cherokeemom06

I am working on my first jingle dress design and I'm anal about figuring it all out before I ever start cutting material so I have been doing research, asking questions and sketching. Is the concept of a cape with a jingle dress a fairly common thing? I'm seeing them more and more in pictures, but I've only seen one at a powwow I was at. That kept in mind, I usually only go to smaller powwows where the majority of the jingle dancers are younger. I'm thinking of using a light green calico with a light yellow cape with some beadwork on it. Is beadwork common on jingle dresses?

Also, what accessories do I need? I know I need a fan, back barrette, hair ties, choker with drop, leggings and obviously mocs. Is there anything else I need? What about pouches like cloth and buckskin dancers wear? I've never paid that much attention!

Thanks for you help ladies!

ojibwaywmn

Up here in Canada, there are a lot of jingle dress dancers who include capes with their dresses...myself included. You can put beadwork on the cape itself. Some also use elk teeth, shells, etc.

You can also use a purse as part of your beadwork. They are usually not very large, medium-sized. Hope this helps.

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Czechy

A cape is a nice accessory and provides a different look. Most that I have seen are made as a separate piece so it can be worn over different dresses or removed for easier washing. Unless the cape is heavy, you will need some method to keep it from twisting around during dancing. Snaps or velcro or something. Size-wise the cape is generally shorter in front and back than the ones used by shawl dancers.

A jingle outfit includes:

Dress with underskirt, petticoat or biking shorts underneath
Belt without pouches or drag/drop
Leggings and mocs
Beadwork (barrettes, hairties, choker, jewelry, etc)
Purse
Fan (contemp style) or hand scarf (for old style)

cherokeemom06

Thanks girls! I hadn't thought of using snaps or velcro but that makes sense. I'll eventually get this thing made!

ojibwaysweetie

Miigwetch Anishnabe Ikwe. I also have a dress that has the yoke sewn right on the front and back with floral applique that gives that cape look. Those are purdy too. :) The capes are more versatile in using them with other dresses, but they are all beautiful.

I have a pouch that I sometime put on my belt for assema or sage or some sweetgrass, or cedar. I love it.

To add.......

There is no wrong way or right way, no should haves or shouldn't haves. Do what you feel in your heart. Each regalia is unique. Go with what you feel.

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