Author: Earnest Threads

Tutorial for Tiaras & Headpieces

Hello!  We’ve had some requests to make a tutorial for our tiara and headpiece embroidery files…so here you go!  This method could work with free-hand embroidery too, or with any design that you digitize yourself. Supplies: – Fabric for background – Dress stiffener or extra-heavy interfacing.  We recommend S80 Vilene or Pellon 70 (or 72). …

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Welcome to Earnest Threads!

Hello!  We’re so glad you’re here. We’re currently working on a pattern sloper and will soon be looking for testers for our first two women’s fashion patterns.  We’re excited to begin offering a variety of sewing patterns including wardrobe staples, artful accents, and practical accessories. We began developing patterns for Irish dancing costumes under the name …

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Constructing Skirt Pieces

Hello! I’ve got a photo tutorial for you today. I’ll go through the steps to construct lined skirt pieces, such as those used in Skirts II, IV, V, VI, and VII in the 3rd Edition of the pattern. Each piece of the skirt is made of 3 layers:1. Fashion fabric – Our top layer, the …

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Lining and the Center-Back Skirt Seam

The center-back seam allowance of the skirt is never pretty.  The skirt gets lined, usually in beautiful contrasting fabric that flashes when the dancer kicks, but the bulky seam allowance always stands out, looking gross and un-finished.  Due to the way the skirt is constructed, and the fact that the center-back is an alteration point, …

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Choosing the Right Fabric

[two_third]There are many types of fabrics commonly used for Irish Dance costumes.  These are a few of the most popular. Satin Satin is probably the most common fabric used currently, and also can be the easiest to work with.  Satin is the glossiest option, though you’ll find quite a bit of variety in the amount …

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Drafting a Slimmer Sleeve

*Update!*  Try our Slim Sleeve Add-on! Styles change quickly and many people have asked me about drafting a slimmer sleeve as sheer and even skin-tight sleeves come into greater popularity (first photo below).  The sleeve in the Gúna Rince pattern has a slight puff at the shoulder, as you can see in the second photo. …

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