In keeping with the theme of some of the more "retro" sewing I've done, here's a little look at the glitzy world of ballroom gowns.
I've mentioned before that my husband and I dance. In fact, that's how we met. Anyway, we used to do it a lot more before we had kids. We took several lesson a week. Did some shows and a little teaching. And even competed once.
But to do a show right, you need the right look. And it's showy for sure. Lots of rhinestones.
And the dresses cost a ton. Thousands of dollars. Not exactly in the budget...but I'm always up for a sewing challenge.
So, I set out to learn about the construction of such dresses. It's not easy because they're all stretch material and you really have to consider how they move etc. And don't get me started on the rhinestones. There are literally thousands of them on there. And each one put on individually by hand.
That's why I'm in awe of Dancing with the Stars (No, I don't watch it anymore cause really who has 4 hours a week to dedicate to one show?). They churn those costumes out so quickly and they are NOT easy.
Anyway, these two gowns are 2 of the ballroom ones I've made. Maybe someday I'll show you the latin ones (a bit racier). They're both my own design adapted from parts of patterns here and there.
The blue one I actually won a contest from the big name in couture ballroom -
Chrisanne. I painted the design onto the dress with fabric paint. Considering it's not really intended to be stretchy, it's held up remarkably well.
Here's an action shot of me actually dancing the gown. I wish I had more good ones (this is scanned and I seriously need Photoshop to revamp it a bit) to show you but really most of them pre-dated good digital cameras. Just sitting on the dressform doesn't really show you how much volume and movement they have .
Well, folks I think I have to sign off until after
Market...I promise to come back with my creative juices all revved up! Hopefully I'll take some of that inspiration and translate it to actual projects...
Ciao.
JT
