Seamstress in HI

[Dance808]

To the Hawaii DF-ers:

Can you recommend any local seamstresses/dressmakers? I have the design & the fabric, but the sewing far exceeds my ability and looking for someone inexpensive to work on it for me.

Thanks!

[contracheck]

To the Hawaii DF-ers:

Can you recommend any local seamstresses/dressmakers? I have the design & the fabric, but the sewing far exceeds my ability and looking for someone inexpensive to work on it for me.

Thanks!
I am reasonable certain that there is no professional seamstress in HI, who can make dance dress. My coach is one of the major dance figures there, and she told me so. When she visits the mainland she spends a bulk of her time to visit seamstresses to make dresses for herself and her students.

[Dance808]

I am reasonable certain that there is no professional seamstress in HI, who can make dance dress. My coach is one of the major dance figures there, and she told me so. When she visits the mainland she spends a bulk of her time to visit seamstresses to make dresses for herself and her students.

I know a lot of ppl take their work to the mainland -- but on my budget I don't want a professional dance dress maker per se -- I was just curious if anyone had had any luck with someone local. All I need is someone that can pattern make and work with spandex. I'm going to do all the stoning etc myself anyway.

[etp777]

Some of the usual suspects (ie, ice skating costumes) are unlikely to be found in area, so not going to find seamstress that route. But what about finding a seamstress who does a lot of work with custom bathing suits? She(or he), would be well versed in working with spandex then, which is definitely one of the big issues when first trying to make a ballroom costume.

[contracheck]

I know a lot of ppl take their work to the mainland -- but on my budget I don't want a professional dance dress maker per se -- I was just curious if anyone had had any luck with someone local. All I need is someone that can pattern make and work with spandex. I'm going to do all the stoning etc myself anyway.

Fabric shops are usually good place to ask about seamstresses. You must have fabric shops in HI, or are they all use only palm leaves?

[Chris Stratton]

I know a lot of ppl take their work to the mainland -- but on my budget I don't want a professional dance dress maker per se

What about looking in the other direction, west instead of east?

All I need is someone that can pattern make and work with spandex.

Finding someone who can work with spandex should not be the problem. Finding someone who know how to adapt or create a pattern for ballroom is more likely the difficulty. You might be able to find someone local and "train" them over a serious of commissions, but getting it right the first time may be iffy unless you have something for them to copy or can persuade them to read Laura's online notes, etc...

[Dance808]

You must have fabric shops in HI, or are they all use only palm leaves?

Haha wouldn't that be nice - a palm leaf wardrobe. :)

Thanks for comments & ideas, everyone. Has anyone taken work to some other kind of custom seamstress? Like someone that does gowns for weddings or custom business clothes? Bad results? Like Chris says, have to train over time?

And I have thought about going West rather than East but just as expensive, really...

[jerseydancer]

Is this for latin or standard dress?

[Dance808]

Is this for latin or standard dress?

I need both ;) -- but actually thinking of Latin.

[jerseydancer]

I need both ;) -- but actually thinking of Latin.
For standard it is hard to find a good seemstress on the main land (I think on Hi you are completely out of luck). Even on the main land there are very few who are affordable and good, plus some are expensive and still do not get it right. For latin, did you consider ordering on-line from someone like International Dance Design? They are not that pricy and should be able to manage a latin dress for reasonable price.

[Dance808]

just found a custom swim suit shop... giving it a whirl! :)

and no, i really don't want to send away b/c i already have part of the dress made.

[jerseydancer]

Good luck with your dress. Let us know how it tun out. A picture would be great!

[Dance808]

will do. (and if there are HI ppl out there with specific ideas, PM me!)

[Angel HI]

Aloha, Don't know of anyone here on Maui or Kuai`i. Probably best to ask the dance pros there in Hono, yeah? Maika`i laki.

[Addicted2Rhinestones]

I agree that you should ask fabric stores. A lot of seamstresses actually go to them to hand out their business cards because they know they are a good source for advertising and that people will come ask...