Hooping Costumes's topics - tribe.net

Costumes for hoopers of a larger variety

fire-pixie — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 23:29:55 GMT

Just wondering about costuming ideas for those of use who are a little bit curver? I want something that is sexy but covers a bit more then booty shorts and a bikini top? I would feel self concious in so little.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 24 replies

Melodia Pants, great for hooping

Carrin — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:28:32 GMT

So, I just got a couple of pairs of Melodia Pants and can I just say . . . . HOLY HOOPER!!
They are awesome for hooping. I've had SOOOOO many people ask me about them, and someone even suggest that I list them here . . . so I'm doing that.

Some of you may already know about them, they are super popular with Tribal bellydancers. So, you've probably seen them, or something like them. They aren't cheap, but they aren't super expensive. They are made out of a 4 way stretch, so they totally hide cellulite! They come in a few different styles, and they are available online through 2 sources:

Melodia's eBay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Melodia-Designs

or you can get on the Tribe, occassionally they list pants available, or other people who are selling their pants list them there:
http://melodiapants.tribe.net/

I LOVE mine!! I hope this helps anyone looking for some pants options!
-Carrin

posted in Hooping Costumes - 19 replies

funky tubing stuff

Sarah Jain — Sat, 17 May 2008 02:18:10 GMT

Just a shot in the dark, but does anyone know the name of the stuff that chinese finger traps are made of? I see it in lots of hair falls, and its plastic-ish, weaved type of stuff. I'd really like to order some, but I don't know the name of it. Any ideas??

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

birthday suit

cinder — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:51:17 GMT

one rainy afternoon in a coffee shop, i was chatting with a friend about hula hooping and practicing at home and about how important space is.

we chatted about different types of tape and how a hoop will stick to skin better, she knows this because...

she hoops in her underwear!

i was shocked and surprised...but after a moment, not really, 'cause most hoopers at burning man wear little and hoop with ease. but for some reason i never thought to bring that same feeling home. (probably because i'm in toronto and its still too cold to wear a tank top, much less my birthday suit)

i've learned something new today, its okay to hoop in your birthday suit, or most of it!

just wanted to share the smile this topic of discussion gave me!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 14 replies

Fluffy outfit

Mairead — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:36:15 GMT

Hello to all, I'm new to tribes, I have landed a brilliant gig hooping at Oxegen (biggest festival in Ireland) and I want to really give it my all, I was looking at this costume, all in rainbow colours

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11321570

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11305643

my question to you guys is do you think can I hoop over the fluff or would it be too slippy? I'd say I would be ok, I'll have fishnets underneath the skirt so that would be good grip on the legs. Opinions please

Brilliant tribe by the way, was looking at the other topics and they're very informative

posted in Hooping Costumes - 5 replies

Hooping in a skirt

Emily — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:03:35 GMT

I searched for threads about hooping in a skirt, but I didn't find any... I appologize ahead of time if this has been discussed already.
Is it possible to hoop in a skirt (like a full length type skirt, not just a short one)? I am completely and utterly unable to do it, but I may just not have tried hard enough...

posted in Hooping Costumes - 9 replies

Renaissance hoop costume...

Chelsea — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:50:18 GMT

Can anyone help me with any good ideas for an edwardian/renaissance type costume I need to make by the 26th. I have to fire hoop in it so I can't make it too fluffy. I was thinking a corset, some sort of skirt, some boot covers and arm covers but I just can't seem to get a style together that I like. Any suggestions?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Transform a Tee-Shirt!

caroleeena — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:27:00 GMT

Karyna turned us on to this great book at the Hoop Convergence. What a great way to "rennovate" those old tee-shirts that you never wear anymore!

http://www.amazon.com/Generation-T-Ways-Transform-T-Shirt/dp/0761137858

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

synthetic platform boots

rhonda — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:53:09 GMT

Although I know its not very practical or maybe even a good idea...but I have these wonderful pleather..(i think thats the right term) platform boots that are almost knee high that would look oh so cool with this outfit im visualizing for a fire performance...what do you all advise?..my biggest concern is knee hooping and the heat from the wicks affecting the material of the boots...has anyone ever hooped in pleather like boots???

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Things I found whilst writing a blog...

Skulduggery — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:27:10 GMT

I write a daily promotional blog to plug the work of independent artisans. Today I blogged about clothes that would be great for hooping in.
http://autonomousartisans.blogspot.com/
I thought I'd share my finds with you.

:)

posted in Hooping Costumes - 0 replies

Arm Fixtures

DarcyFox — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:32:24 GMT

I have started working with a new fire troup lately. Although we do not strictly just hoop i figerd that people here might be able to shed some light on my problem.
We have found some great costume shirts to wear, they are red bodices with cap sleaves and Black lace.
For our first show i designed some lace cuffs and arm bands to add a little flair to the costumes.
unfortumatly after about 5 min of performing the had all fallen of or fallen down.
Does any one here have some secrets for arm decoration that is performance friendly.

Jane : )

posted in Hooping Costumes - 8 replies

Hooping in fishnets

Emily — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:50:37 GMT

I am wondering what is everyone's experience with hooping in fishnet stockings? I am trying to put together a hooping costume for a local burn, and I'd love to wear some colorful fishnets... but do they make your legs more slippery for the hoop?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Patterns for shorts and pants?

Glenda — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:24:04 GMT

I love the cute hot pants and flares that I see hoopers wearing (especially the awesome bombshell pants from hoopclothes.com) but I was wondering if there was any pattern company that sold hot pants or flare patterns? There's a really cool fabric store where I live, and they have some really cool metallic stretch fabric that I would love to use, but I don't have any sort of pattern for the bottoms (I know how to make gators and I think I could wing a top or something). Does anybody have any suggestions?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Gators: Above or below the knee?

Glenda — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:29:43 GMT

I made fabric gators recently (I've never made or had gators before), and I put the elastic above the knee. How do you wear gators below your knee? Wouldn't it slip off when you were dancing? Even if the elastic was tight and fitted, I would think that it would slide down unless it was attached to tights or you had garters or something. Any opinions?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Tops for a larger chest

AllyKat — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:49:06 GMT

Hello fellow hoopers!

Any ideas for good halter/tank/strappy tops that are either very supportive, or allow you to wear a bra underneath? All of the tops I keep finding are made for people who can go without bras...I, on the other hand, cannot, especially not when hooping (unless I want to end up with them hanging down around my knees when I'm 80)...any ideas?

Thanks!!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 12 replies

For any knitting hoopers

Britta — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:14:33 GMT

Not that I'm very good at it myself, but these are adorable!
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTmosey.html
I think I might try this one out in a plum color?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

How to make a Halter top...

Raven — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:14:52 GMT

I need help... I am very pattern challenged but can make something with an idea... backwards I know...

Anyone have any instructions on how to make your own halter top?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Cross over tops?

echoraven — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:11:15 GMT

I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a couple of tops in this style for hooping, and this is all I have been able to find, beside luna lemon, but I can't buy from their website. The material in these look shiny and slippery and since I do not know much about fabrics, I am unable to tell from the "specs"

Can anyone help me, please? Or do you know of a place to buy tops like these that are suitable for hooping??? I searched but I have no idea what they are really called. Sorry if this is a repeat.

Bra: http://www.marika.com/productinfo_item_231-dc_502-md_-pd_500-sn_6.htm
Tank: http://www.marika.com/productinfo_item_232-dc_503-md_-pd_500-sn_1.htm

I'm also looking for some nice flare pants (kind if like melodias at an affordable price). Any suggestions?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

My real dreads are getting tangled in the hoop....

mtnmama — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:48:36 GMT

I've had dread locks for about 4 years and they now reach the middle of my back. When the were babies, I put them into pig tails while hooping. When they were a bit longer, a high pony tail worked.
Now they are so long that even in pig tails or a high pony tail, they get wrapped up in my hoop when I'm hooping around my neck. If I put them into a bun on the top of my head, they interfere with duck outs.

Any suggestions on how to style my dreads for hooping?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Outfits for the "heavier" hooper

Nicole — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 15:02:09 GMT

So i have a hard time finding hooping outfits that compliment my body, since I'm a little overweight. any suggestions on what would look good and work well with the hoop without looking like a fat disgusting person?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 21 replies

how to make non-furry gators?

Glenda — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:01:32 GMT

I don't have any faux fur but I do have this really pretty flowy fabric that I would like to use, except I don't know how to make leg gators. Does anyone have a pattern or instructions for how to make them? I make costumes and stuff, so I have a pretty good idea of what to do, but I have a very limited amount of fabric and I don't want to mess it up. Can anyone help?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

dread falls!!!!

Amanda — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:49:11 GMT

I'm looking for the fattest, chunkiest, craziest dread falls in history! Does anyone know who sells them, what they're made of, or how I can make them myself???

posted in Hooping Costumes - 5 replies

Mucho Hooping Costumes available Here...

Hulamonster — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:33:36 GMT

www.hoolamonster.etsy.com (link to our online store). You can also get there from our website, hoolamonsters.com.

We are adding to our online store almost daily, so be sure to check back soon. There are tons of cool costumes and hoops that we have yet to photograph and upload. We're hoping to have the store updated by the end of the week, but there's plenty to look at in the meantime. Let me know what you think :)

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

scotchguard your furries!

HoopsieDaisy — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:46:20 GMT

My mom gave me a great tip for keeping my furry boots/legwarmers clean - spray them with Scotchguard (available at craft stores, fabric stores, etc.). She wore a hula costume with a long white skirt through the dust of the fair and emerged with the bottom of her costume just as white and clean as when she left the house. She said she sprayed the material and then let it dry outside in the backyard. My mom has OCD so she sprayed it a few more times for good measure. Voila! She said after you wash the article, you should spray it again, but if it's something like the furry boots that you don't wash, don't worry about it - just shake the dust off and keep going!

I haven't tried it yet (and mine are already so dirty at the bottom that I doubt I'd notice a difference), but I thought I'd pass this along in case anyone going to Burning Man wants to give it a try.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Halter top pattern

andalee — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:59:16 GMT

I have some cotton weave that I would like to make a halter top with. Does anyone have a good pattern they can share with me? Thanks!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

LONG turquoise mohawk

Glenda — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:27:13 GMT

ok, I've been working on this one for a while now, and I've almost figured it out. I have very long hair, going down to about my lower back. I love mohawks and I wanted one, but I certaintly wasn't willing to chop off my long wavy locks for it. And, I knew my hair was too long to have the straight-up vertical hawk goin on. So I've been trying to create somewhat of a hybrid when I saw the lastes episode of Project Runway (avant gaurde challenge) One of the models had realy long hair pulled into a mohawk. http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/4/photos/index.php that's the link to the photo gallery. I know there are a lot of other pictures to scroll through, but the model has a black jacket on a long blond hair. Instead of having my hair straight like hers, though, I'm going to keep it really textured, thick, and wavy like usual. Then, once I finally get it to work, I'm to spray the top of it turquoise. All of this is for a rave that I'm going to hoop at this weekend.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 5 replies

Nifty Hopping pants

Rebecca — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Hi .. so I ordered these for a fire gig we have this weekend. I am always nervous about ordering things site unseen, but I have to tell you I SOO **HEART*** these! They are comfortable, they move, and are flattering. An additional bonus, they are 95% cotton! ( Hard to find for fire hooping).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=360017458401&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=023

They also have some very reasonablly priced silk skirts for 18.00. I had to order one and again was surprised by their quality.

Just thought I would share!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 12 replies

Hoop feet?

pOppy ∞ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:44:20 GMT

What kinda shoes do you wear when hooping? I did see the thread from 2006 but I wanted to get some more recent info.

Do you tape your feet?

Are giant thick skin blisters common?

I'm tearing my feet up. I feel like a dancer again, LOL (It's been awhile). I have blisters on the balls of my feet from spinning. I think it's from playin with out shoes. I'm gonna use my ballet shoes when in the studio and at home, but they kinda are tight. I've been looking at some lyrical dance shoes http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/25080253/c/20.html I think they'll be good for indoors but I'll need something for outside. I guess my gym shoes will do fine. What are your thoughts?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

cleaning furry leg warmers???

jenWEB — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:19:35 GMT

I bought some furry leg warmers to complete my costume for Circo Bisco. They were a tad bit too long and ended up getting trampled on repeatedly when walking amongst the crowd. Now they're all gross on the bottom. How can I clean them without ruining the fur???

posted in Hooping Costumes - 9 replies

HOOPERWEAR.COM OFFICIAL LAUNCH!

jenWEB — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:34:34 GMT

It's finally here! Please go check out my new line of hooper-inspired gear! I will be adding new products constantly. Go take and look and if you like something, BUY IT! :) Love you all. Especially my fellow hoopers. If you have any suggestions for cool t-shirts or other merch please feel free to contact me!

www.hooperwear.com

jW

posted in Hooping Costumes - 8 replies

Ilanio

superhooper — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 23:28:42 GMT

Check these lassies out -- they even have a hooper on the front page!

http://www.ilaniowear.com

posted in Hooping Costumes - 17 replies

any showgirl-costume ideas?

Jess — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:02:03 GMT

I am a AA-cup size, which makes this challenging. Also, I don't want to hoop in heels! I would rather be comfy than hot, but I'm trying to find a good balance. Any ideas for me? I have a sewing machine, but my skills are really basic. I have a hard time being creative, yet realistic. Can anyone help with ideas?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 15 replies

Thigh high leg warmers

sayra156 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:33:39 GMT

Any ideas on where to buy thigh high leg warmers? Not necessarly of the furry type, just some fun funky loooonnng leg warmers.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

hooping rennie needs HELP!

Gypsy_Fyre — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:42:56 GMT

Hey Hoopers!

I am going to the renaissance faire in a couple of weeks (though I'll be out of town the week before I go so I'm already at 1 week to create crunch time) and I've got a problem. Previously all of my ren garb consists of corsets and bodices and other non hoop friendly ornaments. I want to do something that is hoop friendly because I am ALWAYS missing my hoop at faire, especially when my boyfriend busts out his poi and really groves to the drums or any other lovely ren tunes floating on the faire-air. I was thinking something really easy...like wrap pants, dread falls and a top...Only problem is I'm stuck on what to do for my top.

I am really insecure about my belly and my chest is huge and no bra or a strapless just doesn't work so I've got some obsticals to work around. (yikes, was that a pun?)

I totally dig earth tones and they look amazing on me...so I was thinking I'd take it in the "forest sprite" direction. I don't mean I want to get all glittery-fairyesque...but I want to accent it with things like twigs as chopsticks to hold up my hair, greens and browns and rust-auburns in my makeup and accesories to portray a subtle kind of mysticism but still be functional because of the simplicity. I also like that idea because I am part of an organization who's leadership rolls are centered around the four elements. In the organization I represent Earth. It would be nice to have a very earthy costume to really flesh out for the comming years of fair that we do with the group.

Anyway...PLEASE help me brainstorm! Thanks.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 9 replies

Rockin' it out in my new Annieland....

hiker817 — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:08:11 GMT

Check it out peeps...let me know what you think!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQgag2mU2bA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eWZjkRi0oM

xoxoxoxoxolovelovelove,
~N

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

HOOPCLOTHES.COM is live!!!!

radiantjasmine — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 22:56:16 GMT

I have just launched my new website, www.hoopclothes.com
Come check it out!

We have lots of fun things, and will keep getting more all the time.

Happy Hooping :)
-jasmine

posted in Hooping Costumes - 9 replies

Fuzzy Gators...

Terra — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:15:49 GMT

Hey all,

Where do you guys get your gators; fuzzy and sparkley? So far I have only made my own...but I am not that great of a seamstress and I think I would rather buy. Do you have any favorite places?

Thanks!
HoopsTer

posted in Hooping Costumes - 11 replies

Hoops on clothes

Susan — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:12:29 GMT

I saw this today while 'shopping'. Anyone else know of other clothing featuring hooping on the design?

http://mistyhazeboutique.com/items/bottoms/sci-hooper-hemp-pants-in-green-tye-dye-scigreen-detail.htm

susan

posted in Hooping Costumes - 8 replies

Glue advice needed - adding glitter to shoes

sunny_nm — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:04:00 GMT

Help! I want to glitter-ify a pair of funky red pleather (and cheap) dress shoes that I like to perform in. Can anyone recommend a glue? Remember, the shoes are pleather (vinyl, probably), so whatever glue I use, I want to ensure it is clear and doesn't damage the material or cause it to crack. Anyone have experience with this?

Thank you!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

halloween help

Amara — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:53:18 GMT

I need some ideas...I am dancing at a halloween themed hafla and need some ideas...I will be dancing to wolf moon by type o negative,so am looking to do something "dark", which is different from my norm..anyway, I am thinking some type of black outfit, w/ black fishnet or lacy gloves....I have been on ilaniowear and sockdreams...

anyone else know of cool or different costume sites? I am thinking a bustier, skirt, ect...

any suggestions???

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Colorful Tights

caroleeena — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:15:41 GMT

Malcolm of Groove Hoops is making these fabulous tights. Check 'em out: http://www.peacockzebra.com/

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

fun dance clip

Amara — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:22:15 GMT

Hey...I just got my video clip uploaded to youtube from the flashback hafla. It was a blast!! Thanks for all the advice on pants... I ended up having my mom make some...they came out great

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1ZAsS-f2RdM

posted in Hooping Costumes - 1 reply

Tops that don't ride up

hadriabeth — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:42:37 GMT

I am getting fed up! I can't figure out, or find, pretty tops suitable for hooping that don't ride up on me. I am very shy about my tummy being exposed, so it must be covered up, but as soon as that hoop swirls around my midsection a few times up goes the shirt! I am contstantly tugging at it to bring it back down. If anyone has any suggestions it would be most appreciated!! (Burning Man is around the corner, need to figure something out asap!)

Thanks in advance to you fabulous people :)

posted in Hooping Costumes - 14 replies

Costumes

~Hoop Mama Ali~ — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:28:33 GMT

anyone know of an online store for hooping costumes?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

Gators

Lori — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:07:22 GMT

I think that's what they're called. I just started hooping and am looking for a furry set of gators for Transformus, the southeast regional burn.
Do you make them? Or can you buy them?

If there's any hoopers in the Charlotte area, I'd love to get together sometime, All my friends do staff and poi!

Lori

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

sass's basic hoop costume pattern

sasss — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 07:46:17 GMT

the most basic hoop costume pattern

i'm reposting this here from the hula hooping tribe.
the original was in response to: So what do you like to hoop in?

hell, i envy those of you who can hoop in long flowing skirts. it just doesn't work with my hooping style which includes a lots of knee and ankle hooping and step-throughs. i once fire hooped wearing some cool pants which were slit up to the knee on the side with a lot of flare and i spectacularly got it wrapped around a flaming wick mid-performance. obviously, i didn't do that again! :} i usually wear basic yoga pants or anything stretchy and bootleg flared to balance out my booty.
a p.s. on that - i recently got my first melodias. i haven't tried it, but i don't think i'll be wearing them for fire hooping as the pants which wrapped aroung the wick had a similar design.

i like to keep my midriff at least semi-bare so the hoop can stick to it so i wear little tank tops or my favorite is a top i've been making since i was a teen.
1. take a triangle of stretchy fabric.
2. make a slit down the apex.
3. you're done! :}

tie that part round your neck and the other two points round your back/waist. i've sometimes had an issue with my breasts getting in the way and this is one of the best ways to contain them. in fact, if you don't want to leave your stomach exposed, do the same thing with a square of fabric and let the bottom "apex" simply hang down and cover your tum. this is also one of the easiest hooping costumes to make. grab some sparkly stretchy fabric and voila!

my hoop "skirts" actually work on the same premise.
1. you need two triangles of stretchy fabric (one smaller, one bigger).
2. two safety pins or my preference, mitten-clips (similar to those decorative clip that you use to clip in extra fabric on the back of a flowy dress or shirt), preferablly use both - prevents wardrobe malfunction mid-performance! ;}
3. put the smaller triangle in front, larger one in back.
4. clip them together at the sides with the excess fabric hanging down.

now you have a kind of "panel-skirt" with some coverage in front, over the butt and in my case, very important saddle-bag coverage! :}

the other (much easier) option:
1. take a similar, but slightly larger, square of fabric as for the top.
2. cut a small slit diagonally in the middle.
3. slip that over your head.
4. start hooping!

anyway, my descriptions probably make no sense, so i've cobbled together a quick pic which i'll upload to give you guys a better idea. i bung this on over some black yoga pants and maybe add a sequinned belt and some other bling for performance. for everyday hooping, anything that's not too bulky is fine.
my only other must have is some kind of shin protection if i'm knee and ankle hooping. i love hooping bare-foot, but my bony shins can't take the impact and i'm usually covered in painful bruises if i don't wear high-tops or knee length boots when i hoop below the knees.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

need help...looking for cool pants

Amara — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:07:34 GMT

I have a cool pair of black pants I got at the bellydance shop, but I need to get some more. I looked at ilianowear and sharif wear..

are there any other sites w/ cool pants? like slits up the side, or strings, ect?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 14 replies

question for the stichers

Jessica — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:47:29 GMT

sooo...
i have some really great stretchy fabric and i want to make some fold over yoga/dance pants with them. i'm wondering if i can lay down some of my other yoga pants as a guide, and cut around allowing for seams, or should i just break down and buy a pattern? i dislike using patterns, i feel like i'm cheating for some reason :) any ideas?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

I just can't decide...

Gypsy_Fyre — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:15:52 GMT

Ok, so some of you might have seen my event listed for this saturday. Creativity in Motion--Spinfest (or Dallas area skill toys in the park)

Well.....I've been so busy planning the event that I haven't really gotten to think too much about my look. I kinda want to stand out (since I want everyone to be able to spot me to say hi), but I want something functional. I have a workout top I'm putting the spinfest logo on and a pair of wrap pants that I made to wear...but that leaves my hair and makeup. Any suggestions? Anyone comming?--what are y'all wearing?

I'm just can't decide. I have some left over favric from the pants, I was thinking hairfalls?....a scarf....so many possibilities, I need help. I'm on exectuive decision overload, lol...makes the easy ones harder.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 1 reply

wigs and hairpieces

Ella — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:04:59 GMT

I'm very short haired (about an inch long), and sometimes my hair doesn't really go with what I wanna wear. Wondering if anyone knew anything at all about wigs, because I don't!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

Leg warmer pattern?

Breathehope — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:33:55 GMT

I could have swore I saw someone draw a pattern or directions or something a while ago in a jpeg. Could anyone give me some basic info on how to make leg warmers, the furry ones. :) I'm sure this has been asked before, so I'm sorry in advance.

Thanks.
Breathehope.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 8 replies

hoopchar, videos and costume fun in the UK

Charlotte — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:58:27 GMT

I have been hooping since this Feb. and have made some new videos yesturday and was asked to post them on this tribe so here they are

www.youtube.com/hoopchar

There are outfits that I bought or made myself. including a cyber outfit by hypa metabolic, a made cave girl outfit....

Hope you like them. Enjoy. Hoopchar

posted in Hooping Costumes - 0 replies

any suggestions?

danceintechnicolour — Mon, 28 May 2007 23:33:09 GMT

I just found the other footwear thread, lots of great info / links there, but I've seen alot of fabulous furries out there. Do you have any recomendations as to how they might hinder / help your technique? I'm most interested in the well made boots,
anyone know, where is the best place to get them?

I found this cool listing, they are legwarmers though & I have never ordered from this seller.
cgi.ebay.ca/Custom-made-...QcmdZViewItem

posted in Hooping Costumes - 17 replies

Hey checky my new UV reflective Neon Orange Arm Warmers with Tribal embroidery design

AetherVeina — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 17:01:34 GMT

http://cgi.ebay.com/Psytrance-Raver-FRUITS-Cyber-Tribal-Arm-warmers_W0QQitemZ260123672585QQihZ016QQcategoryZ314QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for giving it a peek!
~Sayomi~
~Faery Doll-icous~

posted in Hooping Costumes - 0 replies

Making a Fabric Skirt for your Hoop.

Wed, 30 May 2007 16:34:12 GMT

Hey I just thought I would post this here for anyone that sews and loves to hoop, it is very easy to customize your hoop to your costume and here is how.

Decorating A Hoop.
Okay so I made a hoop and that is pretty easy and then it seems to be the industry standard to put tape around it, but you can do a whole bunch more if you know how to sew.
here is a brief description as to what I did and it is easy to repeat:
1. Cut widths of fabric that allow for a half an inch to an inch of salvage on the sides. (The finished width should be a bit more than half of the circumforance of the plastic tubing that you chose to make your hoop out of. For example if you are using 1 in diameter tubing, your finished width of your hoop skirt should be about 2 in, may-be a little more. Best to hold it up and think about the fact that you are going to lose ruffly an inch to the elastic.)
2. Sew the widths together end to end making one very long piece of fabric. Do not sew into a circle at this point, it is far easier if you wait until you have put the elastic in both sides. Make sure that your total length will easily go around your hoop, you really can't over do it. I usually make my skirt about 1 and 1/3 the total length of the hoop circle.
3. Get elastic that is 1/2 to 1/4 inch, doesn't really matter which but if you are new to sewing or new to sewing in elastic then please use 1/2 in.
(For those that haven't installed elastic: 1. Put the elastic on the top at the edge of you fabric, and set your machine to do a stitched ZIg -Zag that is about middle width. Hold your fabric and elastic wrapping around your right hand from the bottom up and stitch about an inch with out pulling on the elastic, this helps to set the elastic to the fabric so that when you start pulling on the elastic the fabric doesn't want to move out from under the presser foot or bunch in the feed dogs. 2. Pull the elastic taught and continue to stitch the entire side. 3. Turn in wards and stitch again. At this point you should have one fully finished side. 3. Repeat for the other side and you should end-up with something that looks like a fluffy gathered fabric snake.
4. Add decorations. I use scrapes of other fabrics and ribbons. All you need to do is sew them on in a haphazard manner down the middle of the fabric line you have made.
5. After you have the stuff on that you want, then you sew velcro strips in the middle. I recommend using 6 to 8 pieces of velcro. I also recommend using the fuzzy side on the fabric and the sticky side on the hoop.
6. Stick the other side to you hoop attempting to use the same spacing around the hoop. You don't need to worry about being exact. If it doesn't work you can move it to where you need it and chances are it will stick at least some to the velcro on the hoop skirt.
7. Sew ends of fabric snake into a circle and install on hoop.
8. GO PLAY WITH YOUR NEW HOOP.

Notes: The hardest part of this is learning how to install elastic. If you find that part tricky, practice first on some scrapes. It isn't hard once you get the hang of it, but if you have never done it and you are not on the best machine it can be a bit trying because elastic on an old machine has a tendenecy to cause the feed dogs to pull on the bobbin and that will cause your machine to get all sorts of upset and you will have to pull the mass of fabric and thread out from the presser foot to cut the threads and start over after rethreading the bobbin. I use a Singer School Model with all metal parts and I highly recommend this machine for anyone that is getting into costuming because it is built for teenagers and can handle a ton of abuse, TRUST ME!!! If you have any questions please ask I am happy to answer and aid in anyway that I can!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

barefootin shoe

Jessica — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:28:48 GMT

have y'all seen these? i must get some immediately...

http://www.starling-fitness.com/archives/2006/04/19/the-vibram-fivefingers-shoe/

posted in Hooping Costumes - 6 replies

And what about us boys?

John — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 22:24:43 GMT

Recently, whilst hooping in the town centre (December) I wore an all-in-one bright red ski suit.
Nice and warm, and the padding meant the hoop didn't bruise during long periods of hooping.
But what about the rest of the time, for normal indoor hooping, or on-stage?

Any suggestions for "Masculine" designs of hooping costumes?

As great as you girls all look, I don't see me wearing some of those wonderful creations :-)

Looking forward to some creative suggestions.

John.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 11 replies

Dresses/skirts

hiker817 — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:40:20 GMT

Hello beautiful people of the hoop - in many hooping videos and photos posted online I am seeing these beautiful flowing dresses and skirts that are perfect for hooping. Are there certain places that have clothing like this available? Thanks and hope you all have a fantastic day!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Patterns

caroleeena — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:57:15 GMT

I am looking for a site that has cool costume patterns. Specifically, I'd like to find a pattern for Betty Rubble's dress on the Flintones (and maybe Wilma's too). Any ideas about either of those?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 1 reply

Honoring my maternal form ...

superhooper — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:29:51 GMT

So I've decided to start making ALL my clothes!
And since I want to be able to hoop in pretty much anything I'm wearing, I figure here's a good place to share the journey.

Because I'm a novice seamstress, I'm hoping some of you will find the things we come up with useful. I'm all about simplicity. Everything I design and make will be adjustable for comfort, ease, and to accommodate my changing "new mommy" body.
I don't use patterns -- I just take clothing that fits well and looks good, eyeball it, and riff on it.

We've already had a good bit of fun playing with Sass's design (see in this tribe's photos: http://tribes.tribe.net/hoopingcostumes/photos/a0302de0-eaa1-4a61-94f8-b77097089b22).
I'm going to post photos of outfits as I (and my roommate) make them and update this thread when I do.

In the meantime, I'm researching. Check out this photo for the first idea I plan on "borrowing": http://www.dismantleddesigns.com/index.php/?page_id=10&page=10&ret=2

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Hair suggestions

sayra156 — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:15:31 GMT

Hi all - I've been trying to come up with some cute ways to wear my hair while hooping. It's a couple of inches past my shoulders and really, really thick (ie, one clipy can't hold it up). Normally when practicing, I'll put it up in a fliped over bun type thing (so that it's out of the way while neck hooping), but usually at some point I end up whacking it, and I end up with a really messy, falling out, bun type thing (it's so bad even my husband has commented on it before). I was thinking maybe flipped up pigtails.... Any other ideas?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Costumes for guys

Matt — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 21:48:50 GMT

Hey, have any of you see some good costume concepts for male hoopers? That or have any Ideas to help brainstorm?

Thanks

-Matt

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

UK Hooper Just Got Bodyhoops certified

Marion — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 16:05:52 GMT

As you can see I am desperately seeking clothing.
Anyone can help me. I'm willing to buy wholesale!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 1 reply

...and socks too!

~Alura~ — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:51:41 GMT

I'm addicted to over the knee socks and legwarmers worn with garters... thought you might wanna check out this site, if you are as addicted as I am!
http://sock-dreams.com/_shop/edit/index.php

posted in Hooping Costumes - 11 replies

The New and Improved Hooping.org 3.0

philohagen — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:56:19 GMT

Hello Beautiful Hoopers!

Hooping.org has been restructured, redesigned and relaunched and I invite you all to stop by and check it out. There's more information about what's been going on posted there, and now that I'm doing this solo as well (Vera stepped down in February) I'd also like to invite you all to contribute your writing, photos, thoughts, videos and more. I welcome your talent and input in keeping this almost four-year-old world-wide community hooping project alive. Like articles on costume ideas and fabric challenges related to hooping and such would rock my world!

Peace!
- Philo

posted in Hooping Costumes - 0 replies

corsets

firefairy — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:27:37 GMT

Ok...I am curious how some of you manage to hoop in a corset type top. I do own a corset, but I cant imagine hooping in it. This could be because I have Dcup boobs that I am afrraid would pop out. However, I am having trouble imagining that you have the flexibility of reagualr clothing, yet you look great hooping. So I am really just curious about it. Possible for future reference if I find a corset that has less of a chance of me exposing a little more than I would like.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Swim Wear=Costume Base!

Spinna Sparks — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 23:14:50 GMT

So I was at Wal-Mart...(I know, I'm evil) when I saw the cutest hoop costume! Really! Ok so it was a swim suit, but It sooo would have worked. It was all white had a halter type top, and boy cut/booty short bottoms. The bottoms had a belt complete with metal studs all the way around, the bottom of the top was studded too. Just add tights, leg-warmers, arm-warmers, and some hair ribbons and it would be a great costume especially for black lights. Unfortunatly they didn't have my size, but It gave me some great ideas. There were other halter tops and boy shorts, plus cover-up skirts, and meshy things they would all be great for costume piecess.
Ok so maybe this is old news to most, but I bet I'm not the only one who's never really thought about swim suits that way!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

Shoes

caroleeena — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:06:39 GMT

I find one of my biggest hoop costuming challenges to be shoes. I need something comfortable, that allows me to point my toes, that is warm and protects my feet and of course that looks fabulous. In the past, I've found good athletic shoes worked best but they don't look fabulous. I thought maybe dance shoes would work too but I haven't found one I like. Lately I've been looking at wrestling shoes like these: http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722243488/page/1.html

I'm curious to know what kinds of shoes you folks love for hooping?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 36 replies

In defense-and in question-of the booty short

spiraldancer — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:32:54 GMT

This is sorta lengthy, as brevity in line is not my strong suit. If you're game, bare (;-) with me and give it a read...I'd love to get some feedback on the questions I pose at the end. And, I guess it's obvious, this topic is geared primarily toward female hoopers...

So, recently there was some footage posted of me on the Hooping Videos tribe of me hooping in Center Camp this past Burning Man. The person who posted it to youtube (a man I am presuming, we have yet to connect) titled the video Sexy Hoop Dancer. I am wearing a very brief hoop costume, my slightest to date probably, and from afar, with the compression of youtube and my tan, my cappuccino velvet shorts almost look nonexistent.
As it was posted to tribe while I was out of town, some folks chimed in saying it looked like me, with my longtime friend Baxter chiming in to give the confirmation…but not without sliding the subtlest of jabs in regarding the fact that my…ahem…assets were prominently displayed. In reflecting on the post I made responding to the video and acknowledging that it was me, I realized that my knee-jerk reaction was to feel moved to justify my outfit, as Bax had put me somewhat on the defensive (as I’m pretty familiar with his opinions on the subject). I looked at that defensiveness, decided it came from a deeper source, and wanted to explore the topic of sexiness in hoop costuming in this tribe.
Friends can know what buttons to push, for sure, and in fact, some of the only good hooping footage I got of myself from Burning Man was from this same day, before getting right in the middle of Center Camp. Lots of high-energy awesomeness, and a clearer shot than the one that was posted, but I declined from putting it ‘out there’ specifically because my buns were so prominently displayed, at a tribal viewing of Burning Man footage their prominence was remarked upon in several different lights, and hence I wasn’t all that keen on releasing that footage to the public domain of youtube. Self censorship, if you will.
You see, we in our tribe down south (at least in the little hub of Carrboro), for a varied multitude of reasons, have shied away from skimpy hooping costumes that emphasize the sexiness inherent in the dance. While bare skin is undoubtedly one of the grippiest hoop surfaces (and is a great reason to expose skin), aside from the playa, I have yet to feel moved to hoop in simply hot pants, not so much out of insecurity (although admittedly, I’m sure there is a bit of that in there) but because hooping is so active, full of forward bends, lunges, jumps, leg spreading of all varieties, I just don’t feel as secure moving so vigorously without more coverage. And with any shred of insecurity about brevity of costume, the dance (for me, at least) is affected by limited movements, even if only subtly. Over the years I have tended towards sparkly tight circus pants with flared legs and flowing skirts (fun to hoop with, but requiring definite adjustments in movement and limiting speed and leg tricks), and just recently moved into exposed legs with fishnets and a sparkly, flow-y bustle to provide coverage in the rear (a version of this is what I am wearing in the India.Arie photo, though it’s a bit hard to tell). Personally, I love to emphasize the power, flow and strength of the dance, the joy and bliss, without overemphasizing the fact that skill with a hoop tends to grace a hooper with an unmistakably attractive physical mojo. ‘Specially since men as an audience, depending on where you are, can be piggish and hypersexualized enough already…seems to be promoted in many different ways in our current ‘culture’. My location and upbringing in the South has more than a little to do with my views, I’m sure, and my audience professionally is more often corporate suits, upperclass Southerners at dinner, or families (hence the having fun freedom at Burning Man) than the occasional nightclub or concert.
Those of you who have been members of the Hooping tribes for some time might remember that the topic of sexiness in hoop costuming was touched on last year on the main tribe and stirred up some healthy, and even heated, discussion. That thread was underscored by the fact that the video prompting that discussion was of two women wearing brief outfits but also overtly sexing it up, straddling and rubbing each other while hooping, certainly lending a different energy to the dance. Intention is huge when it comes to the energy one puts forth in performance, so there certainly much variance even between two hoopers with the same little costume on and how they go about moving and interacting with an audience. While that amount of suggestiveness in hoop dance seems to be the exception rather than the rule (although I know it’s out there, for sure), there still seems to be an overwhelming lean toward skimpy, sexy outfits for hoopers.

From what I know, the lovely ladies of the west coast- the forerunners of hoop performance- initiated the trend toward glitzy, tribal, skimpy costuming, and over the years it seems to have spread to many of those that have taken up hooping and perform it, professionally or for fun. It is no doubt empowering for some to dress up (or down, as it were) and feel sexy and beautiful hooping, and that’s of course more than all good and is one way to explore the magic and power of hoop dance. Although the prevalence of what seems to be the most common hooper look (ie: hot pants, garters, furry boots) and its variations causes me to wonder if the movement toward small, even tiny, costumes is the result of following a precedent that forms an idea of how a hooper “should” look, and discouraging folks- even subtly- from experimentation with different ways of presenting themselves within the hoop.
I would love to open up some discussion about how folks have come to their choice in hoop costuming, how their choice of costuming makes them feel, any experiences in different receptions from an audience as a result of costume variance, and positive or negative experiences as a result of hoop costume specifically.

I know this was a doozie, thanks for listening...
~Spiral

posted in Hooping Costumes - 34 replies

I learned a couple of things with this outfit.

Madness? & Mayhem! — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 03:54:59 GMT

Hey all,

I had a great time putting together this outfit & learned some stuff in the making.

1) contrast is an amazing thing to work with. keep contrast in mind when you sew & how strong it is with your skin. In this video of me hooping on NYE i noticed the white material glowed a ton under black lights & acted as a flag on my dark skin. Its almost like there's just an outfit hooping!

2) Notice how much I reach up to adjust my top? Can you guess why? Yeah, no straps... Bad idea. My advice, strap up down & all around or expect whatever you are wearing to hit the ground. This top is such a nuisance but I have found out that clear plastic bra straps will fix the problem. Please feel free to ask me how I made it too. Enjoy the video.

http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f363/ditto6372000/?action=view¤t=JoywithHoop.flv

Blessings,
~Mayhem

posted in Hooping Costumes - 10 replies

Sewing machine oil

Dizzy D — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:41:26 GMT

Hello folks,
Was wondering if anyone could tell me if sewing machines require any particular type of oil and where I might be able to find some.
My poor sewing machine is in desperate need of some tlc before I pack it away in a box for the year.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Gloves?

jj — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:38:53 GMT

Does anyone have any suggestions for good gloves with a hoop-worthy grip? I'm doing a series of performances next month (december) that are going to be in an outdoor courtyard and I'm worried about freezing my fingers off. I was thinking that leather would have enough traction, but the only ones I can find have a knit lining and I'm worried that the lining is gonna screw up the grip.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 8 replies

Hooping shorts

DarcyFox — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:50:58 GMT

I need to make some shortish shorts for a show i have coming up and i'm struggling. usually i can do all right makeing up a pattern or tracing some i allready had but this time i just can t get them to sit right.
So i was wondering does anyone here have a source for cool shorts or even better a sewing patter.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Jane : ) : )

posted in Hooping Costumes - 5 replies

Edges...

ammre — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:09:53 GMT

So my biggest pet peeve is the lack of edging. Like you wanna decorate your wrist so you take a piece of that shiny fabric you made your skirt out of and you wrap it around, pin it and sew it. But people don't often think to sew the edges of it under so it don't have just a sliced edge.

Just those simple extra stiches will often make a look more polished and professional looking.

Now back to your regurlarly scheduled tribe...

(i know a bunch of cosplayers and a whole bunch of people hwo make renissance clothing and it's the same across the board. Hems and such make things so much more polished)

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

Face painting?

Madness? & Mayhem! — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:46:49 GMT

I am a newbie at wearing make-up due to sensitive skin. I found some wonderful mineral make-up from Bella Pierre that works great but I am now interested in face & body painting for performances.

Does anyone know who makes good body & face paint & do you have experience with it? Ever had any allergic reaction? Staining? What do I look for when shopping for it?

How does this stuff work?

Thanks in advance,
~Mayhem

posted in Hooping Costumes - 6 replies

Leg Warmers- what's your way of keeping them up?

Madness? & Mayhem! — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 02:25:20 GMT

So I have quite a few pairs of leg warmers now & with each pair I make I learn something new that makes them that much more efficient. My headache with leg warmers is that they always slip down. I've sewn everything from really tiny hair wrappers in them to different widths of elastic to keep them up.

Interestingly I've found that nothing works in leg warmers like a good ol' pair of shoestrings! Not only are shoestings the one tie-able things that come in billions of different styles, but they don't limit you to how tight you can tie them! Does anyone agree?

I have found that using cotton shoestrings tend to tie & stay tied (as opposed to nylon ones) too. I've even used shoestrings in tops & pants and just think they are soooo handy. Maybe this post should have been about shoestrings.

Anyway, clearly I am sticking to the shoestrings to secure my legwarmers idea, as its worked so well, but I am still curious, what's your way of keeping them up?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Ideal Hoop clothes?

radiantjasmine — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 06:51:53 GMT

I would love to hear about your ideal hooping clothes. Can be for performance or practice. Can be something you already have or wish you could find.................

I love pants with extreme flare at the bottom, and tops with sparkly and bling. I love lots of color and texture and prints. I wish i could find shorts that didn't ride up and actually covered a bit and looked good. I don't mind if the fabrics are synthetic or natural.

what about you?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Recommendations for shorts.

Jess — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 06:17:03 GMT

A question for you: what do you wear for shorts/bottoms when you hoop/perform? I'm looking for some booty shorts that don't show half (or most) of my butt, but aren't baggy and casual, either. Any recommendations?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 9 replies

My favorite makeup tutorials and inspirations

caroleeena — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 05:41:00 GMT

This is my favorite makeup tutorial site. Click on the strawberry in the left hand corner that says "Extras" and then click on the link, "Click her for Makeup tutorials". There are about 30 different looks and she even detail which products she uses. Check it out:

http://www.limecrime.net/

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

Suede.

Rebecca — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:44:23 GMT

Suede is sticky. Suede is warm, but not stifling. Suede is cheap at thrift stores. Cut it up. Sew it together in cool patterns and spin for hours!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Halloween

Tele Kelly — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 19:37:05 GMT

I usually make my own Halloween costume, but with a busy month and October on the road, I fear that I will not have the time. Of course, it should be a hoop-friendly getup. Does anyone know of some good sites for Halloween costumes? Any costume shops that rock in your area?
Happy haunting.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 6 replies

furry leg warmers

stephafunk — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 01:09:19 GMT

so how do you make the furry leg warmers ?
i am contemplating making some for my halloween inspired hoop costume which is a black cat and i thought the furries would be appropriate

i just need some direction from the crafty

posted in Hooping Costumes - 2 replies

Hoop wear for guys?

forestjay — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:30:36 GMT

Give me some ideas. Thus far the best I've come up with is:

Shorts
Personally Designed T-Shirt
Pink toutou (It was cute)
Beret or Umbrella drink thingy depending on the temperature.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 13 replies

cool knitting fun - poi to costumes

Joe — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:20:37 GMT

mmmm... ac moore in my area seems to have either on sale/clearance, the "sew easy knitting machine" - aka barbie knitter variant for $14 - good price. basically it's a feed in yarn, and crank, and it makes knitted tubes of 20 stitches around, just keep cranking... can also working with *eyelash yarn,* and some other fancy types.

just the thing for making fast sock poi, or other amusements. the barbie knitter variant (much sought after on ebay), can do 16 stitches. this machine is a basic version of how socks are machine knit - REAL hand cranked sock machines in working (restored) order are very expensive, and even more sough after :) they look a lot like meat grinders, except yarn goes in, and tubes come out. with a bit of trick, you can make turned heals, and have nicely finished toe ends. fast! or just straight leggings or arms coverings, or shrugs, or HATS. funky furry hats, ... it also can do flat panels that you then join up. it's FAST.

http://www.google.com/search?q=sew+easy+knitting+machine

i'll cross post this a couple places. it's too cool for getting your yarn on :)

Joe

posted in Hooping Costumes - 3 replies

leg hooping and cloth

sayyida — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 04:56:02 GMT

i have seen lots of videos with hoopers leg hooping while wearing pants. although i have been able to leg hoop easily on skin for quite a few months, i am still having trouble leg hooping in pants. i am wondering if it is a skill one has to develop, or whether you just have to wear certain cloths.

i have found that my stretch jeans work pretty decently, but generally any type of workout pants is too slippery: the force required to keep the hoop up on them bangs up my legs.

surprisingly, my combat pants/bdu's, which have a rough texture, are bad for leg hooping too.

i would love to have everyone's opinion on the matter, and also would like to know what works and does not work for everyone. thanks!

posted in Hooping Costumes - 7 replies

Inspiration

caroleeena — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 17:46:10 GMT

I think this would make a killer hooping costume:

http://ninahagen.tribe.net/photos/31ecf8b1-8678-4eba-a0ae-f2e68e2dcef3

I'm interesting to see what looks inpire other people also.

posted in Hooping Costumes - 5 replies

Resources for great Hooping Gear!

caroleeena — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 23:07:19 GMT

Let's start this thread out with suggestions of places that have great costume pieces! Whose stuff do you love?

posted in Hooping Costumes - 4 replies

What a great idea for a tribe!

anami — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 03:45:30 GMT

Caroleeena,

Just wanted to say, great idea for a tribe, too many of my performances have become strip hooping due to wardrobe malfunctions.

Good show, but NOT what i had in mind.

THX

posted in Hooping Costumes - 1 reply

Fireproof Costuming Considerations

caroleeena — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 16:35:51 GMT

There are definitely considerations that need to be made for creating fireproof costumes for fire hooping. The first one is Choose Natural Fibers. Leather, wool, silk, suede and cotton all have natural fire retardant qualities. And the thicker the fabric is, the more fire retardant it is. For example, cotton jeans are more fire retardant than a cotton tee-shirt. Avoid frayed fabrics though (like cut off jean shorts, etc.) as the hanging threads can create a wick that allows the flame to travel up and start a fire.

Avoid non-natural fibers like polyester, acetate, nylon, spandex and rayon. These materials are made out of petroleum products. They won't necessarily go up in flames (though they can) but they will melt on your skin!

Velvet can be made out of natural fibers or petroleum-based fibers. Check the label. Knit velvet is better than cut velvet which is better than crushed velvet. This is because crushed velvet has a higher pile which means more surface area is exposed to air which equals more flammable. Velour is generally cotton but always check the label. Taffeta is usually silk but, again, check the label.

The way a fabric is made also affects how it burns. Lace and gauze are more flammable than weave which is more flammable than a knit.

Other considerations for fire hooping costumes are avoid long hanging sleeve, scarves or wide bell-bottom pants (especially for step-throughs) as these things can wrap around a wick and tangle. I have also seen wicks tangle in coin belts and dangles from bra tops.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission tested fabrics for flammability. Here are their findings: Rayon takes just 3 seconds of exposure to fire to burst into flame. Thin cotton takes 4.8 seconds. Denim takes only 5 seconds but will burn longer due to the thickness of the material. Silk takes 7.6 seconds to burn. Thick cotton, linen and polyester take 9.2 seconds but, again, polyester will actually melt on you before it burns.

Perhaps the biggest risk of catching your clothing on fire comes from transferring fuel to your clothes. Be extra cautious when fueling your hoop and wipe it clean before beginning to hoop.

Decoratively, I use sequins and mirrors atop natural fibers and I've never had any problems. I'd be interested to hear how other folks costume for fire hooping.