“Make a mock-up”, we say! “Check the fit before you start”, we say! Well what does that mean? Generally that it’s not too tight, too loose, too long, too short, no funny bunching, or gaping, or anywhere uncomfortable. Easy enough, right? In this post, I want to highlight how to set yourself up for success …
What is the style that you’re calling “flippy skirt”? The “flippy skirt” style has grown in popularity over the last couple years, mainly due to its use by Eire Designs/Gavin Doherty*. I was asked to draft one last month, so I thought I’d create a little tutorial so you can draft your own at home. …
Our new 4th Ed. Irish dance solo dress pattern offers a Bust Cup Adjustment add-on! Our fashion line also includes these options, but we’re thrilled to be able to offer this feature in our Irish dance patterns too! I thought this was a great time to talk about why cup adjustments are amazing, how different …
In this post I’ll go over some pattern drafting techniques you can use to modify the shape of the skirt. These all involve cutting, splicing, or trimming the pattern piece. I’d recommend tracing a copy to use, so you don’t destroy the original. Note: This post was created for an earlier edition of the pattern, …
Update: A Slim Sleeve is now included in the Solo Dress pattern, or can be purchased separately for updating existing costumes. 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 (left). The sleeve in the Gúna Rince pattern …
**Update!** The Rounded Collar is now included in the solo dress pattern as of the 3rd Edition (summer 2018). Here you’ll find drafting instructions for a mandarin color that works on a round neckline, rather than a pointed one, like what is included in the pattern. This has become a bit of a fad lately, and …
[Edit: The second edition pattern and onward includes a single-panel skirt, so no adaptation is needed. This post is for customers using the first edition.] Many people have asked recently how to modify the solo dress pattern to make a single-panel skirt. This style of skirt is becoming increasingly popular, perhaps because of it’s …
Note: In the 4th Ed pattern (released July 2021), this skirt style is listed as View IV. It was View III in all previous versions. Some pattern piece numbers have changed as well since this post was written. I’ve had a couple questions about modifying the pattern pieces for skirt view III (soft-pleated skirt). The …
