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Subject: 1st solo design Author: Just dropped down [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: Tuesday, August 05, 05:36:35pm Hello All, I just got the ok to drop down from adults and move into the "and overs" (yippy)! So I've been trying to hunt for a dress in a ladies size 12 (US). I'm 5'9" and what I like to call a bit Amazonian, ... so no used dresses seem in my size. My very encouraging buddy suggested I design my own and have our local dressmaker give it a go. I'm shooting for something in the style of Silverloden (pure genius)but with big knotwork/spirals/traditional design like the other genius designer for Celtic Originals. So last night I started plugging away (I'm an art teacher) and designing Irish solo dresses is insanely hard!!!! I'm a pencil, pen and ink type of gal so good golly I now have even more respect for dressmakers and designers. Keeping in mind how the design looks far away was a kicker for me. I'm a small detail artist type. So, I was thinking about nixing the drawing and instead getting scrap book type paper and just doing a paper cut of the dress, then look into snagging fabric samples similar to what I cut via the paper. Is that a good plan to start with? When looking at fabric samples, what do you talented folks usually use and what should I stay away from? I keep hearing about lycra and stuff I wouldn't have thought would be easy to work with? Any thoughts would be great. I know my dressmakers will have heaps of guidance but I am in limbo until classes start and I "make it out the gate". My dance classes start mid August so I still have a bit of time before dress talk with my TCRG. I'm hoping to start feising at the earliest Nov. (worst case senario Jan.). Thanks for any guidance! [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Subject Author Date Way to Go! more inside Jo Beth Tuesday, August 05, 06:47:09pm as far as fabrics go, I highly suggest letting your DM choose what she likes to work with and feels is appropriate. I know, for myself, what I like to work with and what I won't touch! You can still play with color and design, but maybe wait on the actual fabrics until your DM gives you guidance. As far as design goes, small designs can still work as long as there is enough contrast with colors (NT) I also design with pencil/paper! Tuesday, August 05, 08:24:14pm A huge thing for me was having the pattern pieces cut to the correct size so I know what space I have to fill. When I designed with paper and pencil, it was easiest to do the design like a big paper doll, so I'd recommend figuring out what style and which pattern you'd like first, then go from there. The top of the panels, even on a 3 panel dress, are surprisingly narrow. (NT) So Cal Trish Wednesday, August 06, 12:25:45am Take a look at www.colleensofcanberra.com . This site is closing soon but there maybe some design elements you could use in your own design. (NT) DM Wednesday, August 06, 03:08:39am Dress -- OP/Heather, Wednesday, August 06, 12:39:32pm I read the post and thought "that sounds like Heather". Looks like I was right. Congrats!!! from Annie's mom. Call me if you want some suggestions. Of course I have one made one and remade one dress but there is at least one DM here "in town". And it would just be fun to talk. Are you still taking dance at IC? email addy included... (NT) -- redwine, Wednesday, August 06, 03:10:44pm I have a Celtic Yarns dress that was originally made for a 5'9" dancer. It's "old-fashioned," in that it's sequinned 3-panel., white, red, blackm price negotiable. If you're interested, I'll post my email. (NT) No name Wednesday, August 06, 04:32:29am Opps, I think I posted above accidentally. (NT) -- Would love to see pics. OP, Wednesday, August 06, 12:41:02pm alex22152 at msn.com. Send me you email and I'll send a couple of pictures and the dimensions. Includes bloomers and 2 fabric-backed tiaras. (NT) -- No name, Wednesday, August 06, 06:33:41pm I might have a dress that is ok for you - I'm 5'10 and I only wore it twice before I had to retire. It's red silk with gold holo sleeves and looks stunning - it's a Kirsty Blair. Can email you pics tomorrow if you're interested. (NT) Siobhan Wednesday, August 06, 05:27:11am My friend Julie, who designs, uses construction paper as a visual. She cuts out a life-size center front skirt, hangs it on the wall, then starts cutting and moving construction paper shapes around. But I agree with others to use the dressmaker's good judgement on fabrics. (NT) Beth G. Wednesday, August 06, 09:04:28am I also like to take a picture of the design from both far away and close up to see how the design will work before working with the fabrics (NT) -- Julie, Thursday, August 07, 10:20:06am Hi, Julie! (NT) -- Beth, Thursday, August 07, 08:25:13pm I usually design my dresses on a small template (few inches x few inches), because that is basically the size a dancer is when she's on stage! I once designed on a full-size pattern and it was just too cluttered & and everything became a blurr. (NT) Kirsten Wednesday, August 06, 09:20:33am Definitely, if you design full size, look at it from FAR away. I like the full size because it gave me the best idea of how do-able the stitching would be in real life, but don't forget to look at how things appear from 20 feet away, too. (NT) -- So Cal Trish, Wednesday, August 06, 05:40:16pm I sit on the floor with a large roll of paper in front of me. Draw the pattern pieces to the correct size and then start designing. I usually do one bodice or skirt front in full colour and then move a bit away to see what it will look like from a distance. (NT) Helen (Stockholm) Thursday, August 07, 03:58:07pm The design is the one thing that can make the difference between a dress looking homemade or professional. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, then don't! There are plenty of fabulous designers out there who will draw your dream dress for a small fee. (NT) No name Thursday, August 07, 11:16:02pm