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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: is it difficult to make a costume for first time without the proper machine etc.. any tips? how do you make a soft skirt sit? has it got a tutu underneath?on
Author: on [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, April 18, 05:22:04pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Try to post a picture of the skirt you want to make as some soft skirts are on a stiff short panel, some have tu tus some are layers of material. It really depends on the look you want and then all dress makers do them differently. (NT) -- You'll find a new way everytimt you try, Wednesday, April 18, 06:06:10pm You'll need at least a domestic sewing machine, but if it's just a simple soft skirt you want (more inside): -- ^_^, Thursday, April 19, 04:11:46am It is difficult making a costume the first time (and second, and third, and . . .). Most people take a long time and several tries with their first costume. That being said, you can use just about any type of machine. I used a 20 year old Kenmore for my first dress. (NT) -- .., Friday, April 20, 08:07:24am

Subject: Posted this on the UK/IRL board and it was suggested I post here for better responses.
Author: Re: Embroidery [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, April 18, 07:45:22am I'm looking for advice on embroidery, as my mum and I are attempting my next costume on our own, in an attempt to save costs. Mum is an excellent seamstress, so I'm not worried about that. What I'm worried about is the embroidery. How do the dress makers ensure the design comes out the right size? It's all well and good to sketch out the design, but then how do you scale it up to the actual dimensions needed, and ensure that that's actually what gets emroidered onto the fabric. Also, what do you do if the design is continuous, but has an area larger than any available machine hoops? Do dress makers have special machines for the large pieces of continuous embroidery, or do they have to stop and start very carefully to complete such designs? I'd appreciate any help... So lost. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Most of us DM's have software that enables us to resize, change, digitize embroidery designs. Also, if the designb is too big for the largest embroidery hoop you have, you must section off the designs (also down with the software) and re-hoop. (NT) -- Lots of work!!, Wednesday, April 18, 08:36:49am If you leave your email I will talk you through it. I have a semi commercial machine and have to do this all the time. It is a pain in the rear but with careful planning you can still stay sane especially if you know you are saving hundreds of АА. Its all about preparation and planning and being sure of what you want but also being prepared if it doesn't turn out spot on!! (NT) -- There are lots of factors to consider before you start!!, Wednesday, April 18, 05:09:45pm Haha if you're feeling generous with your information, have at it! (NT) -- Here's me., Thursday, April 19, 04:47:12am You can start with a pencil drawing (more) -- Good Luck with your dress, Wednesday, April 18, 10:25:06pm

Subject: Part Two of Senior 2012 Solo World Champions Dancing Together
Author: RinceInniu.ie [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, April 18, 04:51:45am http://www.rinceinniu.ie/videos/album-32/an-coimisiun-worlds.html [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: For sale 2 , 1 grossunopened pack of Swarovski 2058 40ss AB crystals and one pack 1 gross 2058 34ss AB. $100 inc US shipping
Author: seller [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, April 17, 09:36:51pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Do you mean 10 gross of each because $100 for 2 gross total seems high. (NT) -- x, Wednesday, April 18, 01:33:49am That is high. The full packs are 144 count, but Dreamtime Creations has the 40ss for $42 and the 34ss for $27. Even with shipping $100 is too much. (NT) -- ~Kris, Wednesday, April 18, 07:13:44am Its for 2 packs of 40ss and 1 pack of 34ss all are one gross packs, I dont want to have to return and have restocking fee etc (NT) -- seller, Wednesday, April 18, 08:56:41am I just saw your post on the main ID board, and I had missed the quantities of the packs you are selling. That's a good deal. (NT) -- ~Kris, Wednesday, April 18, 10:04:21am Crystals are sold (NT) -- Thank you, Wednesday, April 18, 03:14:33pm

Subject: I thought I will ask here. I search on line with no luck.
Author: Thank you. [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, April 16, 08:43:06am Is there a 9mm open toe foot for Singer U20? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I had to have one made - took a regular foot and they cut it out for me. (NT) -- ., Monday, April 16, 08:07:44pm I also had one cut out as well. (NT) -- ., Tuesday, April 17, 07:10:24am Thank you ladies. That was my thought as well. (NT) -- Thank you., Tuesday, April 17, 08:12:09am

Subject: thinking about making a dress with sequin material. After hearing horror stories, i am rethinking. Is there a material that sparkles as much as sequins to use instead?
Author: me [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, April 13, 02:08:51pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Holographic lycra has a similar look from a distance, but isn't "in" at the moment so the resale (or sale for OTR) is iffy. Sequin accents on the bodice/outside sleeve usually wear fine. Nothing near the wig, try to avoid the skirt. Full sequined sleeves are ok if the bodice/skirt are velvet or sturdy satin. Some sequin fabrics are better than others, fold the right sides together and rub lightly, see how much the fabric catches on itself. Less is better! (NT) -- I don't really think sequins are that bad, Friday, April 13, 05:44:19pm Just curious why you say to stay away from the skirt? I've seen a few dresses recently with sequin soft skirt & they look really pretty. (NT) -- curious, Sunday, April 15, 01:56:02pm Heels and buckles get caught very easily on the sequins. (NT) -- I won't do it for any customer., Sunday, April 15, 06:57:10pm I fear the same with some of those cupcake skirts, I don't think sequins are worse in that respect. Heck, some of the sashes during POCs are total hazards, esp on the younger dancers where the sashes are comparatively large. (NT) -- Still don't like sequin skirts though, Monday, April 16, 06:15:31am I think the only reason I would be extra concered about sequin skirts would be the sequins catching on each other as the skirt moves and having unintentional "pickups". (NT) -- secretly a sequin fan, Monday, April 16, 09:34:38am I love the look of either a sequin bodice or skirt, but didn't much care for the entire dress done in sequins. The bad part about the bodices is that the sequins trash the wigs. (NT) -- mom, Sunday, April 15, 07:52:17pm but if the dancer is a bun wig wearer... (NT) -- ., Monday, April 16, 02:48:28pm

Subject: Ok so you have a contract for a dress, but the TC wants to provide input . . . but TC will not contact you no matter how many times you've tried to communicate. Move forward and start the dress or wait it out?
Author: SNDM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, April 12, 11:32:52pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
That's between you and the client. If you agreed to allow TC input then it is the client's responsibility to relay it to you. (NT) -- my thoughts, Friday, April 13, 12:52:29am Run, and run now, if the dress arrives and the TC is not happy with it you will have a huge problem ! Been down this road. (NT) -- DM, Friday, April 13, 08:35:26am I agree! Run! If the tc has in put now or later she/he will influence the Client from the start or at the end. The client can end up with a dress the tc likes and she dopesn't or worse the tc could turn her off it if tc jumps in towards the end. (NT) -- Only one person should influence the dress/ the client, Sunday, April 15, 06:17:41pm Disagree entirely - tcrg should have the opportunity for input should he/she wish to be involved. Many are quite particular about presentation/costume of their dancers. There is no reason that all can't be happy with the finished product, or at least have the opportunity to be somewhat involved. That is how many dressmakers get a teacher to continually refer clients to them. You get more with honey than with vinegar. (NT) -- 2 в, Monday, April 16, 04:39:49pm Agreed. Not only is everyone happier, but I enjoy the occasional challenge of meshing wildly different ideas from the teacher & dancer. I work with smaller schools for the most part, and that may make a difference in my experience. (NT) -- --, Monday, April 16, 07:14:32pm I agree. If the TC doesn't trust the dancer to make a good choice (or trust the DM to turn out a good dress), they will interfere at some stage. And if the TC doesn't do so before you start, heaven knows what will happen when you've already started. Either run or set a ver strict deadline and waive all responsibilities after that date. (NT) -- Dislike meddling TCs, Monday, April 16, 06:18:18am This is why I have contractual time frmaes for everything. If the TC wants input and the client agrees to it, then I give a specific amount of time for the 'TC to communicate with me. After that the client can agree to proceed without TC input or wait at which point I move on to the next order. (NT) -- SDM, Friday, April 13, 08:52:25am I rarely contact the TC directly, my contract states that the dancer is responsible for making sure the TC has as much input as desired, typically that seems to mean an initial "I'm getting a dress" discussion, and a final "this is my design/fabrics, comments?" meeting. Occasionally a TC will email me, but it is not a responsibility that I take on. No problems so far. (NT) -- knock on wood!, Friday, April 13, 11:39:11am If you are on a schedule and confirmed a deadline for your dancer, it is a COURTESY to the teacher to get input/feedback/etc. If he/she doesn't respond, I'd treat it as no news is good news. Meet your deadline, make the dancer/mom happy, and move on to the next dress. (NT) -- Been There Too!, Sunday, April 15, 01:00:14am

Subject: If anyone is interested in some black and white zebra velvet.....
Author: email please [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 04:14:56pm Let me know, I had a customer change her mind on the skirt design, so now I don't need it all... [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Are there any "must shop" fabric stores in NYC? Headed there next week and don't want to miss a thing.
Author: Terri E CO [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 07:10:59am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Go to the garment district and go door to door. It's amazing. (NT) -- ., Tuesday, April 10, 08:56:03am some of the best fabrics(and best prices)can be had at the lesser known, smaller shops-reserve plenty of time to peruse and (NT) -- make notes at each location, Tuesday, April 10, 03:35:43pm terrie - so jealous you get to spend time oogling in the stores......some day I'll get there....have fun!! (NT) -- ., Wednesday, April 11, 01:44:14pm Terrie, when you are at the smaller stores and love something, admire it, ask the price, kinda give them a look like "Ireally didn't want to spend that much"., then watch the price go down. Usually if you do bargain with them, you should buy the fabric. (NT) -- Have fun!!!, Wednesday, April 11, 02:09:57pm Thanks everyone. I know Sharon knows the scoop and can't wait. (NT) -- Terri E CO, Wednesday, April 11, 11:45:14pm

Subject: I'm looking for white twinkle satin - the same as what Gavin uses. I only need a small bit for a couple of headbands. Anyone know where I could find this or have a very small yardage
Author: of it to sell? Thanks!!!!! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 07:05:14am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I have a scrap amount. Where are you located? (NT) -- Darlene, Tuesday, April 10, 09:14:07am I'm in Atlanta in the US. How much do you have? (NT) -- Thanks!, Tuesday, April 10, 09:17:30am It is a strip measuring 12" wide by 2 yards long. If you want it, my email is inside -- Darlene, Tuesday, April 10, 10:20:30am Darlene, You're awesome. (NT) -- Thanks again!, Tuesday, April 10, 01:48:59pm does anyone have a source in nyc for this? I have looked many places there but too many stores!can anyone narrow it down? (NT) -- thanks, Friday, May 04, 07:17:48pm

Subject: Looking for opinions. Has anyone found much difference in using cut away or tear away with the larger commercial machines? When doing yokes and necklines I'm rehooping with tearaway to keep the edges clean. Just wondering if anyone is using tearaway for your whole designs. Thx.
Author: cutortear [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, April 09, 08:22:25am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I don't usually use cut away. No real reason, just use tear away. (NT) -- MD, Tuesday, April 10, 06:22:11am Ditto. Two layers of tear away, with a little cut away around necklines/satin stitched hems. Cut away seems like unnecessary extra work. (NT) -- --, Tuesday, April 10, 09:24:05am Thanks ladies, this really helps:) I don't want to make more work for myself by constantly cutting away but obviosly don't want to cut courners on quality either. If it's not effecting the overall look of the embroidery, I guess I'll give it a go on the next one. Thanks again! (NT) -- cutortear, Tuesday, April 10, 06:11:38pm

Subject: Has anyone seen an online sorce for tiny petal fabric?
Author: Smaller then the Gavins. [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, April 08, 07:10:28pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
What color and how much do you need? I have a few yards and petals are 2" long. (NT) -- Terri E CO, Sunday, April 08, 08:18:12pm I was thinking of black. Do you have a link to a picture please? (NT) -- Thank you-OP, Monday, April 09, 10:55:17am I've was woundering do you buy the petal fabric? And Where (NT) -- Could never figure out how it was done!!, Sunday, April 15, 06:22:39pm

Subject: fabric for soft skirt
Author: irish mom of 2 [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, April 01, 11:58:13pm I am having the skirt on my daughter's dress replaced with a soft skirt style. Trying to decide between satin and twinkle satin. Any thoughts on which would hold it's shape better and/or look better? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I believe satin would be softer and fluttery. The sparkle, in my opinion, is a crisper fabric, but may need to either have more layers or a backing piece since it's somewhat sheer. (NT) -- anyone else, Monday, April 02, 08:13:42pm Personally, I think regular satin can look droopy. I'd go with the twinkle. (NT) -- My 2 cents, Tuesday, April 03, 02:16:07pm I think it depends on the other fabrics in the dress & the dancers age/style. Satin/twinkle can be used fairly interchangably, but have different effects. Twinkle looks younger, shinier, and more trendy. Satin is more classic, elegant and lux. (NT) -- --, Tuesday, April 03, 05:09:46pm Thanks everyone! (NT) -- Irish mom of 2, Tuesday, April 03, 10:25:06pm

Subject: Lookinng for a fabric--inside
Author: thank you ahead of time.OP [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, March 31, 08:07:41am Hello-Does anyone know where I can get this color fabric http://www.fabricsworldusa.com/site/cat_products.php?cat_id=24 in this style http://www.fabricsworldusa.com/site/products_details.php?product_id=69&cat_id=24 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
The first link goes to a whole page of fabrics. Which color are you looking for? (NT) -- ??, Saturday, March 31, 02:33:59pm Copper. (NT) -- OP, Saturday, March 31, 06:41:07pm maybe one of these would work for you -- Stacy, Saturday, March 31, 06:51:49pm Thank you. I think I'm going to try the Threads of Green. (NT) -- OP, Sunday, April 01, 08:04:37am you're welcome (NT) -- stacy, Sunday, April 01, 08:50:12am ok, help! I don't see contact info or pricing for sequinsfabrics.com. (NT) -- me, Friday, April 06, 09:18:57am

Subject: Spray Tanning for the Nationals in Chicago July 2-7 2012
Author: Michelle Johnson (happy) [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 30, 08:26:12am Hi Everyone! You can now make make your appointments online for your spray tan at the Nationals in Chicago!! Go to www.bronzeditans.com and find out the facts. Hope to see you there! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Keep that stuff away from our dresses! (NT) -- me, Friday, March 30, 10:31:35am Ha! Ha! I was thinking the same thing! (NT) -- :), Wednesday, April 04, 11:48:32pm Spray Tanning -Thanks very much for the service! Already booked in my daughter (NT) -- Parent, Monday, April 23, 03:34:32am

Subject: Ruffle or pufball skirt pattern
Author: Allyger (Hopeful) [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, March 29, 11:48:55am Help! I'm looking for a puffball or ruffle pattern. We have a dress that fits great but are looking to switch it out to a soft skirt ASAP.I have two tailors who can make a new skirt to replace the old one, but they would like to see a pattern. Any ideas where to find a pattern for a ruffle/puffball dress or at least a bubble skirt? I've searhced the internet but couldn't find any-thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
there are only commercial patterns for this. Most dressmakers make their own patterns or alter a commercial one. (NT) -- look at fabric store pattern books, Thursday, March 29, 01:08:18pm Go over to the IDD yahoo group and have a look at the tutorial Mary H has on her photos. That will be the only 'pattern' you will find. (NT) -- Good luck, Thursday, March 29, 03:41:08pm Do you have a link to the IDD group? I am yahoo-illiterate (NT) -- Thanks, Friday, March 30, 07:18:27pm Link inside -- You are welcome!, Friday, March 30, 09:55:43pm Thanks -- Allyger, Friday, March 30, 08:12:51am

Subject: I have been doing this for a long time, but I am suddenly aware that I feel Like I have lost my way. What are we doing? Who are we doing it for? Is ID a pageant now? I do not recognize the dresses anymore. The 3-panels were a "stretch" once-upon-a-time...but when did we make ID a pageant?
Author: sad [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, March 29, 02:41:50am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I don't think of it as pageant, I think of Irish Dance as a stage production. I am making stage costumes that take a lot of skill and talent to make well. Almost finished with my dd's new dress for worlds, and it doesn't look anything like a ID costume from the past, but I don't think it looks anything like a pageant dress either; I think it looks like the costume a celebrity performer might wear on stage and that's fine with me. (NT) -- :-), Thursday, March 29, 08:29:13am I look at them as something between stage costumes & couture. There are fads, fashions, innovations and distinctive designers, as well as an awareness of the necessities of the stage - dramatic designs, sturdy fabrics, attention to movement, and the idea of creating functional art. (NT) -- I love the old dresses, but I also love the ever changing scene., Thursday, March 29, 09:02:47am I guess I should say "thoughtfully chosen fabrics" as they certainly aren't all sturdy, but are still limited by necessity (rather than whim) to some extent. (NT) -- --, Thursday, March 29, 09:04:37am My only issue is with the disposal aspect of ID dresses these days. It used to be that these dresses were treasures to be kept or passed down. NOw they are just recycled costumes. My DD still has her first 3-panel solo that was designed for her by her TC. I doubt she will ever get rid of it. (NT) -- Sentimental DM, Thursday, March 29, 08:53:48am I'm as sentimental as the next person, but at the outrages prices that are charged for these dresses, who could kept them? Our old dress always helped paid for the new one. (NT) -- old Mom, Friday, March 30, 06:58:37am I am grateful that my daughter only wants me to make her dresses, Her dance teacher wouldn't dare to tell her to get a Gavin like she does with the rest of the class. Funny though, people ask her if her dresses are Gavin. She just grins and says no, they're better, because they are made with love. (NT) -- Gavin not good enough for her!, Friday, March 30, 07:01:55pm Good on you mum, I can't understand why dressmaker put there kids in Gavin's , why would anyone buy from them, if they don't make for there own daughters (NT) -- DM, Tuesday, April 03, 04:38:55am DD and I have made three and a half dresses for her so far -- not Gavin, but love the compliments!, Tuesday, April 03, 10:56:02pm

Subject: Hello, IТm new to using Bernina Software. IТm hoping some of you who use the larger hoops can lend a helping hand.
Author: stumped [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, March 25, 05:10:37pm How do you load your larger designs into your software? For example, I have a bodice pattern which spans 12Т x 18 inches. Do you scan and digitize in pieces then connect it all together once in the software or is there some sort of scaling trick IТm missing completely? Would greatly appreciate any advice you have. Oh and I have the Bernina V6 software. My old software only allowed me to design within the generic hoop sizes, therefore I'm used to digitizing in pieces. I would just really like to do one continuous piece if possible.... Thank you in advance for any help offered. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I use V6 Bernina and scan in the entire thing. You can pick your hoop, or add one or not even show one. Then use the magnify tool to size up or down on your screen. You can set your grid to whatever measurement you want so you can scale your design that way. And the measure feature is something I use all the time (more) -- Trish, Sunday, March 25, 08:32:39pm Oh Thank you Trish! So I understand how I can scale my design once it's in there. But I guess my problem is, how do I get it in there?? Are you drawing your design smaller so that the entire design fits in your scanner? Sorry if this is a really simple thing that I'm over thinking.... (NT) -- stumped, Monday, March 26, 09:16:13am Honestly, I take a picture with my phone and email it to myself. Then I add that file and digitize. I also do this method for pattern pieces for alignment. Do this in art canvas. (NT) -- Trish, Monday, March 26, 07:52:14pm My method inside ... -- Sheila, Monday, March 26, 10:21:47am YES THIS TOTALLY HELPS!!! I could easily draw my design in cm's, scan it and enlarge it to same ratio in inches using your line method. I was DEFINITELY overthhinking this one....Thank you all so much, such a helpful group :) (NT) -- stumped has seen the lightbulb!, Monday, March 26, 11:42:47am Glad to help you! I should also mention your monitor needs to be correctly calibrated. (NT) -- Sheila, Thursday, March 29, 10:48:53pm

Subject: Input please-Are soft skirts like this (link inside) made from a long gathered rectangle or a semi circle?
Author: thank you [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, March 25, 04:26:22pm http://www.dance-again.com/X1919.html [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
they are made from a rectangle of fabric (NT) -- AT, Sunday, March 25, 08:34:58pm Thank you (NT) -- OP, Monday, March 26, 03:44:02pm

Subject: Juki LZ-391N Zig Zag Sewing Machine for sale
Author: Dorothy Ryan [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, March 25, 10:01:21am I have a Juki LZ-391N zig-zag sewing machine for sale. I used it to make dresses and am retiring. New $3000, asking $1000. You must pick up, In the Chicago, Illinois, USA, area. Runs like new. Well taken care of. Moving to a small apartment and it won't fit. Hate to give it up. But would like to see it go to a good home. E-mail me for pictures [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Oh wish this was a straight stitch. I would be so on it. Want something to sew the dresses together! (NT) -- Good luck!!!, Sunday, March 25, 02:33:21pm I googled the machine name/number it it does straight & zigzag, similar to the Singer 20U. (NT) -- great price, Sunday, March 25, 02:45:45pm I just did a little research and it seems like with different throat plates it can do some different stitches. Dorothy can you tell us some more?? (NT) -- hpyswr...interested, Sunday, March 25, 02:41:09pm Just sent her an e-mail. (NT) -- hpyswr, Sunday, March 25, 02:50:32pm

Subject: Here's my problem: I've got several bits and pieces of white twinkle satin, all puchased at different times and so are different dye lots. I'm going crazy trying to figure out which ones match. If I take them out in the sun they sparkle and blind me! But in the house the light is not good and it is hard to see the differences. I don't want to buy a special light just for this. Anyone have any ideas?
Author: thanks! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, March 22, 03:51:42pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Take them outside but not into a sunny spot. I can usually tell then, but I always ask my kids for opinions. Go with their first responses 'cause when they think too long, they change their minds!! (NT) -- , Thursday, March 22, 04:10:57pm* Are they noteably different with an underlay? Sometimes that takes care of it. Barring that, I would suggest getting a natural light bulb for a standing lamp (just the bulbs are pretty reasonable) and using that for color matching. (NT) -- good luck!, Thursday, March 22, 06:07:09pm thank you to above suggestions! (NT) -- OP, Wednesday, March 28, 01:01:04pm

Subject: Leaf fabric - I still have some yards left of the white leaf fabric as seen on Gavin dresses in case anyone needs some. Whatever I have left will be posted on Ebay in a day or so but I thought I'd offer it here first. Email me for info or see it on feisnstuff.com on the For Sale page.
Author: Sonia [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 02:47:43pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: IrishDancingDress.com website launch

Author:
Eileen Power
[ Edit | View ]

Date Posted: Friday, March 16, 03:15:41pm

I would like to introduce the launch of my new website http://www.irishdancingdress.com for dancers who need an easy and quick way to sell your Irish dancing dresses.

I am a mother of three girls and I know the high cost of dancing in competitions. I needed a cheap and easy way to sell my Irish dancing dress each year and found all the other websites too confusing. I could not find any website that specialised in selling dresses that was cost effective. So I did what all good people do in recessionary times, they build their own!

I aim to keep the cost of the listing to an absolute minimum so that it is accessible to everyone.

I hope it will be of great use to people. If anyone would like a listing under the costume designers section please let me know.

Also if anyone has questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards
Eileen Power

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Hello, selling my PE Design 8 Embroidery Software. Paid $1049.00CAD, asking $600.00CAD. If your considering purchasing software this is really easy to use. If anyone's interested, I can email you more details.
Author: for sale [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 16, 08:47:03am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Sold (NT) -- :), Wednesday, March 28, 06:51:40pm

Subject: arghh! (just a rant) Why does velvet have a mind of it's own? Why can't it comply with my wishes like other fabrics do? I can mark it, pin it, baste it perfectly, and still find it has wandered off, all on it's own. Drives me crazy! Okay, rant over. Thanks for listening. Now back to the sewing room.
Author: Hop_123 [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 05:59:31pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
LOL YOU CAN DO IT!!! May I suggest you take a break, have a glass of vino and resume! LOLOL (NT) -- gotta luv velvet!, Tuesday, March 13, 06:19:51pm Thanks for the encouragement. I wrestled that dang stuff into submission! (NT) -- Hop_123, Tuesday, March 13, 09:13:05pm YAY!!! Success!!! (NT) -- glv, Tuesday, March 13, 10:29:02pm Slap some fusible interfacing on the back of that velvet and it will behave much better. (NT) -- teach it who's boss., Tuesday, March 13, 11:43:15pm I had already done that. Not any help. :( (NT) -- Hop-123, Wednesday, March 14, 03:24:25pm Sometimes the quality of the Velvet has something to do with the way it sews. I love to use microvelvet! It is very easy to sew and steam. It doesn't crush very easily. In fact, I've never had a crush problem. I don't usually use pins when I sew, even with the microvelvet. For now, try to use a 1/4 inch, double sided, quilters tape to stick the seams together before sewing. (NT) -- Good Luck!, Wednesday, March 14, 12:10:37pm Doesn't that gunk up your needle? (NT) -- ?, Wednesday, March 14, 11:43:05pm Don't use it on the seam line, just the edge. (NT) -- Not really, Thursday, March 15, 03:32:50pm Have you tried using a walking foot? (NT) -- MJ, Wednesday, March 14, 04:13:40pm I used to loosen the pressure on the foot, to 1, which helped to stop the velvet bunching up. (NT) -- Catherine, Wednesday, April 04, 08:41:48pm

Subject: Help! Fish wire pulled out of dd's skirt last night at dance out!
Author: How can I fix? [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 02:54:00pm The stitching on her soft skirt has a thick plastic thread (I'd call it fishing wire) and it ripped out of the threaded edging. Have to fix it before she wears it again - and definitely before worlds (her heel caught on it!) Many thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Will take loads of time but just thread it back through. I had to do it too. (NT) -- Frustrating, Tuesday, March 13, 05:25:47pm You could try threading some fishing line through a big needle (a wool needle) and then thread it inside the sewn edging. once done, cut off the loop of old fishing line (the damage) that is poking out. (NT) -- Hope that helps, Thursday, March 15, 03:37:27am

Subject: Hi ladies.. I need to source neon/flo yellow sewn sequin, pref a teardrop dangle, but flat would do the job, looking for 2 yards, Thx
Author: sdm [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, March 12, 05:33:39am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: I've seen lots of posts about embroidery machines, but I'm wondering what people use for dress construction - especially getting the skirt on. I have gone through several machines, all brands, and they just can't do the job right and then they break. I might just need to find the room for an industrial machine, but I thought I would ask here first. What do you use?
Author: SNDM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, March 12, 12:01:59am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I like my old domestic Bernina, about 25 yrs old, solid and extremely reliable! I much prefer it to my industrial machine, though that was better for satin stitch in the old days, pre-Toyota embroidery. I now have three similar old Berninas so I always have a spare if one needs servicing. (NT) -- Works well for me, Monday, March 12, 12:45:04am For the really tough work I use my mother's 35-year-old Husqvarna. It's virtually cast iron (and gotta love that 1970s brown paint), but my sewing machine guy assured me it was about the best machine I could get. I break lots of needles, but never the machine. (NT) -- Works for me!, Monday, March 12, 03:33:52pm I have a small Pfaff 2030 for some stuff and also have the Brother Quattro Innovis 6000D for sewing and embroidery. (NT) -- both great, Tuesday, March 13, 11:03:00pm My 30 year old Kenmore work horse. Oldie but a goodie. (NT) -- a, Saturday, April 21, 08:26:41am I have used my Bernina 180, but always fought getting the skirt onto the bodice. Now I have Janome 1600 straight stitch machine and it goes through those thick 3 panel school dress skirts with ease. And it sews FAST! Variable speed so you can start slow while learning but it goes up to 1600 spm. (NT) -- BJ, Wednesday, April 25, 08:52:21am

Subject: I hope you dont mind me asking a question here. It has to do with a fabric flower - not a dress
Author: feismum [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 09, 12:41:24pm I bought this lovely flower for my dd to wear alongside her headband. Perfect colour and fabric is lovely (maybe an organza - very sheer) heres the problem: it flops. Would anyone mind sharing any ideas or tips on possibly firming it up so its a bit stiffer? is there a spray maybe? Thanks so much for all your help in advance [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Spray starch. In a can at your grocery store with the laundry products. Do in multiple light coatings. (NT) -- me, Friday, March 09, 02:40:53pm Try spray starch (NT) -- Test though!!, Friday, March 09, 02:41:53pm Dissolve some sugar in water, dip it in and then let it dry. (NT) -- stiffens, Friday, March 09, 09:41:33pm I used hairspray on a flower once. Granted, it was originally to fix glitter to the petals (which it did), but when the spray had dried, the petals were also very stiff. I used the cheap ultra-hold kind, and I used a lot of hairspray. (NT) -- Cheap option, Saturday, March 10, 03:32:38am I'd try it on a spare flower first though, especially if you can't get a second one of the kind you bought for your DD (NT) -- Better safe than sorry, Sunday, March 11, 05:44:00am Thank you all so very much!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your assistance! (NT) -- Op, Saturday, March 10, 06:58:04am OP, your best option for permenant stiffness: try Mod Podge. Dilute a small amount with water and brush on. I have used this technique sucessfully over the years to keep apllique fabrics from fraying and help sikl flowers keep their shape. Make sure you use the matte Mod podge; glossy may be too shiny (NT) -- Works great!, Saturday, March 10, 08:43:58am

Subject: Question on soft skirts. I know this will just be a general estimate - but about how many yards are required to make a soft skirt for a dress for a girl about size 12? I have a bunch of fabric and wonder if it would be enough. I know different styles of soft skirt would use different amounts. But if I could get an estimate or range, that would be helpful.
Author: thanks [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, March 08, 06:40:47pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
If you use the same color to cover the stabilizer, both inside and out (under side), I would think 3 yards or so if tiered and gathered or pleated. (NT) -- Anyone else?, Thursday, March 08, 06:45:28pm I would also go with three yards. (NT) -- me, Friday, March 09, 12:01:40am Thank you so much for the estimate. I really do appreciate it! (NT) -- op, Saturday, March 10, 10:59:33am

Subject: does anyone have any silver sewn sequin fabric (fishscale preferred) in their stash that they would like to sell? I need about 1/2 yard. Thanks
Author: Alison Thrasher [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, March 07, 09:39:12pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Did you want mirror or holographic ? I think I have both. (NT) -- DM, Thursday, March 08, 04:12:33pm holographic - thanks (NT) -- Alison Thrasher, Thursday, March 08, 09:24:04pm

Subject: White pleated twinkle satin
Author: M.R [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, March 07, 09:35:15am Hi, looking for white plisse twinkle satin. The thin pleats that Threads of Green had, they dont have any left. Need 5 more metres for team dresses for Worlds. Please, please help. I have trawled the Internet all day looking for another supplier and have come up empty. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
pleated fabric -- Jo, Wednesday, March 07, 02:53:41pm not sure how fine this is but :http://www.missbrownsfancy.com/fabrics/product/PLE001. Also have you tried ebay? (NT) -- DM, Wednesday, March 07, 04:15:35pm You can get it pleated in New York fashion district (NT) -- ., Wednesday, March 07, 04:57:40pm Pleated fabric -- M.R, Thursday, March 08, 05:31:29am Price of pleating -- Jo, Thursday, March 08, 12:30:57pm I think I have 2 meters from Worlds last year that I bought from Threads of Green. If this is it, email me. (NT) -- Terri E, Thursday, March 08, 06:47:12pm Ill take it, will email you now. Any one else got any? Will take to long to post from America and to get it pleated at the company in England. (NT) -- M.R, Friday, March 09, 04:50:38am Maeve, I have 3 yds of the pleated, not 2. I sent you emails but son has water polo tournament next 2 days. Not home much. Email me again and we can figure out the shipping/payment method. Fabric has been rolled entire time, in plastic. Perfect condition. (NT) -- Terri E, Saturday, March 10, 10:06:32am

Subject: DO YOU OWN THE MOST EXPENSIVE IRISH DANCE DRESS EVER MADE?
Author: Grainne McCotter [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Tuesday, March 06, 05:40:34am Hello there We are a Belfast based TV Production company, currently working on a documentary series on Irish Dance. We are looking for dancers/dress-makers/parents/teachers etc who own very expensive Irish Dance dresses. Do you or someone you know own an Irish Dance dress that when being made 'money was no object'? How much did it cost? Who made it? What was so unique about it? Please get in touch if you are interested in appearing in the documentary series ASAP. Kind regards Grainne 0044 2890 333848 [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
No, but I'm happy to make it if you can find someone silly enough to pay (NT) -- !, Tuesday, March 06, 03:42:06pm yeah, I'll be willing too! (NT) -- like (poor dm), Tuesday, March 06, 03:51:18pm I can show you some who will pay $2,000.00 for a brand name dress that does not fit properly and has unfinished skirt seams, and will complain about the local dressmaker charging too much to alter the brand name dress. (NT) -- silly silly people, Tuesday, March 06, 06:36:43pm Yep, saw 2 of my "former"clients in their new not so lovely BNDMs - drinking the Koolaid (NT) -- me, Thursday, March 08, 11:08:21am Why so bitter? Surely they can enjoy their BNDM dresses if they want to, as they move up the grades? There are plenty more customers out there to keep us all busy, no shortage there (NT) -- ?!, Thursday, March 08, 02:29:59pm it is more than 2000 for new---more like 2000 for used bndm (NT) -- sndm, Wednesday, March 07, 07:03:15am we are all happy to pay for dresses thinkin you have a one off dress as it cost the price of a second hand car. when you go to a feis and see same design style Its a bit of a con really time we got wise got a life and stop paying over the odds for a dress.I paid over г1745 inc diamante sat in the dm for 2 days. was treated like s*** the finished product was a disgrace.I took photos of this minstrosity daughter was horrified with her treatment. and the dress (NT) -- O@r, Sunday, March 11, 02:19:14pm ??? Was this written by a kid? (NT) -- Sounds Like it., Monday, March 12, 11:40:37am sounds like a very upset mum to me... (NT) -- been there, Wednesday, April 25, 08:56:44am

Subject: Beginner skirts
Author: Kelso Custom Covers-Rosemarie [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, March 03, 03:46:01pm Please check out my website. www.kelsocover.com. Just started making beginner skirts. Using the Irish Threads pattern. We can also embroider on them. We do our own embroidery now. Any questions please e-mail me. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: What kind of embroidery machines do you use? What is your dream machine??
Author: researching... [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 02, 04:31:34pm What do the "big name" folks use? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Toyota 9100 with the x-panto. (NT) -- I love it!, Friday, March 02, 09:32:16pm Me too - there really isn't any other choice (NT) -- !, Friday, March 02, 10:06:34pm what is the cost and do you have a web link?? (NT) -- thanks!, Saturday, March 03, 02:58:26pm You will really have to do your own research, as prices vary widely depending on what country you are in, and where your local dealer is located. Not hard with Google (NT) -- ., Saturday, March 03, 07:50:03pm thank you.. (NT) -- :), Saturday, March 03, 10:34:02pm Well, there is the Tajima Neo2 with the X-panto hoop. (NT) -- ., Wednesday, March 07, 12:27:49am Happy has the large frame now, and their customer service is out of this world. The 15 needle Happy runs about $15K and the border frame is a couple of thousand extra. Worth it if you make a lot of dresses. That is my dream machine! Check them out at www.texmac.com (NT) -- BJ, Wednesday, April 25, 09:00:43am There's a couple of great posts/discussions below about machines. Both the Toyota 9100 and Tajima Neo 2 with the extension hoops are ideal for ID dresses. Scroll way down and possibly onto page 2. (NT) -- --, Sunday, March 04, 06:54:32am

Subject: Alterations advice:
Author: Thank you very much! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 02, 02:07:51pm Can anyone give me a rough estimate of how much I should expect to pay to have a dress let down? There is 3" of fabric folded up at the waist & I want to have it let down 1 1/2" [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
that should be 1 1/2" (NT) -- thanks, Friday, March 02, 02:09:29pm If the zipper has to be taken out or messes with and the sides need to be taken out to fit over the hips because of the drop.....around $50 (NT) -- More if it's sequins., Friday, March 02, 09:35:00pm Thanks! (NT) -- :), Saturday, March 03, 08:03:10am $50 seems really inexpensive. I would charge around $100. Maybe it depends where you are located, but when I started doing alterations I charged $75 for this alteration, and the customer thought that was very cheap, so I think $100 is probably still a bargain; at least where I live. (NT) -- .., Sunday, March 04, 11:04:32am I would also charge around $100.00. It's roughly 4.5 hours of work, plus materials (thread, deorderizer, new zipper, needles). Possibly a bit more or less depending on the actual dress construction. (NT) -- --, Sunday, March 04, 11:37:56am wow, what are you doing for 4.5 hours? When I was very inexperienced maybe it took a couple of hours because I used to hand baste the waist to get it to sit right. But now that I'm more experienced I do these alterations all the time in about 45 mins and charge $35. If I have to replace the zip too, I add $5 for the new zip cost. (NT) -- keeping it reasonable., Monday, March 05, 11:24:58am That's what I thought too! I would take maybe 30 - 60 min, but I would still charge $100 for the responsibility of taking apart someone's precious dress. I think my expertise and experience is worth that much extra to guarantee a good job (NT) -- ., Monday, March 05, 02:31:17pm I've been sewing for 36 years, and I consider this to be a fairly big alteration. I think it would definitely take more than 30-60 minutes to do properly, but probably less than 4.5 hours. (NT) -- .., Monday, March 05, 04:05:39pm Ah, I probably shouldn't post without thinking it through. Now that I have, 4.5 hours is an over estimate, the time would be more like this: two half hour fittings (minimum charge to meet with someone), two hours for the alterations, plus materials charges & the possibility of PITA time for weird dresses or materials. I can't imagine doing this in 45 mins, but to each their own. (NT) -- The total would probably be $70.00 for most dresses, Tuesday, March 06, 09:03:01am What "materials"? New zip if required is less than $5. A few feet of thread is all that is needed on most of these alterations. I don't charge to meet with the client (I consider them possible future custom dress order clients so I do it pro bono), then all that is needed is to rip out old seam around waist and take zipper out of skirt. Iron a little bit, put the seam back in an inch or so farther down and sew zipper back into skirt. If no other alterations are needed, what is the big deal? (NT) -- still 45 mins., Tuesday, March 06, 11:22:39am Wow, you're fast! It would take me about 2-3 hours depending on what "surprises" I found inside. Normally the bodice needs to be let out when you drop the skirt and sometimes there isn't room in the skirt to fit the new bodice size. (NT) -- I would charge $80-$100, Wednesday, April 25, 09:03:50am

Subject: Thinking of making my dd a crystal tiara but I have no idea what size crystals to use--I am specifically interested in the larger pear shaped ones but I am old school and live in the world of inches, not milimeters. Any idea what size?
Author: oldmarm [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, March 02, 08:20:46am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
why dont you try Sharon @ Tillies Tiaras (NT) -- she's the queen of the big tiaras, Friday, March 02, 08:41:47pm https://www.facebook.com/groups/213680812025163/ (NT) -- mum, Saturday, March 03, 02:51:51am These ones keep getting plugged on all the message boards, but they aren't real crystals. Maybe OK for little girls, but you get what you pay for (NT) -- ., Saturday, March 03, 07:52:34pm I would really like to make it myself. So, again, what size crystals? (NT) -- Thanks!, Saturday, March 03, 03:17:53pm Try Dreamtime Creations, and there are several different sizes, but bigger is better (NT) -- ., Saturday, March 03, 07:53:49pm Check out whats availible on Dreamtime, convert the mm to inches and figure out what size you want from there. (NT) -- good luck!, Sunday, March 04, 09:46:47am The really good ones are these. Swarovski, Drop, Sew On Stones, Style 3230, 28x17mm (NT) -- Just ordered a load myself, Thursday, March 08, 01:47:49pm Thank you! (NT) -- OP, Sunday, March 11, 03:35:40pm

Subject: Remind me to charge hazard pay for altering particularly odiferous used dresses!
Author: gagging dm [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, March 01, 01:15:06pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Ha, Ha. That's too funny. I remember actually dry heaving altering a dress once. Trouble is that you don't know how bad it smells until you really get in there. (NT) -- x, Thursday, March 01, 02:08:19pm Some state health laws require clothing to be washed or dry cleaned before alterations can be done. If you need to get out of a job "nicely" just tell them to bring it back with the dry cleaning bag still on it. (NT) -- Not worth the money, Thursday, March 01, 05:24:45pm Some of the ones I've worked on have been so bad....and yes, I have charged extra because of it. The time I spent getting over the headahce was added in! (NT) -- ., Thursday, March 01, 05:47:36pm It's just not worth it. (NT) -- Say no!, Friday, March 02, 10:08:31pm

Subject: Crocheted Collars... I have several pretty ones for sale, if anyone is interested!
Author: Email for photos or info! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, February 29, 04:21:44pm I will be putting up photos on my site soon, but if anyone is interested I have some pretty ones... thanks! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Yes please leave your email address (NT) -- mum, Friday, March 09, 02:39:55am

Subject: knickers!
Author: knickers! [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Wednesday, February 29, 08:45:32am Am trying to make some lycra knickers for under costume - any suggestions on how I would measure to allow for the stretch? Would I just use normal measurements? If hips are 34 would I just cut it at 34 and the stretch would allow it to go up and fit tight? Any input much appreciated! [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
I use a vintage non-stretch fabric bathing suit bottom pattern for all my kick pants-- no adjustments when using stretch fabric. But then, this makes the blousiery bottoms and not the cheerleading style kick pants. There are commercial cheerleading uniform patterns available in the costume section of McCalls, Simplicity, etc. Kwik-Sew makes the best stretch fabric patterns for dancewear. (NT) -- LynnToledo, Thursday, March 01, 09:56:13am

Subject: Leaf fabric for sale (yes, THE leaf fabric as seen on the Gavin dresses). White, 60" wide. Two yard minimum, $15 per yard plus shipping (plus CA sales tax if applicable). Link for pictures will be posted in first message. I've only got 12 yards, so it will be first come first served. Fabric is taffeta with laser cut leaves.
Author: Sonia [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, February 27, 11:26:39pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Link to pics of the fabric as well as of a dress made with same. http://www.feisnstuff.com/For-Sale.html (NT) -- Sonia, Monday, February 27, 11:28:04pm

Subject: hi i am looking for a large stone or crystal about 3 to 4 cm diameter, can't find any. Can anybody give me a link please?
Author: b [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, February 27, 04:36:12pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
http://rhinestoneguy.com/swarovski-rhinestones.html (NT) -- there, Monday, February 27, 10:02:29pm found 3 mm need 30 to 40 mm, (NT) -- b, Friday, March 02, 03:21:33am http://rhinestoneguy.com/JewelsFlatBacks.html (NT) -- 25 mm looks like the largest--scroll down page, Tuesday, March 06, 03:04:53am

Subject: Fitting.
Author: SNDM [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Monday, February 27, 04:59:24am Does this annoy anyone else? I keep seeing pictures of new dresses on girls who are saying they absolutely love their new dress and how well it fits them. Just looking at the picture I can see they fit so badly especially around the bust area. I could not even get away with an eighth of an inch of a pucker. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Not just that, but seen photos of big name dresses on their own Facebook pages being used for advertising where the fabric has obviousls shifted during the embroidery so outlines are clearly WAY off from rest of design, yet it has been made up and stoned and going out as a finished dress. I wouldn't DARE! Yet people are waxing lyrical about the amazing design?! (NT) -- ugh, Monday, February 27, 05:57:35am If it looks good on stage from 30 feet away, and the clients are happy, don't hate! (NT) -- ; ), Monday, February 27, 01:42:04pm Point taken and I try to communicate this to my customers as well. However, it's the double standard that's frustrating (NT) -- dontcha' think?, Monday, February 27, 01:47:29pm To be honest, I've rarely encountered a double standard. Most dancers want a dress they can breath in that makes their waist look small & their figures look nice. Beyond that, few care. The ones that do came to a small dressmaker because they care and know they can't get that from a BNDM without alterations. (NT) -- everyone's clients are different though, Tuesday, February 28, 10:08:18am I agree, not really a double standard at all, just some people care more than others about certain aspects of dressmaking, like whether or not there is a pucker at the bust. Most just simply want a brilliant stage costume that fits reasonably well, and who wouldn't agree with that (NT) -- ?!, Saturday, March 03, 07:56:26pm Many clients just don't understand how a dress should fit. I used to think as you described, then I saw one of my dresses in a photo that showed the fit was slightly "off". The client was so thrilled and thought it fit perfectly. At two thousand miles away I wasn't going to argue the point! (NT) -- just me, Monday, February 27, 02:52:51pm

Subject: Seeking Advice.. My DDs dress is satin (not twinkle), just under 1 year old. My concern is the way the dress is fitting. When it was new, it looked crisp, but now it can look УrumpledФ through the bodice. ItТs almost like the satin has УrelaxedФ, if thatТs possible. Dress looks so much better when I pull down on the hem, but certainly canТt add weights to the hem : ) Is there a way to stablize the fabric at this point? Create a new firmer lining? Would adding boning help? Thx.
Author: Thanks in advance for any advice. [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Sunday, February 26, 08:00:41pm [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
It may be too tight. Try the dress on but keep the zipper open. If it looks better it may need letting out. (NT) -- ., Monday, February 27, 02:57:43am it sounds like the dw might need to be let out to allow it to easily fall over the hips... (NT) -- bg, Monday, February 27, 06:55:28am

Subject: re: dressmaking
Author: clair (creative) [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Saturday, February 25, 06:53:26am hi i am looking to learn how to make irish dance costumes and would welcome any advice? is there a specific course to do this or is it a matter of learning as you go along? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
In my opinion, you should be a fairly good seamstress just to begin with. There are no courses that teach this type of dress making, that I am aware of. You can buy patterns for the base from FeisDress, but with the rapidly changing styles, skirts are created by the individual seamstress. Not nearly as easy as one might think. 12 years of just ID dresses and I learn something new with each one. (NT) -- Start small, Saturday, February 25, 08:54:13am Ditto! It took me over 7 years of doing this before I didn't feel like a "newbie." Just like the dance, Irish dance dressmaking is all about practice, practice, practice. (NT) -- :), Saturday, February 25, 09:50:17am Oh, and I had already been sewing for 18 years before I attempted my first ID dress. (NT) -- I guess I'm old now, Saturday, February 25, 09:51:33am I had been sewing for over 30 years... -- SMD, Saturday, February 25, 10:07:44am I started making costumes when I was 16 (inside) -- Christina, Saturday, February 25, 02:24:12pm Hopefully you have a good bit of prior sewing experience and aren't afraid to design your own patterns! I have only made and then updated my own dress, but I would suggest: Search the archives here for info. Learn about getting a good fit of the bodice. Read the info on the FeisDress website about measuring and fitting issues. Go to Dance Again and look and look and look at how ID dresses look. Go to (more inside) -- Hop_123, Sunday, February 26, 05:07:41pm

Subject: Fairy skirts?
Author: -- [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Friday, February 24, 02:47:42pm Has anyone seen one of Michelle Lewis's dresses with the fairy skirts in person? Like this one: http://lewisirishdresses.com/gallery/images/2012Dresses/9graingerfront.jpg It looks like a tightly woven chiffon, cut in circles/ovals and stitched on a solid skirt base, but I'm baffled by the apparent lack of hem on the ruffles. Any ideas? Could they have burned hems, or are they literally just bias cut chiffon? Or some other fabric altogether? [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
It's a poly net. It can be found in 60" wide. No need to hem. (NT) -- Stretch World or Spandex House, Friday, February 24, 10:44:44pm That was my first thought when I saw it, but on the pink/orange skirt in her 2011 pics the sparkly fabric looks like chiffon. I haven't seen a poly net that looks like that, and concluded it must be chiffon. I have some poly net somewhere, I'll try a sample with that. (NT) -- thanks!, Saturday, February 25, 07:10:34pm The problem with this type of flimsey skirt material and other materials like it, is that it will eventually rip or tear. I cannot tell you the number of these type of skirts that I have seen and repaired because of a hard shoe heel catching. The skirts on solos need to be somewhat sturdy and, while beautiful, this type of skirt fabric is not pratical and will not hold up. (NT) -- SDM, Saturday, February 25, 10:12:15am I disagree. My daughter has been wearing one of these skirts from Michelle Lewis for almost a year and it shows no sign of wear or tear. The material is not flimsy at all. I doubt you've repaired a skirt like the one referred to as there are not very many of them around. (NT) -- x, Saturday, February 25, 10:26:39am Thanks for your feedback! If it is in fact poly net I could see it holding up quite well - that stuff doesn't fray, and unless you catch it on something sharp the likelihood of it tearing is pretty small (in my experience at least).. (NT) -- OP, Saturday, February 25, 07:13:47pm

Subject: With all the talk below about digitizing software, I've been inspired to pick up a version too! I keep seeing Bernina version 6 Designer Plus software and Bernina version 6 Editor Plus software. My question is, are these part of the same software package or do you purchase them separately? If sold separately I'm assuming the one I'd need is the Desinger Plus? Would just like to be informed before I head to the shops and get a sales pitch for something I don't really need.
Author: ??? [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: Thursday, February 23, 11:43:29am [ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Replies:
Those are 2 different levels in the same software. Editor Plus doesn't have as much creativity as Designer Plus. I think you can upgrade from one to the other at a discount, but I use the Designer plus. (NT) -- Trish, Thursday, February 23, 05:20:54pm I understand the Editor sotware is a part of the Designer software. I have the Designer (only) and I think that's what you need (NT) -- ., Thursday, February 23, 07:43:00pm Here is a link to the brochure which shows what each version has and doesn't have -- Trish, Thursday, February 23, 09:57:12pm Thank you very much, this helps me out a lot. I'm heading to the shops today so I'll hopefully get what I need. (NT) -- Thanks again, Friday, February 24, 08:39:16am

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