Yeah, Yeah…I Know…EVERYONE is a Designer These Days!

11/06/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

Everyone is a fashion designer these days, right? Or are they?

I finally was able to watch the movie titled Valentino-The Last Emperor, last weekend. Now THERE is a designer!  In 2008, Valentino celebrated 45 years of fashion designing. He was able to design fabulous couture fashions for many famous women over these last 5 decades. And after his big anniversary celebration, he decided to retire in his late seventies. This film follows his every move, and really shows you how he created beautiful fashion, and how he lived, and lives, which is very well. He owns 6 homes around the world. Pure elegance. Incredible design. And a film worth watching, if you have any interest in real couture fashion. It is out on DVD. Rent it!

So Why is it so SPOOKY this time of year at Satin Stitches?

10/28/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

It is SPOOKY this time of the year, at Satin Stitches! WHY?

The NBA season starts this week. We have been preparing sassy new outfits for the Portland Trailblazer Blazer Dancers, Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks City Dancers. It is Show Time! Not to mention all of our HS Dance Teams needing their new competition costumes and Show Choirs getting outfited for their upcoming season!

Oh, but there is a holiday right around the corner. Oh yes, it is Halloween!

Being the head designer of a custom design costume manufacturer, you would think that my kids and myself must have had incredible Halloween costumes, right? Well, not so much. As the saying goes, the shoemakers children usually go barefoot. I usually do not have much time for spending on personal, family Halloween costumes.

We are into our busiest, most stressful 4-weeks of our year RIGHT NOW. So there is usually not very much time to devote to what most people think about in late October. But there have been a few glitzy-bright spots! Read more to find out.

Is it Possible to Create a PERFECT Solo Dance Costume?

10/09/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

You want THE PERFECT SOLO COSTUME for your next dance performance. You have not been happy with your last custom costume experience.

Where do you turn?
Who should you entrust with your vision?

You do not feel you have the talent and expertise to handle it yourself. Maybe you have never commissioned a custom garment.

What do you need to consider?

Classic Fashions Gone MAD!

09/29/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

I was watching a show giving tips to brides, for planning their wedding. The term CLASSIC came up, when discussing wedding gown designs, hairstyles and the design of the wedding cake.

What is the meaning of CLASSIC?

Timeless, ageless, traditional, archetypal, standard, superior, masterpiece, excellent, consummate were various words that popped up when I checked my Thesaurus.

During the wedding tips, it was mentioned that a bride should choose a CLASSIC hairstyle and dress, noting that lots of 80s brides are now, NOT thrilled with their obviously 80s dresses and hairstyles. Giant puffy sleeves and bangs were mentioned! They may be wishing that they had chosen more CLASSIC styles, to now show their children and grandchildren!

One of the more popular television programs that showcases CLASSIC 1960s style, is MAD MEN on AMC. It has won awards for its acting and directing, and is a visual treat as well.

Being a costume designer, programs such as MAD MEN, always catch my eye. I have mentioned many times, in my Blogs, that inspiration for new dance costume designs can come from many influences, including all types of television shows.

To Sew or NOT to Sew your Own Costumes, That is the Question in this Economy!

09/08/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

What are the PROS and CONS of sewing your own dance costumes? In these difficult economic times, more and more dancers are trying to sew your own. Can this act of frugality really save you money? Will it be worth it?

It absolutely CAN! And depending on how much experience you have, how patient you are, and what your level of expectation is, you can be successful!

If you are considering taking the plunge, and heading to the fabric store, with visions of dollars saved and that new costume that you have been wanting, in your head, here are some things to consider.

How much sewing skill do you really have?
Do you LIKE to sew?
Do you have an easy-to-fit body shape?
If not, do you know what to change, on a pattern, to make it work for you?
Are you OK with less-than perfection?
If not, are you OK with starting with one idea, and allowing it to morph to another result?
Have you allotted yourself plenty of time to complete your task?
Can you find a pattern, or can you adapt a pattern for your needs?
Will you be able to find the right type and color of fabric?
Will you be able to find the trim that you want to use?

What I Did on My Summer Non-Vacation This Last Week!

08/06/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

ProDance was last week in Houston. It was the 10th anniversary of this fine convention for professional sports-team, cheerleaders and dancers. Also attending, were some prestigious college dance teams. A big shout-out to Texas A-and-M!!

Rosalyn Jones is the founder and director of this venture. Rosalyn was the choreographer and director of the NBAs San Antonio Spurs for many years, and runs Cheers Cheerleading and Dance Studio in her Texas hometown of San Antonio.

It was a little smaller this year, not out of line with other dance and cheer events held during this recession, but worthwhile, non-the-less. Rosalyn was not able to bring in the biggest national choreographers this year. Tabitha and Napoleon, with their huge popularity from So You Think You Can Dance were absent, but their clothing line made it!

The PERFECT Designer Fragrance For Dancers!

07/09/2009 by Satin Stitches in News

As a designer, I enjoy noting when a new celebrity launches their latest signature fragrance. You know-Brittany, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Hugh Jackman, and list goes on and on.

Today, I am announcing my brand new celebrity fragrance! I have talked about it for years, and now I am finally doing it! The perfect fragrance for the dancer-the performer in all of us!

What nuances will a new fragrance for dancers need?  A slight rose scent-to help you envision receiving a bouquet at the end of your amazing performance? Maybe the slight scent of a lily-because you killed your routine and you feel majestic? Perhaps some exotic spices to indicate your exotic performance? The chemistry of creating just the right fragrance boggles the mind!

But not to worry! My Satin Stitches, designer fragrance-drum roll please-NO SCENT AT ALL!

If you have read my Online blogs and articles about costume care, you know that there is a fabulous product available called FRESH AGAIN.