802-454-8616
skatewear@aol.com

How To Order: Call me (802)454-8616 after 2 PM EST or E-mail me!

I work from a description, picture, sketch, catalogue clipping, or your music. One costume I made based upon a video of Kristy Yamaguchi. The skater wanted something similarly styled but in a different color and with the "over one shoulder" look. We decided on a fountain of crystals cascading down the front, and it came out great! The mockup was peach… she took both costumes so she could put on something "new" for her exhibition program to the same music! Recently I copied a dress from an online skatewear catalogue for someone, but made some adaptations for their performance. I was able to make another costume for $25 less than the on-line price.

Working from your music:

For local skaters I have received a copy of the program on tape, but frankly I can work just as well hearing it over the phone or through an on-line videoclip, to save money on mailing!

After hearing the music I can come up with designs immediately or take some time to research ideas. For example, I did a costume for music from "Anastasia" for a very young skater. After looking at pictures of the Romanoff family in a costume anthology and talking with the child about color, we chose a star-patterned red velvet that worked well in a style suited to the period. The costume was generic enough, however, to work for her other ISI events as well as for her freestyle program.

Recently I adapted a costume from an e-mail photo of a Riverdance outfit on Broadway.. We did the costume in a different color with some modifications, including putting nude netting in the top and sleeve for warmth, and adapting a simple design from the Book of Kells for the pattern of crystals on the front, reflecting the colors in the Irish flag.

Does it make a difference having your costume look "professional"? It sure can't hurt! And it is fun to go the distance to make you look like you have done your homework to get a costume that really works with the music. This is especially true if you are testing a freestyle program. Judges have frequently remarked at test sessions on the quality of my costumes. You are not being marked on the quality of the costume. However it can add to the overall professionalism with which you present your skating program. And judges will respond to that on a subjective level! At Nationals last year one pair skater got a toe pick caught in the partner's costume. Did that help them? Probably not! The time to be concerned about a costume is before the event, not during it.

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Measurements and Fit

Measurements:
Measurements needed for girls/women:
Bust /waist/ hips /girth /underarm to wrist. Shoulder seam to finger-pick for finger-loop style sleeves. Girth is critical because the length of the body suit is based upon it. Measure from the shoulder (near the neck) down the front between the legs and back up the back to where you started! Stand up straight and have someone else measure. Other measurements may be needed if there is netting above the bust, or for certain designs. For form fitting sleeves I will ask for measurements of the armhole, bicep and wrist. They will be requested by e-mail. For tights: waist, inseam to anklebone and length to outer anklebone from waist. For boys: shoulder width, chest, waist, neck, full girth. Boys pants: crotch girth: bellybutton through legs to back waist/inseam/ waist.

Fit:
When you purchase a garment from a manufacturer you may receive an undersized garment that stretches to fit you. When ordering leotards for teams (in order to add skirts for teams) for example, I have found that girls that need a ladies small find they really need a medium. With custom measurements, this kind of thing doesn't happen. I design TO the measurements. Growing room can be put in the crotch seam or inner side seams to accommodate growth. Even without these special considerations, however, this is going to be a costume that will fit you now and for at least year or two down the line. By the way it is not necessary for costumes to be "skintight" to look good. You are an athlete and need to move in this costume. If you have special wishes for fit, let me know. For skating skirts I need to know if you want it short, average, long or dance length.

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Fabrics and Decoration:

I work in all available materials except fur and feathers. Spandex, stretch velvet, mesh, silk chiffon, glissenette, georgette, etc., are commonly used, infrequently micro-fleece, organza, stretch satin or polar fleece. I have many specialty fabrics on hand such as patterned velvets and silk chiffons. I work with numerous suppliers of materials who can send you fabric samples directly. This year I used a stretch velvet called "Fuschia Tye-dye Glitter Mist". You just would not believe the gorgeous fabrics available for YOUR next costume!

With some input from me I will make sure you receive sample stones, if necessary. A variety of suppliers are at my disposal for Austrian crystal and I have some stock in VT. Think about how you want the stones to look. Or you may wish to have me come up with ideas. Often I do the crystal application as well as the dress. Nowadays the glue-on stones hold better than the sew on Lochrosens, etc., but I do use sew-on crystal buttons for the back of dresses. Rhinestones also come by the yard in stretchable black or white plastic. Sometimes this is useful for outlining an inset.

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Design Considerations:

In general it is not a good idea to mix too many colors unless there is a specific reason to do so, based upon the music, as in Showcase. Therefore, for example, if there are two colors already in the outfit, it may look better to have the stones or decoration be one of those colors or a coordinating color, rather than another divergent color. Obviously there are exceptions to this.

Similarly, simplicity of design works better than having lots of different "looks" in the outfit. Think about outfits you have seen on TV, in which professionalism has created a nice look: it is usually toward simplicity, except in cases where exotic color and flounce are incorporated for exhibition events. I strive towards making appropriate yet versatile outfits. What works for testing your program may not be the same outfit for exhibition, showcase, or your end of the year extravaganza!!

Keep in mind future uses of the costume. Except in the case of ethnic folk outfits, will it work for another piece of music or event? Can it be adapted later on, i.e., could the sleeves be removed or a new skirt added? I made a Phantom of the Opera costume that was black with all-white long sleeves. The next year we took off those sleeves, went sleeveless with different decoration, and had a whole new look with the same basic dress. Those issues can be design considerations depending on your pocketbook! Generally speaking your costume is not going to wear out before you outgrow it. So consider adaptability in the design. Removable/replaceable sleeves and tops have given my performers ways to stretch their dollar and get more than one "look" for a costume. For example I have made sleeves/sash that snap into sleeveless bodysuits so that the same dress can be used with (1) either lace sleeves/sash or (2) chiffon sleeves/sash or (3) no sleeves at all.

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Kits, custom patterns and consultation

On occasion I manufacture a costume as a kit: cut pattern pieces made to order for the buyer to assemble. For moms who want to have a part in the making of a costume, this can be a satisfying alternative and a money-saver. I have consulted with seamstresses on projects by providing custom patterns and/or sewing instructions for a fee. Don't hesitate to contact me by email if you would like to discuss your costume concerns. There are a myriad ways to alter costumes to make them fit. I also enjoy working with people who are attempting to "make their own" and enjoy chatting about costumes shown on TV.

 

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Shipping

I ship using both priority USPS insured and UPS.
My basic shipping charge for a single costume is $8.00 as of 7/06.
This includes priority shipping.
If you prefer UPS, need 2nd day air or Overnight services please mention it.