Need costume repair help

twnkltoz

twnkltoz

Forum Master
So, last night I stoned this wreck of a latin costume that I got off ebay for twice as much money as it's worth (can you tell I'm bitter?). I started out with a specific pattern in mind and when it wasn't turning out the way I planned, it ended up being just a bunch of stones all over it. It looks ok, but I ran out of stones and there are some extras on the front that I could relocate to the back to make it better. My question: is there a way to remove the stones and the glue without damaging the already-shipwrecked dress? I appreciate any advice!
 
Hi twnkltoz!

I am so sorry this has happened to you...it is so disappointing when costumes don't finish out as planned.

When stones are removed or "pop off" the glue usually leaves a telltale trace. Therefore, I think you have two options...

1. Get more stones matching the ones you are using and finish stoning the back of the costume.

2. Remove some of the stones from the front and move them to the back...then buy a complementary stone to cover the places where you removed stones and then extend those stones around the back of the costume to make the the whole look even.

Unfortunately, both options will cost...but the look should be very good.

Hope this helps...or perhaps someone else will have a method of removing the glue traces.

BTW...are you dancing at the IGB?

smiles...
 
Thanks Girlie...unfortunately I don't have time to buy more stones...I need it for tomorrow!

We're not doing IGB, but we're going to the showcase at Stars tomorrow and the San Jose one next weekend.
 
Not applicable for this, but I 've long wondered if you could re-use stones off an unrecoverable costume by soaking it in water or some other solvent for a while.

Of course if it is possible and you have some junker costume around...

Do you have any place such as a craft store that sells stones locally at retail? If you don't need too many, the premium for buying them in small lots might not be intolerable.
 
I think I may have lucked out! I remembered a dance fabric store not to far from here, and they sell stones! I'll just have to hope they have the right color and size, and don't charge too much for them! We're going as soon as the hubby gets out of the shower.

There are a couple of glue spots where I dripped, so I'll have to try some hot water on those.
 
Hmm, that suggests (for recovering stones off a ruined dress, not the current project) boiling it in a big pot of water, or failing that a few gallons of vinegar.

I would not have thought vinegar very toxic by itself. If you are particularly concerned, you could neutralize it with baking soda before disposal - or better yet save it in a plastic bucket with tight fitting lid to use again.
I guess it's possible the vinegar could leach some nasties out of a synthetic fabric. The stones themselves probably have a high lead content, but my (uninformed) guess would be that it won't leach out of the glass very easily.

Don't use the pot for food, and puch holes in it before throwing away so no one else will either... this is probably a good idea even with only water.

Of course the whole point of soaking the stones off was to keep the foil on them... if that soaks off too then this idea is of little use unless one is trying to use them without foil.
 
Chris the smell just fills the house. Its starts to sting the eyes after awhile and the whole place juts smells like a fish and chip store.

I've had good sucess at getting the stone and the glue all off by letting it soak in vinegar or hot water waiting until its really supple then pulling it off like chewing gum

Vinegar will damage the aluminium backing on the stones if you leave them soaking long enough
 
Well, I went to the local costume supply store...they have everything! Fabric, sequins, trim, and all kinds of Swarovsky stones! The prices are a bit high (well, they're full retail as opposed to all the discount places online), but I was able to buy a half a gross of the 20ss crystal for $10, so that wasn't bad. I'll finish stoning the back and reinforcing the seams tonight, and it should be safe to wear tomorrow! :)
 
Let me see if I can make this work! Here I am at Stars Ballroom's showcase yesterday. The dress worked just fine, didn't fall off or apart, and I even got some compliments on it!

redfront.jpg


reddressback1.jpg


Anyone want to buy a latin dress? ;)
 
It doesn't look like a disaster at all. You did a great job! But I can see why you want a new Latin dress, the one you showed me a picture of would work really well for you!
 
Thanks Laura! I used your stoning technique (with the beeswax and toothpick and gemtac), and it went really fast...I did most of it in one night.

You have to see this dress up close to believe it...I'll show you next time I see you.
 
HI twnkltoz

I always wondered if you were you and now you outed yourself so I can say hi!

Glad to hear the costume worked out - but you left out the important part -how did you do?

p.s. next time you need stones - try running across the street I have a gazillion
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top