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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: Enlarging the waist diameter on an existing dress


Author:
any experienced dm done this?
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 31, 07:52:05am

am looking at buying a resale dress-waist is too small(by about 2 inches)and skirt is a bit long-I was thinking I could trim down top of skirt, which would enlarge the waist and shorten the skirt as well-not much of the design would be lost at top of skirt-has anyone done such an alteration? and does this method work pretty well?

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Subject: Dress front bowing out due to dancer's tummy. Dress recently restiffened and now bows out in front. How do I fix it to make it lie flat or flatter than it is.


Author:
Dianne
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 31, 05:06:08am

Any suggestions are appreciated!

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Subject: Neat Dress Classifieds Site - FREE


Author:
irishmarks
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 29, 08:07:01am

There is a new website for posting your Irish dresses for sale (and wigs, shoes, etc). And posting is FREE! Thought you might all be interested....

www.IrishDanceDressShop.com

It has great search features and ability to get notifications of new ads by category (ie. by size)




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Subject: Looking for fabric advice:


Author:
?
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, May 28, 09:43:54pm

Part one: I purchased a black organza overlay that has embroidery and sequin embellishment. At the time of purchase, I planned to use black satin or lycra as the base fabric. Now, I'm wondering if I shouldn't use white or silver as the base to show off the embroidery. I'm afraid the fabric will "read" dirty or gray. Has anyone tried black organza over white? How did it work?

Part two: Does anyone know of a bright, optic white? I'm looking for a fabric that could have an all over pattern (not a 60s lava lamp type, perhaps a spandex with some sparkle.

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Subject: Seven Gates on Ebay...


Author:
wondering
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, May 28, 01:23:00pm

Someone is selling a variety of 7 gates designs, from a copy of the book. Is this allowed? How do we know she paid for it, or is using a copy that someone sent for free?
Just wondering if this is cool or not.

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Subject: Hi...I'm shopping for used/affordable (read: cheap) new dresses... I'm trying to figure out a ballpark overall length (top of shoulder, I guess, to the skirt hem) for a dress for my 5 feet 3 1/2 inch tall dd...New to this whole thing and all the dress measurements seem to vary so widely....:)


Author:
thanks so much :)
[Edit]

Date Posted: Thursday, May 28, 10:18:46am


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Subject: Ruffles Under Panels finishing


Author:
MW DM
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, May 27, 06:10:47pm

I've always wondered how you finish your raw edge of gathered pieces--the kind that gets attached under the skirt.

Also, do you hand sew it that edge to the under side of the skirt panels to attach? I'm just taking about the one or two layers under 4/5 panel dresses, not the tiered skirts.

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Subject: I know this has been asked...Sorry:)...but which is the easise velvet to work with (replacing bodice/sleeves)???


Author:
thank you so much from a novice seamstress :)
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 01:12:05pm


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Subject: Dress for sale


Author:
Erin
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 25, 02:19:25pm

http://www.dance-again.com/X1803.html

Unique satin solo dress made by Janice Young. Perfect for tall, slim, dancer in Novice or Prizewinner. Great stage presence. Original owner, less than 2 years old. Good condition, from a smoke-free home. White, silver & charcoal with mint & dark green leaf design & eye-catching peacock blue underskirt. Comes with mint green soft cape, silver headband & matching peacock blue bloomers. Please email scully_blink@hotmail.com for extra photos or to make an offer.

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Subject: Does anyone have any of the white spandex or lycra with the large 1 inch gold foil dots on it? I need enough for a pair of spankies. Do you know of anyone who's got it for sale? I've tried all my regulars. Thanks in advance.


Author:
Terri E CO
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 25, 02:18:34pm


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Subject: Wide Satin Stitch?


Author:
x
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 25, 06:25:54am

Hi there! I'm looking to purchase an embroidery machine, and am a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. I had read great things about Pfaff, and was looking at the Pfaff 2170, but the Pfaff Creative might be a better investment? I know that the Pfaff Machines offer a 9mm zigzag stitch, but then I think I'd read somewhere that other machines have up to a 12mm stitch width, so now am I back to square 1? Any recommendations you may have would be greatly appreciated?

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Subject: We just bought a lovely used solo dress. It's beautiful. The sleeve material catches very, very easily on the dress sequins and the velcro on the dress. I already have plans to change the velcro to snaps. Any suggestions for something I can use on the sleeves to keep the material from catching and snagging? The sleeve material is a net with nylon(?) braid laid out in a flower pattern. It's the braid/rope that catches.


Author:
Need an idea! Thanks
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 24, 07:21:47pm


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Subject: "First" sewing machine


Author:
anon
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 24, 08:34:02am

Thinking about buying my teen (15) a sewing machine of her own,to go along with sewing lessons. Any opinions on what would be a decent, simple, inexpensive machine for a beginner? Don't want to spend a lot of money, but don't want to get something that is junk and will only cause frustration. thanks for any help....

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Subject: Elevation style 2 dresses question


Author:
Kirsten
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 22, 02:52:48pm

I have been ogling the style 2 dresses from the Elevation site for a while http://www.elevationdesign.ie/collection.html/?g_id=2 and the one thing that has me wondering is the soft kick pleats. Does anyone know if they are just full kickpleats but unstiffened or more like godets between the stiffened panels? Because in the former option I can see how they would pop out and flop in front of the stiffened panels. Does anyone have an idea? I'd love to try having a go at making a skirt (roughly) like those.

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Subject: New Facebook page for Elizabeth Davis Irish Dance Dress Designs


Author:
Kate
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 22, 07:16:18am

Hi, for those of you on Facebook, a new page has been created for Elizabeth Davis at

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=811401739#/pages/Elizabeth-Davis-Irish-Dance-Dress-Designs/100732856718?ref=nf

The page is very new, and the gallery is in the process of being uploaded.

No kickbacks involved, other than that Liz is a friend of mine and I asked if I could post the link to the boards. I do hope the link works.

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Subject: quick repair question! My daughter caught the sleeve of her dress on the strap buckle of her hard shoe and it made a great pull in the design stitching, How can I stop the unraveling and best repair it?


Author:
new dress too :(
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 01:33:59pm


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Subject: On eBay...Hard Shoes: 13.5 UK Suede Sole Halmor (nice!) 12.5 US (like new)Split Sole RedHead Dancer Plus Celtic Creations Arch Support Soft Shoes Worn twice 7UK...Great Deals!!!


Author:
BIN 49.99 US for Hard Shoes...great deals!!!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 07:45:25am


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Subject: Is there any way to repair a bent skirt panel?


Author:
Hannah
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 19, 03:56:49pm

At a feis this past weekend, I sprained my ankle, and had to bend forward in my dress (a 4 panel) in order to reach my ankle to put ice on it. Now the kick pleats are bent (cracked isn't the right word, but that's what they look like) and I'm not sure if they can be fixed. Is there anything I can do? I've tried gently folding the pleats the other way, but it doesn't seem to help. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated as it's a new solo!

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Subject: Two Tired Skirt


Author:
Pat
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 19, 11:10:37am

Hello Everyone,

I was able to attend World in Philadelphia. I had a chance to see the 19-20 year old women. I had a chance to meet one of the dancers there. Her mom made her dress. It was beautiful. I was wondering if anyone here knows where I can purchase a two tired skirt pattern. I live in New Jersey, and can go to Joann's Fabrics.

I really would like to use the style for my dance company.

Thank you in advance.

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Subject: My daughters SR puffball needs to be let down since it is at her glueteul fold. Is there anyone in CT or MA knowledgeable with SR dresses willing to help out?


Author:
Many Thanks Mary
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 19, 09:58:30am


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Subject: Hi. I am about to start a simple solo for my daughter. What Vilene should I use for front panels, there are so many!. I am making a stiff 4 panel with a frill underneath ( a UK supplier please). Thanks in Advance


Author:
Sharon
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 19, 03:37:01am


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Subject: As I've been looking at dresses on-line in anticipation of making a dress for my daughter for NAN's, I have what may seem to be a silly question.


Author:
Kathleen
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 18, 09:23:29pm

I've noticed many of the dropped waist dresses have a horizontal seam at the natural waistline. Why ??? My plan was to use my favorite dropped waist bodice (Vogue 8510), shape the lower edge of the bodice into a "V",add a belt/yoke of embroidered bodice fabric and stitch it onto the skirt, which had been shortened from the waist. I find the horizontal lines distracting, and especially noticable in velvet, which I plan to use for the bodice. Can anyone tell me whether my plan is way off base or give me a good reason for the horizontal seam. Daughter is U20, so no need to add any growth allowance. Thanks !

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Subject: There was a discussion a while back about the little dresses with the skirts made of layers of ruffled organza - has anyone seen one of these dresses up close, and know how they are made? I've been asked to make one, and not sure whether they are made with a stiff/firm skirt and ruffles attached, or whether they are a fully soft skirt with tiers of ruffles attached directly to the bodice?


Author:
Challenged
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 18, 03:00:20am


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Subject: I am wanting to make a dress and use a flat panel for the skirt and add ruffles onto that.


Author:
Heather
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 18, 02:29:28am

I saw a dress a while ago where they had used a single flat panel and as the dancer kicked up the dress the skirt stayed up for quite a few seconds before falling back down. I'm paranoid about this happening and not sure why the skirt did this but I don't want it to be a problem. Does anyone know why this would have occurred so that I avoid this issue?

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Subject: Couple of quick questions about the Kandy Kane Hot Fixer tool:


Author:
?
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 17, 09:03:07am

How does it compare to the Kandy Kane Professional tool (the one I have now)?

Does get too hot to use on spandex, lycra, tulle, organza or any other delicate fabric? I'd hate to melt an overlay or base material.

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Subject: blinging a dress


Author:
remedial rhinestone 101
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 17, 08:23:44am

I have been adding hotfix crystals to my dd's dress. I have been outling the embroidery with clear Swarovskis in 30,34, and 40ss. A friend suggested I scatter small black ones on the black velvet bodice. Has anyone done this? Can you suggest a size and the name of the black...I see a few different types. Will that make a difference or is it just more time and money?

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Subject: Thought others might find this useful.


Author:
new dm
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 16, 05:50:08pm

A link in another group took me to some info on using wax paper to help with embroidery. I didnt need it for velvet like the info talks about but it helped me use my metallic thread. I thought breaking was just part of the process. It is on a new site - http://taoknitter.wordpress.com/

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Subject: Can someone recommend a good place to buy the wide headband bases wholesale? I want to cover the bases in different colors/types of material and embellish with crystals? Any detail would be appreciated!


Author:
West Coast Vendor
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 16, 05:42:10pm


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Subject: Hi, can anyone remember where to get digitised irish dancing shoes , soft and hard?


Author:
MHH
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 16, 10:58:18am


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Subject: colour suggestions...


Author:
frustrated dancer..
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 16, 01:45:30am

Just wondering if anyone can help offer some suggestions. I am planning my next dress and I'm overwhelmed with too many ideas (always the same - i have far too many ideas so when it comes to choosing one I just can't!)

I am quite pale skinned but tan for feises. Blue/green eyes. The wig I wear is the Katie K "light rust" - so a mix of light brown, blonde and red tints...

I've settled on a deep bluey purple for the bodice with white as the main secondary colour - but want a third accent... there will not be much of this, maybe small amounts of applique and a bit of stitching/outlining.

Possibilities have been lemon, mint, lilac or a light blue but I can't decide which?! Any thoughts what would look best with my colouring?

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Subject: I'm looking at upgrading my machine. Which Industrail Sewing machine do you think is good? Or what ones do you think are rubbish?


Author:
Thanks!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 15, 04:45:13pm


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Subject: Does anyone know where I can buy something to help the sewing machine foot go over thick layers more easily? I think it's called a thing-a-ma-jig.


Author:
Thanks!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 15, 02:11:29am


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Subject: I would like to jazz up my simple costume with a few glittery stones but don't what to get or where to get them. I have seen some packged stones at a local Joannes in the craft section but don't know if they will hold up. I need suggestions and advice on what will work and how to apply.. thanks in advance...


Author:
adult dancer
[Edit]

Date Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 08:39:38pm


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Subject: Bodice zipper placement on a 2-piece


Author:
LynnToledo
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 12, 12:51:19pm

Has anyone ever placed the zipper somewhere on the front of a bodice top? I had a request from an older dancer that sometimes goes to feisianna alone. She usually at the mercy of an another dancer or obliging parent. I found a source for an invisible separating zipper used in evening wear. I would overlap the CF panel of the bodice and insert the zipper in one of the princess seams to zip down toward the waist (the lighter lining weight fabric underneath). Other than the bulk of the zipper, is there any reason not to try this? Thanks, I love being able to use the "brain trust" here!

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Subject: style suggestions


Author:
for teams
[Edit]

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 12, 11:00:22am


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Subject: Hi DM's! I'm hoping someone from the Chicago area can recommend a store where I can buy stretch elastic so I can make DD's prom garter. I'm going to Action Fabrics


Author:
Thanks for any help!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 11, 07:20:53pm

tomorrow, but in case they don't have the right color we're looking for, I need a backup plan. I seem to remember a place downtown (west loop) that was almost all trims (it was years ago though). Found the perfect garter and the website discontinued it!

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Subject: DD Wants to Sew a New Skirt


Author:
CeiliMom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 11, 07:12:56pm

Hi, My DD would like to make a new soft, three tier skirt for her solo dress. She is an experienced sewer but usually works from patterns. We can make a pattern for the bodice, but can anyone recommend a pattern for the skirt?

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Subject: Cotton velvet


Author:
totally newbie
[Edit]

Date Posted: Monday, May 11, 04:12:45pm

Hi! I am looking to make a vest for my ds and am looking for a source of cotton velvet in the US. Does anyone know where to find? Thanks, all of you vetrans! I am so impressed with what you undertake!!!

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Subject: what size crystals to add to wide headband, for new crown?


Author:
ordering this afternoon! HELP!
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 10, 01:04:23pm


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Subject: Are there directions in the archives for making the "curly" type ruffles (the ones that look like pageant skirts)? or know of a link with directions? Thanks


Author:
MJ
[Edit]

Date Posted: Sunday, May 10, 10:27:21am


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Subject: Speaking of crystals


Author:
DM
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 09, 11:06:40pm

Has anyone tried the new Kandi's Hot Fixer tool? It says that it is a commercial grade applicator and it heats up superfast and well, is faster because it gets hotter. You can't use it for smaller stones, I think 16ss and smaller b/c it heats the glue too fast. Just wondering if anyone has tried it and if it works well or if it is too hot!

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Subject: Dress Crystals


Author:
mom
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 09, 09:35:17pm

I know this has been addressed many times before but what is the best way to attach crystals? Also where to buy - do I need to order or are they available in local fabric stores
(US New England location)?

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Subject: Rocky Lame from Whitelodge


Author:
US Dressmaker
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 09, 07:53:51pm

Does anyone know about the durability of the rocky lamee from whitelodge? It will have a fair amount of embroidery on it. When it was popular years ago, I thought it had a poly content to it so it was fairly durable, much more so than the tissue lame.

How does it compare in durability to metallic silk?

Thank you!!

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Subject: I have a bunch of old square metal buckles and want to bling them up. What are the best size Swarovski's to use...SS10's or SS12's? What's the best adhesive...E6000? And what's the best way to apply? Thank you so much.


Author:
Bling's My Thing
[Edit]

Date Posted: Saturday, May 09, 05:11:48pm


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Subject: I have been asked to make a dress,need help with ideas to make it look slimmer.young girl is a little chunky(not sure how to word that)more inside


Author:
new dm
[Edit]

Date Posted: Friday, May 08, 08:43:07am

so i am looking for ideas that would make the dancer appear slimmer, so colors, design, and style of dress, what would you do? thanks

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