Hoop casing in the 4th ruffle
The ballet net I use is quite stiff and in a 10 layer tutu doesn’t really require hooping but I always put in a hoop casing in case the tutu needs a lift later down the track
Hoop layer for purple and blue tutu
Category Archives: Traditional Classical Tutus
Progress of purple and blue tutu
First of 8 petals. I’ll finish off the petals with a little piece of venise lace.
After sewing on the top 2 layers of the skirt I attached the plate “petals” onto the basque. Another 8 layers to go and then tacking!
Next OTR
My next Off The Rack tutu will be a traditional classical tutu in purple silk and blue satin. I spent the morning gathering the net which is now ready for steaming.
10 layers all cut, dagged and gathered
can’t resist multi-coloured skirts
Tutu Stash
tutu explosion
This is my current batch of ready to wear tutus all nicely hung up on their hangers
Firebird Traditional Tutu
Firebird
The moment I saw the cerise and orange shot dupioni silk I knew I had to make a firebird tutu. I set to work hand-dyeing the net for a gradation from hot pink through to yellow, being inspired by Margot Fonteyn’s Firebird tutu. I also wanted to try out Suzanne’s Dieckman’s new corselet bodice pattern to use a piece of tissue silk I had stashed away. I dyed the tissue silk and hand-beaded it as a labour of love. I’d already cut the layers ready for the skirt when Suzanne suggested that layers 1 and 2 (cerise and red) be swapped around, making the shorter red layer the top one. With the dagged points this gave a beautiful feather effect with a great colour transition. The finishing touch was a series of venise lace wedges around the skirt and matching beaded lace on the bodice.
underside of firebird skirt
Firebird embellished venise lace
Green Velvet Traditional Classical Tutu
Green Velvet Traditional Tutu
This is an Off-The-Rack (OTR) tutu that has recently sold. It was made from a combination of soft American diamond net and stiff Italian ballet net and loosely hand-tacked for a softer skirt. I included a hoop casing in ruffle 4 in case a flatter look was required. I’m very glad I did this as the client wanted a more iconic shape so I added the hoop and retacked more tightly for a flatter stiffer skirt. I was drawn to the bodice fabric first but then had to find a matching net. After fruitless search I used a layer of golden organza sandwiched between dark green net. The remaining ruffles are alternating lemon and buttery yellow net.
This skirt was originally a bell shape
Hooping this tutu has given it a new image
Work in Progress
This bodice is ready for its skirt which is still 10 separate rolls of clipped net sitting on my work table. When it’s finished it will go into the OTR folder waiting for its new owner.
Spanish Tutu
This is where I started with tutus. It has been and continues to be a fascinating journey discovering the intricacies of this most iconic of all dance costumes. I enjoy the construction of the costume as much as the final decoration and love working though ideas with dancers, teachers and parents.
