Anyone know how to make a comp. dress?

[Luckster013]

Lately I've been thinking about making my own skating dress but I have no idea how. I do know how to apply crystals, what material to use and stuff like that, but I don't do a lot of sewing. My grandma is really good at sewing and she could help me, but she's never made a skating dress either. Basically, I need all the help I can get. Has anyone else made their own competition dress? I have know idea where to start. Is this even worth trying or something I should leave up to the professionals?
Thanks for any advice!

[NickiT]

I have made a few dresses - in fact just made a practice dress yesterday. I recommend the Kwik Sew patterns - there are a few with the basic styles that you can use and adapt if you so wish. I use an overlocker to stitch as you get a professional finish, but before I had that machine I just used a zigzag stitch on my regular machine. I think it's pretty much like anything really - with practice you can improve. I'd recommend you start off with a basic pattern - perhaps make a practice dress - as that will give you a little experience before making something more special.

Nicki

[Skate@Delaware]

ask your grandma if she has ever mad a swimsuit??? and ask her if she has ever sewn lycra....

It can be done, but if you are a beginner, start with another project. A comp dress is not one to be learning on.

[mikawendy]

There are a few older threads about sewing dresses--you may be able to find them by searching the On Ice forum for "sewing". A few that I was able to find quickly:
http://www.skatingforums.com/showthread.php?t=26100
http://www.skatingforums.com/showthread.php?t=25860

[Mrs Redboots]

All you really need is a pretty leotard, either sleeveless or with long sleeves, and a chiffon wrap skirt - a dancewear or gymnastics supply place will be able to sell you these. Then you can stone them and personalise them to suit yourself!

[SkatingOnClouds]

I agree that the Kwik Sew patterns are good, and that you can make them with an ordinary sewing machine using a narrow zig-zag stitch. And that it's something you get better at with practise.

So go for it! Just don't buy the most expensive fabric around. Making a practise dress - in both senses of the word - is a good way to begin. You will learn from your mistakes.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[Sessy]

Lycra is one of the most forgiving fabrics I know. Just make sure to get special "stretch" needles and adjust the top- and bottom pull on the sewing machine to the fabric (else the zigzag is very ugly). If you use a narrow zigzag for stitching, that seam can stretch a little too.

I have jalie patterns, like most my sewing friends, simply because those are the majority of the patterns sold here.

[Luckster013]

All you really need is a pretty leotard, either sleeveless or with long sleeves, and a chiffon wrap skirt - a dancewear or gymnastics supply place will be able to sell you these. Then you can stone them and personalise them to suit yourself!

Thats a really good idea. Thanks!

[Skate@Delaware]

All you really need is a pretty leotard, either sleeveless or with long sleeves, and a chiffon wrap skirt - a dancewear or gymnastics supply place will be able to sell you these. Then you can stone them and personalise them to suit yourself!
This made me think of the DISCO ERA of the 70-80's and the LYCRA LEOTARDS & MATCHING WRAP SKIRTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, I wish I had kept ALL of mine!!!!!!!!!! But I never knew I would need them one day for SKATING!!!! ;)