Bodice Construction
Woven-Fabric and Stretch-Fabric

Current Format: 1 Day
2012 Availability: TBA
Return to Seminar Descriptions.

Every tutu-skirt needs a bodice, whether simple or complex, matching or complementing.

In this class you will make one bodice, selecting from a very wide range of pattern and fabric styles and types.

And for 2011, we've made some really cool changes ! We've added new instruction, more pattern choices, and additional fabric options.

For the first time ever, you can choose to construct your bodice in stretch fabric!
You can choose to make a stretch-fabric bodice using any of our 'traditional' bodice patterns, from 6-piece to 16-piece, or you can try one of the 2 brand-new patterns, designed specifically for stretch fabrics, that Claudia is introducing at the seminar - a 9-piece camisole pattern and a 12-piece pattern with shoulders. Special note, if you elect to use one of our 'traditional' patterns with a stretch-fabric to fit a specific dancer, Claudia suggests you should call or email her to make sure of sizing.

Please Note: Our Women's pattern and garment sizing is Children's sizes to Jr. Miss - in other words, 'Dancer Sizing'. We do not have patterns for larger women. Our patterns are not designed for, and will not readily adapt to, a non-dancer adult full-size-woman body-type.

For a woven-fabric bodice:
The 'standard' top-fabric we supply for this class is Bengaline, in your choice of several color options. The color choices will typically include White, Black, Red, Ivory, Rosette, Dusty Rose, Paris Pink, Deep Corsair Navy, Lt. Blue, Lilac (although from time to time certain colors can be difficult to obtain). We may also offer additional colors depending on season, venue, availability, instructor's choices, etc.

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a Brocade or Silk top-fabric for an additional charge - be sure to talk to Claudia EARLY for this option and price!

You may also choose to bring your own top-fabric if you prefer (you will still receive our fabric to use in the future - no discounts for bringing your own fabric).

We supply 100% cotton Coutil for the bodice-lining.

For a stretch-fabric bodice:
The 'standard' top-fabric we supply for this class is stretch Spandex (Lycra®, etc.), in your choice of several color options. The color choices will typically include White, Black, and Pink. We may also offer additional colors depending on season, venue, availability, instructor's choices, etc. And we may also offer an eclectic 'grab-bag' of various colors, patterns, and finishes for you to choose from at the seminar. You can request a particular color, as an alternate option - we will try our best to provide it, but no promises.

You may also choose to bring your own top-fabric if you prefer (you will still receive our fabric to use in the future - no discounts for bringing your own fabric).

We supply Powernet for the bodice-lining.

Special Note, if you elect to use one of our 'traditional' patterns with a stretch-fabric to fit a specific dancer, Claudia suggests that you call or email her to make sure of sizing.

Special Note: if at all possible (ie, if you're driving to the seminar), we HIGHLY suggest you bring your serger - you'll need it to professionally finish your garment.

For all bodice choices:
We supply the pattern, and any necessary boning, cording, etc. - everything you'll need to go home with a beautifully finished bodice.

Additionally, the importance of using proper materials will be discussed, as well as the importance of proper grainline and seam allowance use, matching and sewing of the curved/princess seams, and various finishing methods (cording, bias tape, etc.). Proper fitting, lengthening and/or shortening the bodice, and other alterations will also be discussed and demonstrated. All bodices will be boned with steel-spirals and bone-casing.

Are you also taking one of our tutu construction seminars?
You don't have to create a bodice in a 'matching color' for your Tutu, think a little bit 'outside the box'. For instance, a 'plain' White Classical Tutu is absolutely gorgeous with a Corsair Navy bodice! You take it from there ....

Return to Seminar Descriptions.