Rhinestone Queen Costumes
Rhinestone Queen Costumes
I design costumes, and I LOVE to make dance costumes sparkle!! My body won't let me dance anymore, but I'm "on stage" with every costume I create! I get to work with some wonderful dancers and their families! I just love making performers feel special! I know I've hit a home run when the performer feels like their costume enhanced their performance.
I'm not a professional seamstress or pattern maker, but over the past 20 years that I've been costuming, I've just figured out how to "make it work", and I've managed to produce some beautiful costumes, many of them award-winning. So many people told me that they wish they knew how to do what I do. So, KZread, here I am!
I want to share my passion and knowledge of costuming with you, whether it's for dance, cos-play, or the theatre. I hope that the videos I post help you make your costume dreams come true!
If there's something specific you want to see, please leave me a note.
Gaye Lynn Ambeau
"The Rhinestone Queen"
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Great tutorial. How do you finish the seam where the lycra and mesh meet IF you arent applying an applique over the seam?
Thank you great tips ;-)
What kind of thread do you use?
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. You're very clear in your demos and all of your tid bits of info are SO helpful! Thank you!
Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching!
How do you finish curved edges like this if your not adding the mesh pannels and you just want cutouts all down the side??? Would it be same as leg holes??? But how do you decide where to end the edge??
I finish those basically the same as I do for leg holes. I've been doing this so long that I just pull the elastic a bit and it always comes out fine. But, if you want to be a bit more accurate, your elastic measurement should be roughly 85% of your opening. I apply my elastic in a continuous piece, finding a starting/ending point that makes sense if the line I'm following makes a loop and the elastic meets itself, like the center of the back or on a side seam. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. Sometimes its hard to use words without pictures!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much and thank you for your videos they e been Soo helpful 🙏 Another question ...first attempt went pretty well but I'm not sure how to go about a sweetheart neckline with a really sharp v shape when it comes to flipping it inward after the elastic is added (I don't have a serger yet so relying on the zig zag) ....I tried cutting a slit before folding over and that didn't work out as I hoped 😅😅
There's now a bit of a gap in the elastic which is putting to much tension on the little slit I made so it'll probably start tearing
Hi love your videos. Could I ask what kind of foot you have on your machine?
I just use the standard foot that came with the machine. I know some people like to use a walking foot to sew spandex, but I just use my standard foot.
Thank you so much for the video, I have a question please, how can I attach two different colors of boa to the leotard?
Good question. Yes! You can do multiple colors. If you look at the cover photo on my "How to Sew Spaghetti Straps" video, there's a hot pink and orange costume where I used two different color boas. I simply twisted them together, then proceeded the same as I would with a single boa.
I live nearby in Denham, do you offer sewing / costume making lessons? I want to learn so bad!
I have not done lessons, but would consider it. I specialize in custom dance costumes. I can sew other things, but stretch fabrics are my comfort zone, so that's where my skill lies. Joann's may offer basic sewing classes. I do have a series on "how to make a leotard" that would help you get started in the world of stretch.
Just found your channel and just want to say thank you ❤ you make it seem so simple & give a new sewer confidence
I'm so glad! Thanks so much for watching!
I am SO excited to see you back posting!!!
Me too! Hopefully, I can get one or two more out before costume season starts up again. Thanks for watching!
Yeehh ik heb dit pakje ook gemaakt in het paars tijdje geleden , met een paar ‘kleine” foutjes Zooo veel geleerd van u , als u ooit les gaat geven kom ik graag daarvoor naar u op vakantie 😍😍🎈
Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching! Sadly, I don't have the physical space to conduct in-person workshops here, but, I'm not opposed to traveling somewhere to do one!
Wow!! Your years of experience shine through!! Thank you for sharing your expertise so generously!! 🧵 🪡
I’ve seen pictures of 1st anniversary gift/ lingerie set made from lace wedding dress pieces appliquéd to a bra & undies set for embellishment … is this a how-to project you would be willing to demo??
I specialize in spandex dance costumes, so I don't plan to do that. If I were to take on a project like that I would approach it very similarly to the way I did this dance costume. I'd still put it on a board to hold the fabric taut. The biggest exception would be that on an heirloom piece like that, I wouldn't use glue and my hand sewing would be finer. I'd use more stitches, closer together, and I'd hide my stitching as much as possible so that it didn't show on the underneath or the top. I hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching!
thank you so much, i have been wanting to get into rhinestoning for stage costumes and i really needed the basics!
So glad it was helpful to you! I've costumed several plays, production numbers, and even one movie (hopefully, more to come). If you want to see some of my photos, check out my Facebook page "Rhinestone Queen Costumes". I have the production numbers / plays in photo albums.
Thankyou so much When sewing all the round would I start the stand way then go in and fill at the front?
I don't. I double my thread and sew in each spot, knotting 2-3 times at each spot. I cut my thread then move on to the next spot. It makes for a nicer finish in the back with no threads to tangle.
Such a good, coherent and clear explanation. Many thanks! I’ve just retired and am looking for some fun projects to do!
Congrats on retirement! I HIGHLY recommend it! It's fabulous! You have stumbled on to what I do with my time ... costuming! Thanks for watching!
Do you have a favorite online store to purchase appliqués?
I usually use lace and beaded lace fabric yardage that I cut into appliques. I'm fortunate to live near New Orleans and have a couple of stores there that carry nice laces, and I travel to New York every 2-3 years to shop and replenish my stash. If my stash and the local stores don't have what I need when I'm designing a costume, I turn to Etsy, usually at "Mary not Martha". They have a nice selection of appliques at reasonable prices. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!
What material is lining ?
I can no longer get the lining that I used in the video. I prefer a lining that is lighter weight than my outer fabric to avoid bulky seams since I sew my lining into the seam. My new favorite lining is "Feather Nylon Spandex" from Blue Moon Fabrics. It's even better than the one I used in the video. Expensive, but worth it!
Hi thank you so much also really stuck could you or anyone tell me how to sew mesh seams???? Have overlocked but very hard as comes out loose stitches thankyou😊😊
When sewing stretch mesh to stretch mesh, I usually baste then sew permanently with stretch stitch on my sewing machine and trim. I find it makes the seam less bulky while still giving a good hold.
I trust rhinestone queen with my life 🤣 this was so helpful
Thanks for making me giggle, and thanks for watching!
Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. 💖
You are so welcome! Thanks so much for watching!
You are so amazing!!! Thank you so much !!!
You are too kind! Thanks so much for watching!
This was so helpful 😊
I'm so glad! Thanks so much for watching!
What gauge is that tip? We use syringes with the tips just curious what size tip is best
The package doesn't specify a size of the tip, so I have no idea of its size. I tried syringes many years ago, but found it cumbersome to repeatedly load glue into the syringe. The precision tip with E6000 is small enough to allow me to have tiny glue dots for tiny stones, and I can still push out more glue for larger stones. You absolutely have to wrap with a paper towel as demonstrated in my video so the glue doesn't squish out of the sides of the tube, but other than that it's perfect for me. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
This is genius. Just trying to dabble in embellishing costumes this was very helpful
I'm so glad the was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!
Where do you buy quality fabrics? I found that at some of the chain stores, if you stretch the fabric, it doesn’t go back to its normal state after being stretched. If that all makes sense!
The base fabric of the leotard in that video was from Jefferson Variety, a local store in New Orleans, and the black milliskin used for straps and trim was ordered online from Stretch House out of NYC. I make most of my bases out of 4-way stretch fabrics - milliskin lycra, velvet, pin dot, metallic, etc. I buy most of my lycra from Stretch House, but have also been pleased with stretch fabrics that I've purchased from Spandex House (NYC) and Blue Moon (CA). All 3 of these places can provide you with swatch cards, usually at a cost. I'm blessed to have a couple of fabric stores only an hour's drive from me in New Orleans (Jefferson Variety and Promenade Fabrics), so I shop there in person often and have had great finds, like the fun print on this leotard. Occasionally, I get lucky at Joann's, but for stretch, it's mostly online ordering for me.
great tutorials. thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much for watching!
Have you ever used power mesh for a skirt or swag?
I do sometimes use "stretch mesh" (the vendor I use doesn't sell "power mesh") for skirts, especially when I use colored stretch mesh for insets and want the skirt to match exactly. I do prefer using silk chiffon when possible, especially for lyrical skirts because it moves like a whisper. Regular chiffon and stretch mesh work, but the movement is not even close to the type of movement you get from silk chiffon. I only used polyester chiffon on the costume in this video because it's what I had on hand, and I didn't want to spend money on fabric for a costume I was making only for demonstration purposes.
Thank you for all this tutorials. Your work is beautiful.
So happy they're helpful to you! Thanks so much for your kind words, and thanks for watching!
This video gave me so many "Aha, now I get it" .Thank you so much for making it easy. You are great at explaining.
I'm so glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!
Where can I get the rhinestone size chart
I ordered mine through my supplier, Dreamtime Creations. Swarovski changed their distribution model since this video was published, so I now almost exclusively use the "Dreamtime Crystals" brand, which are comparable quality to Swarovski. (I believe they are Swarovski stones repacked under the Dreamtime label as Dreamtime is one of the few suppliers remaining for Swarovski crystals.) I also like the Preciosa Maxima crystals (also from Dreamtime). Happy stoning!
Thanks for the reminders for sewing in elastic ~ good refresher ❤
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
How do you wash a garment when you use the E6000? I've had problems with the rhinestones washing off.
I think this video is 3 years old and I've worn that T-shirt many times. I wash it inside out then put it in the dryer. I've probably only lost 3-4 stones over the past 3 years. I just add one back if it falls off. If I were doing this for a client (who won't be likely to add lost stones back), I'd advise them to handwash inside out then dry by laying flat or hanging, depending upon the fabric used. I specialize in making custom solo dance costumes, which are likely only washed once per season. Even though it's not likely they'll lose any stones, I always give my clients a couple of extra stones just in case.
I had one I did (I'm a beginner) and all the stones came off in the wash and it was inside out. I was very disappointed but my washer drum looked AMAZING! ;-) I wish I'd run across your tutorial sooner! Practice makes perfect, I guess. I will try again. Thank you! @@RhinestoneQueenCostumes
I love that you got a good chuckle over it, but sorry so many stones came off! It does take E6000 at least 72 hours to fully cure and set, so definitely don't wash too quickly! It's possible your glue dots were a little too small for your stones, so try making your dots just big enough so that the full back of the stone is covered in glue without any leaking out on the sides. It takes practice, but it is do-able. Also, next time you wash your stoned garment, try putting it inside a net back so it doesn't get beat up as much. It's also possible that your agitator is just too powerful for the stones, so handwashing (or at least running your machine on a gentle cycle) may be your best option. Hope this helps!
What tension do you sew at?
My machine is set at 3.5, but you'll need to test your machine to see what works best for you. Just use a swatch of the fabric you're planning to sew and test your stitches before constructing your project. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for putting all of this great information on KZread! Really love your videos, I have learned so much and keep going back to reference as I make dance costumes and leotards for my daughter. Your new studio is beautiful!
Thanks so much! So happy you found my videos helpful!
I’m having trouble getting the mesh sewn to mesh to stay sewn. The ends keep unraveling 😢any tips? I’m using power mesh
When I'm insetting a cutout, I use a 3 width, 3 length zig zag stitch. When I'm sewing mesh to mesh seams, like the underside of a mesh sleeve, or the side seams where the cutouts meet, I use a stretch stitch on my regular sewing machine. If that doesn't help, give me a little more detail on what seams are not staying sewn.
What material did you use for the swag?
That one is chiffon. I also use stretch mesh for skirts and swags, but my preference is always silk chiffon when I can because it moves so beautifully when my clients dance!
This was so helpful. Thank you queen! 💎
Thanks so much for watching! Glad it was helpful for you!
You're so good! I would have lotta fun to do projects with you! You seem like a so much fun person!
You're so kind! Thanks for watching!
One time I used E-6000 and found it clouded up the rhinestone. Have you ever had that happen?
It only happened once - when I used some large acrylic stones. The effect actually worked for my project at the time, but I now know not to use it with acrylic stones. In the 20+ years I've been using it with Swarovski and other high-quality stones, I've never had an issue.
Thank you for the tutorial. It was easy to follow. I do have one question. I don't own a serger. Can I do the same kind of finishing with a zig zag stitch on my Janome machine?
Yes you can! In my video series on how to make a leotard I cover that a bit. You can zig zag or use a stretch stitch on your standard machine then just trim the excess off. I use this technique on sewing mesh because I prefer it to the bulk of a serged edge that shows a bit on mesh.
Loving your videos!! Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge - REALLY appreciated!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm so happy you found my video helpful! Thanks for watching!
I learned something, thank you!
Yay! So glad it was helpful to you!
If I draw guiding lines on the fabric with a cloth chalk will they fall if I wash it after?
I rarely use chalk marks, but when I do, I just wipe them away with a damp cloth. (I work mostly with milliskin Lycra.) Before using any markings or even water on your fabric, test a spot on a scrap on inconspicuous spot on a finished garment before proceeding. Even water leaves spots on some types of fabric.
Stumbled across this tutorial and omg I'm so glad I watched it (I subscribed). Do you buy a particular brand of rhinestones or only Swarovski? You taught me ALOT in this one video and I'm hungry to watch others. Thank you, thank you!
At the time the video was made, I was a Swarovski distributor. Sadly, Swarovski changed their distribution strategy, so now only 4 (I think) places in the US retail Swarovski stones. However, you have to purchase a LOT of stones to qualify to even buy them now! So... I now do not use Swarovski because they are no longer available to me. I now buy my stones from dreamtime creations. They carry multiple brands, including Swarovski (which I don't qualify to purchase because of low volume). They do have their own private label brand that was introduced exactly as Swarovski got out of the small retail business, and oddly, even the color names are the same as Swarovski. Hmmm!/! Bottom line is their private label brand, Dreamtime Crystals, are identical to Swarovski. They are now my favorite, followed closely by Preciosa Maxima, which are also available at dreamtime creations. Happy stoning!
Wow, now I understand why you're the Rhinestone Queen! Thank you for all the interesting information! I'm in awe of your knowledge. I thought rhinestones were either Swarovski, glass, resin, or whatever. I cant believe your sharp eyes and vast knowledge that you can tell a Swarovski from a Michael's packet of glass rhinestones. I'm Not Worthy!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumeshow do you get flat back rhinestones to stick forever on metal?
I made a Halloween costume for my daughter with the help of your videos. I am so proud of myself for how it turned out. Your videos made it possible for me. Thank you so much!!
That is awesome! Thanks for letting me know. People like you are the reason I make videos!
❤great job! Thanks for sharing this information with us!!
Thanks so much for watching!
Gosh you make altering patterns look so easy. I am making myself a latin dress, would like to add mesh inserts. I have been stressing on how to do it...... you instill confidence in me, im going to tackle it soon. Thank you for not over complicating the techniques and talking about it simply. Really appreciate your videos (wish there was more 😊) i have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with us all ❤
Thanks so much for your kind words. You can do this!
What mannequin do you recommend that’s versatile in sizing?
What mannequin do you recommend that’s versatile in sizing?
I bought the one I use from Joann's. I've had it for 10 years, and its nearing the end of its useful life. My knowledge of mannequins is limited to what I have, and I'm not thrilled with it. I'd prefer one with legs and an adjustable girth, so I'm still on the lookout for the "perfect" mannequin, too. Mine adjusts the circumference at the bust, waist and hips if that helps any. Wish I could be more helpful!
Unfortunatly your patterns are not good ( I was a swimwear pattern developer for 15 years. Your patterns are too flat, there is no darting over the bust. The darting is invisible, but you need to know how to do it.
I recognize that I'm not trained in pattern making - that's why I use stock patterns as a base. I'm just a former dancer, dance teacher, and dance mom who started sewing to costume my own kids and it grew into costuming everyone else's kids, then into a business that I worked on the side while continuing my professional career in management consulting. While my costumes may not be technically perfect, they've won many awards over the years, and my work is in such high demand that I turn business away every season. So many dance moms told me they'd like to know how to do what I do, so I started making videos as a service to them, never thinking that my channel would grow as it has. After paying for my editing software, I make practically $0 from my videos. I'm only trying to help others. I'd love to learn more and share that knowledge on my videos. Because I'm in my 60's and semi-retired, I'm not interested in investing a ton of time or money to go back to school. But, I'd love to watch other videos, or read specific books or articles that may be helpful. If you have any resources to share, I'd welcome the education.