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Ballroom Costume Cost Analysis

 We have confirmation that I will be partaking in Smooth for the mini-match. 

But I'm going to do the cost analysis for both because I'm feeling  both. Let's start with the current plan. 

Modified Flame Dress 

  • Base Dress = $115
  • Rit Dye Synthetic = ~$11 each (I need 2 Red and Orange)
  • Metallic Spandex .25 Yard of Red = ~$4
  • Gold/Bronze = Owned $0 (or $4 each)
  • Fire Opal Rhinestones = $5 - $6
  • Siam Red Rhinestones = $5 - $6
  • White Rhinestones = Owned $0
  • Fabric Spray Glue = $10
  • New Base Dress = $60
  • Red Elastic = $5 
Alt: Found a dress in the color scheme and base design that I like for only $60 and free shipping. 

Potential Total = $153 - $170
Alt Cost = $82  (This also negates the need for dye or red spandex)

Work Time = 2 days (1 day dye and cutting fabric, 1 day applying applique and rhinestones)
Supply Shipping = Dress, Stones, fabric glue, elastic 1 - 5 days

Flame Dress (From Scratch)

  • White Power Mesh 1 yard = $6
  • White Spandex 1 yards = $11
  • Red Spandex 1 5/8 yards  = $15
  • Red Chiffon 4.5 Yards = $15
  • Horse Hair Hem = $11
  • Rhinestones - Red, Topaz, Orange = $18
Potential Total = $76 - $88
Work Time =  4 - 5 days (1 day drafting pattern and cutting fabric, 2 - 3  days sewing, 1 day rhinestones)
Shipping Time = 1 - 2 weeks for fabric, 1 - 5 days for stones and horse hair

Gothic Rose Dress

  • Black Power Mesh 1 yard = $6
  • Black Spandex 1 yard = $11  
  • Alt: Purchase Leotard = $18 - $30 
  • Purple Fringe 3 yards = $10
  • Rose Lace Applique = $5 - $10
  • Purple Rhinestone = $6
  • White Rhinestone = $0 ($6)
  • Stretch Lace Trim 3 yards = $8
Potential Total = $46 - $64
Work Time =  2 - 3 days (1 day cutting fabric, 1 day sewing, 1 day applying decor)
Supply Shipping = Fabric and Rose Lace applique 1 - 2 weeks; Stones, lace trim and fringe 1 - 5 days, Optional leotard 1 - 5 days

Comparison Analysis

As you can see, in general, from scratch is going to be cheaper in cost with all the supplies but cost more in time. (Not to mention effort.) 

Gothic Rose is the least expensive of the three options and also low on work and wait time. This is because this dress is shorter and has a less complicated design. My effort level is lower because much of my sewing experience is in making leotards and swimsuits so I know how to handle this type of fabric and pattern. I can also make it easier on myself by purchasing a bodysuit or leotard because this is in black. 

Pros: 
  • I like the design
  • I have options to make this very low effort with minimal cost boosts
  • Low cost in both time and money
Cons: 
  • Can't really thing of any 
  • I'm not competing in Rhythm. 

From Scratch Flame dress would require significantly more effort, the most effort in fact. I have worked with chiffon in the past and I find it fiddly, delicate and annoying. But it is absolutely the right fabric to use. I've also never used horsehair hemming before, I know the basics but no practical experience. The spandex portions including the blocking is fine because I'm familiar with the technique. 
It would be the BEST looking option. 

Pros: 
  • It fits me exactly and has the colors/design I want
  • Good practice with spandex design and sewing
  • Relatively low cost materials
  • I love the design
Cons: 
  • Working with chiffon is new...and a pain
  • Loads of effort in planning and sewing
  • Waiting for Fabric
  • Longest work time of the projects

Modified Flame Dress is the most expensive of all options, but the least amount of work time and effort! I'm going to try a few helpful suggestions for the applique process and I have experience working with dye. The dye process will be kind of a challenge but doable. I may need to use one of my large plastic bins...if I can find them. 

UPDATE: Accidentally found a better base dress in a color scheme I'm okay with. (It's red on top instead of white which is what I'd prefer BUT the design is nicer). This knocks down the price significantly. 

Pros:
  • I don't have to sew a dress!
  • I like the design
  • Lowest effort and cost
Cons: 
  • Not as in love with the design as the original design
  • Dyeing is messy (may not have to do this)
  • No control over dress design
  • Highest cost and potential wait time for shipping
My ultimate decision is made because of the event type and part I'm partaking in.  I will be making the modified Flame dress this time around. 

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