Tear Dress Help?

Ahinawake · 01-30-2008, 06:20 PM

I'm making my first Cherokee tear dress this month, but I am a little confused. I was going to order a pattern online, but someone told me that the available online patterns are unreliable and hard to follow. Does anyone have any ideas on where I can find a good pattern, or just some tips on making the dress itself? Thanks. :)

timmy tiger · 01-31-2008, 05:15 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by Unreliable.

I have two of those dresses and I made them both myself. I have also made this dress for several other women as well.

Missouri River Pattern company is the one that most of the people use. I have seen them in two piece as well, but for the most part--most women who wear that dress it is that style.

I have seen different variations of the dress as well, but many times the person making it decided to alter it themselves.

The patterns are still available as far as I know because I just saw them at a pow wow a few months back, you just have to find a vendor who carries them. If you are a seamstress it really isn't that hard to follow, but you do want to make sure that you try it on as you go so that it fits you right.

Now, the story on the pattern is in-accurate.

I hope this helps.

Czechy · 02-01-2008, 03:41 PM

I've used the Missiouri River pattern. You can find it online from various suppliers like Noc Bay, Crazy Crow etc.
The pattern is a little confusing at times but if you read through it thoroughly before sewing, you might save yourself some aggravation. I have not seen the other patterns avavilable so I can't comment on those.

Since a tear dress requires around 9 yards of fabric most of which has to be gathered, I highly recommend you use a ruffler foot for your sewing machine. It will make your gathering faster and more even. If you need an online source for one, let me know.

andiebutch · 02-01-2008, 04:08 PM

wow that is tough dress work you are learning about! Should turn out good though!

Ahinawake · 02-18-2008, 01:38 PM

Ok, I ordered the Missouri River pattern from Crazy Crow, so it should be here soon! Just to be on the safe side, I've asked my grandmother and great aunt to help me. I'm excited to work on this project with them!

Another question: For my powwow regalia, I can't seem to figure out how to make the yoke. All of my attempts come out really messy looking. Ideas?

01-30-2008, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ahinawake Waiting Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 94	Tear Dress Help? I'm making my first Cherokee tear dress this month, but I am a little confused. I was going to order a pattern online, but someone told me that the available online patterns are unreliable and hard to follow. Does anyone have any ideas on where I can find a good pattern, or just some tips on making the dress itself? Thanks. :)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cherokee style Tear Dress no longer for Eastern band	Okwataga	Cloth Dancing	199	09-13-2008 07:37 PM
aggravating tear dress	Okwataga	Cloth Dancing	7	03-04-2005 11:05 PM
tear dress etiquette	webweaver	General Crafts	1	08-06-2004 09:45 PM
Tear dress turn-dip?	piperchick	Cloth Dancing	1	07-16-2003 05:48 PM
Question about the Tear Dress	Singing Otter	Cloth Dancing	3	04-08-2002 09:59 PM

01-31-2008, 05:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
timmy tiger Head Dancer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: where ever there are babies or children you can find me Posts: 17,640 Blog Entries: 4	I'm not sure what you mean by Unreliable. I have two of those dresses and I made them both myself. I have also made this dress for several other women as well. Missouri River Pattern company is the one that most of the people use. I have seen them in two piece as well, but for the most part--most women who wear that dress it is that style. I have seen different variations of the dress as well, but many times the person making it decided to alter it themselves. The patterns are still available as far as I know because I just saw them at a pow wow a few months back, you just have to find a vendor who carries them. If you are a seamstress it really isn't that hard to follow, but you do want to make sure that you try it on as you go so that it fits you right. Now, the story on the pattern is in-accurate. I hope this helps.

02-01-2008, 03:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Czechy wrapped in ribbonwork! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Here....for now Posts: 784	I've used the Missiouri River pattern. You can find it online from various suppliers like Noc Bay, Crazy Crow etc. The pattern is a little confusing at times but if you read through it thoroughly before sewing, you might save yourself some aggravation. I have not seen the other patterns avavilable so I can't comment on those. Since a tear dress requires around 9 yards of fabric most of which has to be gathered, I highly recommend you use a ruffler foot for your sewing machine. It will make your gathering faster and more even. If you need an online source for one, let me know.

02-01-2008, 04:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
andiebutch Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1	wow that is tough dress work you are learning about! Should turn out good though!

02-18-2008, 01:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ahinawake Waiting Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 94	Ok, I ordered the Missouri River pattern from Crazy Crow, so it should be here soon! Just to be on the safe side, I've asked my grandmother and great aunt to help me. I'm excited to work on this project with them! Another question: For my powwow regalia, I can't seem to figure out how to make the yoke. All of my attempts come out really messy looking. Ideas?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)