Hello fellow dance lovers! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today I’m diving headfirst into a world of knitwear that will make your toes tap and your heart sing – knitted ballet leotards and tutus! Now, I know what you’re thinking: ballet and knitting? It seems like an unusual combination, but trust me, it's a match made in dance heaven. Especially in a city as vibrant and artistic as Belfast.
As a dancer who's obsessed with all things sparkly and tulle, I’m always on the lookout for fresh, unique, and stylish ways to express myself on and off the stage. And what better way to do that than with some bespoke knitted creations that are both comfy and absolutely gorgeous?
Now, you might think that knitting and ballet leotards are a bit of an odd pairing, but you haven’t seen the incredible things that these skilled knitters can do! The possibilities are endless! They can be intricate and delicate, adding a touch of handcrafted magic to your performance attire. Think flowing lines, delicate patterns, and colours that just pop - I'm talking rainbows, pretty pastel shades, and bold pops of colour like fuschia or turquoise - it's a whole new way to think about leotard fashion!
Let's start with knitting: it’s all the rage in Belfast, with the city boasting a growing community of dedicated knitters. You'll find them tucked away in cosy cafes, meeting up in local craft shops, or even popping up in unexpected locations – think park benches or farmers markets!
For this particular trend, Belfast knitters are drawing inspiration from all things fashion – think current runway trends and vintage inspiration! They are experimenting with colours and textures and experimenting with fabrics like cashmere, merino wool, silk, and even recycled materials – which gives a lovely, modern feel to classic, feminine styles. Imagine your perfect ballet leotard knitted in a vibrant blend of colour and yarn that's uniquely yours. That's what's so fantastic about this trend.
What about tutus? They're essential to a ballet dancer’s wardrobe – and why not incorporate knitwear into them? Just imagine a soft, hand-knitted tulle overlay, or a delicate knitted waistband that gives a custom touch. We’re not talking stiff, itchy knitwear here. Instead, these garments feel luxurious and smooth against your skin - you'd be surprised by how soft and airy it can be, especially when worked with delicate stitches and beautiful materials!
Summery Trends
Summertime brings with it all kinds of amazing colour combinations. Imagine delicate lavender blooms intertwined with vibrant coral - the kind of colours you see in a bouquet of freshly picked garden flowers. The palette here is light and whimsical. Imagine your very own hand-knitted tutu made of featherweight, open-knit wool – almost like delicate crocheted lace that's so airy, it would allow the heat to flow through the fabric, making it the perfect garment for warm, sunny days. Or imagine a leotard made from silk, blended with a touch of merino wool – think of a lightweight sweater in silk. That combination would feel cool and beautiful against the skin and allow you to feel the movement in your leotard. This makes it a stunning look that will flow around you like the summer breeze, and it also brings a wonderful element of femininity to the garment.
Where To Find It
The best place to find all things #tutuknitted and #tutuwool in Belfast? That would be the Belfast Craft Market. It’s a true gem of a place. Tucked away in the bustling heart of the city, it's a treasure trove of artisan goods, handmade jewellery, unique crafts, and yes, knitwear! Think vintage style hand-knitted clothes and bespoke creations, crafted by local artisans - which can mean the very person you buy from also made the fabric and dyed the colours, meaning a truly personal garment for you.
It’s a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, filled with creative energy. I’ve found so many gorgeous, inspiring, one-of-a-kind knitted pieces that have become part of my dancewear collection. Just last week, I spotted a gorgeous hand-knitted tutu in softest shades of baby blue and pink, it was truly tutu-licious - almost like something out of a fairytale, and it inspired me to write about this exciting trend in local fashion. It's also worth checking out the many independent craft shops in the city, which is where I find my lovely vintage knits, especially vintage lace trim that makes everything extra-special!
Style Tip
As you can see, knitted leotards and tutus can look really lovely paired with basic styles, or used in ways that really elevate classic styles to a new level. Think, classic fitted ballet dresses, and vintage skirts and jumpers. You can also experiment with combining different knitted textures and patterns – think fluffy mohair paired with delicate lace, or chunky knit paired with a silky sheen. This gives your look some personality. It's really all about how to play with your personal style and experiment with new looks, something we dance lovers are great at!
Go On, Try It Out!
I challenge you to think about how you can add knitted elements into your own dancewear wardrobe! Think a vintage hand-knitted leotard that you find in an antique shop and re-imagine, or think hand-knitted accessories, like hair scarves and headbands, fingerless mitts that are so in style and will keep your fingers warm when you are not in your dance classes. And of course, think unique creations from the skilled knitters here in Belfast, who really push the boundaries of creative knitwear - I've seen some amazing knitted pieces that I would love to use for ballet classes!
Don’t Forget the Photography!
Let's capture these bespoke designs for posterity. With summer’s beauty all around us, we can create some magical photographs, full of movement and colour! I love how knitwear lends itself to soft and subtle photography, with the light filtering through the threads, the way knitted texture creates interesting shadowplay on your skin, and just how much the colour and patterns pop out when you put on your knitwear against natural backgrounds - lush greens, wildflower meadows and sun dappled glades.
Let’s Show The World!
So, let's unleash our inner #tutuwool enthusiasts. We're on a mission to showcase the extraordinary creativity of knitwear, in dance!
So grab your needles, pick up your favourite colours and let's create some serious ballet magic! And, if you're lucky enough to be in Belfast, be sure to check out the Belfast Craft Market to see the amazing knitwear, or go and find those vintage gems in independent shops, I dare say you'll be surprised at what you discover!
*Emma out! Stay stylish, fellow dancers! *
