NCheyGirl21

I have a question.

Well right now I dance jingle but i'm having some health problems (as in back problems) and I want to switch over to southern cloth. Well my question is what kind of material do you make the skirt and shirt out of? I've seen alotta the regalia's/outfits. around here made with shinny material. Also what else goes with the outfit? I've seen purses, shawls, and fans. Much help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Traditonal Lady

It really depends on which southern cloth style you plan to wear. I don't know if you are Eastern or Western Cherokee. If you are Western you can wear a calico Tear dress. Or if you are Eastern band you can wear a T-dress with a southern breast plate, a scarf or choker, matching beadwork, concho belt, knee hi moccasins, a coordinating shawl, a purse and a flat fan.

I hope this helps!

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NCheyGirl21

I'm not sure what band we come from but I know its from the Tenessee area. I wanted to do a 2 piece (skirt and shirt seperate) so is that northern traditional? and how big do you have to make the shawl? I'm trying to get everything figured out so I can have it all made up by march when I go to my hometown pow wow.

MayChe

Hi! Are you talking about the ribbonwork skirts? The shawl is usually big enough to wrap around your shoulders. Nowadays there are "cheater" shawls that are one long rectangular piece with fringe hanging from one of the short ends.

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NCheyGirl21

Yea i'm talking about the ribbonwork skirts. I just want a regular shawl like your suppose to do. I just need to know what kind of material to use for the skirt/shirt or dress and shawl and also what the purse is made out of.

superndngyrl

A lot of people use broadcloth for the background and then taffeta for the ribbonwork. Another common material is gabardine. But nowadays people use all kinds of materials. Just make sure it isn't itchy. :)

NCheyGirl21

So how many yards of material do I need for the shawl, skirt and shirt, and purse? I want to start on it here in a few weeks so I have it done in time for beginning of march.

Czechy

You can use almost any fabric you like for the skirt. Best to pick a solid color and a fabric that is not sheer or wrinkle-prone. Gabardine, a heavy cotton-polyester mix or wool are common choices. I don't know your size but I suppose on average, 1.5 yards will be enough for a skirt. This also depends upon tribal style and how full you want the skirt to be.

Often the shawl is made of the same material as the skirt. Measure from the fingertips of one hand, across your shoulders to the fingers on the other hand. That will tell you how much shawl fabric to buy. Generally around 1.5 yards.

The ribbonwork is made of either taffeta or satin.

Blouse fabric has even more choices. The sky is the limit here, depending upon your sewing skills. The average person will need about 3 yards of fabric but again this depends upon your size and the style of blouse you are doing.

NCheyGirl21

Thank you for the help everyone. I have my materials for the skirt, shirt, and shawl. I'm going to get working on it very soon.