Our Satin Stitches' email is clogged with sketch and price requests for our team costumes and uniforms, and our phone calls are reinforcing the fact that it is FALL season, here in Minnesota!

If you haven't sent in your custom-designed costume or uniform request - it's time! We have delivered new shorts to go with 5-year old tops, for The Blue Lightning Dance Team. (Yes, our Satin Stitches uniforms can be 'timeless' in their design, and VERY long-lasting in their workmanship!) We are feverishly working on new uniforms for several Ice Teams for NHL's opening nights next month, and hoping for the best, with the NBA season.

And our High School and College Dance Teams and Show Choirs are in the mix, as well. You can count on design expertise (from real fashion designers) when working with Satin Stitches. This is our 34th season of Custom Performance Costume design, and no one does it better! Send in your request for help in designing the perfect costume for your group or team and let us create something really special for you!

As with every month, we offer 'Web-Only' Specials and unadvertised special offers on facebook. Also remember that we do incredible solo costumes, so plan now for the competition season.

Hot Costume Care ‘TIP OF THE MONTH’:

What can you do about SNAGS?

1. What should I do, when I see snags in my costumes?

Snags might be ugly, up close, but they probably aren't noticeable from 'performance distance'. You need to determine if the snags will cause the fabric to disintegrate, or cause runs in the fabric that will lead to the costume falling apart. Generally, most snags in regular Lycra/Spandex will not run, or worse yet - cause holes in the fabric.

However, if your costumes are made of a non-Spandex Nylon, you might have a problem. Those of us that grew up with Nylon stockings or Nylon pantyhose have experienced this: Nylon knits will run, and can eventually break down and cause holes. A particular fabric that is sometimes used instead of Lycra/Spandex mesh, is a Nylon knit. It's called 'glissenette'. We never use it, for just this reason. Inexpensive costumes sometimes use this fabric. Beware!

With Spandex, you can trim off a dangling thread, but don't pull on a 'pill' or this thread that is dangling from a fabric snag. If the 'pill' or dangling thread is in Nylon knit - don't do anything with it, except dab it with some clear-drying fabric glue. You may also hand-sew this area, to stop the unraveling. If it is Lycra/Spandex - you don't need to do anything - it will be fine!

2. How do you prevent snags in costumes?

Sequins on a costume will snag fabrics, where they rub together, so keep this in mind when ordering new costumes. Non-woven costume fabrics can also easily snag-especially chiffon, which generally won't run, but can look unsightly. When you are considering your design options, always be aware of possible snagging issues.

Prevent additional snags by not rubbing up against brick walls or sitting on cement or splintery bleachers. Take off your jewelry, so you won't snag your costume with your rings. Any settings for jewelry or rhinestones applied with settings can snag fabrics. Trim your hang nails and fingernails, as they snag fabric, too.