How To Order: Call me (802)454-8616
after 2 PM EST or e-mail me at skatewear@aol.com!
I work from a description, picture, sketch,
catalogue clipping, or your music. However, I do not recommend copying outfits if you are a competitive figure skater or dancer looking to make an impact at regionals. Be unique!
Working
from your music:
Audio clips are very helpful!
After hearing the music I can come up with
designs immediately or take some time to research ideas.
I once 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
one year a 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.
^Top^
Measurements and
Fit
Measurements:
Measurements needed for girls/women:
Bust /waist/ hips /girth /underarm to wrist. 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, biceps and wrist. They will be requested by e-mail. For
tights: waist, inseam to anklebone and thigh around. For boys: shoulder width, chest, waist, neck, full girth, underarm to wrist, biceps around and wrist around.
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.
^Top^
Fabrics and Decoration:
I work in all available materials except fur and feathers.
Spandex, stretch velvet, mesh and glissenette are commonly used. I infrequently use, micro-fleece, organza, stretch
satin, silk chiffons or polar fleece. I have many specialty fabrics on hand such as
patterned velvets and silk chiffons. I work with numerous suppliers
of materials and can send you fabric samples directly. You
just would not believe the gorgeous fabrics available for YOUR next
costume!
A variety of suppliers are
at my disposal for Austrian crystal and I have some stock in VT. Often I do the crystal application as well as the costume.
Sometimes families do their own decorating.
^Top^
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!!
^Top^
Consultation
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.
^Top^
Shipping
I use all of the available shipping services: Priority USPS insured, UPS and FedEx.
Shipping charges for a single costume starts at $10.00
If you prefer UPS, need 2nd day air or Overnight services please mention
it.
