This is one of my favorite places to visit in New York. This area is filled with fabulous fabric stores literally jammed with exquisite fabrics. However, Mr. Hamed's store to me shines above all. His devotion to his family is a joy as well.

I love visiting and I think you will, too!

Thank you for visiting my website.

Please contact me should you have any questions.

Lee Ann Torrans
ltorrans@gmail.com

After twelve years this blog will be getting a major facelift in the next six weeks.  Stay tuned and as always send your comments and suggestions via email.  I hope to make it more easily navigable and delete everything that is not tutu design related.

Lee Ann Torrans
ltorrans@gmail.com

Tulle, Tulle, Tulle All About Tulle -- Lee Ann Torrans and Edley Associates

Tulle has been made since the late 1800's when it was developed in Tulle, France, and came to America in the early 1900's. When you are making a tutu be certain to use the best fabric, and that includes tulle. The hundreds of hours it takes to construct a proper tutu should be supported by the best fabrics. Craft tulle from most craft stores, is not proper ballet tulle or net and it is not confirmed to have been tested to meet federal standards -- it is crucial in any fabric used by children to be certain it is tested in a laboratory to meet flame retardant standards.

The fabric available at some hobby and craft stores, and imported from either Mexico or China, may be made using 20 denier nylon yarn. Edley Tulle is lighter and softer than the 20 denier craft tulle.

The Edley Fabric Mill in the United States has been producing tulle since 1926, and is one of the last remaining tulle mills in the U.S.

Edley tulle and most other domestic tulle is made using 15 denier nylon yarn. Edley tulle is lighter and softer than craft tulle and meets the standards set by the United States government, for flame retardant fabrics for children's apparel. This is very important. Edley fabric has been tested by an independent lab to be sure it meets the Federal standards including the all important flame retardant standard.

Edley's prices are competitive and they sell to many major retailers and large manufacturers. They stock 65 colors and do custom dyes tulle. While they do not sell to individuals for a single order they do sell wholesale and would be glad to refer you to an outlet from which to locate proper and safe tulle or net for your frills.

Edley also manufactures 15 denier nylon chiffon and 40 denier nylon tricot. Both of these fabrics are also used for the dance market. They have stock colors on both styles and custom dye, other colors.

The dance market, remains a large user of Tulle. Originally used for ballet, tulle fabric is now used for many different markets, including bridal, veils, millinery, stationery, craft, costumes, and evening wear.

• See: www.PettiskirtFabric.com.
• See: www.1000tutus.com for great tulle ideas.

Edley will be exhibiting their fabrics at the Los Angeles International Textile Show, September 27-29, 2010. Booth information will be available on their web site, in August.

Visit www.CaliforniaMarketCenter.com, to register to attend.
Contact: Andrew Weinstock, Edley Associates, Inc. on the web at www.edley.com and www.tulle.net.
Phone:1-800-TRICOTS(874-2687)

Thank you for visiting my website.

Please contact me should you have any questions.

Lee Ann Torrans
ltorrans@gmail.com

This process [Making a Tutu] is not hard, but it can't be rushed.

And people need to know that it all takes time and alot of pins.

I believe that your work is only as good as the tools and materials you use.

Some people are fine with using a zig-zag stitch to put the top material and their lining together, I have to use my serger, I want a strong finished look.

Some people don't cord their edges,  but I like the look I get with my cording so I make my own cording.

Some people use bias tape as their boning tape, or put their boning in a seam, or use the plastic stuff.....I will never do that.....I am selling my time as well as a look, and I want the tutu to last for a very long time.

With proper care a well made tutu should last up to 20 or more years.

If a customer gives me enough time I always send out a mock up, or a muslin of the bodice that I am using for them, and I have them fit it on the dancer, they can mark it up, re-pin it, or do whatever they need to do so that I will know what the pattern has to do so that that bodice will fit them.

There is so little wearing ease in a tutu bodice, it has to fit like a second skin.....and they can change sizes even during a show.

I'll send an extra set of bars in case a dances needs to have the tutu made tighter after dancing in it for the first act.

The lining material which is either coutil or twill/drill must be pre-washed.

The pattern must be pressed with a light heat and dry iron.  Make sure that the pattern pieces are on the grain of the material......and then after they press all materials, the fashion (top) material and the lining are pinned carefully together and all edges are surged.

I like to get a picture of the dancer as well, it helps to see their body build,and coloring and their personality shows through.

I like this web site:  Oregon Ballet Theater  - News from the Costume Shop:

The Panty

A professional tutu will use a sturdy fabric for the panty.  Lycra rolls and pulls out of shape, and that is why cheaper tutus are all wiggie/wog.

This all takes time, but the final result is well worth the effort....it is the foundation that you will then build the tutu on, and taking care here saves you in the long run.

There are basically two choices:  cotton bobbinette and Powernet.

Cotton Bobbinette

• Cotton Bobbinette  comes only in 38 to 41" and stretches over time
• You can quilt it or use a double layer
• It is expensive at $21.00 a yard so if you are using a double or triple layer the panty costs are double or triple
• If you quilt it to make you might as well use Powernet

Powernet

• Powernet is 45" wide, and the med weight is $12.00 a yard while the heavy weight is $14.00 a yard
• Powernet adds strength and stability to the panty.

Putting the Panty Together

• Cut the panty with a center seam
• After all of the pieces are cutout serge all of the edges
• Then sew the front seam leaving a little room in the crouch area to add leg casing
• Press open the seam and zig zag on either side of the seam edges
• Decide if you want the seam to go on the inside next to the dancer or turn it to the outside so that the bulk  of the seam is on the outside
• This is a matter of choice
• Cut two leg casings from the power net on the bias and serge the edges
• Then sew the first seam to the outside edge
• Press
• Top stitch as close to the leg line as to can get (leave room to add elastic)
• Turn the casing to the inside and sew the last seam of the leg casing in to the inside of the leg
• Remember to leave room to add the elastic

Please contact me should you have any questions.

Lee Ann Torrans
ltorrans@gmail.com