It seems like nationals has barely finished, but the next season is already kicking up! USARS has posted the requirements for the 2012-2013 skating season. You can find the new requirements HERE. Read ’em and weep. The observant skater might notice a lot of changes and a lot of unfamiliar dances. That’s because there are … More Newsflash: 2012-2013 USARS Requirements Announced
Ok, so while I think my solo costumes are more to my personal taste, these team dance costumes are probably some of my proudest creations, just because of their complexity. I mean, seriously guys – I tailored sequins. Let me repeat: I TAILORED SEQUINS! Not actually as complicated as I had feared, but not exactly … More Finished Object: Red Team Dance Costumes
Ok, so I haven’t really skating team dance too much in the past, and certainly not since I have started sewing. So while I am used to making costumes for myself, this was the first time I had the chance to sew skating costumes for a guy. For these costumes I made my dress and … More Finished Object: 2012 Blue Team Dance Costumes
This is possibly my favorite costume I made this year – maybe my favorite costume I have made for myself ever. The color is a burgundy-red, with holographic foil finish. This fabric always runs the risk of looking cheap or tacky, but I think I managed to make it look shiny, pretty, and expensive. The … More Finished Object: 2012 Solo Dance Dress
Ok, I figure it is about time to post my finished skating costumes from this year – I started working on these at the end of March, and finished everything at the end of July. I won’t be posting a lot of the outfits I sewed, since a majority of them were for other people, … More Finished Object: 2012 Figure Skating Dress
Although I was super busy at nationals this year, I was able to get in a quick visit to the National Museum of Roller Skating. It is actually (as far as I am aware) the only museum in the world that is dedicated to roller skating, and it is located in the back of the … More Fun in Nebraska: The National Museum of Roller Skating
It has been a long trip to nationals this year, but finally I am back home. Sorta. I mean, I am home, but I am still in that not-quite-adjusted-to-my-own-time-zone phase, and unpacking has been pointedly ignored up to this point. And, as the skaters out there know, once you enter the main competition season your … More Home, Home Again
By this point, we have covered most of the main parts of the skate – the wheels, bearings, plates, and boots – but we haven’t talked about all of those little extras that make help make the skate complete. Roller skaters don’t need things like soakers and skate guards, but we do have lots of … More Skating Equipment: Let’s Talk Accessories
Ok, with any luck these will be my last practice outfits that I make this year. Seriously, I have enough. But I do like the way these turned out: My “Girl on Fire” Dress. It is made of a textured velvet, but it catches the light and seems to glow. Basic back. Brush stroke dress. … More Even More Practice Outfits
Continuing on in my whirlwind tour of skating equipment, I have finally reached what is probably the most personal piece of all skating equipment – the boot. While skaters tend to have strong preferences for their equipment choices, the boot is probably the one that skaters will argue, debate, and go to war over. Possibly … More Skating Equipment: Let’s Talk Boots
Doctor T Designs 