tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56273615782140545632024-02-20T00:36:35.065+01:00Lowland Design irish dance dressesCarolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-86930431254657049932010-10-12T07:05:00.005+02:002010-10-12T07:11:57.023+02:00Lowland design is moving onDear all,<br /><br />Since last year priorities within my personal situation have changed. Therefore Lowland design will no longer accept orders for custom made dresses. Activities will be kept to a minimum, with an occasional ready to wear dress.<br /><br />I encourage all people in mainland europe to visit the website of Burg Design. Sylvia makes beautiful dresses with the highest quality. I have worked together with her on many projects and can truly recommend her!<br /><br />http://www.burgdesign.nl<br /><br /><br /><b></b>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-32384668287864770782009-04-22T07:47:00.001+02:002009-04-22T07:47:39.344+02:00Black velvet Ready-to-wear dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQnw2RVkiVpeCXKi0_Ipuh-6CGr_TCv_wiprJ5hqP71xtWfy_vS1kYYpthWleFB0zgxKu2PPHy6dqPKUhDGP0ig5Y1VMynZ8aAzC3Ut0asI0NOro8LdTVeVCWVoDZManvPgwFAMQ/s1600-h/black_otr_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQnw2RVkiVpeCXKi0_Ipuh-6CGr_TCv_wiprJ5hqP71xtWfy_vS1kYYpthWleFB0zgxKu2PPHy6dqPKUhDGP0ig5Y1VMynZ8aAzC3Ut0asI0NOro8LdTVeVCWVoDZManvPgwFAMQ/s400/black_otr_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327387394674209330" /></a><br /><br /><br />This little velvet irish dance dress will be suitable for a child in the range of 9-11 years. The sleeves will be the same lace as on the neckline and the (soft) cape will me made of this fabric as well. The lining will be a gold holographic shimmer lame (from whitelodge fabrics).<br /> <br />Black velvet and white lace with golden embroidery. <br /><br />-Dress measurements-<br /><br />Bust: 27.5" <br />Waist (natural): 25.5" <br />Lowered waist: 28"<br />shoulder to waist seam: 15"<br />skirtlength: 13""<br />Overall length (shoulder to hem): 28" <br /><br /><br />Asking 850 euro plus shipping / $1099 US plus shipping <br /><br />Please email me at lowlanddesign@hotmail.com for more information or leave a comment below.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-34682714510558281882009-04-19T22:28:00.003+02:002009-04-19T22:40:20.284+02:00Tara at the feis!Here is a picture of Tara showing her Trophy and medal she won at the Redmond Feis in Holland. Congratulations Tara!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVk89jp2CjE1-ac2pmmT2s08bnbZjxtPXqPhLzclJcoDl7qSJId6rUpblUwTIilbdo8dUrTNeer7YmvwZIpVn5OfDT0rTa23mhlvSh4hyphenhyphenh5eggshEueDuYIM246ne3iYh34j6eTg/s1600-h/Tara_1_kl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVk89jp2CjE1-ac2pmmT2s08bnbZjxtPXqPhLzclJcoDl7qSJId6rUpblUwTIilbdo8dUrTNeer7YmvwZIpVn5OfDT0rTa23mhlvSh4hyphenhyphenh5eggshEueDuYIM246ne3iYh34j6eTg/s320/Tara_1_kl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326501997472775538" /></a><br /><br />And another one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5xtkQFSq76nt4SUGC-C9svEvcuCQ48r0JvTxypeQht51SqGmQkXrWyoC3XAB1hnb28mqeIMHs7GHAkX7uDNPwT1Em4Amn7CT0CKe80vLoohpoAqxrkhWL7tPUbOREt9aakumN6I/s1600-h/Tara_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5xtkQFSq76nt4SUGC-C9svEvcuCQ48r0JvTxypeQht51SqGmQkXrWyoC3XAB1hnb28mqeIMHs7GHAkX7uDNPwT1Em4Amn7CT0CKe80vLoohpoAqxrkhWL7tPUbOREt9aakumN6I/s320/Tara_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326504826151433730" /></a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-23008050269375206742009-04-14T07:41:00.004+02:002009-04-14T07:45:57.574+02:00Tara<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ngN0W1XhYm0GB9d5zfgNNqrltGV9y_j-3Rf2ByzzLx2zgmNqvVIHjLiDKfx7ltVOA2yqRVficGL8DCugb_FVGwDm61bQfMvFB6u5xbjKJiVV9EywCxNQgzs6rbBnHwb2fI_x2v8/s1600-h/Tara1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ngN0W1XhYm0GB9d5zfgNNqrltGV9y_j-3Rf2ByzzLx2zgmNqvVIHjLiDKfx7ltVOA2yqRVficGL8DCugb_FVGwDm61bQfMvFB6u5xbjKJiVV9EywCxNQgzs6rbBnHwb2fI_x2v8/s320/Tara1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324418725006382482" /></a><br /><br />The next dress will be for a very special young lady called Tara. She is a wonderful dancer from the Redmond school and is working very hard to move up in her dancing. If all is well, she should be receiving her dress this saturday for the Redmond Feis.<br /><br />The bodice and the pleat panels will be made from a gorgeous and lush red velvet. The white sleeves and panels will be made from white falling rain satin (whitelodge fabrics).Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-5637102297042900282009-04-14T07:30:00.003+02:002009-04-14T07:39:30.636+02:00Lace on irish dance dresses 3 - For KellyAfter all the hard work on the panels and the dress itself, this is the final product:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTR0sTHGiZlwQu0Xk3nTmudoY731h2yZLtrvSG6GyB_arNILisXgsXbbsWyeGKW9ZWTzT2V57q12vMGdzvk7nl-NXmGfs8DY2zeNc2EwVdzV4yW_76ng106pxliIWyp6KGBAl3Ww/s1600-h/KellyD_front.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTR0sTHGiZlwQu0Xk3nTmudoY731h2yZLtrvSG6GyB_arNILisXgsXbbsWyeGKW9ZWTzT2V57q12vMGdzvk7nl-NXmGfs8DY2zeNc2EwVdzV4yW_76ng106pxliIWyp6KGBAl3Ww/s320/KellyD_front.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324417261216795090" /></a><br /><br />The yoke was shaped in the same manner as the small panels were. It continues around to the back of the neck and meets at the zipper. The panels were placed on a short upper skirt and two layers of ruffles were added to the skirt. The bottom ruffle is carrying the border motif from the organza fabric. Since the ruffle was made of a straight piece, the border was just cut from the fabric, placed on the (finished) edge of the ruffle and embroidered on at the top scallop. <br /><br />I hope this dress shows you what you can do with a beautiful piece of lace fabric. Kelly and I both love the result!Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-27977983013946619962009-04-05T17:52:00.003+02:002009-04-05T18:07:19.972+02:00Remember this one?Last year Nadine asked me to make her a solo dress. We talked about it for a while and came up with the following design:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RHZZs3kcdN3pXB61FF_CpxCZ_v6rb8QmkSMW_DYsthbx_IxjeMn3UbjPYqm1IlE-tkq3gemgCNK4RVnErA9L2eGu7v7Dn4a0IwURqf-JxauBU-ZC5iK37oiFgVWs7S0cl-drSCw/s1600-h/nadine1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RHZZs3kcdN3pXB61FF_CpxCZ_v6rb8QmkSMW_DYsthbx_IxjeMn3UbjPYqm1IlE-tkq3gemgCNK4RVnErA9L2eGu7v7Dn4a0IwURqf-JxauBU-ZC5iK37oiFgVWs7S0cl-drSCw/s400/nadine1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158206965767756802" /></a><br /><br />We searched the internet and found a gorgeous light pink taft for the base, some white lace for the yoke and sleeves and burdundy velvet for the panels. To top it off I ordered the holo sequin chiffon from whitelodge fabrics to create the roses and get some sparkle into the dress. The colors all combined beautifully and we were all set to go...<br /><br />and then disaster struck and Nadine broke her foot!!<br /><br />Long story short, she is up and running (and dancing) again and has finally received her dress just in time for the WIDA Europeans the 18th of April. <br /><br />GOOD LUCK NADINE!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXWvF_-R3SXSKgC1i2Xrjhm30W3zOUil4wa5CZeqd7fCQnI3mAKkiK5BWk_krt6VJfRXFsChsMi3UAsxr0zPBO3GJXfcEpvjJPUCcdQVEiVcEl7nd53aSmcRy5_O6sWL8E2ZBNnk/s1600-h/Nadine_photo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXWvF_-R3SXSKgC1i2Xrjhm30W3zOUil4wa5CZeqd7fCQnI3mAKkiK5BWk_krt6VJfRXFsChsMi3UAsxr0zPBO3GJXfcEpvjJPUCcdQVEiVcEl7nd53aSmcRy5_O6sWL8E2ZBNnk/s320/Nadine_photo1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321238548571464818" /></a><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-50436782756829863892009-03-22T16:48:00.010+01:002009-04-02T09:53:36.238+02:00lace on irish dance dresses- part 2For the next custom dress, I am working with a highly embroidered and sequined organza lace. The fabric itself is just gorgeous and has great potential. It can be used as it is for the cape or perhaps a few panels, or the border and the hearts can be cut out and used to be pieced together in a different pattern.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_ftUKKEQKgxsZEOGAqq1q22Yrf0Yj1o7jH5axnaio3NaT4C4dW19IDJLFAmiORwDCTqNDdleae7iHtVmgIS-1yiuOoqar2a6a2fExZWzhgykS4t3GAFRpg42fNHlUx4Bt3hFjRg/s1600-h/lace_kelly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_ftUKKEQKgxsZEOGAqq1q22Yrf0Yj1o7jH5axnaio3NaT4C4dW19IDJLFAmiORwDCTqNDdleae7iHtVmgIS-1yiuOoqar2a6a2fExZWzhgykS4t3GAFRpg42fNHlUx4Bt3hFjRg/s320/lace_kelly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316043775002805538" /></a><br /><br />The dress I am making with this fabric has a green velvet as the base fabric in the same shade that is the green in the lace. Combined with a gold/beige thread for the embroidery, it will look like a perfect match. <br />Since the border is so wide and lovely, it is used as-is for the border on the sleeves. The border is cut from the fabric, backed and hand-sewn in place on the sleeve.<br /><br />The skirt will be decorated with small 'panels' also made from the organza lace. The hearts were cut out in different ways to break up the pattern and add some interest to the shape. In the picture you can see the separate elements cut from the fabric, and how they look together. They were basted on top of eachother with a few hand stitches in beige thread. Nearly impossible to see already. The green lines of the edges will be re-embroidered and around the outline the matching green satin stitch will fill in the gap that exists at the sides of the heart-shape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFJVKkCitgqm0Gf9duKf9R2fhjX0wr4H1HKfZBKStLwgzKN4TFV492I58xiq5lIOR65kY_AJHZZuumL2nWxkbvKQSZ2lD4pVHj03djlOC2vujYcgPYAPHJy4r_PLlOBEuBkELXtI/s1600-h/Kelly_lace_piecing1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFJVKkCitgqm0Gf9duKf9R2fhjX0wr4H1HKfZBKStLwgzKN4TFV492I58xiq5lIOR65kY_AJHZZuumL2nWxkbvKQSZ2lD4pVHj03djlOC2vujYcgPYAPHJy4r_PLlOBEuBkELXtI/s320/Kelly_lace_piecing1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316043367083639378" /></a><br /><br />These appliques will be backed with some stiffener and a gold satin fabric and then embroidered/sewn onto the circular skirt piece.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu5R9b50vgpZj3jZo0TCHKJcm8-bFcj9AGOTngfrRqXINcjaDO-McKlzLKxtjQcr-GSrzPPB4xT-ryrbFC8MfdIxZvDSN4HHgiUpiQux-gSASRfGcwb27cco6GcBZFuESnw5CTxw/s1600-h/Kelly_appl_satin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu5R9b50vgpZj3jZo0TCHKJcm8-bFcj9AGOTngfrRqXINcjaDO-McKlzLKxtjQcr-GSrzPPB4xT-ryrbFC8MfdIxZvDSN4HHgiUpiQux-gSASRfGcwb27cco6GcBZFuESnw5CTxw/s320/Kelly_appl_satin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319597664043782386" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of the panels ready to be stitched onto the dress:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9MlyBskUiI7NApcBosn7w-wXKSqGpWdKlD0Ysy5C0-wYPFHvkXPxc_8XE5p5vTTriEyDNzzzAHqjrBD5CeEt0a7tLJ6rH72IsZYpERCFJOhG9ljQDo1b-eu90xXpHRSGPfGarY/s1600-h/kelly_panels3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9MlyBskUiI7NApcBosn7w-wXKSqGpWdKlD0Ysy5C0-wYPFHvkXPxc_8XE5p5vTTriEyDNzzzAHqjrBD5CeEt0a7tLJ6rH72IsZYpERCFJOhG9ljQDo1b-eu90xXpHRSGPfGarY/s320/kelly_panels3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319998679328428450" /></a><br /><br />to be continued...<br /><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-25529222224667123672009-03-20T20:34:00.007+01:002009-03-20T20:44:33.262+01:00For SaleDress 1:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF7CPwWtn70RhI8JQ4ttsYn5TJHd9grzKALRiKALO-Blf0gIlc3a1UiZyF3r5e5_vjPSilvahfTDY368ZknQTfMwDUh2FKVaE3tKYm__ZE_1WxBgh_PTcH5pHwtjCOc_9RrP8NOo/s1600-h/GetAttachment-1.aspx.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF7CPwWtn70RhI8JQ4ttsYn5TJHd9grzKALRiKALO-Blf0gIlc3a1UiZyF3r5e5_vjPSilvahfTDY368ZknQTfMwDUh2FKVaE3tKYm__ZE_1WxBgh_PTcH5pHwtjCOc_9RrP8NOo/s320/GetAttachment-1.aspx.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315356324288827250" /></a><br /><br />This is a sweet and elegant little dress perfect for a beginning championship dancer. Would fit a tall, slim 9 to 11 years old. Classic three-panel dress made by Lowland Design from Holland in April 2007. Worn only for 4 feisannas. Dress has slightly dropped-waist. Bodice is made from iceblue spandex with sparkly dots of glitter material. Applique in pink satin and silver holo foil. Kickpleats are lined in bubblegum pink tornado foil jersey, underskirt in silver holographic foil. There is room to let out in the sideseams. Dress is in excellent condition. Two pants in matching colours are included.<br /><br />Measurements (taken from the dress)<br />Chest: 25 inch<br />Natural waist of dancer: 22.5 inch<br />Dropped waist: 25 inch<br />Sleeves: 20 inch<br />Skirt length: 15 inch<br />Bodice length: 14.5 inch<br />Full length:29.5 inch<br />shoulder to shoulder across back: 12 inch.<br /><br />Price €300 plus shipping from Germany.<br /> Please <a href="mailto:karola.spener@t-online.de">email the seller</a>  for more information.<br /><br />**************************************************************************<br /><br />Dress2:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k_lySIGCMymhroZougJXileeU6kyONfAcT-OvvryyZ3rj5TyQrjzlxlZKFukFMUzaisfByjmjPEEG2qQ5_VzlUho-vrVxAW2jsNkvznfXvkONj8TknhloEmEb8YRKKApAWPV504/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k_lySIGCMymhroZougJXileeU6kyONfAcT-OvvryyZ3rj5TyQrjzlxlZKFukFMUzaisfByjmjPEEG2qQ5_VzlUho-vrVxAW2jsNkvznfXvkONj8TknhloEmEb8YRKKApAWPV504/s320/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315356329334976722" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lovely Sue McMullan of London dress. Bodice of red velvet with elegant embroidery and applications in gold and red sequin. Sleeves made of white embroidered tulle underlay with white satin, lovely details on the sleeves. 4 panel skirt in red, white and gold, very nice embroidery on the panels, the small panels are made with white sewn on sequins, frill is made out of white cotton and red satin ribbon, underskirt in red/white polka dots. Dress comes complete with two different capes, a simple white one made out of the embroidered tulle and a flashy one made of red sequin tulle and red satin, matching knickers, padded hairband, lovely seperate white 2 layer tutu and a red long dress bag from Melaine Murphy. Dress was made in March 2008, DD wore it for 4 Feisannas, she did an enormous growth spurt, 15cm (6 inches) during a year, so we bought the tutu to elongate the skirt. Dress is in very good condition, one little mark on the cotton frill on the backside where her shoe upkicked dress, not noticeable only under really close inspection.<br /><br />Measurements ( in inches )<br />Chest 26 <br />Natural waist 23 <br />Dropped waist ( at bodice/skirt seam ) 23.5 <br />Bodice length from shoulder to waist seam 14.5 <br />Skirt length from waist seam to hem 13 <br />Sleeve length from shoulder to hem 21.5 <br />Front full length-center neck to hem 27 <br /><br />Asking €600 plus shipping from Germany. <br /> Please <a href="mailto:karola.spener@t-online.de">email the seller</a>  for more information.<br /><br><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-87292833164330675212009-03-15T14:34:00.015+01:002009-03-15T19:38:30.649+01:00Lace fabric on ID dresses-part 1Lace on irish dance dresses is used on all parts of the dress like the sleeves, the panels, the cape or a soft underskirt. Most of the time the lace is used as-is, or it is combined with a backing fabric as an overlay to create interesting patterns and sparkle. A trend that is currently rising is the use of lace appliques to replace the embroideries on the bodice or skirt or to combine patches of lace with embroidery work to create a nice pattern.<br />Some of the "readymade'" applique lace pieces out there made for beauty pageant-, ballet- or wedding dresses are very suitable for this purpose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1vjkKnqP1JBwj6bpbeSlL99xYdeCgY0GCnix5LZ2Eloj03rIPVKQILJ74fZYL4EDPsgGUc82fow0t8m1Wd5nTAQfieJ_cu_idewUreoqs0BaraHI58t_hV97DjoMQu_PQ1DiXzY/s1600-h/ready_appl2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1vjkKnqP1JBwj6bpbeSlL99xYdeCgY0GCnix5LZ2Eloj03rIPVKQILJ74fZYL4EDPsgGUc82fow0t8m1Wd5nTAQfieJ_cu_idewUreoqs0BaraHI58t_hV97DjoMQu_PQ1DiXzY/s320/ready_appl2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482644706546706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tm1_WoL0arHocyr2O5Bl-X-6Z0IbO4j1JbgXWQKNNHMse4j9MXM8BSu1a6LGIRXn71gysYULTZVHF1KkTbi1Xyn8MZ4-MSJ_LmAIDbiES5pORg5_Tw-FNtKBfeUimIif2goj568/s1600-h/ready_appl1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tm1_WoL0arHocyr2O5Bl-X-6Z0IbO4j1JbgXWQKNNHMse4j9MXM8BSu1a6LGIRXn71gysYULTZVHF1KkTbi1Xyn8MZ4-MSJ_LmAIDbiES5pORg5_Tw-FNtKBfeUimIif2goj568/s320/ready_appl1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482646574739714" /></a><br /><br /> When you cannot find what you need however, you might want to look for fabrics with elegant embroideries in repeating patterns that you can cut out and create your own lace appliques.<br /><br />The process used to shape and mould the fabric or cut lace pieces is a very well know technique in couture dresses. Many wedding dresses or evening gowns with stunning lace borders or allover designs are usually "pieced" together from a border or straight piece of lace fabric to suit the designers' needs. Patterns can be made by adding shapes together, overlapping them or shaping them to follow a border or neckline. You don't need much lace to spice up a dress. Half a yard of lace pieced together and appliqued on a bodice or skirt can already have a great effect on the look of a finished dress. <br /><br />When choosing a fine lace to work with, like Alencon or Chantilly lace it is often overwhelming to choose from all the options available. To choose the right fabric for the job, you need to ask yourself how you want to use the lace. When applying it as an overlay you need to look at the allover effect the fabric is giving you. When using only parts of the lace, you need to check if the fabric provides you with nice shapes or patterns to be cut out and pieced onto the dress. Most-if not all- laces have repetitive patterns, but not all of them are suitable for Irish dance dresses. (Be careful not to make your irish dance dress look like an altered wedding dress). Try to imagine how certain patterns from the fabric would look on your dress and if that suits your taste. The scallops and patterns from the fabric need to match the rest of the design and the person who is wearing it. Designs that are too small will be lost and designs that are too large will overwhelm the dancer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADHhaIeNxgBmGAqhytxfFEiyqz-MXIVtji36YrZOH13YNNh1-OGn2cUGw8DbifvTZv1OwPQtjKyQaUn5aTWmxADj8ZLMJQXF8TVewQo_DDu2rlo5Tx-6SWTVNO6m6GP6Sp_AKL9M/s1600-h/Alencon1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADHhaIeNxgBmGAqhytxfFEiyqz-MXIVtji36YrZOH13YNNh1-OGn2cUGw8DbifvTZv1OwPQtjKyQaUn5aTWmxADj8ZLMJQXF8TVewQo_DDu2rlo5Tx-6SWTVNO6m6GP6Sp_AKL9M/s320/Alencon1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482622341399362" /></a><br /><br />When choosing your fabric, examine the borders that are present on the lace. Borders are usually more elaborately embellished than the main fabric and will no doubt be used most frequently on your dress. Full and wide borders provide great opportunities to cover the cuffs of a sleeve, the waistline of a bodice or be shaped to follow the neckline. Sometimes choosing a lace galloon (a narrow border piece of lace) might prove to be a wiser choice than an allover lace fabric. When using a lace as a theme in a dress, it might be an option to consider matching laces together to benefit most from the embellishments on the fabric. If, for instance, you are using a white allover lace for the bodice or skirt, you might be able to match this with a lace galloon in the same style and color to provide you with more border "yardage". It might be difficult to match special colors, but it is worth looking for if it means not having to buy another yard or two of the allover fabric only to have more border fabric. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjynXaSarfit00XSKOi7PRywP2LIwRJ1JA4-5pzMZWipDs3UvA6iawjc3J6Ne1nuHOcpNkW5XHDfdULlvw35ebMX6jjzdizCMgXraZygwUtnzu6NVXtOC-g5O6j_R7ZDTxcFVbhgE/s1600-h/galloon1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjynXaSarfit00XSKOi7PRywP2LIwRJ1JA4-5pzMZWipDs3UvA6iawjc3J6Ne1nuHOcpNkW5XHDfdULlvw35ebMX6jjzdizCMgXraZygwUtnzu6NVXtOC-g5O6j_R7ZDTxcFVbhgE/s320/galloon1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482632329321218" /></a><br /><br />To try and make a good estimate on the yardage needed, it is wise to shop for the lace with a set of paper or muslin pattern pieces. With the pattern pieces put under the lace, you can precisely see how large certain patterns will be and where they could be placed.<br /><br />After determining the place of the lace on your irish dance dress, you can cut out the pieces. When using individual motifs, you need to trim the net fabric close to your motif edges, but you need to leave a tiny amount of netting to keep the threads making up the motif in place. If you do cut through the cording or the chain stitching holding beads, sequins or pearls, try and secure these by hand sewing or with a tiny amount of tacky glue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_vU3_Tmg_LvRs-9Wxkb076wmBmN4RtnrzN1MtwChrhLCSLVYlNJ-XuOj_SSpLzhx5DEuDY02WvSwpm7cmdlR49o4vYIoGIDF27hIjfXXWTHl9tHLOs6OX0_e-wG75nPnJMfjiug/s1600-h/lace_shapes1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_vU3_Tmg_LvRs-9Wxkb076wmBmN4RtnrzN1MtwChrhLCSLVYlNJ-XuOj_SSpLzhx5DEuDY02WvSwpm7cmdlR49o4vYIoGIDF27hIjfXXWTHl9tHLOs6OX0_e-wG75nPnJMfjiug/s320/lace_shapes1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313482641842557010" /></a><br /><br />Lace can be used transparent or underlined with a second fabric to create nice contrast. If you want to preserve the transparent quality of the lace, but the fabric itself is quite delicate, then using organza in a matching color to stabilize the lace is a great option (the organza will make the lace slightly more opaque). You can also use different shades of organza to intensify a certain color. If you have an orange lace for example, it can be made more red, orange, white or yellow by trying out different colored backgrounds.<br /><br />Hand stitching your lace will give you the best control and most invisible result. Even though very labour intensive, the piecing of lace by hand will disturb the lace the least and the tiny stitches will be almost invisible. When using corded lace you can follow the lines of the cording to attach your piece. Heavily embroidered laces with wide satin stitch lines are best machine stitched in place with a matching thread covering the original satin stitch.<br />Straight borders can be cut and re-stitched to follow curves. For sharp curves you need to cut deeper into the lace and either spread or overlap the lace to create the desired curve. Re-stitch the lace following the design either by hand or with the machine and cut away any excess from the bottom layer. When piecing shapes together make sure that the topmost piece has the more pleasing shape to follow. Remember that you can add small patches or shapes to motifs already present in the lace to make a shape more pleasing.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-48553065075892898472009-01-24T09:27:00.005+01:002009-01-24T09:39:57.757+01:00Another embroidery set for irish dance dressesI now have a second set of embroidery elements available through the <a href="http://taoknitterarts.wordpress.com/">Taoknitter site</a>. This set consists of several elements suitable to make up a complete solo dress. They can be used in different ways to make necklines, sleeves and panels. Below is an example of what a dress could look like when using elements from <a href="http://taoknitterarts.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/c-vermuelen-digitized-designs/">this embroidery design set.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m2JdemnDMCCHtgJ4mut71w0pa_ujyczC51-gS_4za-UiMgb_cMaiKBlcjt-RqFpHM6vW88hZd0UjM0AURZd2lrA371m3bhpZ2TAIIQgPxewedaLvxXJ5qloEzCs53-82NNOAEHo/s1600-h/3222005520_2591896f5d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7m2JdemnDMCCHtgJ4mut71w0pa_ujyczC51-gS_4za-UiMgb_cMaiKBlcjt-RqFpHM6vW88hZd0UjM0AURZd2lrA371m3bhpZ2TAIIQgPxewedaLvxXJ5qloEzCs53-82NNOAEHo/s320/3222005520_2591896f5d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294774788770545746" /></a><br /><br />The panel of above example in more detail:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6wJct7o_H2oPTfcyXHMvXklDWkhaVbdbPmBBqpKRmgTU6QnWlrxCdIe5wwMosGFB9danGzJ0KcJxqvS-02MROwRhZIxxllonmzmq708K5MMBcyqOKlsr80LLv3tj6F1vbun-Tyk/s1600-h/3221151217_f8b822b868_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6wJct7o_H2oPTfcyXHMvXklDWkhaVbdbPmBBqpKRmgTU6QnWlrxCdIe5wwMosGFB9danGzJ0KcJxqvS-02MROwRhZIxxllonmzmq708K5MMBcyqOKlsr80LLv3tj6F1vbun-Tyk/s320/3221151217_f8b822b868_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294774780539804418" /></a><br /><br />All prices for Lowland Design Embroidery files include a professional design fee and the licensing fee for use of the design on one dress only. Available in ART, PES, PEC, HUS, VP3, DST, EXP, XXX, EMB and others.<br />Please email taoknitter@gmail.com for further information.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-21833945091982822472009-01-22T15:47:00.003+01:002009-01-22T16:01:38.180+01:00Digitized Design for embroidery machinesI am very happy to announce that from today, Lowland Design will be offering irish dance dress designs available in digizited format. These digitized designs can be used on embroidery machines to create your own solo dress! Right now there is one set of knotwork available already at the Taoknitter website. <a href="http://taoknitterarts.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/c-vermuelen-digitized-designs/">Go check it out here!</a> or look at the pictures below for an example of a knotwork panel.<br /><br />I will be offering many more designs up for sale in the near future. Knotwork panels, borders, necklines and loose elements that can all be used to make up your own design. For more information please visit the <a href="http://taoknitterarts.wordpress.com">Taoknitter Arts website</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM3sKNyNBfw9DwRn-xzkMS2gVW9V7EZPR_WItX1SZpU1hiWKqVj7R97SrA7_Ysz2i5atYWsoTBlVzNJw9pStk5B-mvaiYs4hThaxHXJq1cVu_jOu6jFH5GSck2n8q_VxwtyzNads/s1600-h/3159657147_cba2296fe5_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM3sKNyNBfw9DwRn-xzkMS2gVW9V7EZPR_WItX1SZpU1hiWKqVj7R97SrA7_Ysz2i5atYWsoTBlVzNJw9pStk5B-mvaiYs4hThaxHXJq1cVu_jOu6jFH5GSck2n8q_VxwtyzNads/s320/3159657147_cba2296fe5_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294132106917719826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8FTiilmbn2uppY_LCKwMQjQej-eJqo1pmbuREjs5wi6jyuI44FsKPKT-vwGnuzZYfP1RNp4Rq1kiyKFthQa4MQdCciyR7doRu0uD04ZtFEjpNlsGYJ1SfZTH4w4dwWFerks70Io/s1600-h/3160488100_6ea8722685_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8FTiilmbn2uppY_LCKwMQjQej-eJqo1pmbuREjs5wi6jyuI44FsKPKT-vwGnuzZYfP1RNp4Rq1kiyKFthQa4MQdCciyR7doRu0uD04ZtFEjpNlsGYJ1SfZTH4w4dwWFerks70Io/s320/3160488100_6ea8722685_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294132105055444722" /></a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-69724664770718621292008-12-21T21:31:00.005+01:002009-01-01T11:14:13.605+01:00Happy New Year!<br><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x1srPciFOf58LcBlpOfzNfIAipXXESCUrkTqNOagIJjtnxgUCizL7JhTWB1lV5lYuhI2zkfSo-ZPH2OGziGun6NJUUZbDbKqEnLbfekPSrvXTHhgb-xJBKOuNIfU_8nkq7iibhY/s1600-h/lld2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x1srPciFOf58LcBlpOfzNfIAipXXESCUrkTqNOagIJjtnxgUCizL7JhTWB1lV5lYuhI2zkfSo-ZPH2OGziGun6NJUUZbDbKqEnLbfekPSrvXTHhgb-xJBKOuNIfU_8nkq7iibhY/s400/lld2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286266435101836514" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-68261116885503651032008-12-02T20:03:00.011+01:002008-12-03T21:28:43.500+01:00Oireachtas Amazing!This weekend the Oireachtas na hEorpa were held in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands. I have danced in the Senior Ladies Open Championships and was lucky enough to get 4th place! I really did not expect to do so well and I could not be any happier!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKwaac6M15LgcWBuV0Dz6J_Oj7-TtOQaWMbUKG8mZRkTxQO9ECxIQUg0HMAIN2zoSeU_YKXV7AomHyu0I_IanpcrWSIEFW-ee919kaYfpOCbLd2mIHdtbmNWd_ynx66N3lHkotc8/s1600-h/P1030106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKwaac6M15LgcWBuV0Dz6J_Oj7-TtOQaWMbUKG8mZRkTxQO9ECxIQUg0HMAIN2zoSeU_YKXV7AomHyu0I_IanpcrWSIEFW-ee919kaYfpOCbLd2mIHdtbmNWd_ynx66N3lHkotc8/s320/P1030106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275273943754780898" /></a><br /><br />The weekend was long and sleep has been short, but it was great seeing all my senior ladies dancing friends. Lucie Samcova got an amazing 4th place in the Qualifiers for the Worlds and I wish her all the luck in Philadelphia in 2009!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4dESznUWN_Dd2vXRkkYi3hyCFYFQCNnHyMw3fLVhqbuAqAlXkvULsriQl6PTHcvAv8hd3VOHhkvbLGPD8JKNIJwhsOgYcWvJHQjvbUd5n-QcZcvhgMaKGlZ82eyTLSJ1Y4oJC8M/s1600-h/lucie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4dESznUWN_Dd2vXRkkYi3hyCFYFQCNnHyMw3fLVhqbuAqAlXkvULsriQl6PTHcvAv8hd3VOHhkvbLGPD8JKNIJwhsOgYcWvJHQjvbUd5n-QcZcvhgMaKGlZ82eyTLSJ1Y4oJC8M/s320/lucie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275278343353437218" /></a><br /><br />Also great fun having a stall to show off my work and sharing it with my dressmaking friend and colleague: Sylvia from Burgdesign:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EOW7uocKbRr9yO19dByG7370Vyo4__DOYNIbZalNcSHzvXS7jqqgBCqiUuG0f3TcEgdP-E3wwYOWMsp25lsDdj5a4rPvNCgutvb0cAQgVyOdyVLlF8fymgkkTGmVmDtASH0pq4I/s1600-h/IMG_0046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EOW7uocKbRr9yO19dByG7370Vyo4__DOYNIbZalNcSHzvXS7jqqgBCqiUuG0f3TcEgdP-E3wwYOWMsp25lsDdj5a4rPvNCgutvb0cAQgVyOdyVLlF8fymgkkTGmVmDtASH0pq4I/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275278871311978130" /></a><br /><br />We had a great time sitting and hanging around, drinking coffee. Another dutch dressmaker also showed her face: Kirsten aka Cluich from Dance.net! Very nice of her to drop by and say hello. We were having quite a Tea Party! <br /><br />Finally, a picture of me in my new solo dress for 2009: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKC54DI_-j9tAETwulOvZuU_a6XzFyzp_a4xCpJ4Ae-aR-qOrvkZ1CICdQ5TKYsRe87n5OLk_6BILj_i_BzRVGaOH9rfjEGmMcWRQAWKOluF-QZFug1Q90udlK6xgjEVu61SHGcs/s1600-h/Caroline_solo_2008_2kl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKC54DI_-j9tAETwulOvZuU_a6XzFyzp_a4xCpJ4Ae-aR-qOrvkZ1CICdQ5TKYsRe87n5OLk_6BILj_i_BzRVGaOH9rfjEGmMcWRQAWKOluF-QZFug1Q90udlK6xgjEVu61SHGcs/s320/Caroline_solo_2008_2kl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275273210012111298" /></a><br /><br />If you spot me at the All Irelands in february, come say hello!Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-42991427756875539922008-11-27T08:31:00.003+01:002008-11-27T08:54:25.063+01:00For LucieNo posts or pictures of this dress when it was still under construction. I simply did not have the time! I've been working day and night to get this dress finished so that Lucie has something to wear at our Oireachtas this weekend. It was finished late last night and I took a quick picture with my phone camera just to show (and I did promise myself no more dresses leaving the house without a picture!). So, a bit blurry and dark and not the best quality, but here is it is from sketch to reality:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp19faehbyVJKxgaxGTfApQZvET6j2D7e42uRJpw7DQOCxaXUoPsf0kHwooAGsFKNxYC0ESnLuOVbbanFw81SNSmzgllX5t4cpyqst6p9oY24tXLeYD4Z1rd9rcVG7MX0sveT2kEw/s1600-h/lucie_2+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp19faehbyVJKxgaxGTfApQZvET6j2D7e42uRJpw7DQOCxaXUoPsf0kHwooAGsFKNxYC0ESnLuOVbbanFw81SNSmzgllX5t4cpyqst6p9oY24tXLeYD4Z1rd9rcVG7MX0sveT2kEw/s320/lucie_2+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273241516718663378" /></a> <br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg395oB-lx-w20F6e-UNr2ybhVqgc8Dz5OTloLRv_2Ql6NayumE8WKYjCoDAfJDtVRkN1Csulr_xbJc2CwKn4KHOVUVgFtuWcibd6eS-VaD2JwK_4tbTtIG2AhFfGXz-9vo25bb-jY/s1600-h/Lucie_front_2008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg395oB-lx-w20F6e-UNr2ybhVqgc8Dz5OTloLRv_2Ql6NayumE8WKYjCoDAfJDtVRkN1Csulr_xbJc2CwKn4KHOVUVgFtuWcibd6eS-VaD2JwK_4tbTtIG2AhFfGXz-9vo25bb-jY/s320/Lucie_front_2008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273240549232689106" /></a><br><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQYYzxxX3p__Hzq83ZB7PwpdyZaUR7fttPiulDjVYeKo7rt881F92h3TkNaEJRTCt_Ja2WL5trrM0HOBrALUIzLJEfMxoJZN1KHOltFYU8iSZZYBdJPJDXXOe2al9noyrFjsGbyo/s1600-h/Lucie_2008_back2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQYYzxxX3p__Hzq83ZB7PwpdyZaUR7fttPiulDjVYeKo7rt881F92h3TkNaEJRTCt_Ja2WL5trrM0HOBrALUIzLJEfMxoJZN1KHOltFYU8iSZZYBdJPJDXXOe2al9noyrFjsGbyo/s320/Lucie_2008_back2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273240548133902146" /></a><br><br><br /><br><br />Now it is Lucie her turn to stay up all night to glue all the crystals to her dress! I'm sure it will be all sparkly when I see it again on saturday :-)<br /><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-54205347970791553002008-11-16T18:36:00.005+01:002008-11-16T18:51:08.644+01:00Dress alterationsMany dresses from a few years ago do not have the elongated bodices everyone asks for nowadays and this usually leaves the skirt too long. The following is an example of a simple alteration that can be done to a (second hand) dress that might not fit in the lower skirt-area.<br /><br />BEFORE:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa1gt0Ty75oBzDFpirQhZy-pDsY7ZgXWnCWOX0v1V2J5KE5Xx2EEtxXA2Vd6lhlfpu8XWw1UdupUa5pjHbQhNnvCtHHDQvMeORdeCPgU9aBd7eRYTicANoHovwzZnTWQs4DqOiyc/s1600-h/debbie_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa1gt0Ty75oBzDFpirQhZy-pDsY7ZgXWnCWOX0v1V2J5KE5Xx2EEtxXA2Vd6lhlfpu8XWw1UdupUa5pjHbQhNnvCtHHDQvMeORdeCPgU9aBd7eRYTicANoHovwzZnTWQs4DqOiyc/s320/debbie_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269312486992103826" /></a><br /><br />In the before pic you can see that the upper body seems to fit, but the skirt is too long. The skirt is also a bit too wide and heavy and is collapsing on itself in the front (which needs to be a stiff, straight panel, not a wobbly one). <br />I decided to take the length of the hem and re-stitch the hemline in a black satinstitch. The front panel was also re-stiffened when I opened it up at the hem, making it nice and crisp again.<br /><br />AFTER:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIqBTk7OXPEiedJcVzqwlEMjuzTy_upDXMa5fvAXG1qOXTZnMAhtyOBthNpu3Rf3Wju6wRO-No3dn0k1FyYOhyphenhyphenJFl_rkViCyrZF7trE4hcK3G9YqgJ5N0pzGyJFJwSEcL_x5IQjk/s1600-h/Debbie_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIqBTk7OXPEiedJcVzqwlEMjuzTy_upDXMa5fvAXG1qOXTZnMAhtyOBthNpu3Rf3Wju6wRO-No3dn0k1FyYOhyphenhyphenJFl_rkViCyrZF7trE4hcK3G9YqgJ5N0pzGyJFJwSEcL_x5IQjk/s320/Debbie_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269312485818064866" /></a><br /><br /><br />The nice thing about this dress is that is was made "economical". There are ties in the back that can cinch in the waist and the cuffs on the sleeves can be adjusted up or down. This dress was made with growing children and multiple years of usage in mind. <br /><br />Thank you Debbie, for letting me work on your dress. I hope you will love and wear it for a long time! <br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-14707232631738513012008-11-10T14:09:00.004+01:002008-11-16T18:53:11.618+01:00FOR SALEI have just listed 2 new dresses for sale!<br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkxz5V-TKCH2G_SRHBL0Xdi-5cXFxDCZ8HdqN_Bftd4VuNCP3wlLouhS7JbWGGxQjdfP0vsx8H8dmbbGdeuTaydIhDklEiSXJ-esGx6XysVxFe1FNeNV1yhkP9feM_vzosyLvqG8/s1600-h/danton2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkxz5V-TKCH2G_SRHBL0Xdi-5cXFxDCZ8HdqN_Bftd4VuNCP3wlLouhS7JbWGGxQjdfP0vsx8H8dmbbGdeuTaydIhDklEiSXJ-esGx6XysVxFe1FNeNV1yhkP9feM_vzosyLvqG8/s320/danton2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267016363502095314" /></a><br />Lovely 4-panel dress, made by Annelies Danton worn by an intermediate/open dancer of mainland Europe. Made of bluegreen silk with holographic silver, blue and pink glitterdot applique. Hot-pink and silverholographic thread is used for the applique. The sleeves are stunning and eye-catching green and silverglitter flowers with white lining. Lining of the dress is off-white. Pleats give a special effect of blue holographic glitterdot when being kicked out. Including hearpiece in blue, silver and hot-pink. Bloomers can be made with the extra lining material. Dress was made for a quite tall, 175 cm, girl of 14 years and has been worn about 8 times. <br /><br />Measurements ( in inches )<br />Chest 33 <br />Natural waist -- (please ask the seller for this measurement) <br />Bodice length from shoulder to waist seam 18 <br />Skirt length from waist seam to hem 17 <br />Sleeve length from shoulder to hem 24 <br />Shoulder seam to shoulder seam across top of back 15 <br />Back full length-top of zip to hem 34 <br />There is let down room in the back near the zipper <br /><br />Asking €400 shipping included within The Netherlands, overseas shipping extra. Please <a href="mailto:ddanton@zonnet.nl">email the seller</a> with any questions. <br /><br />*******************************************************************<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCKd-MDsOMZG0lH5wVOGko21VLi570rZUgtnzYfHEuvAQX0mo28HQJyRrEInop8Nw8jObBGe8lHR3QGgbd9JEWXnLxBYup976YTDLAYByNl5ykeEIofZvvCSLivAaHVXRiFw5X1g/s1600-h/danton1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCKd-MDsOMZG0lH5wVOGko21VLi570rZUgtnzYfHEuvAQX0mo28HQJyRrEInop8Nw8jObBGe8lHR3QGgbd9JEWXnLxBYup976YTDLAYByNl5ykeEIofZvvCSLivAaHVXRiFw5X1g/s320/danton1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267016367360270722" /></a><br /><br />Nice, sparkling turquoise velvet 3-panel dress with hot-pink, yellow, black, white and silver rainbow glitterdot applique. Applique is embroided with silver and hot-pink metal thread. Lining is white with hot-pink lamé. Headpiece with crystals included. <br /><br />Measurements ( in inches )<br />Chest 30 <br />Natural waist 27 <br />Bodice length from shoulder to waist seam 16 <br />Skirt length from waist seam to hem 17 <br />Sleeve length from shoulder to hem 23 <br />Shoulder seam to shoulder seam across top of back 12 <br />Back full length-top of zip to hem 30 <br /><br />Asking €275 shipping included within The Netherlands, overseas shipping extra. Please <a href="mailto:ddanton@zonnet.nl">email the seller</a> with any questions.Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-66996046295575247272008-11-07T20:51:00.003+01:002008-11-07T20:57:18.863+01:00There is no such thing....<font size="4"><b>As too much **BLING** !!!</b></font><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUzNugSaHVTUwX5sonx7zuT5yXU_jc9PAO-PIGoiV1pNt79TGnDFT2CTPYXtamvwgg-3OZYJ_LYacoG6dMKYfouH26sBvAZ4s5KJY0k-y6OI31phtxQt3R1ZZhdooMw2CEIQp-t0/s1600-h/ca_2008bodice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUzNugSaHVTUwX5sonx7zuT5yXU_jc9PAO-PIGoiV1pNt79TGnDFT2CTPYXtamvwgg-3OZYJ_LYacoG6dMKYfouH26sBvAZ4s5KJY0k-y6OI31phtxQt3R1ZZhdooMw2CEIQp-t0/s320/ca_2008bodice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266006968274570626" /></a><br />Just to show you the bodice of my new solo dress with the crystals on :-)Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-59297963306683354882008-11-02T22:56:00.002+01:002008-11-02T22:58:31.116+01:00Ilse in her new dressNeedless to say, she looks very happy in it :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6IpxFz9ai_Yb64hFnhwvgjdFUSWTvaIIoiUZc3iKNSj__Nhyphenhyphenq4tsUNvZ48dXCE3s4S0E80TdoGmO2sdcvZkVWHKadnmHQoRnVJVmklGM_IqqyL9pivSaJUTdZF4N3efnoJ6hUrw/s1600-h/ilse+copy2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6IpxFz9ai_Yb64hFnhwvgjdFUSWTvaIIoiUZc3iKNSj__Nhyphenhyphenq4tsUNvZ48dXCE3s4S0E80TdoGmO2sdcvZkVWHKadnmHQoRnVJVmklGM_IqqyL9pivSaJUTdZF4N3efnoJ6hUrw/s400/ilse+copy2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264182808951752658" /></a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-83025307670890518672008-10-27T21:22:00.003+01:002008-10-27T21:28:35.373+01:00For Ilse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3J-eeOoU_tLDI9QvDyoAF5Q0rKKb6aLZFNmClwKWq36umIg72caDqVdGW7yvV5CaLpw5HxG6tvt0009WtUpol1Jfs3nSTEjC898S3SrTgkMFt31fX_jPN0C_iCADpCOoWZbeibo/s1600-h/josette_color1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3J-eeOoU_tLDI9QvDyoAF5Q0rKKb6aLZFNmClwKWq36umIg72caDqVdGW7yvV5CaLpw5HxG6tvt0009WtUpol1Jfs3nSTEjC898S3SrTgkMFt31fX_jPN0C_iCADpCOoWZbeibo/s320/josette_color1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261932723094867970" /></a><br />This is going to be a very bright dress for a lovely, sweet and blonde little dancer!<br /><br />Work is well underway and she will be picking it up next weekend. I promise to take a picture before the dress leaves the house this time :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w0mdyHnCD4NtIQPk2wQSeDkKgEQ1Ro_TNd_Ku5vc_8WqRtvCN4M0Nt4Dff9F62gIs_hjfYV9ywSdNZNW8jXHTl-E3WI4RP_AGCNHx84oEVYiLV8mmT1S2YBsUQDOvI3KTREzFa4/s1600-h/rokpanels.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w0mdyHnCD4NtIQPk2wQSeDkKgEQ1Ro_TNd_Ku5vc_8WqRtvCN4M0Nt4Dff9F62gIs_hjfYV9ywSdNZNW8jXHTl-E3WI4RP_AGCNHx84oEVYiLV8mmT1S2YBsUQDOvI3KTREzFa4/s320/rokpanels.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261932728097032130" /></a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-12108061596985953762008-10-21T18:38:00.004+02:002008-10-21T18:42:46.977+02:00Anita in ViennaAnita in her new solodress:<br /><br /><a href="http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/?action=view¤t=DSC01872.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/DSC01872.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><font size="4"> <b>Congrats on your 7th placement in the Trophy Competition!</b> </font><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-12641599900563475152008-10-14T22:59:00.005+02:002008-10-14T23:12:51.589+02:00For Sale on the sidebarI have added the dresses currently for sale on the right sidebar of the blog. When you click the "more info" link it will take you to the original post with all the details and pictures of that particular dress. You can also click on the pictures to see a larger version.<br />Currently, we have 3 secondhand dresses up for grabs!<br /><br />**************************************<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Purple, Copper and cream adult solo dress for sale -750 euro</span><br /><a href="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/anita_munich.jpg"><img width="150" src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/anita_munich.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://lowlanddesign.blogspot.com/2008/07/purple-copper-and-cream-solo-for-sale.html">Click here for more info</a><br /><br />***************************************<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lilac and turquoise (adult) solo for sale - asking 380 euro</span><br /><a href="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/tulp_forsale.jpg"><br /><img width="150" src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/tulp_forsale.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://lowlanddesign.blogspot.com/2008/06/tulip-solo-for-sale.html">Click here for more info</a><br /><br />***************************************<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cerise solo for sale -asking 400 euro</span><br /><a href="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/NOREEN_propic-1.jpg"><br /><img width="150" src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d76/cfvermeulen/NOREEN_propic-1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://lowlanddesign.blogspot.com/2007/10/for-salenoreens-dress.html">Click here for more info</a><br /><br />***************************************Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-64207242883966750702008-10-07T08:56:00.004+02:002008-10-07T09:15:25.773+02:00A little update...All that needs to be done now is the installment of the zipper in the back skirt. I do hope that today will be a merciful day and that process will be just as smooth as the attachment of the skirt to the underbodice (it went like a dream...baste, baste, baste!). Sewing in zippers is not my favorite thing- and sewing them in velvet is my least favorite thing :-) I'm sure that with a lot of hand sewing I will manage though.<br /><br />For those who cannot wait to see Anita in her new dress in Vienna (or those who will be at the All Scots instead), here is a little update on what the dress will look like when finished. I cannot stress enough that the velvet looks so much more vibrant in real life and is a very intense raspberry-reddish-cerise color. It is just that my old camera cannot capture the true color and richness of it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnZFWnbiLe2e6t79buiV-bRUTAncA7byzZE8DLiYoxR1yQTVGr0LinKlhGLZ4z6cvPjvONfcQAZB9IpZ7c3xYobNV4NlBZGaklIRGKy0_ZmsQgjc5Ep-hSc8M2xeTgIFlVByDTY/s1600-h/Anita_progress2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnZFWnbiLe2e6t79buiV-bRUTAncA7byzZE8DLiYoxR1yQTVGr0LinKlhGLZ4z6cvPjvONfcQAZB9IpZ7c3xYobNV4NlBZGaklIRGKy0_ZmsQgjc5Ep-hSc8M2xeTgIFlVByDTY/s320/Anita_progress2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254304946546400482" /></a><br /><br />Anita came in yesterday to make a puffy headband to go with the dress and to put crystals on her dress. It looks so beautiful with all the sparkles! I am deliberately not taking a picture of the finished dress on the dressform as I feel she first needs to "debut" it in Vienna this weekend. She told me she might get some professional photos taken of her in it and then I will of course place them on the blog.<br /><br />Best of luck dancing this weekend Anita!<br /><br><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-46730241585060082152008-09-29T22:36:00.003+02:002008-09-29T22:48:57.205+02:00For Anita<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSO1aZSCRKSd75uq7SB2mdbMV8azTDLGAVU25j7fOZ72wBKS-_haN3VpYpuG0TCwnva1CYQLTaPyqMCtfIqx_AmTDB1SH5kKySQSsAQD5_hpzRF3vdjwkEjU25fH63c0ii1k4Nms/s1600-h/IMG_4468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSO1aZSCRKSd75uq7SB2mdbMV8azTDLGAVU25j7fOZ72wBKS-_haN3VpYpuG0TCwnva1CYQLTaPyqMCtfIqx_AmTDB1SH5kKySQSsAQD5_hpzRF3vdjwkEjU25fH63c0ii1k4Nms/s320/IMG_4468.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251547779592521538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK03rSAi7u-S5PsDiPMXcWr4DIMTJuIvaKFrhD_28a9IcbRPXvZGl7iPbbUr2tXtbIUwICLfRaOPYq7IVbqNOIlUHD75nQVf5o8IfpauAHZrobLAlZPHktvvk9C65hGVgWBAjE1Y4/s1600-h/IMG_4488.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK03rSAi7u-S5PsDiPMXcWr4DIMTJuIvaKFrhD_28a9IcbRPXvZGl7iPbbUr2tXtbIUwICLfRaOPYq7IVbqNOIlUHD75nQVf5o8IfpauAHZrobLAlZPHktvvk9C65hGVgWBAjE1Y4/s320/IMG_4488.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251547780844111234" /></a><br />Anita's dress is going to be all new style: Velvet bodice with buttons and 5 panels with knotwork embroidery. What I really love about the design -made by Anita herself- is the collar and the double lines of stitching. The design is really suitable for an adult dancer and very classy and the color of the velvet is so rich and it looks really gorgeous! <br />As I mentioned before the metallic silver thread is difficult to work with, but very worth the trouble. Now that I have finally worked out how to tame it, this dress is coming along just fine. Anita will make her debut in her new outfit at the Vienna Feis the 11th and 12th of October.<br /><br><br /><br><br /><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-26962322429007608722008-09-16T16:52:00.007+02:002008-09-16T19:09:11.815+02:00Taming metallic embroidery threadMetallic embroidery thread is a bit of a different beast than the normal embroidery threads. First of all, it is made of completely different fibers and second of all, the structure and thickness differ. All of this makes the behavior of metallics a bit frustrating when dealing with it in your sewing machine.<br /><br />The biggest problem when trying to do a nice satin stitch in this kind of thread is the breakage. It just seems to want to break *all* the time.... <br />Metallic threads are thinner and less sturdy. Therefore, any snag or tension problem in the thread will cause it to break easily. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP__t-qZUwEmbHpXdR1s9KyN4swSye4e5pofyp8B_cJtI3Y4pJu9mzMD-edGMzyGTS3HvT7VS5WAWuq1cm0mSK-7jU9rMnX44iC4bK5bOgpvkvE3ASgaU4-eCPSdiFiBHp_vXdjgY/s1600-h/IMG_4446.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP__t-qZUwEmbHpXdR1s9KyN4swSye4e5pofyp8B_cJtI3Y4pJu9mzMD-edGMzyGTS3HvT7VS5WAWuq1cm0mSK-7jU9rMnX44iC4bK5bOgpvkvE3ASgaU4-eCPSdiFiBHp_vXdjgY/s200/IMG_4446.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246663605459433954" /></a>The inherent problem is that metallic tread has a slight stiffness and twist that make it very easy for the thread to supertwist <br />(twist upon itself) and cause problems between the tension discs or thread guides on the sewing machine. Unlike normal thread, it insists upon going it's own way and needs a slight tension from the spool to the machine and the tensions discs to be guided properly and behave itself. If it is rolling off the spool too loosely, it will start curling wildly around every loop and hook. Complex super-twisted knots will form in seconds, your needle stalls or pulls up all the bobbin threads like a birds nest and then the machine comes to a halt. If you are lucky the threads snap and you can just pull out your work and clean it up. If unlucky, your needle might break and you have to open up the bobbin house to clean up the tangled mess. <br />Sounds familiar?<br /><br><br><br />The key to working under these circumstances is tension and twist control. If the spool is put horizontally when unravelling the thread, supertwisting in much less likely to occur. Some sewing machines already have a horizontal spool holder, but they can only carry small spools. For those of us that use the bigger spools or do not have the horizontal holder, you will have to find an alternative way of feeding the thread.<br />Many sewists lay the spool down in a box and just let it roll in there. This is usually a very good way of dealing with the problem and works for small and medium sized spools.<br />I use a very big spool myself, and putting it in a box like that causes too much friction when the spool turns to unravel. Thus the tension in the thread becomes too high and I start pulling up the bobbin again. Also, because the rolling occurs in little "shocks" instead of a steady roll, the tension becomes too uneven and this causes problems in the stitching as well, like gaps and missed stitches -not to mention the dreaded supertwisting.<br /><br />I heard some people hang their spools in all sorts of contraptions to get the desired tension-effect and eliminate the supertwisting. Some even have the thread span from across half their sewing room before it is fed into the machine :-). Some people also make a board with horizontal pins that can function as spool holders. <br><br />To<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCi52RyDIZwQ2F7bylUwbxDI5UGGOjUeForuTDRgGHlrFEHEy58gLJV_JQMgBhEpSnJO_Z_9_4rlgn9yYCvtUWdeUyWyESB64xWoqBkKRcnHJt8KF8AAnOaAb7Wxr7QEZlxzvhXE/s1600-h/IMG_4440.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCi52RyDIZwQ2F7bylUwbxDI5UGGOjUeForuTDRgGHlrFEHEy58gLJV_JQMgBhEpSnJO_Z_9_4rlgn9yYCvtUWdeUyWyESB64xWoqBkKRcnHJt8KF8AAnOaAb7Wxr7QEZlxzvhXE/s200/IMG_4440.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246663601268951234" /></a> solve my problem I hung mine on a cotton thread above my machine. The spool unravelled perfectly with very few twisting problems. The only thing I needed to be careful of was to hang it in a slight angle from the sewing machine. Otherwise the thread would work itself off the spool and would get tangled on the cotton thread. I guess a simple spacer or disc added at the top of the spool would take care of that easily, but this worked as well. Elegant is perhaps not the correct term for it, but if it works...it works!<br /><p> </p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmJ9mHOSN5aRJNPmo7MVE6D4bXwbqjWTT48673ubtVN1vZG8kVOq8kPdlmkj9sjg6HRz57VWBWF9kMoL1EBxc1QjLMsfSGw9hqAIzOIwUT0g3691tfCWxHMGGgePv6bme6li4c6A/s1600-h/IMG_4451.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmJ9mHOSN5aRJNPmo7MVE6D4bXwbqjWTT48673ubtVN1vZG8kVOq8kPdlmkj9sjg6HRz57VWBWF9kMoL1EBxc1QjLMsfSGw9hqAIzOIwUT0g3691tfCWxHMGGgePv6bme6li4c6A/s200/IMG_4451.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246663605256930962" /></a>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627361578214054563.post-62533362904694682112008-09-07T00:45:00.004+02:002008-09-07T01:07:49.311+02:00How to make pleats on an irish dance dressI have many people emailing me with questions on irish dance dress construction. I try to explain as much as I can, to help to eradicate the myth that these dresses are somehow 'easy' or quick to make... :-) Sometimes I get a question that keeps coming up again and again and from now on I will try to answer these through my blog.<br /><br />So, many people ask me about the pleated fringe on the hemlines of the 'swoop' or wrap dresses. <br /><br /><i>Question #1: "where can I buy pleated fabric or fringe to attach to my dress? "</i><br /><br />Answer - Only a few specialized fabric stores will carry pre-pleated fabric. It is expensive, almost never can be found in the right fabric/color/width and did I mention it was expensive?<br /><br /><br /><i>Question#2: "Ok, so I cannot find/buy pre-pleated fabric. / It is too expensive for my budget. / It is not the right size/shape/fabric........ What do all those dressmakers do?</i><br /><br />Answer - They pleat it themselves - You have several options for this :<br /><br />1. Some specialists in drycleaning might also offer a pleating service. In this case you find this specialist, give them the fabric and have it pleated.<br /><br />2. (Buy a pleater board and) pleat your own fabric<br /><br />3. Make your own pleater board and pleat your own fabric.<br /><br /><br /><i>Question#3: "I think I want to make my own pleated fabric....how do I do this?" </i><br /><br />Answer - Either you buy the perfect pleater from Clothilde and follow the instructions, or you <a href="http://www.lowlanddesign.com/Howto_pleater.pdf">download this pdf</a> explaining roughly how to make your own board.<br />Of course, you can always just pleat the fabric "freehand", going one pleat at a time, pressing each time you make a fold. <br /><br />Run out of fabric? Just pleat a second piece and join the fabric in the inner folds of the pleat. It will be invisible from the right side of the dress.<br /><br><br>Was this post helpful? Please let me know by leaving a comment!<br><br>Carolinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00566312030860349405noreply@blogger.com