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Altering Dance Costumes 101
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items My first year as a competition dance mom I learned SO much about the work that goes into costumes before they hit the stage! Our studio still does a lot of work, but as parents we are responsible for some of the sewing of the group costumes, and 100%...
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All About Rhinestones
Sewing Essentials
All About Rhinestones
What's a costume without a little sparkle? Rhinestoning is no joke, but here are some things that make it a little easier.
It's likely that you'll end up with different size and colors of beads. Storage containers like these will help keep them separate and prevent them from spilling or getting mixed up.
24-Jar Bead Storage Container by Bead Landing
These trays are used for holding your stones while you work. You can shake them slightly and the ridges on the bottom will help flip the stones right side up.
Diamond Dotz Accessories Bulk Pack Blue Trays, Perfect ...
These pens serve multiple purposes. The back can help you flip over beads or sort them if needed. The tip is slightly sticky and can help pick up the stones to place them on the costume.
The Beadsmith® Crystal FX™ Pickup Artist
Rhinestones get TINY sometimes! Having a small tweezers is essential for picking them up and placing them.
Bent Nose Tweezers by Bead Landing
No matter what glue you use, the tip will probably not be fine enough for the small dots that you need. These syringes and their tips will help you with accurate glue placement and also help prevent you from using too much.
The Beadsmith® Crystal FX™ Thick Viscosity Glue Syringe ...
Beadsland is a great company for getting stones from. Not all stones are created equal. Plastic, round stones will do little to refract the light. If you want sparkle, you need glass stones with many facets.
Flatback Rhinestones
This is a great all purpose glue. I have used it on fabric, metal, nylon and more. It holds well and is great for attaching stones or other embellishments.
E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive Glue for Multi Surface Bonding, Clear, 2 fl oz
Here's a video to help get you started with how to actually apply the rhinestones.
HOW TO APPLY RHINESTONES FOR BEGINNERS | SEWING TIPS & TRICKS
Sewing Essentials
I promise, you don't really have to know how to sew! Most of the things you'll be doing are small and your stitches won't be seen from the audience so don't over think it or feel your stitches have to be perfect. Pay attention to the notes as I share...
I always keep extra fabric on hand. This is great for practicing stitches, or cuts before working on the costume. I made some flounce for my daughter's solo costume this year and it was great to have extra fabric to practice on. I was able to get the...
Solid Cotton Fabric by Loops & Threads
Trust me, a flexible table measure is a must! You will use it more than you ever thought possible.
Loops & Threads™ Tape Measure, 120
I always keep a variety of safety pins on hand. They are excellent for holding things together while you sew without worrying about the pins slipping. Sometimes, you can pin things instead of sewing them or you may need them as extra enforcements for...
Loops & Threads™ Safety Pin Assortment
Always make sure you have sharp scissors and fabric scissors on hand. These are sharper than regular scissors and should only be used for fabric. If they are dulled, your going to get jagged and frayed cuts.
Sewing Scissors Set by Loops & Threads
Elastic can be added in creative ways if you're needing a little extra stretch.
1/2" Braided Elastic by Loops & Threads
I like to add snaps to things like arm bands or chokers. They allow you to get a tighter fit and prevent them slipping off. If you have a broken zipper, they can also be a quick fix to help secure the costume as they take just a minute or two to atta...
Loops & Threads™ Sew-On Snaps
Straight pins will be your friend as you're sewing. While sometimes I use safety pins, straight pins are great as you're trying to get the right position since you can take them out and readjust easily.
Loops & Threads™ Ball Point Pins
I'm sorry to say you're likely going to need this more than once. The good news is it will make your life significantly easier if you need to remove stitches in any way or if your thread gets knotted and you need to cut the thread while being careful...
Magic 2- In-1 Retractable Seam Ripper
This is a great starter kit and also something to put in your dance bag for emergencies or mishaps during competitions.
172pcs Travel Sewing Kit, Premium Sewing Supplies ...
Velcro is a must have in our bag and gets used for props and also accessories often.
VELCRO® Brand Black Sew On Tape
I don't use these in the way you'd think! Yes, they are great for closures, I use them for hair pieces! Take the eye piece and attach it to headbands and hats that need to be secured by bobby pins but don't have any place to hook them. They are easy ...
Dritz® Silver Hooks & Eyes, Size 2