Safety measures, all dancers lining up side stage prior to a competition will be asked to perform the simple exercise of raising arms to shoulder level unhindered. Any dancer unable to do so due to costume stitching or arm attachments will not be permitted to dance in that competition." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Some were created loose enough that this won't be a problem. Some styles are an illusioin and won't be a problem. But a few that velcro around really tightly will be a problem. At least one dancer wears hers under her arm for competition. (NT) -- me, Monday, September 23, 10:13:11am What would prevent them from being able to lift their arms? I am envisioning one of those bent bar things the "Pros" on Dancing With the Stars make the "stars" wear to improve their hold/carriage. (NT) -- LynnOH, Monday, September 23, 10:16:46am Some of these dress were created with "straps" that are wrapped around the upper arms and velcro to the back at the zipper. -- me, Monday, September 23, 03:52:46pm this could be a problem for some of the dresses with really small sleeve heads, too! (NT) -- interested to see if this is actually enforced....., Thursday, September 26, 08:55:51pm I also remember several years back the all over sleeve designs were popular. Some dressmakers were embroidering them with a layer of skirt stiffening and leaving it in there when sleeves were constructed. Made them a stiffened hollow tube that was very difficult to lift... disguised a lot of arm faults (NT) -- :-S, Sunday, September 29, 08:36:56am can you post a link where this was found? (NT) -- jen blackerby, Friday, September 27, 08:50:20pm http://www.clrg.ie/admin/downloads/World%20Syllabus%202014_Layout%201.pdf -- as, Sunday, September 29, 07:53:05am

Subject: Any Southern NJ or Philadelphia area dressmaker/seamstress willing to do surgery on my dd's new dress?
Author: fingers crossed [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 23, 03:37:54am fits too tight across chest/shoulders [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Looking for fabric.
Author: Email [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, September 22, 11:21:09am Joann's sold this plaid fabric in 2010. I'm wondering if anyone has any left in their stashes that they might be willing to sell. Please email me if you have some. Thanks so much! http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdsf/4755499418/in/set-72157623164689373/ [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
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I have the one that is navy and green plaid with a small red line...but it looks like your small line is gold? (NT) -- AS, Tuesday, September 24, 11:40:03am Thank you. Yes, I am looking for the one with the gold line. I have tons of plaid taffeta with the red line if anyone else needs it :) (NT) -- Thanks for trying., Wednesday, September 25, 09:53:05am

Subject: So when a dancer trying on a dress, pulls her shoulders back in "dance stance" and then says "it's too tight when I pull my shoulders back!" what can be done? The dress seems to fit but the fabric is firm and unforgiving. All I could think was to let it out a bit through the bust at the underarms. Any other ideas?
Author: thanks for any ideas [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, September 20, 02:23:53pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Is there any let out in the armhole? The upper chest is probably what is pulling. It could also be the sleeve cap (might need more fabric). Where are the stress lines when she puts her shoulders back? Those should lead you to the area the needs more room. (NT) -- --, Friday, September 20, 05:40:27pm Also check the armpit. If the armscye is too high, it will restrict movement and pull when they try to put their shoulders back. Sometimes it's easier to see what's going on if you take the sleeve out and have her put the dress on. I have seen a successful alteration where the dm added a wedge of fabric at the armsche edge of the bodice in a color that complimented the design. (NT) -- BJ, Irish Seams, Sunday, September 22, 03:42:24pm If you mean too high into the armpit, that is not the problem (you are talking about adding gussets so the arms can move more freely). In fact, having the armscye higher into the armpit is very common in dance wear. This is an upper chest issue, and since the dancer's dance posture involves pulling the shoulders back, if you give more room across the upper chest, when she is not dancing, it will look too big. If you make that adjustment, make sure all concerned know what is going on and why. (NT) -- , Sunday, September 22, 06:17:47pm* Good pics and analysis of a dancer's extreme posture and fitting the bodice: -- , Sunday, September 22, 06:26:17pm* didn't mean to sound so harsh! Thinking and writing at the same time and then not proof-reading for tone. Sorry! (NT) -- , Sunday, September 22, 07:35:02pm* Exactly. The armscye has to be high, but if it is too small, it will pull. Same with the sleevehead. If it is too small, it will pull when the dancer puts her shoulders back. I always explain to the parents/dancer that the dress has to look beautiful while they are dancing, not while they are hanging out (and slouching) with their pals between dances. Solves a lot of problems. (NT) -- BJ, Sunday, September 22, 09:09:39pm No. Size of the cye hasn't a lot to do with it. It's the position of the cye -- HTH, Wednesday, September 25, 03:45:41pm agreed (NT) -- , Wednesday, September 25, 05:08:45pm* Thank you all so much for your thoughts! The sleeve cap had enough width, and there wasn't much I could do about the width of the bodice across the upper chest, but I ended up just letting out the bust, and ta da! Problem solved. I appreciate all your input. (NT) -- OP, Thursday, September 26, 01:59:26pm

Subject: Need a SIMPLER bodice pattern for girls size dress...just have basic sewing skills and trying to make something interim for a friend's dd...
Author: Thank you so much!!! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, September 20, 10:24:33am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Not being difficult, but if the bodice patter for Feis Dress or Irish Threads is too difficult, getting the proper hang of the skirt, which requires support, will be out of your league. (NT) -- a dm, Sunday, September 22, 03:44:50pm pattern (NT) -- oops, Sunday, September 22, 03:45:24pm* Actually the feisdess and irish threads look do-able... was working with a burda children's dropwaist pattern that needs way too much... (NT) -- thank you - op, Monday, September 23, 07:32:43pm This forum has been very helpful to me over the years, so I'm happy to help here. My all time favorite bodice pattern is Simplicity 3723. It's in the costumes section. It's fitted, high necked, long sleeved, and has darts. The only thing you have to do is add length to the bodice (and width if you drop the bodice to hip) and widen the sleeve a bit. Plus you can get it for $.99 when Joanns has a sale. I got a bunch and cut them to almost every size. There is a children's version too. Love it! (NT) -- Sonia, Thursday, September 26, 02:07:45pm OMG...that looks perfect!!! Thank you so much!!! (NT) -- op, Wednesday, October 02, 09:23:19am You're welcome. By the way, I don't cut the sleeve with a curve like in the pattern. I use the pattern for the sleeve head but then cut the rest of the sleeve straight down. (NT) -- Sonia, Tuesday, October 08, 09:29:53am

Subject: got a class dress with 'lamee' in the applique - hate it! - it always seems to fray. Any ideas of how to get around this/prevent this would be much appreciated.
Author: DM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, September 19, 12:07:36pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I used it in a dress myself. I used a double sided wonder under with fabric on both side, ironed them together. I then made it into an applique, along the stitching, I used the stop fraying glue and this helped keep the fabric from fraying. I hope that this helps. (NT) -- id mom, Thursday, September 19, 03:28:58pm thank you. I will try that (NT) -- DM, Friday, September 20, 03:07:43am Discuss with the tc and suggest that the costume be changed to eliminate that fabric. It should not be used on a class dress. You will online to have problems. (NT) -- Good luck, Saturday, September 21, 06:24:33pm If this fabric was only used on a solo dress than it would not be as much of a problem, but I do see it being a problem on a school dress. You want more of a sturdier fabric in this case. Good luck! Can you go with another fabric in the same color? (NT) -- mom, Sunday, September 22, 02:14:19pm Use fusible woven interfacing to back the lame'. It will make a huge difference in the durability of the lame'. I use it on school dresses with success. (NT) -- BJ, Sunday, September 22, 03:48:51pm

Subject: Rectangle strips for skirts question
Author: Thank you SNDM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 16, 04:52:04pm I've done a few skirts now using a long rectangle as the skirt. I've fussed with the side seams, snipping them up at a curved angle trying to give the skirt the right shape from the front. Question is, should I be pulling it up at the sides at the top of the skirt instead of the bottom? Not sure if this is making any sense or not but I appreciate any help anyone is willing to offer. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Yes. Try raising the side seam as you gather and curve the strip around the skirt. (NT) -- You got it., Tuesday, September 17, 08:43:39am Thank you so much (NT) -- :), Tuesday, September 17, 09:45:51am Hey - I hear you. The worst are the box pleats with a band of different color fabric at the hem. I can't get the edge to sit right - where the fabric makes a U turn into the pleat. I cringe every time a customer asks for those! Sorry, can offer sympathy, but no help! (NT) -- another sndm, Tuesday, September 17, 10:07:33am Does anyone use a rule of thumb for how much higher the side seam should be or is it just an eyeballing kind of thing? Like side should be about 3 inches higher than the lowest center of skirt etc?? (NT) -- worth a shot, Wednesday, September 25, 09:43:30am I have- -- HTH, Wednesday, September 25, 03:52:40pm Having a nosey at one tonight :) Just worried about how much I'm going to end up with at the top side waist seam. I'm thinking I"ll just serge the excess away?? Maybe?? (NT) -- Thanks for the tips :), Wednesday, September 25, 05:39:41pm I once measured every Gavin that came my way for alterations. Every one was exactly 1" shorter on sides than at center of skirt. So that's what I do. (NT) -- :), Friday, September 27, 11:42:10am This is helpful, thank you. I laid the one I had flat on the table and measured how high the curve was pulled up. The difference from the center of the skirt edge to the curve of the side seam hem, is about 6 inches. This of course is laying flat. I'll be able to pull my side seams up and use this as a gauge when I lay it flat. Thank you all for your input. Very much appreciated! (NT) -- Thank you!, Saturday, September 28, 09:40:59am

Subject: Help, ladies, I need suggestions! I'm a SNDM, I've made a lot of dresses, but recently made my first sequin dress. Thankfully, it was for dd as I always experiement on her first. It's got sequins in bottom 2/3 of bodice and in skirt, with twinkle satin at top of bodice and sleeves. She's worn it 3 or 4 times and the sequins have snagged the fabric of the sleeve all the way from cuff to underarm seam so badly that the sleeve is all puckered up and several inches shorter than it used to be!
Author: thanks! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 16, 12:45:18pm I need to replace the sleeves in time for the next feis in two weeks. I have just enough of the satin to make two new sleeves. The question is what to do differently this time so that the fabric isn't damaged in the same way again. I considered replacing the sleeves with something more sturdy, but I can't think of anything that would match the dress and not look like an obvious replacement. The only thing I have come up with is to cover the new sleeve entirely in a matching color of tulle, and then to put no embroidery on it as the embroidery snags also, of course! But I'm wondering if the tulle will snag on the sequins also? Should I try two layers of tulle? I saw a couple of BNDM dresses at NANS with tulle covering the entire sleeve and couldn't figure out why they'd do that until this happened to me, and now I think I know! Does anyone have any other ideas? thanks so much! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I take it they are the large flat sequins? They trash twinkle satin. I don't mix the two now. Small sequins don't seem to do the same damage. But to fix this, tack netting to the sequins down the side back panels to stop them rubbing when she is dancing and put something on her when waitning to dance with sleeves, like a hoodie. (NT) -- That has seemed to work for the dresses I've made., Monday, September 16, 03:30:55pm I use two layers of netting/tulle on the inside arms of the dress:) (NT) -- SNDMTOO, Monday, September 16, 04:46:53pm Two layers of thinner netting/tulle, or one layer of that really thick scrubbie net (does anyone know if it has an alternate name?) from joanns. (NT) -- switched to bridal satin, can't handle the twinkle with sequins!, Tuesday, September 17, 10:08:03am I have also used tulle, but have found it also snags. I now use Opsite Flexigrid Dressing -, it is a burn dressing, just put it on the sequin, it cant be seen on stage and works really well. (NT) -- DM, Monday, September 16, 06:04:01pm Thank you ladies, I appreciate the help. I'll try covering both the sleeves and the sequins on the sides of the bodice. (NT) -- thanks!, Friday, September 20, 02:21:15pm

Subject: Where can I find a simple bodice pattern? Any suggestions?
Author: Feis Mom in Training [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, September 12, 08:42:57am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
New Look 3110 google the pattern companies and look through dress patterns, then choose one you are comfortable working with/altering because none of them will be exactly right. Or buy a pattern from Feis Dress, but that also requires altering. The Irish Threads pattern is also good but again needs tweaking for today's styles. (NT) -- a dm, Friday, September 13, 07:06:08am something I've done often-very unconventional,but -- it works, Monday, September 16, 10:25:27am If you can find one, Out-of-Print Vogue 8510 is nice dropped-waist dress. You will need to modify the neckline and sleeves though... (NT) -- LynnToledo, Thursday, September 19, 03:46:01pm

Subject: Is there any stiffner used in the box pleat skirts?
Author: Mendy [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 09, 04:00:25pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The box pleat skirt is supported by a stiffened frame that has some gathered satin and/or tulle to give shape and body. (NT) -- not as simple as it looks, Monday, September 09, 05:58:01pm I was afraid of that. Thanks for the info. (NT) -- Mendy, Monday, September 09, 09:59:36pm There is a link inside that a person took the time to really explain how to do this. She did an amazing job with her information about how to do the stabilizer underneath the pleated skirt with some photos as well. Read through the whole thing as she explains the method in a couple of different places. -- link inside, Tuesday, September 10, 03:12:40pm Thanks for the link! I will also be attempting another dress and was considering a skirt with box pleats. (NT) -- Another mom, Sunday, September 15, 11:32:49pm

Subject: Vilene
Author: Jean [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 09, 08:33:27am Does anyone have a source of Vilene to stiffen the skirts? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
http://www.freudenberg-nw.com/en/solutions/Pages/V_Apparel.aspx (NT) -- bg, Thursday, September 12, 07:24:20am

Subject: Side pleat question
Author: Sewing mom starting next dress [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, September 08, 06:27:55pm Noticing that the new skirts have pleats around entire skirt, usually a soft skirt. Are side pleats still used on a frame? Most do not look like they do even though I know some underneath construction is necessary to maintain the shape. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Very few. Some of the BN dressmakers don't do the pleats anymore. (NT) -- ., Monday, September 09, 11:08:19am Yes, the box pleat skirts have an under frame but most no longer have pleats in the frame. (NT) -- me, Monday, September 09, 05:55:46pm which means when you try to alter the skirt if your dancer grows, you buy it used, or it doesn't fit in the first place, the skirt frame can't be let out except at the CB so the skirt rotates forward and hangs funny. (NT) -- not a fan of the shortcut frame - put the pleats back in!, Monday, September 09, 10:39:10pm Disagree. I let down few of these kind of dresses and had no problem with the skirt as long as there is some extra room at the zipper seam. Not all the BNDM would leave an extra (NT) -- at the zipper at the skirt though. That is the only problem., Monday, September 09, 11:02:48pm It depends on how much you have to let out. If you only need an inch or so, then letting it out at the CB is fine. When you need 2 or 3 inches, letting it out only at the CB rotates the side of the skirt frame forward too far. It is not an issue with the frames that are seamed at the sides, but the ones that are constructed in a single piece tend to buckle and tilt the back up. (NT) -- altered a lot of these, Friday, September 13, 07:02:00am That doesn't make sense to me, even with a side seam doesn't the front of the frame still rotate forward? I feel like I missed something. On a related note, if you have to let out the dress 3" it is probably time for a new dress. I'm sure that's frustrating for some, but that is a big change in size. (NT) -- too many opinions, Friday, September 13, 10:25:23am Frames that are seamed at the sides generally have pleats that you can let out if necessary to keep the "v" at the side of the skirt at the side of the dress. (NT) -- a dm, Saturday, September 14, 06:12:45am Who makes underpanels as a single piece? Are they circular? Or am I missing something here? What would be the advantage or time saving? (NT) -- Don't understand, Friday, September 13, 10:37:25pm They're from the UK. No side seam in the skirt frame. They appear to be oval shaped with the center cut out and trimmed at the front and back to leave "legs" at the sides. It makes no sense to me either. Seems like it would be more efficient use of materials to piece. It would definitely be easier to alter, but I guess BNDMs don't necessarily care about alterability since most of their customers come back for every major. (NT) -- a dm, Saturday, September 14, 06:09:46am Much quicker without seams, I would guess, and time is money (NT) -- !, Saturday, September 14, 07:26:11pm

Subject: Why are all these posts dated in the future? ie.e post below is sept 28?
Author: MJ [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, September 07, 11:17:41pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
its not on my computer, maybe the date on your computer is wrong? -- dm, Sunday, September 08, 05:12:37pm I see ones dated mid-September as well...weird! (NT) -- ~Kris (who's computer says today really is Sept 9th!), Monday, September 09, 08:48:32am If you look at the day as well as the date, someone has dragged up a post from last year to the top of the page, about desperate for a dress (NT) -- Don't know how that happened!, Monday, September 09, 05:03:52pm

Subject: Anyone know of a dressmaker who will still accept someone for Oireachtas? Plans fell through
Author: Desperate :( [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, September 10, 10:13:13pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Where are you located? (NT) -- Might be able to help., Tuesday, September 11, 09:27:37am U.S. New England but willing to work with dressmaker from wherever (NT) -- Boston DM, Tuesday, September 11, 01:31:11pm If you leave your email anyone available can contact you directly. (NT) -- Good luck., Wednesday, September 12, 04:25:19pm What measurements are you after? (NT) -- -, Thursday, September 13, 07:35:07am I can make you a dress, but how do I contact you (NT) -- ?, Friday, September 14, 03:12:51pm If you are a dressmaker, you should leave your business contact info. More appropriate than a person leaving theirs. Mostly likely your business info is already public (NT) -- mom, Monday, September 17, 05:13:11pm "Should" and "more appropriate" ? Why? I'm not the one "desperate" for a dress. I'm sure many dressmakers would be like me at the moment, getting several queries each day about whether I can make them a dress in time for the Oireachtas. If someone comes on here really desperate to find a dress, then it doesn't make sense for them not to be contactable! (NT) -- Hope you find a dress though, Thursday, September 20, 10:14:18am I can accept another dress before Oireachtas. Please contact me at email address (NT) -- MJ, Saturday, September 07, 11:14:25pm Isn't this last year's post? (NT) -- ?, Sunday, September 08, 12:36:42am yeah, was wondering why there are some posts dated strangely, thanks (NT) -- MJ, Sunday, September 08, 08:13:42am

Subject: large sequin fabric and metallic thread---nuff said..:(
Author: P [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, September 06, 01:55:24pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Large crystals
Author: Anna [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, August 31, 07:09:18pm Is there any online websites I can find any large sew on crystals? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Try www. rhinestoneguy.com. He has large swarovski crystals in different shapes. (NT) -- ERmom, Sunday, September 01, 02:25:12pm Thank you (NT) -- Op, Wednesday, September 04, 05:08:21am Har-Man beads (NT) -- a dm, Wednesday, September 04, 07:00:58am May I ask how Har-man's prices compare to the wholesale DreamtimeCreations prices? What about their selection of color and size? It's hard to tell from the website without creating an account. (NT) -- thanks!, Wednesday, September 04, 02:47:41pm come on you 2 stop answering your own posts its getting anoying (NT) -- nt, Friday, September 06, 02:35:48am So cynical! I posted the Harmon beads answer and I am not an affiliate with any crystal company, just a satisfied customer. To answer the serious question, the prices are very good and they have discounts for bulk orders but you have to open an acct to see them. (NT) -- a dm, Friday, September 06, 06:26:44am Thanks for replying! Can you give me any idea of what the price difference is? I've set up accounts with a few other suppliers and wasn't happy with their "discount" prices, so any idea of what to expect would be appreciated. (NT) -- not a troll either!, Friday, September 06, 08:59:05am

Subject: Reading a story on a blog...
Author: ?? [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, August 30, 08:13:11am What is a "Soap n� Rinse" dress [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Haha....Siopa Rince. Z&B a parent whose daughter danced in the southern region. His tongue and cheek term for the BNDM, Siopa Rince (NT) -- Lol, Friday, August 30, 09:49:08am That's where I found it, "an outdated, three-panel, Soap n� Rinse dress" (Link inside) -- OP, Friday, August 30, 10:17:09am Yup--gotta love Z&B (NT) -- Lol, Friday, August 30, 11:57:43am

Subject: Does anyone know of a velvet equivalent to the JoAnn's premier velvet? They still carry the Premier but they have discontinued the blue.
Author: km [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, August 29, 06:17:55pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
do you need the blue? I just saw some at my local JoAnn's and could get you what you need. You can email me (NT) -- AT, Thursday, August 29, 11:14:34pm Thanks! I sent you an email (NT) -- km, Monday, September 02, 11:57:04am

Subject: Need gold holographic stretch flat sequin fabric. Anyone know where it is sold?
Author: Sewing mom from NY [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, August 28, 12:55:02pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Stretchhouse.com, Stretchworld.com, Spandexworld.com, NY Elegant-212-302-4984. Prices range between $25-$50/yard. (NT) -- LynnToledo, Thursday, August 29, 08:54:07am Thanks, much appreciated (NT) -- OP, Thursday, August 29, 12:35:20pm

Subject: Digitising Celtic Knotwork using PE Design Next am looking for tipps re points on Celtic knotwork Did smaller version which sewed out fine but when i got to the larger bodice design - the inner points were not right they were oversewn a number of times and the inner point did not look right , bunched up/looped. Is there some way to remedy this when digitising?
Author: IDM - advice appreciated [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, August 27, 05:35:57am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
You might have more luck if you write directly to an ID digitizer/embroiderer. Not sure how many come here anymore. (NT) -- , Wednesday, August 28, 01:38:47pm* Google Taoknitters (Irish Dance focused), contact them and they may be able to help. (NT) -- mom, Thursday, August 29, 07:15:57am

Subject: when attaching a long bodice --topstitched over the still skirt---do you cut away the extra stiff skirt at the waist, under the bodice, or do you leave it?
Author: Q [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, August 26, 08:02:26am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
stiff skirt (NT) -- Q, Monday, August 26, 08:03:23am I cut the stiffener out of the seam allowence (3/4-1.5" - whatever extra you leave at the top), but not around the point. I've seen both, but prefer to leave the interfacing complete in case of future alterations. (NT) -- --, Monday, August 26, 09:21:16am Leave it and let the curstomer do it if they want. Some shapes benefit from it, some don't. (NT) -- me, Monday, August 26, 12:12:33pm I ended up hand sewing the skirt onto the dress on top of the stablizer. I found this to be what needed to be done as I did not want to cut away any of the stabilizer. I then hand sewed a belt that I made on top of the skirt and bodice. It took a while but it came out looking nice. (NT) -- id mom, Monday, August 26, 09:13:13pm

Subject: New three panels
Author: Thanks [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, August 23, 07:40:27pm Has anyone seen the new three panels up close, or made one? Just wondering if the construction is essentially the same as the older dresses.. Stiffened back skirt, stuff labels, box pleats etc. just simply with the dropped waist and shorter skirt length. Or has construction been changed up? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Haven't seen any do you have a link to a photo? (NT) -- example?, Friday, August 23, 08:48:51pm There are several one The Academy's website, all made by gavin tho they aren't on his facebook. Have also seen a few done by other dressmakers but don't have photos. (NT) -- thanks, Friday, August 23, 10:50:52pm which academy's website (NT) -- mom, Saturday, August 24, 07:23:58am "The Academy". It is a school in Ohio. Google it. (NT) -- NAIDC and O champs wearing them., Sunday, August 25, 09:47:48am Elevation just added them as a new category on their site. (NT) -- ~Kris, Saturday, August 24, 08:08:53am I made those a couple years ago. Same principal (NT) -- just shortend, Sunday, August 25, 04:06:36pm I am pretty sure they are made exactly as the skater and goblet (as the Elevation call them). Not stiff as years ago. (NT) -- ., Sunday, August 25, 05:40:49pm Judging by the dresses I have seen (Siopa, Elevation, Gavin), each DM makes them a bit differently (NT) -- ., Sunday, August 25, 09:45:50pm

Subject: I am learning the Bernina Artisa 6 software to digitize my designs...more
Author: bg [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, August 22, 02:54:31pm How can I split a satin stitch. For example: I want a satin outline to be .40 wide....but I'd like it to be split width wise either in 2 or 3? How can I do this? The .40 is too wide and will catch and snag... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The .4 is usually the stitch length. So .3 would have the stitches closer together. .5 they would be further apart. if you want them wider you need to adjust the width. (NT) -- How many mm do you want it to be?, Thursday, August 22, 05:43:05pm Maybe she means 0.4 inches? I think you can reset the software into inches. But I don't know how to split the width into 2 or 3 lines (NT) -- ?, Thursday, August 22, 07:30:47pm yes .40 inches...I believe I figured it out, but I need to stitch something out to make sure... -- bg, Thursday, August 22, 09:31:17pm Is this similar to what some of the newer dresses embroidery looks like? I'm seeing lots of double wide thick embroidery on the BNDM dresses. Are they digitizing each row are splitting one wide row? Would be interested in knowing also. (NT) -- :)), Friday, August 30, 07:42:29pm Are you talking about the "Satin Special". I'm not sure it gives consistent straight lines, though. (NT) -- dm, Wednesday, September 04, 01:26:25pm

Subject: Wild Ginger PatternMaster Boutique
Author: Lori [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, August 21, 10:09:24pm Does anyone use Wild Ginger or another pattern software to generate patterns for ID dresses? I am actually thinking of just patterns for the bodice as I'm pretty quick at drafting the skirts by hand. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: How do you choose to finish the edgesof your sequined dresses?
Author: Wondering about a different way. [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, August 21, 05:12:40pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Sequins can be folded perfectly straight if you fold it along the diagonal. If its the hem of a skirt or sleeve then two rows of sequins folded under and sewn straight stitch looks ok. If its for appliqu� then careful cutting is needed before the satin stitch. I some times carefully glue back on full pieces in the gaps if needed (NT) -- Hope that helps, Thursday, August 22, 02:22:51pm Bias tape - Satin or velvet. (NT) -- lots of colors on ebay, Friday, August 23, 08:29:13pm

Subject: does anyone know of a dressmaker in the south, southwest or north suburbs of chicago to let down a Gavin
Author: me [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, August 20, 12:21:23pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Does anyone know how the off the shoulder designs are attached instead of embroidery straight onto bodice and sleeves, it's kind of loose like a shawl, any info would be greatly appreciated, daughter wants her dress to have this feature, ARGH!
Author: DD [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, August 18, 04:31:01pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The one Gavin I saw used snaps to attach. Do what works for you. (NT) -- MO, Monday, August 19, 10:43:01am Not OP but also interested. Haven't been able to see these up close. Where abouts were the snaps? Was the shoulder piece fully removable? (NT) -- Thanks!, Friday, August 23, 07:41:45pm

Subject: Can anyone help with machine applique? My machine can do it but i'm not sure of the steps to follow when doing applique for celtic designs like celtic knot work and so on. Can anyone talk me through it please. Are you better off to draw the design out and then do it by hand or follow all the steps for machine applique?
Author: Thank you [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, August 15, 07:56:47am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
It would be helpful if you said which machine and which software. (NT) -- me, Thursday, August 15, 10:58:29am It's a brother v3. And brother pe next design software. I think what I really want to know is how are you doing the appliqu� on dresses. The type I'm trying to do is two or three intertwined Celtic ropes, or a simple Celtic knot in appliqu� like most bndm. I know some of the designs are just thick embroidery onto the main material ha looks like appliqu� but some is appliqu�. (NT) -- Sorry I I sound a bi onfuded but I guess I am, Thursday, August 15, 06:22:42pm is the design digitized already? (NT) -- , Thursday, August 15, 08:49:45pm* no. i am starting from a drawn design (NT) -- thankyou, Friday, August 16, 04:58:37pm I digitise everything, including a straight stitch to tack down the applique fabric and outline the design first, then cut around it, and then satin stitch around it again to finish it off. Digitised embroidery usually looks much neater unless (NT) -- you are very experienced at embroidery by hand., Saturday, August 17, 02:58:16am Is this a complicated as I'm afraid it might be. I have done appliqu� before but it was a simple flower. I bought the design. Can you confirm that these are the steps I need to take? Draw the design on paper. Transfer this design to my machine. Use tools on my machine to draw the design into embroidery format and then use the software to covert that pes design into an appliqu� . (NT) -- Have you any tips? It sounds easy the way you explain it, Wednesday, August 21, 05:02:02pm It isn't complicated at all. Import your picture and digitise around it (or I just digitise freehand) as a line of straight stitch to tack down the fabric, and duplicate it as a line of satin stitch for edging the applique. (NT) -- Easy! Good Luck!, Thursday, August 22, 01:57:07am Thanks. I feel more confident now. I'm due for training on my software so guess what I'll be bringing as a test piece!!! (NT) -- Thank you., Thursday, August 22, 02:24:42pm

Subject: Embroidery Machines
Author: New to this! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, August 14, 05:02:45pm I have made a few dresses but have always just bought applique designs on line and attached them to dresses, I would like to do my own embroidery but do not know where to start! What machine to buy starting out, where to get designs etc any help,advice etc is greatly appreciated [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I would go to a reputable sewing machine store, try some out to see which one you like as well as talk with the knowledgable person regarding the differences, ask questions and know that you have a good resource who can help you along the way as well as repair as needed. I am going to get a Brother machine when I get the money. It may cost more, but worth it. (NT) -- mom, Thursday, August 15, 01:17:58pm

Subject: embroidery machines & hoop sizes
Author: Jennifer Blackerby [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, August 09, 11:22:21pm Can anyone tell me the maximum compatible hoop size for these machines? Toyota AD 830 Toyota AD 850 Toyota AD 860 Toyota 9006 Thanks :) [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Can your dealer tell you (NT) -- ?, Saturday, August 10, 02:35:24am closest dealer is about 7 hrs away, I'll call them soon but was just looking for info first (NT) -- Jennifer Blackerby, Saturday, August 10, 10:06:00am Toyota AD 850 & 860 is 300x460mm (11.8" x 18.1"), and I expect the 830 is about the same or smaller. I think you mean the 9000 or 9100, and that sewing field is 14"x19.5". Several (if not many) of us have the 9100, so there are folks to help. Email me if you want to. (NT) -- Ann/Taoknitter, Sunday, August 11, 01:26:21pm 9006 is same as 9000 but only 6 needles -- jen blackerby, Sunday, August 11, 01:53:21pm My advice would be to definitely get the 9100, as it is well worth the extra cost and I think you'll end up being frustrated if you buy a less good machine. Plus the 9100 is much easier to resell if necessary further down the track. (NT) -- Make some extra OTRs to pay the difference?, Sunday, August 11, 09:07:41pm

Subject: What is the best lining for Twinkle Satin?
Author: Dance MOM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, August 08, 02:06:33pm I have seen a few comments that they are lined in Cotton but my daughter has always has polyester knit for lining. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Cotton works, but I prefer satin, though just about anything goes. Remember this is not the dress lining but rather a backing for the sheer fabric. (NT) -- me, Friday, August 09, 11:15:11am thanks (NT) -- OP, Wednesday, August 14, 01:39:37pm Because twinkle satin is fairly sheer, the underlayment can have a big impact on the appearance. If you are able to take the twinkle satin to a fabric store, experiment with different colors and fabric types for your underlayment. Pick your favorite combination (NT) -- ., Friday, August 16, 03:54:32pm

Subject: Does anyone know if there is any legislation in the US regarding lead in childrens clothing - have sent a costume with sequins on which is stuck in customs so wondering if there may be a problem
Author: Mary [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, August 08, 01:45:54pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I recently had a box opened and returned to me. It was marked as a child's dance costume. Apparently it didn't comply with the rules concerning children under 12 clothing. I resent it and it went through no problem. (NT) -- Just the luck of the draw, Thursday, August 08, 04:23:03pm What fabric was the costume made from? (NT) -- Mary, Thursday, August 08, 05:43:05pm There were in fact no crystals but it was made of sequin fabric. When I resent I just labelled it as "dance costume" and it went through. Doubled my shipping costs though. (NT) -- x, Thursday, August 08, 07:20:26pm Were there any crystals on it & what did you describe it as when you resent it? (NT) -- Mary, Thursday, August 08, 05:44:54pm http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Newsroom/News-Releases/2009/CPSC-Clarifies-Requirements-of-New-Childrens-Product-Safety-Laws-Taking-Effect-in-FebruaryGuidance-Intended-for-Resellers-of-Childrens-Products-Thrift-and-Consignment-Stores/ (NT) -- bg, Thursday, August 08, 06:55:54pm Doublr shipping costs not good but at least it got there eventually. How long did it take to get back to you from the time you posted it? (NT) -- Mary, Friday, August 09, 07:35:15am

Subject: For Sale: http://getthatdress.com/14504/dress-x14504/ Suit 13 - 14 years Also: http://getthatdress.com/9791/dress-x9791/. Both Dresses in great condition. And am open to all offers. Please feel free to email. -- Feis Mum
Author: Feis Mum [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, August 07, 07:28:15am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: embroidery machines
Author: thanks [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, August 06, 06:50:13am What is a good and reasonably priced embroidery machine for dancing dresses? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I was looking into a brother embroidery machine from a reputable sewing machine store for about $800.00. I am willing to pay the price knowing that I have a place who can show me what to do with a good product. (NT) -- id mom, Wednesday, August 07, 10:07:13am I've had three brother embroidery machines. Which one are you looking at I might be able to help (NT) -- Some are basic but with clever thinking u can get the design you want, Wednesday, August 21, 05:06:24pm It really depends on how many dresses per year that you are making. The home embroidery machines are fine if you are just sewing for family.(more) -- LynnToledo, Thursday, August 08, 09:10:52am

Subject: Tulle skirts
Author: anon [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, August 06, 05:47:57am Hi, Im updating one of my old dresses to put a new tulle skirt on it. Im absolutely confused as to how these work! I am used to the panel skirt, I had a look at a tulle and am stumped as to how it moves with the dancer. has anyone made one? do you put side pleats in the stiffening? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Same frame as panel skirt, still use side pleats. I did vilene with tulle under, layer of satin + 2 x layers of tulle over the top. (NT) -- Hope that helps, Tuesday, August 06, 06:13:26am response question please -- anon, Tuesday, August 06, 06:23:53am Three pieces of vilene, front panel with pleats at the side, which is then sewn to the back panels. Pleats tuck in front of hips for kicks. Vilene is only a few inches long then attach tulle at bottom to make length of skirt. Then full layer of satin + full layer of tulle over. N (NT) -- Not sure about type of vilene sorry, Wednesday, August 07, 12:37:25am Is it necessary to tack down the top layer of tulle so it doesn't float up on its own & get stuck? I was thinking of tacking it down in several spots 3" from top of skirt. What do you think? I haven't seen the tutu skirt move while dancing. -- not OP but same project, Wednesday, August 07, 12:08:35pm If you are using tulle I would tack it down, if nylon net prob not necessary (NT) -- Can't hurt to tack it down, better than it floating up, Wednesday, August 07, 08:17:19pm Isn't the whole point to have a nice floaty skirt, not one which doesn't move? Weigh it down with crystals or trim near the bottom (NT) -- but don't stop it from moving!, Wednesday, August 07, 09:00:23pm I don't think that is what either is getting at. In ID the tulle is purely aesthetic, the 'flounce' comes from the frame. Also PP mentioned taking it a few inches from the top, not the whole way down. (NT) -- A bit different to your conventional tutu, Thursday, August 08, 05:04:49am Hi, I guess I'm the "PP" and yes, thanks for clarifying that I meant I thought about tacking it down just a few inches from the top, not all the way. Next question is: should I use nylon net or tulle and should it be fine or medium? (NT) -- Thanks again!!, Thursday, August 08, 08:39:51am I use nylon net just to get the colors I was after, if you are going to use a tulle I would use so something (NT) -- Something medium at least just to help it last, Friday, August 09, 12:01:32am

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