Skirt planning day - Sewing bee begins
On Saturday 29th of February twelve ladies and two guys met to look at skirt designs and patterns or a bit of socialising.
We discussed fabric types and costs and the need to overlock or zigzag stitch some types more than others to stop cut edges fraying.
Current convention dress codes, the changes in traditional dress and expectations of what is most commonly worn today became an interesting discussion.
I have attached the current National Dress Code as of April 2017 for those that want to read it.
It is interesting to note it doesn’t state a requirement for a petticoat (just discrete underwear). This will suit new dancers that are yet to buy one or prefer a plain slip to the extra ruffles of the petticoats that started trending in the 50s.
The other interesting point is closed toe shoes are not mentioned, although this has been a long standing expectation or tradition for ladies. I admit it is safer to wear closed toe shoes. It is not uncommon to clip your own or others feet while so many people are dancing together in close proximity. The only requirement I can see in the dress code is the heel size of a minimum of 25mm square contact with the floor and of a type that will not mark the floor.
I like that it clearly states that a lady that only dances the left side (traditionally the man’s side) can choose to dress in the standard of the man’s dress code.
For those that only learnt that side, due to a lack of available men in a club, or choose to avoid twirls and the extra turn in a swing to promenade, it makes them easier to identify as left hand only.
Some feel embarrassed having to turn down a man asking them to dance when wearing a skirt while others still love to wear the ladies outfit with a sash. I love to see both options worn, which ever they feel more comfortable in.
Each state can apply their own State Dress Code for their State run events although most states follow the National Dress Code, some with minor variations. Those that have registered for this year’s National in the Blue Mountains have probably been sent a survey to look at future changes to the current dress code.
The Queensland Callers' Association (QCA) run the Queensland State Conventions. The QCA variation to the National Dress Code is "Neat casual dress is considered suitable for dancing on the Sunday, provided that suitable dance foot wear must be worn whilst dancing."
This suits dancers that may be starting a long drive home straight after the dance, in what they are wearing.
The Square Dancing Society of Queensland Inc. doesn’t enforce the National Dress Code for their Society run events. After a number of emails to double check this, all afternoon sessions can now be smart casual (Not Aussie casual look of thongs, stubbies and singlet top) but comfortably dressed to dance.
This has been common practice on the last day of a QLD State Convention.
I enjoy wearing square dance attire at any function so I, like others, will still wear my more simple skirts and light petticoat for Society run afternoon dances and the Sunday of a QCA run event.
There is still an expectation of dressing up in square dance attire for evenings at a Society dance but they want dancing to be more accessible for everyone as we encourage new dancers to take part.
Square Dance Clubs will all have their own local dress codes for their local dances or events. This can be different for every club. Check out our link to see Cane Country Squares under 'What should I wear'.
Thanks go to Sandy for letting us use her spacious home for our pattern tracing and putting on afternoon tea. Thanks also to those that bought along some extra supper.
Most ladies choose to make copies of my most simple four panel skirt and we discussed cutting the pattern up to create more panels for different designs. Thanks Sandy for supplying some Trace & Toile Interfacing fabric to add to the craft paper I bought along. It was all used.
For those having a go at sewing a skirt with a frill, I took along a partially completed skirt, ready to have the frill / ruffle attached. The frill was already sewn together and showed just how long it is before dividing and pinning to the main part of the skirt. When I had my first go at making one without instructions I thought the frill length must have been wrong and shortened it to just fit, without any gathering.
Thanks Coral, for reminding me to take photos of the day. The problem was I then got distracted and forgot until it was all over. I think we all had a good afternoon and enjoyed the social aspect as well as planning for the next stage of our sewing projects.
We discussed fabric types and costs and the need to overlock or zigzag stitch some types more than others to stop cut edges fraying.
Current convention dress codes, the changes in traditional dress and expectations of what is most commonly worn today became an interesting discussion.
I have attached the current National Dress Code as of April 2017 for those that want to read it.
It is interesting to note it doesn’t state a requirement for a petticoat (just discrete underwear). This will suit new dancers that are yet to buy one or prefer a plain slip to the extra ruffles of the petticoats that started trending in the 50s.
The other interesting point is closed toe shoes are not mentioned, although this has been a long standing expectation or tradition for ladies. I admit it is safer to wear closed toe shoes. It is not uncommon to clip your own or others feet while so many people are dancing together in close proximity. The only requirement I can see in the dress code is the heel size of a minimum of 25mm square contact with the floor and of a type that will not mark the floor.
For those that only learnt that side, due to a lack of available men in a club, or choose to avoid twirls and the extra turn in a swing to promenade, it makes them easier to identify as left hand only.
Some feel embarrassed having to turn down a man asking them to dance when wearing a skirt while others still love to wear the ladies outfit with a sash. I love to see both options worn, which ever they feel more comfortable in.
Each state can apply their own State Dress Code for their State run events although most states follow the National Dress Code, some with minor variations. Those that have registered for this year’s National in the Blue Mountains have probably been sent a survey to look at future changes to the current dress code.
The Queensland Callers' Association (QCA) run the Queensland State Conventions. The QCA variation to the National Dress Code is "Neat casual dress is considered suitable for dancing on the Sunday, provided that suitable dance foot wear must be worn whilst dancing."
This suits dancers that may be starting a long drive home straight after the dance, in what they are wearing.
The Square Dancing Society of Queensland Inc. doesn’t enforce the National Dress Code for their Society run events. After a number of emails to double check this, all afternoon sessions can now be smart casual (Not Aussie casual look of thongs, stubbies and singlet top) but comfortably dressed to dance.
I enjoy wearing square dance attire at any function so I, like others, will still wear my more simple skirts and light petticoat for Society run afternoon dances and the Sunday of a QCA run event.
Square Dance Clubs will all have their own local dress codes for their local dances or events. This can be different for every club. Check out our link to see Cane Country Squares under 'What should I wear'.
Thanks go to Sandy for letting us use her spacious home for our pattern tracing and putting on afternoon tea. Thanks also to those that bought along some extra supper.
Thanks Coral, for reminding me to take photos of the day. The problem was I then got distracted and forgot until it was all over. I think we all had a good afternoon and enjoyed the social aspect as well as planning for the next stage of our sewing projects.
