I’m a professional ballroom dancer and recently decided to start making my own costumes…your videos have been an incredible help. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
I made a Halloween costume for my daughter with the help of your videos. I am so proud of myself for how it turned out. Your videos made it possible for me. Thank you so much!!
This video is a godsend! I’m a cosplayer and I have an ice skating costume and supervillain costume planned and I had nooooo idea where to start! Thankyou so much for posting this!!!
Your videos are amazing. As someone who is self taught I come back to your videos ALOT. I honestly consider you my sewing teaching !! So thank you 🙏 ❤️🫶🏽
Love your videos! Very helpful to watch your techniques, such as elastic application. There are may seamstress secrets that are hard to come by these days. Would love to see more content when you have time.
I actually have been on hiatus for almost an entire year! We sold our house and are building a new one (with a new studio!!!) So, I've been short on time to make videos. I filmed today for the first time in almost a year, so a new video is coming out next week! Thanks for watching! I'll be back in full swing after we move into our new house in the fall.
Your videos are so helpful!!! If your ever stuck for an idea of what to do... I’d love to see a video of how to customise sleeves on a pattern to do different kinds 🤩
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't! We're in the process of building a new house. Since I'm in cramped quarters for now, I'm on a hiatus from making videos, but will ramp back up in the fall after we settle in our new space. I'll add sleeves to the list of upcoming topics. Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback!
@@krystalbagot1070 I'm hoping to get back to making videos in the spring. We're building a new house, so my studio space in temporary space is quite cramped! My new space will be MUCH nicer, so I'll get back to work after the move! I'll add sleeves to the "to do" list! My next scheduled videos will be putting appliques and rhinestones on the white costume and making a headpiece. After those three, I'll move on to something new.
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't! We are in the process of building a new house (with a new studio space for me!), so I'm on a little hiatus on making videos. Look for more in the fall after I'm settled in my new space. Thanks for watching!
Measure the back of your costume, then mark your elastic at about 80% of that measure. When you install the elastic, stretch it as you sew it (don't stretch the fabric - only the elastic), and you should end around your 80% mark. Sometimes, when I fit my dancer (before installing elastic), the gap is so big that I even take a small dart on the sides near the waist. Thanks for watching!
That's on my list! We just moved a couple of weeks ago, so after this costume season ends in March, I'll get back to work making new video content. I first plan to finish the white costume that's in this video, then I'll branch out to new topics, like attaching fringe and feathers!
With only one exception, every costume I've done like this has been embellished. For that costume, I used a technique called "bagged seams". I don't have a video on that, but I found this one that may be helpful for you. ua-cam.com/video/z9ys5QhfTkk/v-deo.htmlsi=7N421iKouhgurzmP
what would you recommend if you were adding shapes/patterns into you leotards that weren't getting covered with appliqués? how would you sew them? still zig zag on top or?
To get a pretty finish, you'd probably need to stitch right sides together. I literally have never done that because I only create costumes. If I ever wanted to give that a try, I'd add a seam allowance to the shape and cut them. I'd probably do VERY simple shapes!
Thank you for sharing with us how it's done. I'm trying to make my girls leotard for rhythmic gymnastics. Where do you order mesh from? I tried Joans and few places in NY, but I received mesh that wasn't very stretchy, not 4 way stretch I hoped for. Can you share the link where you shop for mesh? Thank you.
I use all of the ones in NYC - stretch house, spandex house, spandex world. Sheer mesh is hard because skin tones vary. You can always ask for them to send you a sample.
How do you finish curved edges like this if your not adding the mesh pannels and you just want cutouts all down the side??? Would it be same as leg holes??? But how do you decide where to end the edge??
I finish those basically the same as I do for leg holes. I've been doing this so long that I just pull the elastic a bit and it always comes out fine. But, if you want to be a bit more accurate, your elastic measurement should be roughly 85% of your opening. I apply my elastic in a continuous piece, finding a starting/ending point that makes sense if the line I'm following makes a loop and the elastic meets itself, like the center of the back or on a side seam. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. Sometimes its hard to use words without pictures!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much and thank you for your videos they e been Soo helpful 🙏 Another question ...first attempt went pretty well but I'm not sure how to go about a sweetheart neckline with a really sharp v shape when it comes to flipping it inward after the elastic is added (I don't have a serger yet so relying on the zig zag) ....I tried cutting a slit before folding over and that didn't work out as I hoped 😅😅
@@TikiGurl1971 I'm so sorry for my delayed response! I just saw this comment! I make my sweetheart necklines the same way I do the deep V on this costume. I cut the mesh first, extending way beyond the lowest point of lowest point of my sweetheart neckline. Then I lay the mesh on top of my pattern, then lay the lycra (with lining) that has been cut with the sweetheart on top of the mesh, pin the mesh and lycra together then zig zag topstitch the pieces together.
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't! I use swimwear lining. It's about 1/2 the thickness of regular Lycra. You can find it on Etsy. I've tried lining with regular Lycra, but find it makes seams too bulky. Thanks for watching!
Hi thank you so much also really stuck could you or anyone tell me how to sew mesh seams???? Have overlocked but very hard as comes out loose stitches thankyou😊😊
When sewing stretch mesh to stretch mesh, I usually baste then sew permanently with stretch stitch on my sewing machine and trim. I find it makes the seam less bulky while still giving a good hold.
Do you make your pattern by placing the parchment over the original pattern and tracing or did you cut your original pattern (when you cut the mesh on nude)
Yes. That's it! I never cut my original pattern because I like to use it over and over for different sizes and styles. After I trace the pattern (modifying for size), then I modify the pattern to the style I desire.
When I'm insetting a cutout, I use a 3 width, 3 length zig zag stitch. When I'm sewing mesh to mesh seams, like the underside of a mesh sleeve, or the side seams where the cutouts meet, I use a stretch stitch on my regular sewing machine. If that doesn't help, give me a little more detail on what seams are not staying sewn.
I usually use lace and beaded lace fabric yardage that I cut into appliques. I'm fortunate to live near New Orleans and have a couple of stores there that carry nice laces, and I travel to New York every 2-3 years to shop and replenish my stash. If my stash and the local stores don't have what I need when I'm designing a costume, I turn to Etsy, usually at "Mary not Martha". They have a nice selection of appliques at reasonable prices. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
I use Dual Duty brand All Purpose Thread, but any good quality all purpose thread should work. Make sure the thread you use for topstitching matches your lycra perfectly so that it disappears on stage. Thanks for watching!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much for your response and videos!! Also would nylon thread be something that can be used or stick with all purpose?
@@ldlcq9811 I have not tried nylon thread. I've just always used all purpose thread. I know it works, but that doesn't mean other types of threads wouldn't work. You may want to try on a sample piece of fabric and test it out.
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't! I'm on a hiatus from making videos until we get settled into our new home (AND my new studio!) in the fall. But, I'll add a two piece to the list of videos. In the meantime, you can use a regular leotard pattern and just cut it off (allowing a seam allowance for elastic) under the bustline. Thanks so much for watching!
I started sewing on a cheap Brother I bought for under $75 at Wal Mart. I now use a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine and a Juki MO-644D serger. Both are home machines. I never upgraded to industrial machines. You can sew stretch with just about any sewing machine so long as you have a straight stich and a zig zag stitch. Thanks for watching!
I can no longer get the lining that I used in the video. I prefer a lining that is lighter weight than my outer fabric to avoid bulky seams since I sew my lining into the seam. My new favorite lining is "Feather Nylon Spandex" from Blue Moon Fabrics. It's even better than the one I used in the video. Expensive, but worth it!
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment! Shortly after posting the cutouts video, we sold our house (and my studio!) We're living in a rental with limited space, so I'm on a hiatus until we get settled in our new home in the fall. The skirt video will be the first one I post! If you have questions in the meantime, please send me a message and I'll be happy to try to help. Thanks for watching!
Somehow, I got this comment from you three times. Not sure if that's a boo boo on my end or yours, so forgive if I give you multiple replies. I just want to make sure I answer your question. The lining is a swim suit lining (4 way stretch), and the white is milliskin Lycra (4 way stretch). You can find both at any stretch fabric supplier. I usually use Spandex House or Stretch House in NYC.
Unfortunatly your patterns are not good ( I was a swimwear pattern developer for 15 years. Your patterns are too flat, there is no darting over the bust. The darting is invisible, but you need to know how to do it.
I recognize that I'm not trained in pattern making - that's why I use stock patterns as a base. I'm just a former dancer, dance teacher, and dance mom who started sewing to costume my own kids and it grew into costuming everyone else's kids, then into a business that I worked on the side while continuing my professional career in management consulting. While my costumes may not be technically perfect, they've won many awards over the years, and my work is in such high demand that I turn business away every season. So many dance moms told me they'd like to know how to do what I do, so I started making videos as a service to them, never thinking that my channel would grow as it has. After paying for my editing software, I make practically $0 from my videos. I'm only trying to help others. I'd love to learn more and share that knowledge on my videos. Because I'm in my 60's and semi-retired, I'm not interested in investing a ton of time or money to go back to school. But, I'd love to watch other videos, or read specific books or articles that may be helpful. If you have any resources to share, I'd welcome the education.
You seem like a very sweet lady but this is not the way. Hiding imperfections from sewing errors using appliques doesn't change the fact that you are altering the fit of the costume. Every single place you are off 1/4", compounds by the time you are finished. This is why none of your seams were matching up. We could never do this for professional costumes. All those ripples also means you have stretched the fabric by either pulling or your tension was off, again changing the fit and it just doesn't look professional. You should be sewing those inset pieces with right sides together. Your technique makes it impossible to match seams. Avoid this and learn the correct way so you will have a perfect fit and a professionally made costume. Tip: If you use basting spray you will find it helps the beginner sewer when sewing lining or in some cases appliques. This was not the correct "how to". I am so sorry.
It sounds like you have some expertise in this area. I appreciate your feedback and your opinion. I love the look and finish of bagged seams, but only learned about those within the past couple of years. If I could go back and re-do life, I probably would have gone to school for design or fashion, BUT that was not my lot in life, so my "training" is mostly by trial and error over the past 20 years. I'm a former dancer who started making costumes for my own daughters because I couldn't afford to pay for custom, then I helped a couple of other moms, then started sewing for others and found a way to feed my passion for dance through costuming once my body could no longer dance. My solo costumes have won awards, my clients come back to me year after year, and I turn business away every year. What I do may not be technically "perfect", but it works. Many dance moms told me, I want to know how to do what you do. This UA-cam channel was my answer. I make practically no money from my channel; I'm in it only to provide a service to others - mainly for that dance mom, who, like me is just trying to find a way to give their child a fabulous costume that they can afford. They are my target audience. I wish you all the best and challenge you to put your own videos out there showing people the "right" way. It would be welcomed! There's room in this space for all of us.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes I didn't mean to offend if I did. You are not alone, many seamstresses start out the same way and you sound like you have made a successful career out of it so I guess it is the overall goal of the "teaching" videos that should be asked. If someone is making a costume for their local dance studios or just themselves, of course these techniques will work. The average dance mom or studio owner is not necessarily going to understand the complexities of garment construction. The issue is, we constantly hear from costume makers asking how to fix fit issues and 9 times out of 10 it's because they were taught the wrong way. They have to start over just as you expressed that you wished you could re-do. Give them the same "wish" and try to learn proper techniques to help them if that is your motivation for the videos. I guess I just don't agree with the teaching aspect without the full disclaimer that this will pass but it isn't going to give you the professional results if that is what they seek nor would it pass for commercial work. I do actually teach at the university level. I am also challenged with creating thousands of costumes every year for stage, studio, film and professional sports. I get hundreds of emails each week asking for help which we do our best to answer. That's how I was made aware of your video. I don't even have a UA-cam account. I made my office assistant log in so I could comment. There is never enough time. I do my best to teach whenever I can and I am one of few in the industry that offer paid internships every year with the opportunity to work around the world. I wish you the very best.
I'm not offended. I KNOW I didn't have the exposure or training that many folks have had the opportunity to gain. But, I learn new techniques every day! Even my most recent videos are 2 years old as I haven't posted since then. (I'm too busy making costumes for dance and theatre!) I am very open to learning, but I haven't found good videos on bagging seams and just haven't had the time (or the need) to figure it out. I'm 62 years old, so I'm not inclined to pay money for a course for my "hobby that pays for itself". I'm afraid by bagging sems I will be losing 1/4" here and there and change the fit. By using the applique method, the finished leotard does match the pattern sizing exactly, so I don't have fit issues. I do have one costume on the books this year that is contemporary with no appliques or stones, so I will have to bag the seams on that one. I guess the time has come! You're welcome to DM me any resources that you know.
Somehow, I got this comment from you three times. Not sure if that's a boo boo on my end or yours, so forgive if I give you multiple replies. I just want to make sure I answer your question. The lining is a swim suit lining (4 way stretch), and the white is milliskin Lycra (4 way stretch). You can find both at any stretch fabric supplier. I usually use Spandex House or Stretch House in NYC.
You can buy swimsuit lining from any of the vendors who sell spandex. I use Stretch House and Spandex House in NYC. Just make sure it's 4-way stretch when you order it. The white fabric is milliskin Lycra. It's also 4-way stretch.
I’m a professional ballroom dancer and recently decided to start making my own costumes…your videos have been an incredible help. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching!
I made a Halloween costume for my daughter with the help of your videos. I am so proud of myself for how it turned out. Your videos made it possible for me. Thank you so much!!
That is awesome! Thanks for letting me know. People like you are the reason I make videos!
This video is a godsend! I’m a cosplayer and I have an ice skating costume and supervillain costume planned and I had nooooo idea where to start! Thankyou so much for posting this!!!
Your videos are absolutely the best resource for dance costume making on UA-cam! So practical and informative! Thank you! Keep them coming!
Brittany Brown thanks so much for watching!
By far the most helpful video I’ve seen. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for watching!
Your videos are amazing. As someone who is self taught I come back to your videos ALOT. I honestly consider you my sewing teaching !! So thank you 🙏 ❤️🫶🏽
That is awesome! You made my day! Thanks so much for watching. By the way ... I'm self-taught, too!
Love your videos! Very helpful to watch your techniques, such as elastic application. There are may seamstress secrets that are hard to come by these days. Would love to see more content when you have time.
I actually have been on hiatus for almost an entire year! We sold our house and are building a new one (with a new studio!!!) So, I've been short on time to make videos. I filmed today for the first time in almost a year, so a new video is coming out next week!
Thanks for watching! I'll be back in full swing after we move into our new house in the fall.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes can’t wait! Thanks for the update.
Your videos are so helpful!!! If your ever stuck for an idea of what to do... I’d love to see a video of how to customise sleeves on a pattern to do different kinds 🤩
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't!
We're in the process of building a new house. Since I'm in cramped quarters for now, I'm on a hiatus from making videos, but will ramp back up in the fall after we settle in our new space. I'll add sleeves to the list of upcoming topics.
Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes that would be amazing!! Can’t wait for the new videos! Hope your new house is going well 😁
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes I'd love to see a video on sleeves too!
@@krystalbagot1070 I'm hoping to get back to making videos in the spring. We're building a new house, so my studio space in temporary space is quite cramped! My new space will be MUCH nicer, so I'll get back to work after the move! I'll add sleeves to the "to do" list! My next scheduled videos will be putting appliques and rhinestones on the white costume and making a headpiece. After those three, I'll move on to something new.
Thank you so much! This was very helpful, can’t wait to see your next video. I’m making my daughter dance costume by watching your video.
I'm so happy you find my videos helpful! You can do this!
Love your videos, looking forward to the video on adding the skirt and appliques
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't!
We are in the process of building a new house (with a new studio space for me!), so I'm on a little hiatus on making videos. Look for more in the fall after I'm settled in my new space.
Thanks for watching!
I loved the way you teacher. Thanks ! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
That's so kind! Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I have my first dance presentation and I needed to learn how to do this 💗
Wishing all the best on your first dance presentation! Thanks for watching!
Hi! Love the videos! I was wondering how to make the back so it doesn't have "gaps", and fits nicely. Hugs!
Measure the back of your costume, then mark your elastic at about 80% of that measure. When you install the elastic, stretch it as you sew it (don't stretch the fabric - only the elastic), and you should end around your 80% mark. Sometimes, when I fit my dancer (before installing elastic), the gap is so big that I even take a small dart on the sides near the waist. Thanks for watching!
Thank you I really like the mesh look :) will try !
I love all your video...very helpful..
How abot fringe dress....can you making the fringe dance dress tutorial....thank you so much
That's on my list! We just moved a couple of weeks ago, so after this costume season ends in March, I'll get back to work making new video content. I first plan to finish the white costume that's in this video, then I'll branch out to new topics, like attaching fringe and feathers!
Great tutorial. How do you finish the seam where the lycra and mesh meet IF you arent applying an applique over the seam?
With only one exception, every costume I've done like this has been embellished. For that costume, I used a technique called "bagged seams". I don't have a video on that, but I found this one that may be helpful for you. ua-cam.com/video/z9ys5QhfTkk/v-deo.htmlsi=7N421iKouhgurzmP
what would you recommend if you were adding shapes/patterns into you leotards that weren't getting covered with appliqués? how would you sew them? still zig zag on top or?
To get a pretty finish, you'd probably need to stitch right sides together. I literally have never done that because I only create costumes. If I ever wanted to give that a try, I'd add a seam allowance to the shape and cut them. I'd probably do VERY simple shapes!
Thank you for sharing with us how it's done. I'm trying to make my girls leotard for rhythmic gymnastics. Where do you order mesh from? I tried Joans and few places in NY, but I received mesh that wasn't very stretchy, not 4 way stretch I hoped for. Can you share the link where you shop for mesh? Thank you.
I use all of the ones in NYC - stretch house, spandex house, spandex world. Sheer mesh is hard because skin tones vary. You can always ask for them to send you a sample.
How do you finish curved edges like this if your not adding the mesh pannels and you just want cutouts all down the side??? Would it be same as leg holes??? But how do you decide where to end the edge??
I finish those basically the same as I do for leg holes. I've been doing this so long that I just pull the elastic a bit and it always comes out fine. But, if you want to be a bit more accurate, your elastic measurement should be roughly 85% of your opening. I apply my elastic in a continuous piece, finding a starting/ending point that makes sense if the line I'm following makes a loop and the elastic meets itself, like the center of the back or on a side seam. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. Sometimes its hard to use words without pictures!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much and thank you for your videos they e been Soo helpful 🙏 Another question ...first attempt went pretty well but I'm not sure how to go about a sweetheart neckline with a really sharp v shape when it comes to flipping it inward after the elastic is added (I don't have a serger yet so relying on the zig zag) ....I tried cutting a slit before folding over and that didn't work out as I hoped 😅😅
There's now a bit of a gap in the elastic which is putting to much tension on the little slit I made so it'll probably start tearing
@@TikiGurl1971 I'm so sorry for my delayed response! I just saw this comment! I make my sweetheart necklines the same way I do the deep V on this costume. I cut the mesh first, extending way beyond the lowest point of lowest point of my sweetheart neckline. Then I lay the mesh on top of my pattern, then lay the lycra (with lining) that has been cut with the sweetheart on top of the mesh, pin the mesh and lycra together then zig zag topstitch the pieces together.
Great video! What kind of fabric do you use for lining?
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't!
I use swimwear lining. It's about 1/2 the thickness of regular Lycra. You can find it on Etsy. I've tried lining with regular Lycra, but find it makes seams too bulky.
Thanks for watching!
Hi thank you so much also really stuck could you or anyone tell me how to sew mesh seams???? Have overlocked but very hard as comes out loose stitches thankyou😊😊
When sewing stretch mesh to stretch mesh, I usually baste then sew permanently with stretch stitch on my sewing machine and trim. I find it makes the seam less bulky while still giving a good hold.
Love your videos 🥰
Thanks so much for watching!
This was super helpful! Thank you for making this tutorial!!
Do you make your pattern by placing the parchment over the original pattern and tracing or did you cut your original pattern (when you cut the mesh on nude)
Yes. That's it! I never cut my original pattern because I like to use it over and over for different sizes and styles. After I trace the pattern (modifying for size), then I modify the pattern to the style I desire.
Thank you so much for sharing! Very helpful tutorial!
Thanks so much for watching!
I’m having trouble getting the mesh sewn to mesh to stay sewn. The ends keep unraveling 😢any tips? I’m using power mesh
When I'm insetting a cutout, I use a 3 width, 3 length zig zag stitch. When I'm sewing mesh to mesh seams, like the underside of a mesh sleeve, or the side seams where the cutouts meet, I use a stretch stitch on my regular sewing machine. If that doesn't help, give me a little more detail on what seams are not staying sewn.
I need to know how to make the more colored ones u showed in the pictures lol
If you ever have a question of how to make something, just shoot me a message. I love passing on what I've learned over many trials and errors.
Do you have a favorite online store to purchase appliqués?
I usually use lace and beaded lace fabric yardage that I cut into appliques. I'm fortunate to live near New Orleans and have a couple of stores there that carry nice laces, and I travel to New York every 2-3 years to shop and replenish my stash. If my stash and the local stores don't have what I need when I'm designing a costume, I turn to Etsy, usually at "Mary not Martha". They have a nice selection of appliques at reasonable prices. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much- I love your channel!!🤓🤩🙏
Great explanations! Thank you!
Thanks so much for watching!
What type of thread are you using? Or whats the best type of thread to use to make these under a regular sewing machine?
I use Dual Duty brand All Purpose Thread, but any good quality all purpose thread should work. Make sure the thread you use for topstitching matches your lycra perfectly so that it disappears on stage. Thanks for watching!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much for your response and videos!! Also would nylon thread be something that can be used or stick with all purpose?
@@ldlcq9811 I have not tried nylon thread. I've just always used all purpose thread. I know it works, but that doesn't mean other types of threads wouldn't work. You may want to try on a sample piece of fabric and test it out.
Great video. Thanks
Can you please do how to make a dance top?
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't!
I'm on a hiatus from making videos until we get settled into our new home (AND my new studio!) in the fall. But, I'll add a two piece to the list of videos.
In the meantime, you can use a regular leotard pattern and just cut it off (allowing a seam allowance for elastic) under the bustline.
Thanks so much for watching!
Where can I find the pattern
love ur vids
You are so amazing!!! Thank you so much !!!
You are too kind! Thanks so much for watching!
What is the beige fabric on top of white fabric being cut out?
Ohhh nude mesh.
Peek a boo: Nude Lycra
Main: White Lycra
Thank you so much for this. I had to take notes as I watched lol
I used a beige lining and I used a beige mesh for the inset. Does that help?
What type of sewing machine?
I started sewing on a cheap Brother I bought for under $75 at Wal Mart. I now use a Singer Heavy Duty sewing machine and a Juki MO-644D serger. Both are home machines. I never upgraded to industrial machines. You can sew stretch with just about any sewing machine so long as you have a straight stich and a zig zag stitch. Thanks for watching!
What material is lining ?
I can no longer get the lining that I used in the video. I prefer a lining that is lighter weight than my outer fabric to avoid bulky seams since I sew my lining into the seam. My new favorite lining is "Feather Nylon Spandex" from Blue Moon Fabrics. It's even better than the one I used in the video. Expensive, but worth it!
I love your videos ! 🥰
Glad you like them! Thanks so much for watching!
Nice work I like your work from iraq hello
Thanks so much for watching!
Where is the video attaching the skirt?
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment!
Shortly after posting the cutouts video, we sold our house (and my studio!) We're living in a rental with limited space, so I'm on a hiatus until we get settled in our new home in the fall. The skirt video will be the first one I post!
If you have questions in the meantime, please send me a message and I'll be happy to try to help.
Thanks for watching!
Pls what’s the name of the lining fabric
Somehow, I got this comment from you three times. Not sure if that's a boo boo on my end or yours, so forgive if I give you multiple replies. I just want to make sure I answer your question.
The lining is a swim suit lining (4 way stretch), and the white is milliskin Lycra (4 way stretch). You can find both at any stretch fabric supplier. I usually use Spandex House or Stretch House in NYC.
❤
Amazing for drag queens as well, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Unfortunatly your patterns are not good ( I was a swimwear pattern developer for 15 years. Your patterns are too flat, there is no darting over the bust. The darting is invisible, but you need to know how to do it.
I recognize that I'm not trained in pattern making - that's why I use stock patterns as a base. I'm just a former dancer, dance teacher, and dance mom who started sewing to costume my own kids and it grew into costuming everyone else's kids, then into a business that I worked on the side while continuing my professional career in management consulting. While my costumes may not be technically perfect, they've won many awards over the years, and my work is in such high demand that I turn business away every season. So many dance moms told me they'd like to know how to do what I do, so I started making videos as a service to them, never thinking that my channel would grow as it has. After paying for my editing software, I make practically $0 from my videos. I'm only trying to help others. I'd love to learn more and share that knowledge on my videos. Because I'm in my 60's and semi-retired, I'm not interested in investing a ton of time or money to go back to school. But, I'd love to watch other videos, or read specific books or articles that may be helpful. If you have any resources to share, I'd welcome the education.
You seem like a very sweet lady but this is not the way. Hiding imperfections from sewing errors using appliques doesn't change the fact that you are altering the fit of the costume. Every single place you are off 1/4", compounds by the time you are finished. This is why none of your seams were matching up. We could never do this for professional costumes. All those ripples also means you have stretched the fabric by either pulling or your tension was off, again changing the fit and it just doesn't look professional. You should be sewing those inset pieces with right sides together. Your technique makes it impossible to match seams. Avoid this and learn the correct way so you will have a perfect fit and a professionally made costume. Tip: If you use basting spray you will find it helps the beginner sewer when sewing lining or in some cases appliques. This was not the correct "how to". I am so sorry.
It sounds like you have some expertise in this area. I appreciate your feedback and your opinion. I love the look and finish of bagged seams, but only learned about those within the past couple of years. If I could go back and re-do life, I probably would have gone to school for design or fashion, BUT that was not my lot in life, so my "training" is mostly by trial and error over the past 20 years. I'm a former dancer who started making costumes for my own daughters because I couldn't afford to pay for custom, then I helped a couple of other moms, then started sewing for others and found a way to feed my passion for dance through costuming once my body could no longer dance. My solo costumes have won awards, my clients come back to me year after year, and I turn business away every year. What I do may not be technically "perfect", but it works. Many dance moms told me, I want to know how to do what you do. This UA-cam channel was my answer. I make practically no money from my channel; I'm in it only to provide a service to others - mainly for that dance mom, who, like me is just trying to find a way to give their child a fabulous costume that they can afford. They are my target audience. I wish you all the best and challenge you to put your own videos out there showing people the "right" way. It would be welcomed! There's room in this space for all of us.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes I didn't mean to offend if I did. You are not alone, many seamstresses start out the same way and you sound like you have made a successful career out of it so I guess it is the overall goal of the "teaching" videos that should be asked. If someone is making a costume for their local dance studios or just themselves, of course these techniques will work. The average dance mom or studio owner is not necessarily going to understand the complexities of garment construction.
The issue is, we constantly hear from costume makers asking how to fix fit issues and 9 times out of 10 it's because they were taught the wrong way. They have to start over just as you expressed that you wished you could re-do. Give them the same "wish" and try to learn proper techniques to help them if that is your motivation for the videos. I guess I just don't agree with the teaching aspect without the full disclaimer that this will pass but it isn't going to give you the professional results if that is what they seek nor would it pass for commercial work.
I do actually teach at the university level. I am also challenged with creating thousands of costumes every year for stage, studio, film and professional sports. I get hundreds of emails each week asking for help which we do our best to answer. That's how I was made aware of your video. I don't even have a UA-cam account. I made my office assistant log in so I could comment. There is never enough time. I do my best to teach whenever I can and I am one of few in the industry that offer paid internships every year with the opportunity to work around the world.
I wish you the very best.
I'm not offended. I KNOW I didn't have the exposure or training that many folks have had the opportunity to gain. But, I learn new techniques every day! Even my most recent videos are 2 years old as I haven't posted since then. (I'm too busy making costumes for dance and theatre!) I am very open to learning, but I haven't found good videos on bagging seams and just haven't had the time (or the need) to figure it out. I'm 62 years old, so I'm not inclined to pay money for a course for my "hobby that pays for itself". I'm afraid by bagging sems I will be losing 1/4" here and there and change the fit. By using the applique method, the finished leotard does match the pattern sizing exactly, so I don't have fit issues. I do have one costume on the books this year that is contemporary with no appliques or stones, so I will have to bag the seams on that one. I guess the time has come! You're welcome to DM me any resources that you know.
Pls what’s the name of the lining fabric and the white fabric
Somehow, I got this comment from you three times. Not sure if that's a boo boo on my end or yours, so forgive if I give you multiple replies. I just want to make sure I answer your question.
The lining is a swim suit lining (4 way stretch), and the white is milliskin Lycra (4 way stretch). You can find both at any stretch fabric supplier. I usually use Spandex House or Stretch House in NYC.
Pls what’s the name of the lining fabric and the white fabric
You can buy swimsuit lining from any of the vendors who sell spandex. I use Stretch House and Spandex House in NYC. Just make sure it's 4-way stretch when you order it. The white fabric is milliskin Lycra. It's also 4-way stretch.