I finally am going to try out Contradance this weekend. The one thing everyone was recommending was a big full skirt to spin around in. Since I was lacking a nice long skirt in my wardrobe I made a quick trip to Joanne's on my way home from work & got right to work. About 3 hours later I had this~
It's a variation on a basic circle skirt & it's insanely full. I started out with this tutorial to calculate yardage...
It adds about 2 inches seam allowance. I ended up only adding 1/2 an inch because I have a serger with a rolled hem foot. The other change I made was an overskirt. I simply cut a second skirt out of a see through fabric ( I made it an inch bigger around so that it would flow over the other skirt). Then I attached them both to the waist band. I love the fabrics I found...
The underskirt is 50% Linen 50% Poly, I did a wrinkle test & it seemed to pass okay. Plus it's the same color as my favorite pants so my favorite shirts should also go with the skirt. I think this may be the perfect everyday skirt as well. The only thing I need to keep an eye on is the skirt stretching out since it's mostly on the bias, however since it's just a simple serged hem it will be very easy to take up.
Oh well, I'll try to get some action shots Saturday night. It looks so much better on than just draped over the door. Now to learn how to spin around more than once & not get dizzy. I was spinning so much in the skirt than I literally was collapsing on the floor. So worth it....
Comments (3)
Have fun! My husband and I went contradancing years ago with a friend from his work, and it was really fun. I had never done it before, but had no trouble keeping up since the guy leads and all. And like you said, it's mostly turning around and around. Your skirt will be perfect! I love the contradancing music, too. There was a bluegrass band playing when we went, it was great.
Posted by Janelle | February 15, 2007 11:22 AM
Posted on February 15, 2007 11:22
Rae, be sure to wear a shirt you don't mind sweating in, because you'll sweat a lot! Contradancing is great exercise. I used to do it a whole lot, a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Posted by Priscilla | February 16, 2007 3:35 PM
Posted on February 16, 2007 15:35
P.S. If you stare only into your partner's eyes while you're madly spinning, you'll cut way down on the dizziness. Also, I think they have a beginners' lessons session for 30 mins. or so before the dance officially begins.
Posted by Priscilla | February 16, 2007 3:38 PM
Posted on February 16, 2007 15:38