What is an issue is the little glitter might not be sparkly enough when seen from a distance. If that ends up being a problem, just spray on more glue and sprinkle on sequins. You can always mask the glue spray and sprinkle on different colors of either to get patterns. The costume is going to be seen from a distance so there is no need to fret if the sequins don't all get glued on right side up.
Dana MacDermott
Dear Nancy,
Carole Parker forwarded your note to me. I do theatrical costuming, as well as Science Fiction and Fantasy.
There are several lines of flowing fabric paints that feel like dye, but are heat set. (You iron them, or put them in a commercial dryer- home dryers aren't hot enough.) They do not foul up the flow of chiffon, and look wonderful. Although they are called silk paints, they paint anything. I have had occasion to use them this year in costumes I have done for a regional Children's Theatre.
You can also use the squeeze on glitter paint that is available in fabric and craft stores. The fabric paints with iridescences or glitter that dry stiff can be used, if you do it properly. Here, the chain stores such as New York Fabrics, Payless or Thrifty carry numerous brands. I don't know about the New Orleans area. (Certainly with Mardi Gras, the supplies should be available! Should, however, is a concept, not always a reality.)
Just use the squeeze glitter paint or ordinary fabric paint in small dots, sparingly placed. You will be adding a slight amount of weight. This can actually work to your advantage, as it can give edges a touch of extra momentum. Experiment with the squeeze paints and a strip of fabric. Sequins can be glued on. Best if you use a special glue that will be cleanable, and is made for such things. Also available at fabric stores.
If your fabric is silk, you can use the silk dyes. This is not a complicated process, but the dyes are fixed (made permanent) by steaming. The process requires steaming for an extended time period (think pressure cooker, not steam iron).
If you cannot find the flow paints locally, or choose to use silk dye, or want specific technical advice, DHARMA Trading company in San Rafael, CA. stocks, sells, ships (quickly) and consults. They have their catalog online. They have written up most processes and can be asked for help. I am lucky enough to live near enough to go to the store, and they are invaluable. Try:
Georgia Hartley
I do have one idea about putting the glitter on and not stiffening the fabric too much. I've use leather glue that can be had at any Tandy Leather store or through their catalogue. When it dries it is very flexible. Called "Leather Weld." Another thought -- why not get some metalic thread and stitch it through the material in an interesting pattern? That shouldn't affect the flexibility and should pick up the light nicely.
Heather Stern
"...should be eye catching and the flow of the fabric is part of the dance..."
I recommend looking into places that sell to belly-dancers. If Nancy lives near the Indian areas of town this might be easy. They often use scarves and skirting that are glittery, semi-transparent material, so you might find perfectly sized cloth already made and trimmed.
Jane Beckman
And now a word from the resident fabric painter...
Silk dye might be your best bet, as you can find this in most art supply stores.
I wouldn't recommend the glitter paint, as this will stiffen the fabric a LOT, because it's glue-based. Oh, if you use glitter paint as a regular paint, rather than dimensionally, you can minimize glitter shed by ironing it with a hot iron the next day, to complete the bond. The best way to use glitter paint, when fabric flow is an issue, is to dot it, essentially using it to make "sequins." It will actually give you a better flow and drape than actual sequins.
If you're looking for good fabric with a woven-in glitz and good flow, try looking for belly dance supply shops and Indian sari shops. Both of these have some pretty nice fabrics at reasonable prices. Sari shops particularily.
Jane (who used to do a couple different forms of dance and knows about these considerations)
Hans-Peter Classen
I am a figure skater and I have an idea, it is just time consuming. In high school, I began doing the bead work on ice skating costumes. We use sequins of many colors sewn individually in rows, swirls, and whatever (with a small bead on top of each sequin) to create designs. The sequins sparkle certainly shows up.
You can use different size sequins and colors to create the designs on a butterfly's wings. Wire of some sort could be sewn in the edge of the fabric on the top of the wings to hold the shape, while the bottom could blow in the breeze. Even having a combination of wire in the edges with some loosely sewn fabric layer overlapping would hold a beautiful wing shape, while also giving the impression of wind.
I agree that the wings should come off the back instead. Chiffon sounds nice and you should certainly go to the library and study the butterflies. I hope this helps.
If you have any further information to share about this topic, please e-mail Carole Parker for inclusion.