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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
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Subject: dress making instructions
Author: curious how it's done [Edit]	Date Posted: Tuesday, November 11, 12:05:20am Dancing on Eire has a dress making instructions file that is "free". I have downloaded the file but need a password to open it. I emailed a request for the password but never received it. does anyone know the password to open the file? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I'm glad I just visited the board! Margaret, I'm sorry you haven't received my email. I emailed five times when I received your email, but four of them have come back as "returned mail". I mainly seem to get this problem with comcast. I have just emailed you again, but do you have an alternative email address I can send it to? (NT) -- Anita (at Dancing on Eire), Tuesday, November 11, 02:27:23am Thanks for your alternative email address - I have emailed you on that one :-) (NT) -- Anita, Wednesday, November 12, 01:21:54am Do these instructions include information for soft skirts, gladiator skirts -- and/or puff balls?, Tuesday, November 11, 08:12:25am No, sorry. I feel that there is now such variability in styles and fashion evolves so quickly that the task would be too big. (NT) -- Anita, Wednesday, November 12, 01:24:16am I understand your position (NT) -- completely! : D, Thursday, November 13, 07:48:08am

Subject: New Posts to Feisknitter Blog--In response to an earlier post about collars--Check out the new collar design and headpieces on www.thefeisknitter.blogspot.com
Author: the feisknitter [Edit]	Date Posted: Monday, November 10, 05:20:48pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Beautiful work!!!! (NT) -- Well done!!!, Monday, November 10, 06:29:13pm

Subject: Some time ago, it was mentioned there was a crystal vendor who had a size chart which could be printed out on 8� x 11 paper to yield an accurate reference chart. I've checked Rhinestone guy and Hot Fix Queen with no luck. Does anyone remember the proper vendor?
Author: Thank you in advance [Edit]	Date Posted: Monday, November 10, 08:50:08am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
www.ejoyce.com/size_chart.html I like this one from ejoyce (NT) -- LynnOH, Monday, November 10, 10:09:35am Thanks Lynn! (NT) -- That's what I needed., Monday, November 10, 10:29:15am Thanks for that! I just tested it and put a 40SS on the printed page and it is exactly right. (NT) -- Thanks, Monday, November 10, 02:58:27pm

Subject: Is anyone using a regular pattern as the basis for a puff/balloon skirt? If so, which pattern?
Author: Thought I'd try the path of least resistence first [Edit]	Date Posted: Monday, November 10, 08:27:27am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Need to make adjustments to a velvet bodice. Does anyone know a method for getting out the old stitch marks?
Author: MJ [Edit]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 09, 06:37:13pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Funny, just let out a bodice as well, and have 2 light lines where the old stitching was. (NT) -- Is there any way to get the velvet back to normal?, Sunday, November 09, 07:13:21pm Going over it with an old toothbrush helps. sometimes steam helps, there will always be a faint mark from the crushed pile (NT) -- good luck!, Sunday, November 09, 08:38:23pm i've recently made 4 with different types of velvet. One steamed very well holding an iron approx 1" from the fabric. You can do this from the front or back side of the fabric. The other, a silk red (oops) actually puckered with the steam. Use the small brush. Good luck. (NT) -- Terri E CO, Sunday, November 09, 08:42:22pm I press the nap into a thick towel to open the seams and then use the steam with my finger or a small soft toothbrush to fluff up the nap. (NT) -- Laurie, Sunday, November 09, 10:21:03pm

Subject: simplicity step dance pattern .i have one of these patterns .Does anyone know how much i should charge on ebay...thank you
Author: sally [Edit]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 09, 03:51:48pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Just list it for suction at 0.99c and the bidders will determine what it's worth (NT) -- !, Sunday, November 09, 03:55:24pm Sorry - auction, of course, though ebay fees are a bit like suction perhaps! (NT) -- ., Sunday, November 09, 08:35:42pm call it 'Irish Dance Dress Costume Pattern' -- you will get more for it than if you call it Step Dance pattern (NT) -- more than you think, Sunday, November 09, 05:46:42pm Agree, I have seen them go for over $50! Time your auction right so that it goes over a weekend and make sure the end time is a time when people will be home. So don't list it at 11am as this will be your end time when most people are at work. List it at around 8pm so it ends at this time when people are home to bid at the last minute. (NT) -- good luck., Monday, November 10, 12:04:14am I got more than $100 for mine. I still can't believe it. (NT) -- No name, Monday, November 10, 01:00:21am and I gave mine away to an interested voy-er....live and learn! (NT) -- coulda shoulda woulda, Monday, November 10, 07:40:36pm

Subject: I'm making a dress for a dancer with a pronounced tummy. Obviously I'd like the dress to be slimming. I am trying to work out what style might suit her best, as a panel dress is going to accentuate her curved front.
Author: Any thoughts? Thank you :-) [Edit]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 09, 06:16:31am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Need a little more info --- very young or older? generally robust, or otherwise shapely, but with a tummy issue? (NT) -- Would make a difference, I think ....., Sunday, November 09, 06:56:08am I'd do a bubble skirt if she's small (be careful not to drop the waist below the tummy), and a soft skirt (two tier, not three) for an older (+14) girl (NT) -- I think a panel dress could stick out funny, Sunday, November 09, 02:30:56pm She's around 10-11 years; It's from the side that she has an obvious tummy curve. She has a distinct (high) waist which I'll accentuate and nicely padded hips, but her tummy is the biggest difficulty. Don't think the TCRG will approve a bubble - she's quite traditional :-) (NT) -- Thanks for your thoughts! OP, Sunday, November 09, 03:33:16pm I'd try a black velvet bodice, one piece dress with a pointed triangle of velvet at the top of the front skirt, a well-dropped waist (you may even need to drop it lower than otherwise, so the seam doesn't get stuck on the tummy and ride up when dancing), a bodice design which comes to a point towards the waist, and no flappy frilly skirt, just simple and neat. (NT) -- That's what I'd do anyway, Sunday, November 09, 03:54:25pm Sorry, I forgot to add - make a 4 or 5 panel skirt to be in fashion, but make sure you bring the panels well forward so they lie flat, not curved around the tummy.Then with a well-dropped waist it will look good on her. (NT) -- But you may need a couple of fittings, Sunday, November 09, 03:58:25pm Thanks everyone :-) (NT) -- OP, Monday, November 10, 03:53:09pm

Subject: Is this their normal customer service standards?
Author: Non-plussed [Edit]	Date Posted: Friday, November 07, 03:43:41pm I contacted Designer Fabrics on 10/20/08 to "rent" a sample of one of their fabrics and authorized payment of their rental fee. After waiting a week, I contacted them about delivery and was told, "don't worry, you'll get it." I haven't heard anything from them since; they have not charged me the "rental" fee. Should I just move on and use a different fabric? Is this a problem because the fabric is going international? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I've never heard of "renting" samples unless it was a local store--like for upholstry fabrics you need to take home. Usually they either send free samples or they have some small fee. (NT) -- Strange, Saturday, November 08, 12:30:24pm Yes, it was new to me, too. It was an expensive fabric. Maybe they don't want to chop it up to make samples, so they have one sample everyone can share for a price. It isn't my policy. (NT) -- I'd still like to see the fabric, Saturday, November 08, 10:27:48pm Perhaps it is in the post. International mail can take some time. Also, the rental fee could be charged only if you choose to keep the sample. I have ordered from them numerous times and received great service. (NT) -- Not affiliated, Sunday, November 09, 09:52:17am Thank you for your response. I would like the fabric, but the delay is longer than shipments from Dubai! (NT) -- Sigh, Sunday, November 09, 09:13:32pm Just an update. As of 11/10: no sample. They lost my request in spite of assigning an order #. Hopefully, soon. (NT) -- : }, Monday, November 10, 09:52:02pm

Subject: Check out www.irishads.ie. and type in dressmaker in search space. New dresses at 900euro.
Author: ..... [Edit]	Date Posted: Friday, November 07, 06:32:11am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
900 euros is that for real (NT) -- debbie, Monday, November 10, 02:35:38am Very good dressmaker (NT) -- in the know, Thursday, November 13, 02:38:34pm I am not the OP, but I also make dresses for 900 euro. It does exist! (NT) -- Lowland Design, Monday, November 10, 03:16:57am There are plenty of new dresses on dance-again for less than 900 euro. In the OTR section. (NT) -- ., Monday, November 10, 09:39:35am Have they ever being worn (NT) -- xx, Wednesday, November 12, 05:27:28am New, never worn - check out the "brand new" page on dance-again (NT) -- Small DM that makes dresses well under 900 euro, Wednesday, November 12, 04:08:38pm Just had a look at dresses on irishads have to say very well made 3 different styles have contacted this DM to make me a costume. She does not supply material but said she will make me dress of my choice. (NT) -- Mum, Thursday, November 13, 08:17:20am So....you have to pay for fabrics on top of the 900 euro price? (NT) -- than it is not really a 900 euro dress..., Sunday, November 16, 02:23:19am I got my fabric fo 100euro so i all the new dress cost me 1000euro and im very pleased with it. 2years ago i paid 1500euro from a dm and if it was today with the same m i would have to pay 1700 euro. So in all i think i did ok. (NT) -- Pleasd, Sunday, November 16, 06:09:37am

Subject: Dress thoughts
Author: LynnToledo [Edit]	Date Posted: Thursday, November 06, 01:23:00pm Awhile back you may remember that I asked about making a skirt narrower on a dress a dancer found on Ebay... Well, they won the dress and it has arrived. The dress they thought was black, white and pink is actually a black/gray-white hounds tooth like brocade with pale mint iridescent green and pink. Still a nice color combination, but the white is dulled by the black weft/warp thread in the fabric. The dancer wants to brighten the white somehow. I suggested using white iris sequins scattered. Would you glue the sequins or hand bead them? There are no rhinestones or sequins anywhere, The dancer is in prelim and needs some "bling." Is it OK to mix sequins and stones? AB or clear stones? And what size? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
If you use sequins, I'd hand sew them. I've tried gluing and didn't think it held up very well. White iris sequins aren't very white though, they tend to look more cream/pink... You might have better luck with small clear crystals. (NT) -- what I'd probably do, Thursday, November 06, 03:45:42pm I second the clear crystals and suggest black (non-AB) in the appropriate places, as well. Sounds more interesting (NT) -- than the dress they thought they were getting, Thursday, November 06, 08:35:52pm For the bling effect from stage I only use AB crystals, I would do stones over sequins. (NT) -- LynnOH, Friday, November 07, 10:04:52am

Subject: E6000 glue--do you find that the odor remains with the garment for awhile? Does it eventually go away. PHEW!!!
Author: . [Edit]	Date Posted: Thursday, November 06, 10:44:27am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
After using I hanf in bathroom with fan on, and door closed for about 2 days continually, it takes a while to go away, dont use and dance next day (NT) -- mom, Thursday, November 06, 10:51:02am I don't notice it within a couple hours, I just let it air out in the living room. (NT) -- dm, Thursday, November 06, 03:46:13pm Don't leave it in a zipped dress bag for any extended period of time during the first week or two - the fumes will buildup in there. (NT) -- :), Friday, November 07, 11:36:18am

Subject: Define custom
Author: dm [Edit]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 10:40:32pm What does a custom dress mean to you, these days? I know some would say, custom measurements, customer color choice, personalized fitting to the dancer. In the old "7-Gates Designs days", it meant dancer picking her favorite design and choosing embroidery colors. What does custom mean these days? If customer chooses the skirt style (soft skirt vs stiff 3 panel skirt vs petals, etc), has input on color,input on design elements, dancer is measured in person, given a final fitting, do you consider that a custom dress? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Absolutely. If a dress is uniquely designed and individually sewn, as long as it isn't an off the rack, I'd consider it custom. (NT) -- No name, Wednesday, November 05, 10:52:43pm Custom to me means that the design, colors, fabrics, details, etc are all chosen by the customer and then the dress is made to measurement, supplying a personal fitting or in long distance case, a mock bodice. The fit has to be good. If not correct, I fix it until it is just right. (NT) -- DM, Thursday, November 06, 04:44:31am Customer has to choose fabric and details (what do you mean by design, the embroidery detailing, or skirt style?).... (NT) -- thank you, Thursday, November 06, 08:56:11am Yes, by design I mean the embroidery and the skirt style. Customer might want to add or leave out stuff or use special crystals, add a collar/cuff/neckline detail. All that is custom work. I do repeat designs if not paid for an "exclusive" design, but I do have very "economical" prices (NT) -- dm, Thursday, November 06, 09:50:57am It might almost be easier to answer this question by saying what custom does not include/mean. Ex: custome means you can't repeat the same design even if using different fabric or colors. (NT) -- diff for each dm, Thursday, November 06, 09:12:13am Custom embroidery design, skirt/bodice/sleeve/cape style of choice, customer selects fabrics in desired colors (base, contrast, lining), crown style of choice, etc. They tell me what they want, and I make it look beauitful (NT) -- thats my job!, Saturday, November 08, 12:54:37pm Forgot to add, also custom measurements, a personal fitting or a long distance muslin (or 6 - we get it right!) (NT) -- 100% custom!, Saturday, November 08, 12:56:06pm Made to the design specs and measurements of one specific person. Design choice might vary. I have had the extremes from "I like red" to someone dictating exactly how wide to make the applique edging. (NT) -- DM, Sunday, November 09, 10:15:34am what do you do if the customer changes the custom selections several times? do you allow changes? how much time do you allow for customers to make a decision? (NT) -- curious, Sunday, November 09, 09:31:18pm I allow changes up until the fabrics are purchased, or settled on and about to be purchased, after that whats done is done. I've never had any complaints. I also make sure we discuss everything throughly so we both know exactly whats going on. (NT) -- dm, Sunday, November 09, 10:44:43pm I let them change all they want until that time I do not do anything or touch anything. After they have signed a design agreement and the downpayment is in, then I start the work. I make this very clear, as I had one customer take 14 months to lay her egg about what she wanted. If I would have jumped at her first idea, she would have never been happy. (NT) -- dm, Monday, November 10, 01:34:23am

Subject: Hello Ladies. I have been asked to make a dress with straight panels and "floaty hankies" between. I have a ggod idea of how to do this, but how big are the hankie inserts, they have got to be wide enough to allow for movement, high kicks etc, but not flapping wildly!. Adult UK size 10 if any help. Thanks.
Author: Suzanne [Edit]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 10:06:08am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Most dresses I have seen with this style had "flapping" skirts. I'd say draw a triangular shape from the meeting point of two panels to the centers of those two panels. that would be your hanky-shape (NT) -- Caroline., Thursday, November 06, 04:40:41am I made one of these last year the "hankie things " are called godets. I believe the bottom edge of the triangle shaped godet was between 6-8 inches (NT) -- LynnOH, Thursday, November 06, 09:02:02am Hello Lynn. thats what I was looking for! :=) (NT) -- OP, Thursday, November 06, 09:28:34am

Subject: need to make a tutu
Author: AnneMarie [Edit]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 09:05:00am My daughter is growing so fast that her dress is suddenly shockingly short. We have a new dress on order, and it should be here in 2 weeks. But... she has a performance this weekend!! I need to make a tutu for her, quickly, but I don't know where to get a pattern. I've never seen a tutu up close, so I'm having trouble picturing how this will work. Any help would be great!!! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Can you just add a gathered ruffle at the bottom of the skirt? Also, for ready made tutu's look on ebay. (NT) -- :), Wednesday, November 05, 09:37:12am What I did inside... -- CT mom, Wednesday, November 05, 03:30:50pm I would think that you may be able to take a half slip, and sew layers on to the hip area...that would give you the coverage without the fullness (NT) -- ????, Thursday, November 06, 04:59:49am If you only need an inch or 2, you can buy gathered or pleated fabric bands at Jo-Ann's. Then just slip stitch it on the bottom of the dress. The colors are limited though. (NT) -- Mary, Thursday, November 06, 09:06:14am YouTube had several on how to make tutus, even some without any sewing. (NT) -- if you're a visual learner, Thursday, November 06, 01:54:00pm I made this one and it wasn't that puffy. Looked good. Follow web address inside. -- Sewer, Thursday, November 06, 03:31:34pm

Subject: Hi all, I am looking for embroidery appliques (celtic knots, etc). Any websites or places in NYC to buy from?
Author: thanks for your help [Edit]	Date Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 07:41:58am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
lilypeking.com -- they are not celtic, but has some lovely scroll work iron ons. The website might not be working for orders, you can email her & get pricing (might be lower). Lovely to work with. International shipping was a bit long, but I knew it going in. -- maybe 2 weeks?, Wednesday, November 05, 12:12:34pm

Subject: Info for anyone who uses Delta Jewel Glue....it's no longer being made. Most places that carry it don't seem to have it in stock any longer either. But I did find a place in IL that has a good bit in stock - mail order only though. Alpineimport.com - they have lots. Get it while you can.
Author: dc [Edit]	Date Posted: Tuesday, November 04, 06:09:35pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I'd reccomend switching to E6000, I was a loyal Delta glue user for a long time, but decided to try the E6000. It dries so much faster, and if you use it while half set, any mistakes are super easy to peel off. (NT) -- dm, Tuesday, November 04, 06:18:17pm Having trouble using E6000- how do you avoid the "stringy" things? Using a toothpick to apply a tiny bit to the crystals, but can't get it just right. (NT) -- always used GemTac before, Wednesday, November 05, 10:01:58am I use my fingers a lot, I don't find tweezers very useful. I usually scoop a bit of glue onto the back of the stone (big stones being in style makes this easy!) and place it on the dress. I rarely have strings that way, and when I do, I just pull them off (NT) -- above poster, Wednesday, November 05, 06:41:56pm The problem with the E6000 is that is has a carcinogenic agent in there so touching the glue with your bare skin is not a good thing to do. I would wear latex gloves just in case. (NT) -- Label scared me..., Thursday, November 06, 03:46:34pm ...tried lots of methods with this great glue, but toothpick application works best for me. Use a golf tee for large stones! (NT) -- No name, Friday, November 07, 08:10:25am

Subject: For those of you who use Embird to digitize, how long did it take you to feel like you were getting somewhere? I am finding it confusing and I'm usually quite computer literate :-(
Author: feel like giving up! [Edit]	Date Posted: Tuesday, November 04, 04:26:27am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Me, too! I played around and felt the interface was confusing. So I went back to my old software... (NT) -- dm, Tuesday, November 04, 05:57:08am which software do you prefer? (NT) -- Thank you in advance :-) Don't think I'll be buying embird, Wednesday, November 05, 03:44:41am Did you look at the tutorials available for Embird? I had a hard time with it too but then started looking at the tutorials and it took no time. (NT) -- CB, Tuesday, November 04, 07:24:57am Has anyone used embird compared to other more exspensive software (ie, Bernina V5 designer plus)? I played with the embird trial and really didn't like they way the program worked. It seemed more tedious then need be.. (NT) -- looking for software, Tuesday, November 04, 06:16:32pm I love my Bernina V5 software, but it did take a while to learn how to use it (NT) -- Just practise!, Thursday, November 06, 02:19:08pm

Subject: Is there an online source for micro velvet?
Author: Thanks in advance :-) [Edit]	Date Posted: Tuesday, November 04, 03:45:42am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Rachel Franzen - IDFabrics - www.idfabrics.com (NT) -- Caroline., Tuesday, November 04, 03:56:22am I highly reccomend ordering from Rachel - She's extremely nice to work with, very prompt, and super helpful! (NT) -- happy customer, Tuesday, November 04, 06:23:15pm Sy fabrics (NT) -- too, Tuesday, November 04, 08:40:47am

Subject: I'm looking at buying a HOTFIX APPLICATOR PROFESSIONAL TOUCH for putting on the rhinestones on a dress. WOuld you say this is an easy make to use or are there better ones? Thanks so much
Author: blind mouse [Edit]	Date Posted: Monday, November 03, 06:44:38am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Scroll down 4 threads for hot fix chatter (NT) -- : ), Monday, November 03, 08:11:54am I have one of those -- but if I'm applying more than about 5 crystals I prefer to go to my electric skillet method .... lots easier and faster (NT) -- Gina_Foster, Monday, November 03, 10:49:03am Skillet method? Sorry but could you explaine this one to me? (NT) -- Blind mouse, Tuesday, November 04, 01:36:05pm I have an old electric skillet. I place the crystals glue side up, turn on the skillet, wait for them to get bubbly and then stone away ... easy to do a lot of crystals very quickly (NT) -- Gina_Foster, Wednesday, November 05, 11:45:39am I have a Bejeweller, and it's super. Very fast and easy. (NT) -- Clean, simple, and well worthwhile IMHO., Monday, November 03, 12:51:25pm I also have a bejeweller and it's fantastic - love it! (NT) -- ID M, Monday, November 03, 05:15:50pm There's a very easy method on this page ---> http://www.gardenofdaisies.com/tips.html You have to scroll. (NT) -- works great, Wednesday, November 05, 07:09:57am This is great! Would never had thought of it! Thanks so much. (NT) -- Blind Mouse, Thursday, November 06, 03:36:38pm

Subject: Hi Does anyone know where to get delicate lace collars, preferably one with a pointed end - tapers to a v shape - any help appreciated . I'm in Australia
Author: :) [Edit]	Date Posted: Sunday, November 02, 01:05:23am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
eBay is one good source. Also, any upscale fabric store which has an extensive bridal/formal department (NT) -- is the first place I'd look, Sunday, November 02, 11:17:19am Do you mean a crochet collar? I could make one for you... (NT) -- Email here..., Thursday, November 06, 02:53:21pm

Subject: Love your new tiny dress, Anita. It's too cute! Hope you find a tiny dancer :-)
Author: Mom of slightly bigger DD [Edit]	Date Posted: Saturday, November 01, 07:40:21pm http://www.dancingoneire.com/black%20white%20red.htm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Thank you :-) (NT) -- Anita, Monday, November 03, 01:40:26am Adorable AND beautiful! And so creative! (NT) -- Great job!, Tuesday, November 04, 08:57:37am

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