These are the original Line Drawings with Colour versions below |
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Siobhán's New Dress - The Finished Article If you've not read the initial designs page click here before you read on! If you have, you'll want to see what we finished up with, so read on! |
After our first discussions with Jill the dressmaker (which took several hours) she measured Siobhán and then set about turning our ideas into a proper design. She then sent us her drawings of what she thought she should do. They were better than I had imagined! Once we'd agreed to the designs she then drew up a full size pattern and made the dress. Siobhán had to have another fitting before final completion. The whole process was about a month from the initial discussion to the finished dress. We were delighted with the results! |
However, after showing the dress to Siobhán's teacher he felt that a little more sparkle might be needed for the British Championships, as the stages are brightly lit. We therefore bought some Swarovski crystal stones and fixed them to the dress with strong adhesive. The final effect was just what we wanted, so it's always worth listening to other peoples ideas! |
These are the original Line Drawings with Colour versions below |
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The fine detail about Siobhán's Unique dress |
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| This beautiful dress was specially designed for
our Siobhán just over a year ago by Jill, a costume
designer for one of the well known Irish Dance shows. The
design is truly unique, a definite one off! Unfortunately
Siobhán is still growing so we have decided to sell her
dress exclusively to visitors to the Irish Dancer site. The dress itself is made from the finest Pink
velvet, with a contrasting deep blue velvet border and
yoke, and has been worn at many major events including
the In the centre of the front panel is a pale gold satin moon with the world renowned Rose of Tralee, Mary O'Connor, lovingly depicted in a mixture of applicque and embroidery. This is supported by two intertwined Tigers. These represent the time spent in India, away from his true love, by William Pembroke, the man who was to pen the song, The Rose of Tralee. The Tiger designs have all had their stripes individually embroidered freehand. The border is accentuated with 12 applicque Roses with leaves. The yoke also carries a Tiger and Rose motif and the front of the dress is finished with intricate Celtic knots. The under skirt is lined with a contrasting bright green satin that matches the Rose leaves. The sleeves are made of a soft silver-white holographic material and are fully lined. The velvet cuffs are closed with a velcro fastening. The side pleats of the skirt have contrasting inserts in the same silver-white holographic material as the sleeves The Bráth (or cape) carries a Castle design in silver holographic applicque above an embroidered Rose of Tralee scroll. This design is loosely based upon the memorial to The Rose of Tralee in the Town Park (known locally as The Green) in Tralee itself. The edge of the Bráth has been cut away around the edges of the Rose leaves. The Bráth attaches at both shoulders with velcro and has a ribbon tie on each side. To complement the main designs over 150 genuine Swarovski crystals have been carefully placed to catch the light, (and the adjudicators eye!), without detracting from the design itself. The dress comes complete with a matching velvet headband with a triple Rose motif, and a pair of bright green knickers (otherwise known as Spankies!). |
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Click on either of the pictures for a close up view
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| Not only does the dress have a Rose of Tralee
theme but Siobhán has actually performed at the Rose of Tralee festival wearing it. During the festival at the
end of August 2000 she took part in the Irish Dancing
display in the Market square and also marched in the
traditional opener - the Rose Parade. To round off the event she danced, by special
request, for the This dress is truly exquisite, and with such a pedigree I'm sure it would be much sought after if it was ever for sale! Remember, this is the only dress of its kind in the World! |
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| This is me wearing the new dress at a Feis for the First time! |  |
| This is the
dress at the British Championships. Note the Crystals all over it and a change of Tiara! |
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