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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: How much fabric?


Author:
interested mum
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 03:37:58pm

Can anyone advise, if I were to buy my own fabric for a puffball dress to be made approx how much fabric would I need to buy for a dress to fit a slim 15 year old approx 5'4'' in height? Thanks

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Subject: I need to glue on a bunch of tiny embroidered flowers to an organza overlay...can anyone reccomend a glue that won't seep through and will stick?


Author:
thank you
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 01:24:07pm


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Subject: Fabrics available


Author:
Paul Barlow
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 08:51:15am

Dear dressmakers , We have now updated our fabric section on www.dancinginceltic.com

Best Wishes,

Paul Barlow
Dancing in Celtic Ltd

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Subject: i would just like to say


Author:
dancers mum
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 07:35:46am

what lovely dresses there are out there for sale. dance again has posted a new bunch of dresses and this particular lot has really taken my eye.
congrats to all the dressmakers for the stunning dresses you design and create for our daughters to wear. Keep up the wonderful work you all do. im not going to mention any names as there are lots of you who continually produce stunning dresses and you all deserve a big cyber hug from me!
thanks

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Subject: I hope this works. Here are two pictures; one of a traditional dress I was asked to make a soft skirt for. The other is of the "new " dress. I was a little leary of marrying the 2 styles but I think it worked OK.


Author:
LynnOH
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 07:59:26pm

[IMG]http://i38.tinypic.com/2rng6mq.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i35.tinypic.com/2j5awkj.jpg[/IMG]

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Subject: I am working on a 5 panel dress for the first time and would like a little advice. Do you stiffen them with vilene or some other stiffner? Do you catch it in the seams and if so how do you handle the "thickness"? I hope these questions make sense.


Author:
Thanks!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 11:36:05am


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Subject: Shirt collars for boy dancers


Author:
Gill Spencer
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 09:26:17am

Can anyone give advice about the best product to stiffen a shirt collar. I have made one shirt for my dancing son but the collar was quite floppy. I am about to make another and just wondered if there was any special product for this. I am not a natureal seamstress - just a mum on a tight budget! Thank you PS If anyone knows what to use - could you also tell me where I can get it from ?

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Subject: Warning to those of us who send out a lot of packages


Author:
Almost got me!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 21, 06:56:33pm

I received an email with the following text:

Subject:
UPS Tracking Number 0711922017

Unfortunately we were not able to deliver postal package you sent on July the 1st in time
because the recipient's address is not correct.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our office

Your UPS

(the tracking number is bogus.)

Although the "FROM" listed UPS, the sender's actual email was:

tello@squawcreek.com

The email comes with a zipper attachment. DO NOT OPEN the attachment.

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Subject: I may need to have my dd's dress let down. Is there a rule of thumb for dropped waists? How many inches below the belly button can the top of the skirt be? The bodice doesn't come to a "V"; it's pretty straight across at the bottom.


Author:
thanks for any advice
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 21, 05:28:21pm


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Subject: I'm making a new dress for my daughter, and am almost done.... suddenly I thought.... headpiece!! Yikes!


Author:
x
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 21, 10:12:15am

What, in your opionion is "the look" for head ware these days?

I'm pretty sure I can figure out how to make most of the options (cloth crown, tiara with backing--though I don't have a tiara right now -- might be able to find something locally,but the feis is this weekend--or those padded headband types), or something else?

If it matters, the dress is a "faux" 5 panel with flounce. Blue/Black/White. Neither my daughter or I are fond of the flower headbands, and I don't think that style would really match the dress so we want to do something other than that.

Suggestions? Thank for your experience!

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Subject: New York City-fabric heaven


Author:
need more $$$$!!!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 21, 07:51:56am

just back from the weekend excursion-could have spent a solid week in fabric stores alone. Loved the "hole in the wall" shops that carried the gorgeous fabrics-many of which were sold at the more well known stores for 3X, sometimes 4X the price. Mood Fabrics/New York Elegant are amazingly huge--choices so abundant it was hard to make decisions. If you ever get the chance-definately make the trip-the fabric shopping alone is worth it!

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Subject: What is the easiest style of dress to make and what is the most difficult (e.g. three panel, multipanel, soft skirt, etc.) If you had a client with a budget of $1500 but no specific style in mind, what style would you recommend and why?


Author:
Want bang for buck
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 21, 12:18:12am


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Subject: Crochet Collars


Author:
DM
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, July 20, 09:10:06pm

Does anyone know where I can get crocheted collars and cuffs for team dresses, we are looking at getting about 16. I can find plenty of patterns, but really wanted to buy them ready made.

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Subject: Extending sleeve length on dd's solo dress


Author:
feismom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, July 20, 08:25:52pm

I need some tips on how to add a ruffle or trim to my dds solo dress. Sleeves are getting a bit short and she is getting a lot of arm comments from adj.Can anyone give me tips on this- maybe see some examples of some so I can get some ideas. The dress is not a frilly style. Has anyone ever had this done? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated !

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Subject: There is a new Alternative board where debating will be allowed, and there is a nice, calm discussion of DMs...see http://www.voy.com/214011/ people do appreciate our input in these discussions


Author:
lets keep it nice
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, July 20, 07:10:59am


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Subject: Mailing a dress


Author:
Thanks!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 08:01:59pm

Hi, I just sold my dress on dance again and now have to send it to the purchasers. I must admit I never thought about how to ship it until now. I figured if anyone knew the best way to ship it, it would be you fine dressmakers. Any help is appreciated (packaging, shipping company, etc). Oh, and the dress is just shipping interstate within the US.

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Subject: Great to meet you Lisa and Colleen!!!!!!


Author:
Paula
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 12:27:43pm

I just wanted to say that it was SO great to finally meet you both Lisa of Dance-Again and Colleen of Colleen's of Canberra at NAN's this year! I would have loved to have had more time to visit with you both but I am just so pleased that I was able to meet you wonderful Australian ladies! I hope your time here was absolutely wonderful and that you made it home safe and sound!

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Subject: New FREE Listing Dress Sale site.


Author:
luvthatdress
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 09:01:20am

We have created a new website for selling dresses, both new and used.
Listing your dress is completely FREE for anyone.
Please feel free to visit:

http://www.luvthatdress.net

Take a look (sorry not many listings yet) and submit your dress for a FREE listing

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Subject: How insane might it be to attempt to dye white cutwork lace? Has anyone attmpted this? What type dye did you use?


Author:
Finding alternatives
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 08:41:47am


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Subject: Is Andrea Yates still making dresses?


Author:
heard she had retired?
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 12:54:53am


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Subject: I had heard that feather trim was against the "rules". Where are these rules and does anyone know if beaded trim is against the "rules"?


Author:
need clarification
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 19, 12:45:21am


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Subject: another post on the 60473 board If a yahoo group was created (I'm considering it) and you were allowed to comment on your feedback would you think it was a good idea?.more


Author:
mom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, July 18, 10:05:45am

I think we do need it. I was one of the parents who lost money to a DM in New York. Maybe a feedback forum would have saved me $200.

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Subject: Looks like a dm hit her limit over on the main board.


Author:
!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, July 17, 08:47:07pm

Good for her.

http://www.voy.com/60473/

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Subject: making a little river-dance style dress for dd and having trouble...


Author:
1st time poster
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, July 17, 04:38:54pm

I am hoping someone could provide a little guidance.

I bought CHEAP velvet from joanns - maybe that's the problem.

The dress is adorable, but I'm having to sew,re-sew all the seams. The thread is cotton. Every other stitch just skips.

I've tried reading the directions (lol) on what stitches, I've tried staight, surges, zigzag.

I can keep going, but there must be a reason for this. I just thought I could "whip" this out for an outdoor feis this weekend....

thanks so much if anyone is out there....

signed:
thought i could sew, but wondering now.

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Subject: Dress Fabrics


Author:
mom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 10:15:27pm

Does anyone know if Norma from Threads of Green is still in the fabric business? If so, contact info please?

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Subject: Has anyone seen this fabric other than displayed on the Blue Jay site?


Author:
The quest continues
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 08:51:34pm

They are out of several colors and will only stock more with a 75 (!?!) yard minimum commitment. While my house might look fine wrapped in the stuff, the winter weather wouldn't be good for it.

http://www.bluejayfabrics.com/Fabric_Samples/147/147_Fabric_Collection.htm

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Subject: Possible relocation!!


Author:
scary stuff!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 12:59:28pm

With one thing and another, I may be looking at relocating either later this year or early next year. Not just down the road but inter-continental! Argh!

I'm hoping I'll be able to get myself sorted out and do some dresses once I move so I'm just looking to pick some brains really..

We're headed to Australia. Exact location is NOT decided yet but it's likely to be either Brisbane or Adelaide (dependant on family out there, etc).. I'm just hoping for some pointers on two things as i'm trying to plan and budget...

How easy is it to get an industrial machine? Preferably second hand Singer 20U though i would consider anything else that does a good quality, FAST straight stitch. What kind of price would I be looking at?

Normally I've purchased wholesale direct from Freudenberg for my vilene and vliesofix - is there an AU office I can order from instead or will I be looking at paying postage all the way from England (owch!

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Subject: New Irish Dance Patterns


Author:
Danny
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 06:35:08am

Does anyone know where i can buy irish dance dress patterns. Preferably the 2008 new style of dresses that are coming out of ireland?

Thanks

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Subject: hello


Author:
k
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 06:30:14am

does anyone know where I can source cut out satin lace?

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Subject: Hello all,


Author:
taoknitter
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 05:44:02pm

There is a new directory for small operation ID dressmakers, designers, etc., that is organized by country & state/region. There is no fee, no attached obligations.

You can view the directory here: http://irishdancedressmakers.wordpress.com/

If you would like to be added, please leave a comment with your info formatted as the entries in the directory.

Cheers to all!

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Subject: Hi, a friend made a dress for her dd with fabric that is embossed with glitter, and the glitter is coming off, especially at places where there is any rubbing. Is there anything that can be done to stabilize the glitter on the fabric?


Author:
thanks for any advice
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 01:39:02pm


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Subject: Has anyone actually purchased fabric from Blue Jay Fabrics?


Author:
: o
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 01:15:21pm

I've tried emails and phone calls, to no avail. If they aren't reachable, I'll go to another vendor for my second choice of fabric.

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Subject: I need advice because I am an amateur. I want to shorten a chiffon


Author:
and need to know how to measure/mark to ensure a good smooth cut.
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 11:09:59am


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Subject: Who were the ladies or companies selling the tulle underskirts at NANs? I lost her business card - as you walked into the room, she was straight ahead and had a cute black one with white stitching and one using 2 colors. Thanks in


Author:
advance
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 10:06:21pm


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Subject: Can anyone tell me where I could find the bridal type organza with the white nylon curly edge? What's it called and where can one find it? Also there was a post about lace and someone said you just had to scroll thru them to find what you wanted. Anyone have that site? Thanks - Not a


Author:
BN DM
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 10:03:44pm


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  • Bump (NT) -- **, Thursday, July 17, 09:48:20am

Subject: Anyone have contact info for Virginia Donnelly in PA? Saw one of her dresses at a feis, asked who made the dress but didn't want to ask her price range - anyone know?


Author:
the dress was lovely!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 09:09:02pm


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Subject: I am looking for a source for royal blue cut out lace----anyone know of any place I should look?


Author:
Anna
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 07:58:29pm


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Subject: I should have been here to say "thank you" before now.


Author:
mom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 02:20:45pm

I came here before NANs asking for help with how to attach stones to my DDs dress. You were all very helpful and I was able to pick up the dress and do a nice job stoning it before she danced in it. I admit I was unclear on how scary it would be to have no idea WHERE to put the stones, and to be leading over it in the hotel room with a tube of glue and a bunch of stones, but I did it. DD was happy, and even my husband had something nice to say.

I appreciate the help that you gave me.

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Subject: Velvet


Author:
DM
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, July 14, 05:02:39am

I'm looking for suppliers of bright colored velvets in the US, any help much appreciated.

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Subject: Bargain Fabrics


Author:
Dancing in Celtic Ltd
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, July 13, 02:48:16pm

Dear Dressmakers , Please note we have opened our bargain fabric section on www.dancinginceltic.com . We are still in the process of updating our fabrics on a daily basis but expect all fabrics to be available for your perusal within 2 weeks.

If you require further information then do not hesitate to contact sales@dancinginceltic.com

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Subject: TC is encouraging me to work with the DM we use for teams. This would be her 1st solo dress. (my daughter is prelim) My daughter is hard to fit but I would rather not work with a dm who has never made a solo before? I'd rather she work with a novice/pw dancer first. Does that sound savvy or snobby?


Author:
nervous
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, July 13, 07:32:42am


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Subject: sequinned/beaded sheer fabric


Author:
feismom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 12, 03:08:39pm

When you overlay sheer sequinned or beaded fabric for a bodice
do you usually use simple/unpatterned fabric underneath? Thinking of making a glittery bodice and then a dark velvet for neckline and sleeves. Thank you.

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Subject: Looking for a white fabric with burgundy swirls


Author:
Kirsten
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 12, 09:48:15am

I would prefer a silk or silk-like fabric with embroidered swirls, but I'm open to any suggestions.

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Subject: I just saw a dress posted on DA featuring something I've been trying to find:


Author:
Hide and Seek
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 12, 07:49:49am

Buttons with AB crystals in the shape of a flower. Does anyone know a source?

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Subject: Hello ladies. Can anyone recommend a dropped waisted pattern I can use for adult bodices. I have developed my own skirt patterns that I use, but find it difficult to get a nice fitting bodice when fitting to shapely bodies, Thanks in advance.


Author:
Sophie
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, July 12, 04:37:23am


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Subject: Gold Lace


Author:
sew&sew
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, July 11, 11:17:04pm

I saw a wide gold lace or lace fabric online the other day and thought I bookmarked it. Apparently I didn't and now I can't find it. Does anyone know where I might find this?
Thanks

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Subject: I'm about to start a new dress for my daughter and I'm confused about the dress length rule. I know it mentions 4" but how do you measure this?. Where can I find this rule on the internet?


Author:
Rosemary Argue
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, July 11, 09:02:56pm

I thought you measured the 4" above the knee with the wearer kneeling on the floor.

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Subject: machine embroidery on my Viking


Author:
nice stepmom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, July 11, 04:53:47pm

How can I get my (rather rough) Celtic embroidery designs digitized for my sewing machine so I can make a costume in the Elevation style? I can figure out how to construct costumes but wonder how the big dressmakers do the stitching designs and how I can adapt their methods to my Huskvarna designer se at home.

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Subject: looking for a teal or peacock color velvet, anyone know where I can find it.


Author:
thanks
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, July 11, 12:28:29pm


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Subject: stiffened shaped panel issue


Author:
new to dress making
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, July 10, 12:07:27am

I have just about finished making my new solo. It's a soft skirt with the small shaped panels over top the layers of the skirt. I've never worked with shaped panels before so I'm having a dilema. the panels have satin stitching around the edges to finish them off, but what I'm wondering is what to do about finishing off that stitching to prevent any fraying. I"ve read somewhere online that a thin coating of modge podge is useful in keeping the threads together and keeping them from fraying, but I'd hate for the modge podge to discolor any of the fabrics I've used. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I should?

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Subject: Website for lovely cutwork lace fabrics


Author:
cannot find it in my favorites
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 07:00:35pm

a couple of weeks ago(maybe longer)someone posted a link to a website that had loads of gorgeous fabrics-not the one on Rachel Franzens site--but it was another-does anyone remember the link?Thanks

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Subject: Dying stretch velvet


Author:
can it be done?
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 07:04:36am

need a specific color for a bodice-have searched everywhere-no luck-so am thinking I might buy white and dye it-has anyone done this and been successful?

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Subject: Question about flounce on skirt...


Author:
Sue
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 02:34:28am

HI,
I am making a "faux" 5 panel dress with a flounce around the bottom of the skirt. The flounce will be about 4" to 5" wide.

Do I attach the flounce ALL the way around the skirt bottom, INCLUDING in the pleats? OR will that make it look bunchy? If so, do I just attach the flounce around the "main" skirt, and leave the pleats "flounce-less".

The "main" skirt is 4 inches shorter than that part with the flunce will be. Perhaps I can attach flounce in the pleats, but make it less gathered -- so it won't bunch up? What do you experts think??

I've only made one other dress, and it had a regular 3 panel skirt.

THanks so much for any advice!!!

Sue

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Subject: Can you help with the "great tiara quest of '08?"


Author:
Indie Jones
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, July 08, 09:08:56pm

Does anyone know a source for a small (2" or less in height), silver setting tiara with clear- AB crystals? I've found many tiaras with plain clear crystals and some wholesale with ABs (sorry, I don't need 12 of the same style), but no retail source. While I'd prefer something in the US, I'd appreciate information about any source.

Thank you!

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