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On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: AgnesNitt on July 02, 2011, 06:52:05 PM

Title: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 02, 2011, 06:52:05 PM
We've got a rink rant, and a work rant. I figure we need a Clothing, Skates, Music and Equipment rant. I mean don't you have things that are just annoying? Here's a place to vent.
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I've lost 3 pairs of gloves this week!  I don't even have a mismatched pair anymore. All  I have is a left glove left in my bag. What's happening? Are they taking a vacation with my socks that disappear from the dryer? Thank goodness it's summer as I'm now skating barehanded. (That remaining left glove is probably the unpopular glove that nobody called to let it know all the other gloves were playing hooky.)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8Dreams on July 02, 2011, 09:02:54 PM
I always buy my gloves at a dollar store, and last winter I found ones that were really superior.  I bought four pair of them, thinking that would be plenty.  A month or two went by and then I lost three pair in two weeks.  Of course, by then, I couldn't remember which store had them, and after checking all the stores I had been to, came up empty.  If I find them again, I'll buy ten pair.  Yesterday, I either left my lace hook (the all metal kind) at the rink, or it fell out of my jacket pocket.  In any case, it's gone.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on July 03, 2011, 07:47:06 AM
its usually guards that either go missing, or get stolen! I check the lost & found at the end of the season for any non-claimed ones and snag them before they get tossed.

Rant: tights that are ladies XL everywhere except the waist elastic, which tends to be XXXSmall!!! WTH? I end up cutting it off which defeats the purpose  >:( but I don't want to feel like a sausage.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: ChristyRN on July 03, 2011, 10:19:14 AM
Rant: tights that are ladies XL everywhere except the waist elastic, which tends to be XXXSmall!!! WTH? I end up cutting it off which defeats the purpose  >:( but I don't want to feel like a sausage.

^^^^What she said.  I hate the line across my abdomen from tights.

Along those lines--finding off the rack dresses that fit.  An XL (because I'm not and probably never will be a skinny-minny) doesn't fit!  I'm only 5'4", but the girth is always too short.  And, if by some chance a dress does fit and look decent, the skirt is waaaaaayyyyy too short.I have to make all of my dresses. 

And pants that fit my legs are too tight across my a$$ and waist. 

Is it any wonder that I wear my dresses forever?  I've been wearing one since Jan '03--sweat stained armpits and all just because it fits so well and is somewhat flattering.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on July 03, 2011, 11:19:03 AM
I just found anomaly pants. The ny2sportswear pants fit my waist but are too tight in the legs. That never happens!
Of course, they are made for someone 10 inches taller than me and this style can't be hemmed.

I hate tight lines and tend to wear body tights, but with my old skates needed otb tights (bought them used and torn up). So I look like the Pillsbury dough boy would in tights...I am going to keep my new skates super clean so I can wear body tights.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on July 03, 2011, 11:33:15 AM
^^^^What she said.  I hate the line across my abdomen from tights.

Along those lines--finding off the rack dresses that fit.  An XL (because I'm not and probably never will be a skinny-minny) doesn't fit!  I'm only 5'4", but the girth is always too short.  And, if by some chance a dress does fit and look decent, the skirt is waaaaaayyyyy too short.I have to make all of my dresses. 

And pants that fit my legs are too tight across my a$$ and waist. 

Is it any wonder that I wear my dresses forever?  I've been wearing one since Jan '03--sweat stained armpits and all just because it fits so well and is somewhat flattering.
My problem as well-I have a really long girth and legs....all the skirts look like kootchy skirts  :o and my behind hangs out. I like pants (I get talls whenever I can).
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on July 03, 2011, 05:53:38 PM
Rant: tights that are ladies XL everywhere except the waist elastic, which tends to be XXXSmall!!! WTH? I end up cutting it off which defeats the purpose  >:( but I don't want to feel like a sausage.

I have a solution for this - Euroskins!!!!  There are other brands without waist elastic, but I am a huge fan of the knitted-in waist.... it stays smooth and flat even if you're not ;)  I have both the L/XL and plus size and both fit...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Elsa on July 03, 2011, 06:01:44 PM
Euroskins?  Hmm, must google . . .

I haven't tried it yet with skating tights, but with pantyhose, I cut the elastic in half horizontally - so if it was one inch wide, it would then be 1/2 inch wide.  It's enough to keep them up, but not enough cut me in half.  Anyone have an already trashed pair of tights they're willing to experiment on? 

My biggest clothing rant is regarding jackets.  There are so many cute ones to chose from, but they all cut right across the fattest part of my hips/stomach (pregnancy ruined my stomach - ugh). I want one that covers my stomach and most of my rear.  Not sure which will be cheaper, a lifetime of custom made skating jackets or a tummy tuck, lol.  I've got my fingers crossed for the tummy tuck.  ;)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: emilayy on July 03, 2011, 06:25:17 PM
at my rink, it's policy for the janitors to throw out any guards that are left on the boards at the end of the day. it sucks!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: aussieskater on July 03, 2011, 10:27:43 PM
Rant: tights that are ladies XL everywhere except the waist elastic, which tends to be XXXSmall!!! WTH? I end up cutting it off which defeats the purpose  >:( but I don't want to feel like a sausage.

My solution is to cut off the evil elastic and replace it with a 10cm doubled-over (so 5cm finished) band of nude cotton lycra sized to fit my waist, not that of a skinny 10yo.  The tights don't seem to run at all from the cut edge down.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: PrettySk8Dress on July 03, 2011, 11:08:29 PM
My problem as well-I have a really long girth and legs....all the skirts look like kootchy skirts  :o and my behind hangs out.

My problem, too ! You and me both ! If I find a skating dress that fits me well length wise, and has long sleeves, invariably the dress will have the skirt part so short that the hemline barely covers the panties. Too short for an adult skater, IMO. If I find a skating dress that has a longer skirt hemline, so that it is styled like a synchro dress, then invariably it looks so frumpy-dumpy on me that I  " wouldn't be caught dead "  wearing it.

Continuing with another related rant---
I obtained a nice skating dress from a used skating clothing sale at a local rink. It fits well, and has the correct longer hemline skirt for an adult skater. The dress is white, with a light blue scroll-work print pattern all over. However, the attached panties are light gray. I have worn the dress just for practice, and have been told by two other adult female skaters, at two different times, that I should not wear the dress because the panties are not white, to match the background color of the dress, namely white. They told me that the dress color and panties color HAVE TO MATCH ! Why is it so wrong, supposedly, to wear a skating dress of one main color, and the attached panties of another similar or contrasting color ?  Why do they absolutely have to be the same color ? I can agree that the dress and panties should be the same color for competition, but must it be just so,
just for a practice dress ?
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 03, 2011, 11:50:48 PM
I obtained a nice skating dress from a used skating clothing sale at a local rink. It fits well, and has the correct longer hemline skirt for an adult skater. The dress is white, with a light blue scroll-work print pattern all over. However, the attached panties are light gray. I have worn the dress just for practice, and have been told by two other adult female skaters, at two different times, that I should not wear the dress because the panties are not white, to match the background color of the dress, namely white. They told me that the dress color and panties color HAVE TO MATCH ! Why is it so wrong, supposedly, to wear a skating dress of one main color, and the attached panties of another similar or contrasting color ?  Why do they absolutely have to be the same color ? I can agree that the dress and panties should be the same color for competition, but must it be just so,
just for a practice dress ?

I don't see any problem with it, but I don't wear dresses. Maybe ask one of the coaches at the rink, or ask more than one. If the consensus is 'well, it's not a rule, but it's a custom' you can always buy a pair of white dance pants and replace the light gray shorts.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on July 04, 2011, 12:21:42 AM
They told me that the dress color and panties color HAVE TO MATCH ! Why is it so wrong, supposedly, to wear a skating dress of one main color, and the attached panties of another similar or contrasting color ?

IMHO similar taste often applies to competition and practice in this case. This past season Sui Wenjing (the adorable girl in Sui/Han pairs partnership on junior circuit) wore a dress that rose many eyebrows due a similar situation. It looked way more pleasant when she finally switched to a matching color.

You do not have to accept it or modify the dress if you are comfortable with it. To quote Richard P. Feynman, "What do you care what other people think?" :P
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on July 04, 2011, 09:01:10 AM
My equipment rant: I lost my spin trainer.  It was a good, heavy metal one that someone gave me years ago and it's lasted through many skaters' usage.  Been looking for it over a month, so I guess it's gone for good.  No one turned it in at the rink.  sigh
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: davincisop on July 04, 2011, 09:31:08 AM
Funny, I lost mine too, except it's somewhere in my room. Whenever I want to use it I can never find it and when I'm not thinking about it it shows up.


Hope you find yours!!!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on July 04, 2011, 12:01:25 PM
My equipment rant: I lost my spin trainer.  It was a good, heavy metal one that someone gave me years ago and it's lasted through many skaters' usage.  Been looking for it over a month, so I guess it's gone for good.  No one turned it in at the rink.  sigh

I stand corrected!  Just found it - it was in my "Magic" bag that I keep packed for shows and competitions.  I did have one student compete at another rink, so I brought that bag but not my skates.  I had her use it during warmup, iirc.  Hooray!

Hope yours turns up davincisoprano1!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: davincisop on July 04, 2011, 12:28:50 PM
Yay! You found it!   Mine is probably in some random place, like in between books on my bookshelf (no idea how it would get there but I know myself well enough to know I'll stick things in random places thinking I'll remember I put them there....).
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on July 06, 2011, 01:28:27 AM
Ha this thread is handy.

Theoretically program skaters should wear a sash so others could see them easily. I certainly have tons of issues figuring out where s/he is to get out of the way. No monitor knows where that rink sash for a long while.

Now I carry a sash with myself and put it on the boards everytime for practice ice, regardless if I skate my program to music. Just gotta see the program skater in less than 2 seconds!! And skaters actually do use it --- safer for everyone afterall!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on July 06, 2011, 09:00:44 AM
Ha this thread is handy.

Theoretically program skaters should wear a sash so others could see them easily. I certainly have tons of issues figuring out where s/he is to get out of the way. No monitor knows where that rink sash for a long while.

Now I carry a sash with myself and put it on the boards everytime for practice ice, regardless if I skate my program to music. Just gotta see the program skater in less than 2 seconds!! And skaters actually do use it --- safer for everyone afterall!
My club started using a sashes this past year, but it was very small and hard to see (a thin strip of orange fabric)...if you were waiting to go next you could also put a sash on (there were two) and skate around...very confusing!!!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: emilayy on July 06, 2011, 10:03:29 AM
i skate at 2 rinks, one of them uses sashes and the other doesn't. i think they're definitely helpful, but sometimes if you don't tie them tight enough, they come undone. and that can get annoying when it happens in the middle of your program. but at my home rink, i know most skaters' music so i know to stay out of their way. but if your rink doesn't do it, then just don't be afraid to yell "EXCUSE ME!"
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on July 06, 2011, 10:30:19 AM
i but if your rink doesn't do it, then just don't be afraid to yell "EXCUSE ME!"

At our rink, that would result in your having a "discussion" with the coaches, as it is considered to be the height of rudeness.  We have right of way rules that are observed by skaters, fortunately, and everyone is expected to be courteous and observant at all times.

Different rinks, different cultures, different methods.  It does make it difficult when people guest skate at a rink ... getting to know the different practices, so you don't end up doing something that people don't expect.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: karne on July 06, 2011, 10:47:19 AM

but if your rink doesn't do it, then just don't be afraid to yell "EXCUSE ME!"

Ugh, I HATE HATE HATE HATE skaters who yell "EXCUSE ME!". I find it the height of obnoxiousness. Yes, the skater skating a program has the right of way. I think the sash option could work really well at our rink, but because we're such a small community of skaters everyone grows to know everyone else's music and knows who's working on their program. After a while you even know exactly what beat of the music they'll be heading your way!  ;D

If you are polite, courteous, and keep yourself aware of what's around you, I find that you shouldn't have too many problems. I give all the skaters at my rink respect and room, regardless of whether they're in the Learn to Skate class or if it's the Novice-level girls. And in return, they give me the same respect and room. I've never had anyone yell at me to move and I can tell you what, I wouldn't care if they were Olympic level, if anyone yelled at me like that they'd get a tongue lashing quick smart. It's completely rude and designed for one thing and one thing only: intimidation.

Everyone on that rink has a right to be there. It is a fact of life that you will not always get a clean runthrough of your program. I can probably count on one hand the number of actually clean runthroughs I've done on a freestyle session. (Sometimes I go to the empty morning publics just to get a few more runthroughs in.) I don't give a rats' if you're a quad-jumping Olympian skating on the same ice as little old single toeloop me, nothing gives you the right to yell at me to move.

/soapbox
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Purple Sparkly on July 06, 2011, 12:17:37 PM
Ugh, I HATE HATE HATE HATE skaters who yell "EXCUSE ME!". I find it the height of obnoxiousness. Yes, the skater skating a program has the right of way. I think the sash option could work really well at our rink, but because we're such a small community of skaters everyone grows to know everyone else's music and knows who's working on their program. After a while you even know exactly what beat of the music they'll be heading your way!  ;D

If you are polite, courteous, and keep yourself aware of what's around you, I find that you shouldn't have too many problems. I give all the skaters at my rink respect and room, regardless of whether they're in the Learn to Skate class or if it's the Novice-level girls. And in return, they give me the same respect and room. I've never had anyone yell at me to move and I can tell you what, I wouldn't care if they were Olympic level, if anyone yelled at me like that they'd get a tongue lashing quick smart. It's completely rude and designed for one thing and one thing only: intimidation.

Everyone on that rink has a right to be there. It is a fact of life that you will not always get a clean runthrough of your program. I can probably count on one hand the number of actually clean runthroughs I've done on a freestyle session. (Sometimes I go to the empty morning publics just to get a few more runthroughs in.) I don't give a rats' if you're a quad-jumping Olympian skating on the same ice as little old single toeloop me, nothing gives you the right to yell at me to move.

/soapbox
I don't at all think it's rude, obnoxious, or intimidating to say "Excuse me" most of the time.  My rink is fairly small, also, and you would THINK that people know who has what music and when they are coming by, but a surprising number of skaters have no clue and make no effort to get a clue.  Also, I probably sound much meaner when yelling "excuse me" during my program because I'm tired, out of breath, and pushing hard.  I sound much more pleasant in the beginning of my program.  Sometimes it takes a yell to get the kids to open their eyes and realize they are NOT the only one out there.  Yes, coaches can tell them to look out, but some kids don't actually listen until they almost get run over.  I make every effort to figure out who has what music and get out of their way during their program.  Some make the same effort, and some are completely oblivious.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on July 06, 2011, 12:26:40 PM
The club I used to belong to actually had it posted in the rules that "Excuse Me" was the correct thing to say when skating in a program to warn another skater you were coming through.  And it kind of has to be yelled, because you need to say it with enough time for that person to react before you get to them.

I agree sometimes it can be said with a rude tone, but often that has to do with trying to talk while running a demanding program, like Purple Sparkly said.

I much prefer an "Excuse Me" to a glare as they go around me because I didn't know they had right of way.  Normally, it's pretty easy to keep up with everyone's programs, but with ISI World's on the horizon (we are a USFS rink) there are kids with 15-20 different programs they are practicing for.  I have no clue if Ke$ha is playing because we are listening to an i-pod of because someone is in program. (Us non-World's bound skaters are scared to play music right now, because we don't know if we are turning off someone's program...)

Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: davincisop on July 06, 2011, 01:19:52 PM
The "excuse me" has to be used A LOT in my rink, and even then it doesn't always work. I always get cut off DURING my lesson by girls not in lesson or program because they're doing doubles and they always practice in that spot. My coach is making me more agressive out there because for the last 10 months I've just moved out of the way. But some of these girls think they're god's gift to skating and don't move or don't pay attention to what is around them or are too young to realize and no one teaches them. Unfortunately we have one girl that will yell EXCUSE ME but it's the rudest tone I've ever heard. Strangely enough she's one of the sweetest girls at the rink.

I know personally, if I'm not smiling I look like I'm giving a death glare, that's just how my face is, so maybe some people don't realize how rude it sounds because they're focused on not hitting the person in the way.

My favorite are the ones that regardless of being told over and over and over and... well you get my idea... again on every session they're on, they still skate without any regard to who or what is around them and don't practice what they're supposed to. The two girls I've complained about in rants often, but they're STILL not practicing and keep skating without looking where they're going and I've almost run into them because they'll skate in your blind spot and they've almost run into me. It's frustrating. But the older ones need to set an example for the younger ones.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Purple Sparkly on July 06, 2011, 01:45:26 PM
There is a coach at my rink that actually tells her students that they DON'T have to move for anyone else, ever.   :o

Anyway, this is a rant on Clothing, skates, music, and equipment.  So I'll contribute and say that I hate when my gloves get holes in them.  I hate it so much that I will refuse to wear those gloves until I get around to mending the hole, which usually takes a while.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: davincisop on July 06, 2011, 02:07:01 PM
Amen on gloves, or when they get wet and you don't have a spare. Mine had a good pound of water in them last night.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on July 06, 2011, 02:39:25 PM
I carry spare gloves and spare socks, small things are easier to forget, espcially it's 90F out there! :P

I use my beaten up equipment until the last minute as long as no danger is involved, a little sewing can go very far!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8Dreams on July 06, 2011, 04:48:08 PM
I hate holes in my pants even more than holes in my gloves.  For years now, I've been wearing black tights so small holes in my pants won't show.  The first time I found a hole in my pants, pre black tights, I borrowed a black marker from the office, went in the ladies room, and colored my tights under the hole.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on July 06, 2011, 05:49:37 PM
I finally replaced a pair of under armour pants that was being held together by safety pins (10 of them!) after my mother mocked me.  She told me if I could afford the lessons, I should be able to buy new pants.  I got NY2Sportswear ones, and sadly they don't fit great :(  But neither do underarmour anymore.  I need to lose weight! Or get better at sewing.

Target Circo leggings were on sale yesterday for $3.99 (a dollar off!), but it turns out I don't fit into the 14-16 anymore :(  My old ones still fit nicely though, so I was bummed new ones appear to be cut skinnier.

Gloves with holes used to drive me crazy, but now the index finger of half my gloves has been cut off so that I can access the screen on my phone to play music and take video.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 06, 2011, 06:25:12 PM

Target Circo leggings were on sale yesterday for $3.99 (a dollar off!), but it turns out I don't fit into the 14-16 anymore :(  My old ones still fit nicely though, so I was bummed new ones appear to be cut skinnier.


Yes I have noticed this in a lot of products. Since stuff is made out of house now, what happens is the lowest bidder gets a requirements document. They then cut clothes the cheapest way possible. This is why trousers don't fit many women anymore, the crotches are cut cheap vs 'right'. I found some panty hose in a drawer that were several years old (still in the box). I pulled on one pair and it fit fine. It's a size smaller than the ones I have to wear now, At some point someone decided to save 2 cents a pair.

My rant, skating has changed my butt. I have an hour glass figure and before I started skating I could find pants to fit me. Now that I skate I've got classic skater's butt. Apparently my legs are skinnier now than a year ago, but I've got muscles in my tuchus that make it impossible to wear anything without lycra in it. The only thing that's saving me from nudity is LL Bean and Eddie Bauer; both have deep lines for petites and a 'generous' fit in the hip area..
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: karne on July 07, 2011, 12:54:49 AM
Add another vote for the holes in the glove fingertips. I threw a hissy fit at mine the other day and sewed up ALL the fingertips! Forgot to do the thumbs though, whoops.

Can I add, tights that make legs look orange are bleh.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on July 22, 2011, 12:38:36 PM
Mended the cuts and tears in boot covers. Wish the manufacturers take lunges into consideration and enforce those areas a bit! :P
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on July 22, 2011, 01:35:33 PM
[Parental rant]

Just when the boots are nicely broken in, the skills are suddenly progressing well:

"Mummy! Did you see that great [insert element of choice here]"
"Yes, I did! Way to go! You're doing great!"
"Mummy, my feet hurt. And my toes are very cold."

sigh. new skates needed. I think there is an evil skating gremlin out there ... and it lives in skating bags, waiting for that moment of accomplishment ... who then makes little feet grow instantaneously ...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: rosereedy on July 22, 2011, 05:14:51 PM
My skate clothing rant is about skating pants.  I am tall, I am thin.  Large are not long enough and fit everywhere and XL are long enough but too loose everywhere else.  And I am 30, not 12 so I don't want a pair of Chloe Noel pants.  Ever skater at my rinks wears those pants.  I've changed to skating in shorts, tank top and a sports bra that is so tight it's hard to breath.  It's hard to hold these puppies down and not have bounce when I skate.  It's either bounce and get pre-mature sag or not breath and have perky chesticles.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on July 22, 2011, 06:33:19 PM
I know you don't want Chloe Noel- but I just got a pair from NY2Sportswear and they are some of the longest pants I've ever bought.  It's the same styling as CN, but you could just get plain black.  (I'm almost 30 and I like some of the simpler styles. All the 20 somethings wear over the boot leggings at my rink, not many of the kids do)

Are UnderArmour frosty tights too short for you? Those aren't quite as long as the NY2 on me, but they are super long for me too.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: MimiG on July 22, 2011, 09:04:26 PM
I'm tall (5'8) and just got a pair of plain black Jerry's Shiver pants that fit me really well, so you could look at their styles, too.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 22, 2011, 09:13:02 PM
That would be 5 foot 8 inches tall.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: rosereedy on July 22, 2011, 10:12:19 PM
Aww thanks for the recommendations. I will look into these pants. I just skating stuff was cheaper!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: MimiG on July 22, 2011, 11:34:20 PM
That would be 5 foot 8 inches tall.

Yes, thanks. I had to rush off to tend to my offspring and never noticed the conversion to emoticon...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: rosereedy on July 25, 2011, 11:58:16 AM
With my problem that some of you seem to have before with tights and the rolls it creates when you normally don't have any, well I tried the whole cutting the waist band off my tights and wow what a difference!  Perfect fit in the waist now.  I even torched the exposed unraveling stuff so that it would last.  I will do this to all my tights now.  WOOHOO!  Just had to say thanks to you ladies for this helpful bit of help.  I think I will take the tights to a seamstress to see if she can finish off the cut to avoid unraveling further instead of burning it. 
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: CrossStroke on July 25, 2011, 01:23:32 PM
Adding my thanks, as well.
I've done it about 10 days ago for my ice dance test - cut off about 1/2 of the waistband - and it worked awesome!  2 pairs of tights on, no unsightly rolls.

With my problem that some of you seem to have before with tights and the rolls it creates when you normally don't have any, well I tried the whole cutting the waist band off my tights and wow what a difference!  Perfect fit in the waist now.  I even torched the exposed unraveling stuff so that it would last.  I will do this to all my tights now.  WOOHOO!  Just had to say thanks to you ladies for this helpful bit of help.  I think I will take the tights to a seamstress to see if she can finish off the cut to avoid unraveling further instead of burning it. 
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on July 25, 2011, 11:34:52 PM
After I finally survived sewing a matching glove for the costume I plan to wear next week, the costume disappeared altogether, probably from laundry couple months ago... :'( :'( :'(

I still have an OK black dress and need to find a glove that does not look like practice wear...

Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 02, 2011, 06:24:31 PM
Summer sources of magic gloves. Hey! i'm down to one gray glove and one pink/black striped glove, so I did an internet search

Varied colors scroll to the bottom of the page. Some 'baby gloves'. Include the rare colors: yellow and purple that I've never seen at the dollar store
http://www.missmomo.com/basic-basic.html  (edited)

For those of you wanting 'nude' gloves for testing (these are actually camel):
http://www.shopnational.com/p/Chenille-Magic-Gloves?trk=   (in chenille)
and
http://www.shopnational.com/p/Velour-Magic-Gloves?trk=   (in velour)


oooh, stripes!
http://www.justforponies.com/magicgloves.aspx

There are also places that sell them in bulk, if you want to buy for a team.


Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on August 03, 2011, 01:50:51 PM
I just bought some Mondor tights (OTB) and the waistband is just folded over...no bulge and no extra-tight elastic!

Fume/Rant: why is it the pattern i NEED for my new costume (yeah, for Sectionals/Nationals) is now OUT-OF-PRINT?????? I can't even find it on Ebay..... >:(
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on August 03, 2011, 02:03:23 PM
I read on one page that Jalie is planning on putting it for sale as a download.  No idea how long that process takes.

You might try emailing them- they might be faster if they know there is interest. They are a small company, so could have good response, I don't know.

Also, 31 people have it stashed on pattern review.  Maybe try posting a "want ad" and see if someone will sell it to you...

If you are skilled enough, you can look at the shapes of the pieces and try drafting it yourself: http://www.agstextil.se/Jalie/2673.pdf
This is a canadian site that seems to have it in stock: http://edeesplace.com/page/ecom_catalog?pid=910 (I also found a Finnish site, but couldn't tell if it was for sale or not. I don't read finnish.)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on August 03, 2011, 02:29:49 PM
I read on one page that Jalie is planning on putting it for sale as a download.  No idea how long that process takes.

You might try emailing them- they might be faster if they know there is interest. They are a small company, so could have good response, I don't know.

Also, 31 people have it stashed on pattern review.  Maybe try posting a "want ad" and see if someone will sell it to you...

If you are skilled enough, you can look at the shapes of the pieces and try drafting it yourself: http://www.agstextil.se/Jalie/2673.pdf
This is a canadian site that seems to have it in stock: http://edeesplace.com/page/ecom_catalog?pid=910 (I also found a Finnish site, but couldn't tell if it was for sale or not. I don't read finnish.)
Wow! Thanks for the response!  Yeah, I could draft it....I am incompetent about that! I hate the trial-n-error; basically it's a v-neck design with "detail" around the neck..... I did check to see if it was available as a download, but it wasn't yet. They are a good company, I had to call them once about something and they were really nice.  So, here I go, clicking on the link you provided and I'm ordering it... ;D  Thanks!!!!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 13, 2011, 10:42:52 PM

I've lost 3 pairs of gloves this week!  I don't even have a mismatched pair anymore. All  I have is a left glove left in my bag. What's happening? Are they taking a vacation with my socks that disappear from the dryer? Thank goodness it's summer as I'm now skating barehanded. (That remaining left glove is probably the unpopular glove that nobody called to let it know all the other gloves were playing hooky.)
Hey, the gloves are back from vacation! (http://serve.mysmiley.net/animated/anim_65.gif) (http://www.celebrityfashionarchive.com)
They mysteriously reappeared over the last 3 days looking sheepish (http://serve.mysmiley.net/confused/confused0082.gif) (http://www.blueislandsdiving.com)(http://serve.mysmiley.net/ashamed/ashamed0005.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net)and a bit hung over (http://serve.mysmiley.net/rolleye/rolleye0018.gif) (http://www.celebrityfashionarchive.com), and silent on where' they've been.(http://serve.mysmiley.net/confused/confused0083.gif) (http://www.footballerpictures.co.uk) One turned up in a drawer (its mate is still in the skate bag) another pair in the linen closet, and the last pair was at the bottom of 30 gal rubbermaid storage box. (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-confused-smileys-358.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html)

Anyway I'm just glad they're back.(http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-love-smileys-891.gif) (http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html)  I'm not going to kill the fatted calf or anything, but it's nice to have some gloves that match.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: ChristyRN on August 14, 2011, 08:57:55 AM
but it's nice to have some gloves that match.

Gloves are supposed to match?   ;D
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 14, 2011, 09:58:42 AM
Gloves are supposed to match?   ;D

I've been skating in a light gray one, and a black/ pink stripes one. The color mismatch disrupted the balance of my skating. The universe was in disarray, the Force was not with me.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on August 14, 2011, 11:15:45 AM
I posted this in the wrong rant thread:

In more catty news: Only certain skaters can get away with the booty short look.  I am not one of them, and know that.  Other girls at the rink should probably learn that they too are not one of these certain skaters.  (And it doesn't really have to mean skinny, but well toned)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on August 14, 2011, 11:52:48 AM
That's true of anyone, not just skaters.  I've seen far more flesh on people at the Mall ...  not pretty.

Not a rant, but I checked out elastic cording yesterday at REI - 25ยข/foot.  The material reminded me of Champion Cords.  They sell caribiner clips there, too.  They're having a sale in a week or so, so I'm thinking about buying a few lengths to make a bunch of stretch cords for skaters.  Right now, I use tarp tie-downs and they work great (quick, adjustable lengths) but I'm thinking that a few pair of full-length cords would be better for spirals and camels.  Things that make me go hmmm...have to figure out if it's more or less expensive.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: MadMac on August 14, 2011, 02:00:20 PM
AgnesNitt -- Mismatched gloves are wonderful for teaching. Coach can call out, "red hand in front, black hand to side." So helpful for kids (big & little) who have a hard time with right & left. Easy for coach too!
That's also why you often see hockey players in mismatched socks.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: davincisop on August 30, 2011, 03:57:21 PM
Dear Florida,

Why do you lack skate shops with a huge variety of dresses.

Love,
DaVinci


Dear Skate dress shops online,

Why do the majority of your dresses have no back to them?

Love,
DaVinci


Dear Boobs,

Why must you get in my way so much?

Love,
DaVinci
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on August 30, 2011, 08:36:19 PM
AgnesNitt -- Mismatched gloves are wonderful for teaching. Coach can call out, "red hand in front, black hand to side." So helpful for kids (big & little) who have a hard time with right & left. Easy for coach too!
That's also why you often see hockey players in mismatched socks.

Dear MadMac, you are my favorite basic skills coach and one heck of a long distance driver. And thanks for letting me sleep in the back all the way back.

However,  back OT what if your kids don't know their colors?
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: MadMac on August 31, 2011, 10:15:53 AM
Dear AgnesNitt -- well they are more likely to know their colors than right and left. And I'm probably worse than the little ones at figuring out R & L.

We all had such a great week. I heard no snoring from that back seat so you got to sleep on . . . SILENCE!!!! I keeeeel you.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on August 31, 2011, 10:22:27 AM
However,  back OT what if your kids don't know their colors?

Well, that's why you say "purple glove" rather than "aubergine glove".  All the tots I've taught (age 2-5) have been able to identify the colors of the rainbow. 
If they are colorblind, how about "striped glove" and wear a polka dot or solid on the other hand.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on August 31, 2011, 10:25:25 AM
I heard no snoring from that back seat so you got to sleep on . . . SILENCE!!!! I keeeeel you.
LOL - had to give you some +GOE for that one - very funny!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on February 05, 2012, 09:51:20 AM
Bumping. This was a fun topic.
__________________________________
Back stops in newly sharpened new blades.

I'm doing a lot of backwards skating now in the new boots and I can't do a back stop to save my life. I sort of can slow myself down, then have to throw myself onto my toe picks, then coach has to grab me.

I think there's ice glue or something. Or ice gremlins. I guess I'll go to freestyle today and put some back stoking and stops in.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on February 05, 2012, 10:18:02 AM
Stand near the wall and scrape up ice with your stopping edge, back and forth, back and forth.  That way, you can dull it down enough to stop when it really counts.

I learned my lesson about letting the blades get too dull before sharpening a few years ago.  They were new blades, so the rocker was different, and the blades were literally razor-sharp.  I skated forwards, did a t-stop, no problem.  Skated forwards, turned backwards and could not step forward or stop; had to let the momentum run out and use the toepicks.  No more of that.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: kiwiskater on February 10, 2012, 01:24:16 AM
Grr I finally saved up enough $ to ship a batch of skating goodies from the states in time for my brother's birthday...only to discover that the size pants I want might take a week or more to get (they are out of stock), meaning I have to delay the shipment & have nothing to give my brother...worse is that EVERYONE is in on the gift too, so he'll get a card & that's it, I feel terrible!

If only shipping & currency conversion wasn't so bad I'd easily be able to ship my pant separately and not hold up his gift!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: hopskipjump on February 10, 2012, 01:42:01 AM
I have an end to my rant!  After 3 months (and MANY attempts) dd finally has a dress for her artistic program.  Who knew it would be so hard to order a dress and actually get it?  I'm stoning tomorrow!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on February 10, 2012, 12:09:43 PM
I have an end to my rant!  After 3 months (and MANY attempts) dd finally has a dress for her artistic program.  Who knew it would be so hard to order a dress and actually get it?  I'm stoning tomorrow!

Yay!  You'll have to share pictures once you get it stoned :)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on February 10, 2012, 12:58:10 PM
after FINALLY purchasing a pattern online and fabric....I've screeched to a halt sewing my dress.  I only have a little bit more to go but can't seem to get it together. Maybe I'm bored, or allergic to all the glitter lol!  Actually, I've been distracted by the job searching/interviewing/etc.

I only have to finish the panty part and attach it and the skirt to the bodice and it's done. Then, I need to whip up a dress for my compulsory routine IF I'm able to go (if I get that job, I seriously doubt it).

On the table: a girl's get-together stoning gloves!!!! They are starting to go on clearance and I'm snapping up some sets.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: karne on February 11, 2012, 06:31:02 AM
I only have to finish the panty part and attach it and the skirt to the bodice and it's done.

Ooooh, have you put the elastic in yet? That's a horrid job but once you get it over with, you'll be amazed how fast the rest of it goes together. Really!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Query on February 11, 2012, 07:05:32 PM
I know why gals skate. &) It's so they can play dress up.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on February 11, 2012, 07:19:05 PM
I know why gals skate. &) It's so they can play dress up.

not all of them.  My DD gets a huge personal satisfaction out of outskating arrogant men who assume figure skating is a girly sport and that girls who skate are in it for the sparkly clothes.  If she wants to dress up ... she puts on the heels that show off her phenomenal skaters legs, and the dresses that show off her perfect skaters butt, plus the toned core muscles from off-ice training.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Query on February 13, 2012, 01:29:33 PM
Sk8tmum: Real athleticism is always attractive.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skate@Delaware on February 13, 2012, 03:49:03 PM
Ooooh, have you put the elastic in yet? That's a horrid job but once you get it over with, you'll be amazed how fast the rest of it goes together. Really!
Actually, I find that doing the elastic is fairly easy-I have a method and it only takes me about 5 minutes to elasticize a panty (including pinning). The worst part is putting together the panty/skirt to the bodice because sometimes a layer can get "pinched" if there is a wrinkle...and you have to pick out the stitching.

Which is where it is now...pinned and ready to stitch-then it's done! Yay!!!! It will take me about 45 minutes only because I am slow and using my sewing machine (my serger is out of thread and I don't want to get any more for this little bit).

Then onto my dress for the compulsory program! I'm doing lycra with mesh overlay (haha no glitter). Can't decide how I want to overylay the mesh...I'll have to play around with it.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Robin on February 14, 2012, 02:59:50 PM
My problem as well-I have a really long girth and legs....all the skirts look like kootchy skirts  :o and my behind hangs out. I like pants (I get talls whenever I can).

Adults should never, ever wear off the rack skating dresses. They look ridiculous because they're cut for 12 year olds who haven't hit puberty. If you want something with a skirt, wear a leotard with a wrap skirt (available in dance stores). It's a look that flatters everyone. The skirts come in varying lengths. I find Body Wrappers makes a good one with a nice cut.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on February 14, 2012, 04:25:49 PM
Adults should never, ever wear off the rack skating dresses. They look ridiculous because they're cut for 12 year olds who haven't hit puberty. If you want something with a skirt, wear a leotard with a wrap skirt (available in dance stores). It's a look that flatters everyone. The skirts come in varying lengths. I find Body Wrappers makes a good one with a nice cut.

You can find dresses off the rack that suit older skaters;  you just have to look a bit harder, or ask them to order them in in a different colour.  Brad Griffies makes dresses that suit the adult body, and I've seen many skaters with mature figures who look amazing in DelArbor dresses.  Many of Jerry's dresses also are quite attractive on skaters with curves; we have quite a few of our 1000+ club members who are definitely not pre-pubescent!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on April 17, 2012, 03:19:40 PM
Can I just say that I don't understand why Jackson includes these absurdly-long laces on their stock skates?  There are skaters with them tied around the ankle twice!  On my Ladies Size 7.5 Competitors, I had to go around each pair of hooks twice to pick up the slack.  One of my students' laces were just as long, even though she has skates three sizes smaller!

It's ridiculous and dangerous to put overlength laces on skates.  It also adds to the expense of buying skates if you have to replace the laces immediately.  They need to size the laces to match the skates better.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on April 17, 2012, 03:20:55 PM
Rant and Roll: I dislike the QuikSew patterns for skating clothing.  The construction's amateurish and the fit isn't for real skaters.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on April 17, 2012, 06:56:49 PM
Can I just say that I don't understand why Jackson includes these absurdly-long laces on their stock skates?  There are skaters with them tied around the ankle twice!  On my Ladies Size 7.5 Competitors, I had to go around each pair of hooks twice to pick up the slack.  One of my students' laces were just as long, even though she has skates three sizes smaller!

It's ridiculous and dangerous to put overlength laces on skates.  It also adds to the expense of buying skates if you have to replace the laces immediately.  They need to size the laces to match the skates better.


Absolutely agree!!!!!!!!! Weirdly enough, gam, which is owned by Jackson, was supplying way too short laces with skates.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: VAsk8r on April 17, 2012, 07:44:31 PM
Can I just say that I don't understand why Jackson includes these absurdly-long laces on their stock skates?  There are skaters with them tied around the ankle twice!  On my Ladies Size 7.5 Competitors, I had to go around each pair of hooks twice to pick up the slack.  One of my students' laces were just as long, even though she has skates three sizes smaller!
I thought I was the only person with this issue! On my 6.5 Jackson Freestyles, I was lacing the skates up, then looping the laces back down through the hooks and tying them with double knots below the hooks, and they still hung way down. Both my mom and my coach said, "Your laces are too long; that's dangerous!" and, since I was too lazy to bother to do anything about it, I blew them off. Until last month when I caught my blade on a lace in the middle of a flip jump, sliced the lace in half and went down on my back.

Someone gave me an extra pair of Riedell laces she had that are the perfect length. I found I still really prefer to take the laces back down through the hooks, and these are just long enough to do it.

My next pair of Jacksons will be a full size shorter (it turned out mine were too big) and I'm hoping they come with shorter laces.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Query on April 19, 2012, 03:40:50 AM
My bubble gum edges

Today I had some trouble holding some of my edges. I'd been out of town and hadn't skated in over a week, so I thought I was out of practice.

When I took off my boots, I saw there was a big glob of dried up bubble gum stuck hard to the tail. Not much left under the blade, except in the hollow, but to get the gum off I had to run hot water over the blade, then pry it off with a knife.

Yuk.

I must have stepped in it before that week-long rest, and it dried out in between. I usually try to use blade guards, but I must confess I recently didn't.

I have two conclusions:

(1) Bubble gum affects skating.
(2) Use blade guards.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: karne on April 19, 2012, 10:24:27 AM
Rant and Roll: I dislike the QuikSew patterns for skating clothing.  The construction's amateurish and the fit isn't for real skaters.

Oh, I love KwikSew's dress patterns. I've made three dresses using it so far and it's excellent. And it fits so well.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: tazsk8s on April 19, 2012, 12:35:04 PM
Oh, I love KwikSew's dress patterns. I've made three dresses using it so far and it's excellent. And it fits so well.

Me too, with some minor modifications which are fairly easy to make. 

I love the variety that Specialty Sportswear has, but have found these to be very difficult to get to fit me correctly (although they always fit my daughter well when she skated - go figure).  I don't care for the one their website claims is "most flattering" at all....the one with the really deep V at the waistline and the triple circle skirt.  Too much fabric on a rear-end that doesn't need it, and I find the really deep V to be a rather outdated look in general (jmho).  I don't think the stretch running vertically instead of crosswise particularly helps, either.

My rant...doesn't matter what pattern I'm using, I hate, loathe, despise the cutting-out phase of making a dress!!  I'm trying to more or less "retire" from making dresses altogether because I'd just rather be doing other things these days, but was persuaded to make one for a girl that I did one for last year.  I agreed because the family was generally very easy to work with.  It has taken me literally weeks to force myself to sit down and cut the thing out.  I can probably have it physically constructed in a weekend, and stoned in another weekend.  Just the cutting out part kills me.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on April 19, 2012, 12:46:12 PM
I love laying out and cutting the fabric.  It's instinctive to me - I know what goes on a fold and how much to fold over, how to follow the fabric/nap direction and what can be shifted a little this way or that to fit more closely and cut down on waste.  I always end up with extra fabric left over.

I even like matching plaids and patterns - it's a challenge.

I don't like doing zippers or armhole sleeves.  After this flapper-style dress, I really hate putting on trim by machine.  I just redid the entire top row of fringe and sequin trim.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: tazsk8s on April 19, 2012, 12:56:43 PM
I love laying out and cutting the fabric.  It's instinctive to me - I know what goes on a fold and how much to fold over, how to follow the fabric/nap direction and what can be shifted a little this way or that to fit more closely and cut down on waste.  I always end up with extra fabric left over.

I just about always end up with fabric left over too, but I also don't strictly follow the suggested layout either.  I think it's a matter of "once you've cut something, you can't un-cut it"...if I screw up, I have to start over.  I knew I needed to leave it alone last night when I accidentally threw away two "legitimate" pieces that I'd already cut along with some scrap fabric.  Glad there was nothing really gross in the trash last night, because I didn't have enough left of this particular fabric to re-cut them and would have had to make another trip back to the store for more.  I already had to do go back once because I forgot I was doing a double layer skirt and needed twice as much skirt fabric as usual (DUH!!!!)  :bash

Quote

I don't like doing zippers or armhole sleeves.  After this flapper-style dress, I really hate putting on trim by machine.  I just redid the entire top row of fringe and sequin trim.

Zippers.....ugggghhhhhh. I'm right there with you on those.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Orianna2000 on April 24, 2012, 03:59:46 PM
I don't follow the pattern's suggested cutting layout either. I usually have less fabric than they call for, but I'm pretty good at arranging the pattern pieces so they all fit, even if there's a nap.

Sleeves are my nemesis, as is anything that comes in pairs or multiples. I hate having to sew the same thing more than once. With sleeves, I'm always sewing the wrong sleeve to the wrong armscye, or putting it in backwards or inside out. Just when I've finally got it in perfectly, I realize that I have to repeat the process all over again with the second sleeve. Ugh!

I've never tried zippers in a knit garment, since those typically pull over the head, but I found a good tutorial for invisible zippers in the July 2005 issue of Threads magazine. There's an article in the March 2010 issue about sewing with knits and it has a few tips for installing zippers. If anyone would like the gist of either of the articles, just PM me and I'll share.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on March 30, 2013, 06:34:55 PM
Agnes was responding to a skater upthread who had bought a dress (used) specifically to wear as a practice dress, but had a concern.  I'm not sure why you felt the need to upbraid her response, which was perfectly adequate.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Isk8NYC on March 30, 2013, 06:58:17 PM
Wearing something other than a dress would solve her problem.
 :)
That particular member prefers dresses, lol.    If your goal was really to give "Prettysk8Dress" that option, you would quoted her, not Agnes' suggestion.  Perhaps more reading and less knee-jerk posting is in order, please.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on March 30, 2013, 07:01:05 PM
Wearing something other than a dress would solve her problem.
 :)

Robin, thank you for reviving this thread.

However, w/ regard to my reply to the poster, I've learned that people wear clothes for sports for different reasons. Back when I showed horses, some riders would wear full show gear of a lower quality for training,  so they felt at ease on show day or when hunting. Some stables even had a culture of riders wearing very nice practice wear (shirts with stocks and boots) while others had a t-shirt and english chaps culture. I figure if someone wants to wear a dress, maybe it's to get used to wearing a dress when she competes, or just because she wants to. I'd wear a dress if I had the legs for it.


Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on April 09, 2013, 04:30:10 PM
I think my boots are at the end of their lifespan, esp. the right one. At the lunge spot near the sole plate, there are little black tear marks in the leather. I don't practice lunges often, and would guess that comes from jump landings. Overthinking maybe, but my right foot feels colder too lately while skating, as if air is coming in LOL. Got these skates used in August 2010 fully broken in, not shabby to get over 2.5 years out of them. :)

I am probably getting the same boots (Jackson competitor) new this time, from our wonderful pro shop to show some support. My only concern is.... the dreaded break-in!!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on April 09, 2013, 04:35:39 PM
Put some skate tape over the spot!  If they still support you, no need to buy new skates (unless you want them).


If you have older Jackson Competitors, I recommend looking at the Premier.  They are as stiff as my old Competitors were, and the padding is SO much better.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on April 09, 2013, 11:01:29 PM
Put some skate tape over the spot!  If they still support you, no need to buy new skates (unless you want them).

Yup skate tape it will be. The memo from previous sharpenings is the skates are gradually breaking down. Since I plan to test later this summer, it would be unfortunate to have (emergency) skates break-in then. Considering my right ankle complained loudly when the previous pair broke down, I should not risk too much.


If you have older Jackson Competitors, I recommend looking at the Premier.  They are as stiff as my old Competitors were, and the padding is SO much better.

Yup I asked about premier as well, and they said something like the new competitor has new paddings blabla. My foot size is quite standard and I think it would be possible to try on both.

Now I need a rainbo coupon, LOL.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on April 09, 2013, 11:26:07 PM
The newer Jackson's with the rolled tops all have more padding. The Elles I just got my daughter have nearly as much as my elite supremes.. my daughter says she loves them because the ankles are "squishy" inside. She had (very used) freestyles before and they had nearly no padding at the ankles.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on April 12, 2013, 09:08:25 AM
I ordered new boots -- SP-Teri Supers, split-width, with a flex notch.  Hope they fit since I can't return them.

I should replace my orthotics before having a blade mounted.  I have SuperFeet insoles, but the arch isn't high enough imo.  I have some old Klingbeil insoles that might work; I do like the leather insole.

Not sure what I'll do for blades yet; I'm going to try my DDs skates with the Coronation Ace blades and see if there's a major adjustment from my Gold Seals.  The shorter radius might be better for me than the long-tailed GS's.

I'm afraid the skate tech who works with our pro shop doesn't have the patience to deal with me because I'm such a PITA about the blade mounting.  We have different philosophies, too: I think the skates should be adjusted to the skater's needs, he thinks all mounting issues are the result of poor technique.  I might have one of the coaches from another rink do the mounting instead.  He's about 40 mins away and seems like a nice guy.  I'm not sure how many adults he's worked with, though.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on April 12, 2013, 11:05:43 AM
Yup I asked about premier as well, and they said something like the new competitor has new paddings blabla. My foot size is quite standard and I think it would be possible to try on both.

Man, I wish my fitter had told me that. I would have gotten the competitor (cheaper).  Though I do love my premiers- they aren't too stiff.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on April 12, 2013, 12:27:52 PM
Man, I wish my fitter had told me that. I would have gotten the competitor (cheaper).  Though I do love my premiers- they aren't too stiff.

Well I'm not sure the line had changed yet when you got your last pair boots, if it makes you feel better.  I think the changes happened less than a year ago (definitely not back in 2011)... whenever the Elle came out, they also slightly redesigned/updated the Freestyle and Competitor to add the rolled top and change the tongue linings in addition to the extra padding.  IMO they are all nicer boots now than they were because of those added details :)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: 4711 on April 12, 2013, 04:54:38 PM
Y'all make be want to buy a pair of skates now so bad.... :-[

I can just see myself: with fuzzy covers on the blades, A/C forming icicles.....if I turn my fans on high I can imagine I am skating!  :sweat
(it was nearly 80 degrees here already, before the storm came. I just live in the wrong part of the country)

/rant
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on April 12, 2013, 08:26:10 PM
I've decided that it costs more to make a freeskate/competition dress than to buy one.. whether it's a cheap (chinese) ebay dress or something made to order (but unstoned) I don't think it's cheaper any more to make things yourself any more.. not when you consider the cost of ordering all the different fabric (since one place almost never has everything you want, the shipping really starts to add up) and the pattern, and your TIME.  Ugh.  I have something specific in mind for my silver freeskate and I can't find anything that comes close from any of the major makers, so I'm trying to piece it together myself from three different Jalie patterns (that alone is around $45, but I already had them) and figure out what fabrics to use.. and already I'm incredibly frustrated.

Which resulted in the need for some retail therapy, so I bought this dress for my bronze program, already made and about half the price ($80) of ordering it custom from Tina's Skating.    I am hoping to test that program in the next few weeks on a freestyle session since it only needs one judge, then I can get my silver program ready for the next test session (whenever it is).  And yeah, I could probably wear any old dress since it's just a test, but that doesn't seem right.. plus the one I am making for my silver test program will be the program I use for competition if I ever choose to do so :)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8644471650_090193e9cd.jpg)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: 4711 on April 12, 2013, 09:11:04 PM
It is lovely!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: platyhiker on April 13, 2013, 12:14:07 PM
Wow, that is lovely!  I really like how cloth transitions smoothly between the different shades of blue - very elegant.  The skirt is very interesting and attractive.  I hope you some day post a video of you skating it so that I can see how the skirt flutters - looks like it should be lovely to watch.  What a nice find, and such a reasonable price!   :D
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: PrettySk8Dress on April 13, 2013, 10:59:53 PM


However, w/ regard to my reply to the poster, I've learned that people wear clothes for sports for different reasons.

 I figure if someone wants to wear a dress, maybe it's to get used to wearing a dress when she competes, or just because she wants to. I'd wear a dress if I had the legs for it.

Another reason that I wear ice skating dresses for practice---
I used to wear black modern dance pants for ice dancing practice, that had a band of elastic that went from side to side of the leg openings and around the arch of the foot. However, I would place the band of elastic around and under the skate and blade, just like how male skaters would wear their skating pants. When I changed to wearing tights and a skating dress due to an injury, where my blade became entangled in the pants leg, to my horror I discovered a bad habit that I had developed when ice dancing in the pants. With the pants pulled taut because of the elastic around the boot and blade, I could very slightly bend my knee on extensions and not even know or suspect that I was doing that, because the taut pants would hide the sightly bent leg. I thought I had good, straight extensions. But when I began ice dancing in a skating dress and tights, and would look down at my extended leg, there was the leg bent at the knee. But no hiding it now ! My coach even mentioned that she could now see that my extensions were not really straight, but bent at the knee. So now I have my work cut out for me ! I have to learn and relearn how to extend the leg and have it perfectly straight on all of the steps of the dance where that is expected, just as it befits ice dancers. The good news is that my coach has seen some improvement, but there is still more to work on. As I practice the ice dances, you better believe that I am going to wear skating dresses and tights, so I can occasionally ( also horror of horrors !) look down at my legs and see that I am extending with straight legs.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on April 13, 2013, 11:14:09 PM
A lot of us just practice in tight leggings... I don't wear dresses unless I have to :)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on April 13, 2013, 11:45:56 PM
A lot of us just practice in tight leggings... I don't wear dresses unless I have to :)

Leggings + wrap skirt here :)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on April 14, 2013, 08:54:34 AM
A lot of us just practice in tight leggings... I don't wear dresses unless I have to :)

I just wear leggings.  I wear very tight ones though, so my coach can see my extension well.  He can tell if I am straight or hyper-extended (I'm not supposed to let myself do that), so clearly they are good enough.

Track pants are a NO now.  I stopped wearing those when I started backspin.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on April 14, 2013, 10:37:57 AM
I'm not comfortable in either a dress nor in leggings - I feel underdressed and cold! 

I used to teach outdoors, so I either wore ski pants or froze!  I think they keep my leg muscles warm, so I still wear them to skate/coach at certain rinks.  It is hard to find petite length in the larger size snow pants, though.

I had some awesome Champion fleece sweat pants that I picked up at Target for a song.  (They don't make them anymore.  Boo! :'( ) One of my two remaining pairs are pretty worn out, but the second pair is okay.  They have elastic hems and are just the right length to cover the skate hooks.  They fit tightly and don't have a lot of bulk along the ankle, certainly far less than my ski pants.

I hate my current sweat pants - they're baggy and shapeless, a little too short for my taste.  blah.

Going through the skating clothes last month, I tried on a pair of lycra skating pants that I had made for my DDs.  They fit, which means two things: (1) I have lost a few inches; and (2) I made them too big in the first place.  The latter is probably why the kids didn't like them; they were probably too baggy.

I've never gotten my blades caught while doing spins.  It's always stroking and crossovers, but you just roll with fall since they also provide a little cushioning.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: ChristyRN on April 17, 2013, 08:46:20 PM
I skate in dresses for the same reason I wear scrubs at work: it makes me feel like I'm in the role I'm filling.  I originally skated in jeans--one day when I went home, I found a huge slash in my lower leg.  I started looking for slimmer pants then and went into dresses when I'd been skating about a year.  I cannot skate in pants now--it just feels wrong, and I spend the entire session pulling the d***ed things up.  88)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on April 18, 2013, 09:51:41 AM
I skate in dresses for the same reason I wear scrubs at work

Interestingly, this is why I skate in pants.  Nothing makes me feel more like a figure skater practicing to get out there wearing tight fitting leggings and a sleeveless workout shirt.  Except dancers, this seems to be what the majority of elite ladies wear during their official competition practices, and I assume at their home rinks.

But I agree with the general notion. I felt so much like a skater the first day I stopped wearing track pants.  I wore skirts for awhile, my coach requires his girls wear skirts, and I was fitting in, but changed to leggings because a) they are more comfortable, b)I don't have to wear tights, and c) they better fit my image of what a skater should wear in practice.

Quote
I've never gotten my blades caught while doing spins.
I actually had to make myself to fall down from the backspin when I caught my blade because I pulled my pants halfway off before I realized I wasn't going to be able to recover the blade!  I also caught my toe pick on jazz pants once in a synchro competition- just the ending pose thank goodness, but I couldn't stand up.  Thankfully another team member realized what was going on, so she held her pose a little longer too to help me get the fabric lose from the blade, before the whole team skated off without me.   
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: iomoon on April 27, 2013, 07:26:50 PM
I am in SUCH a bad mood right now.

SP Teri confirmed what I suspected: the sharpener ruined my Jackson Freestyle skates by using a hockey sharpener. They kept re-profiling the blades each time, to the point where there's hardly any rocker. The front and back of the blades have no more life in them. 

It's the reason why I had a hard time with finding the sweet spot, with edging, with metatarsal pain, and with jumping off the toe-pick. >:(

So yeah... they told me to either go to them or a Fremont sharpener when I get a new pair. That's going to be a long drive every 3 months. =__=

Rave: When I first came in, there was only one person in the shop and he was vacuuming outside and couldn't hear me. LOL Despite that, he was attentive to my needs and told me why I was having troubles. Apparently, my forefeet are C width and my heels are A width. o___O;; I look forward to getting my new ProTeris/Coronation Aces! (My wallet doesn't) Let's just hope I don't outskate them with an Axel anytime soon...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: nicklaszlo on April 27, 2013, 08:08:28 PM
Maybe you need sharpening by mail?
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: iomoon on April 27, 2013, 08:17:50 PM
Maybe you need sharpening by mail?

I have no patience with mailing. ;D I'm spoiled.

However, that's a possibility if I can't find time to drive there. Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: amy1984 on April 27, 2013, 08:39:00 PM
I had this happen to me :(  It sucked.  The funny thing was at first I really liked the sharpenings but then I started to notice problems as I kept going back to the same place.  Eventually I had a lump at the front of my blade bec. he wasn't grinding the front by the pick and it was building up as he sharpened the rest of the blade.  Which made me finally take to to a slightly out of the way guy who took one look at them, made a face, and proceeded to grind down my whole blade to fix it.  Which meant I had no life left on my blades because he had to take so much off.  The blades had also been profiled like hockey skates like you mentioned happened to you - which really killed them.

This only needs to happen to someone once before they get picky with who they hand their skates over to.  I'm sorry it happened to you, but I think it does to most of us if it makes you feel any better!

I am in SUCH a bad mood right now.

SP Teri confirmed what I suspected: the sharpener ruined my Jackson Freestyle skates by using a hockey sharpener. They kept re-profiling the blades each time, to the point where there's hardly any rocker. The front and back of the blades have no more life in them. 

It's the reason why I had a hard time with finding the sweet spot, with edging, with metatarsal pain, and with jumping off the toe-pick. >:(

So yeah... they told me to either go to them or a Fremont sharpener when I get a new pair. That's going to be a long drive every 3 months. =__=

Rave: When I first came in, there was only one person in the shop and he was vacuuming outside and couldn't hear me. LOL Despite that, he was attentive to my needs and told me why I was having troubles. Apparently, my forefeet are C width and my heels are A width. o___O;; I look forward to getting my new ProTeris/Coronation Aces! (My wallet doesn't) Let's just hope I don't outskate them with an Axel anytime soon...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on April 27, 2013, 08:44:25 PM
I went to a highly recommended sharpener (recommended by a coach I respected) when my regular sharpener was out of town.

The new sharpener sharpened my blades with tiny thousandth of an inch error (I don't know in what, my sharpener just grunted "thousandth of an inch error there". It made my blades chatter like a machine gun. I had my guy resharpen them, they're as silent as the grave.

I swear I'm going to learn to sharpen my own blades when my regular guy retires.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: iomoon on April 27, 2013, 08:49:16 PM
I had this happen to me :(  It sucked.  The funny thing was at first I really liked the sharpenings but then I started to notice problems as I kept going back to the same place.  Eventually I had a lump at the front of my blade bec. he wasn't grinding the front by the pick and it was building up as he sharpened the rest of the blade.  Which made me finally take to to a slightly out of the way guy who took one look at them, made a face, and proceeded to grind down my whole blade to fix it.  Which meant I had no life left on my blades because he had to take so much off.  The blades had also been profiled like hockey skates like you mentioned happened to you - which really killed them.

This only needs to happen to someone once before they get picky with who they hand their skates over to.  I'm sorry it happened to you, but I think it does to most of us if it makes you feel any better!

Amy1984: Thanks! I hope you were able to adjust quickly. :(

AgnesNitt: LOL (btw your blog is a delight to read)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: JSM on April 27, 2013, 11:03:39 PM
Blade issues are the worst!  I drive 5 hours to get my blades done every few months.  I tried the local guy once, and not only did I hate the sharpening itself, but my skates came back smelling like cat pee.  :(  Never again!

Hockey sharpeners really don't understand how to do figure skates.  It's a fine art, and one in which a lot of the technicians are aging and retiring.  I don't know what I'll do when my guy doesn't sharpen any more!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: nicklaszlo on November 05, 2013, 11:42:48 PM
Equipment Rant:  Toe pick hole.  In my street shoes.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: blue111moon on November 06, 2013, 08:17:49 AM
A year or so ago, someone "borrowed" my warm-up pants (I'm not going to say "stole" because it could have been an accident and I didn't even notice they were missing for almost a month) and I've been trying to find another pair without success.  Therse were navy, heavy ripstop nylon outter shell with a flannel-like lining and - most importantly - full-length snaps down both sides so they could be put on and taken off without removing skates.  They came from a sporting goods store or ski shop supply (I bought them through the skating club and no one remembers exactly where they were ordered from) and matched my club jacket, which I still have.

Has anyone seen anything like these pants anywhere?  I've checked all the skating sites.  I don't want the fleece ones with zippers (I have those) and the custom ones the coaches have are way too expensive. 
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on November 06, 2013, 09:58:28 AM
Rant: startled by municipal pickup truck (who turned suddenly and came very close) while walking through parking lot.  Didn't realize a skate fell out of the bag onto the pavement.  Fortunately, it was just scuffed from the fall, it wasn't run over by the dope's truck.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Skittl1321 on November 06, 2013, 10:16:29 AM
Rant:  Since I've completely forgotten how to skate, my boots are now too stiff for me and my achilles tendon is so sore from it that I can barely walk today.  I just cannot bend my ankles.

I'm not amused.  A coach at the rink tells me give it three weeks to get my skills back, so hopefully the boots are better then!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: fsk8r on November 06, 2013, 10:53:12 AM
Not sure if this is a rant or a rave.
My sharpener moved further away from me. He moved into his local rink rather than having a separate shop. That means it's an extra 30min each way for me. I decided that and his awkward opening hours that I would try someone else. Everyone at my synchro rink raved about this coach who sharpened blades. He did mine, they were sharp, but within a day of skating on them I felt I was sliding everywhere. I know enough about blades to know a good sharpening and they passed all my tests. I finally sucked it up and drove the 3hour round trip to get the blades done by my old sharpener. Turns out the coach had put a figure grind on them (3/4inch) and I normally skate on 7/16ths. I hadn't realised it was that big a difference. I can now skate again without worrying about my blades sliding out from under me.

People might complain that the automatic grinding machine doesn't do a great job, but it's highly reliable at doing the same each time. Now to save time, I just need to buy my own one and find a garage to store it in.

Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: jjane45 on November 06, 2013, 11:26:02 AM
Equipment Rant:  Toe pick hole.  In my street shoes.

who did it? :p
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Christy on January 15, 2014, 02:38:03 PM
Rant - just received my dress from Tina's Skating, having specified that I wanted exactly what was on the website (thanks to reading other people's comments on here), stating that I wanted velvet and having received an email from Tina telling me that model was shown in velvet, and what I've received is not velvet >:(  I'm sooooo disappointed and totally hate the dress because the design just doesn't work in limp lycra.
Seriously hope that they're as good about correcting their mistakes as other people have said because I absolutely refuse to wear the horror they've sent - well won't be able to as it's already back in the packet and will be mailed tomorrow morning at the latest.

Updated to say just heard back from them and it will take 4-5 weeks to make a new dress - so I won't actually get to wear it for any competitions this year  :(

Oh and tried to add a review to their website (saying how prompt they were, how well packaged the product was, and how totally revolting the dress was ;)) but turns out they are moderated by the company - hmmmm, not exactly unbiased eh?
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Sk8tmum on January 19, 2014, 12:16:11 PM
Rant:  tight sizing.  If you're tall and long-legged, you have to buy the L/XL size, which are then too loose on the top and creep down. If you get ones that fit your hips and butt, then, the crotch is somewhere around your knees (passed along by my daughter, the 5'10inch skater with the 35 inch inseam who wears size 2 jeans ...) With my other kid, who has a similar narrow hip and disproportionately long leg problem but is only 5'3, to get them long enough in the leg, the waist band ends up somewhere around the middle of her chest, where it again proceeds to creep slowly south through practice.  Why can't them make tights in "tall" to accommodate tall people?

Yes, we're tried to buy the smaller sizes and stretch them up ... doesn't work for longer than a single dance test ...
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Vicki7 on January 23, 2014, 02:42:02 PM
Rave - I just ordered my first ever practice/basic competition dress :) It's the same colour as the one I had when I was learning as a child (I was never very good as a child but wanted to look pretty...)

Can't wait til it arrives :D
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: sarahspins on January 23, 2014, 05:14:57 PM
Rant:  tight sizing.  If you're tall and long-legged, you have to buy the L/XL size, which are then too loose on the top and creep down.

Even if you are larger they work their way down - I think it simply has to do with the excessive amount of rise before the waistband.. by the time the waistband has settled at your waist (because it will, even if you pull them up higher), there's an extra 6" of tights trying to sag below the crotch.  I find that "hip hugger" style dance tights tend to creep down less simply because there's less material between the crotch and waistband.  I've even gone so far as to pin the waistband of regular tights to my bra to keep it from falling down.

This is yet another reason I like body tights... it's kind of hard for those to fall down since they have shoulder straps :)
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: PhysicsOnIce on January 27, 2014, 05:55:55 AM
I've even gone so far as to pin the waistband of regular tights to my bra to keep it from falling down.

I've been known to do that. My mom at one point joked about sewing my tights into my dresses when I was little.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Loops on January 27, 2014, 07:08:07 AM
I know, what is it with tights?  I always thought it was just me 'cause I'm tall...but I'm guessing now not?

Loving this concept of body tights.   Someone posted a link on another thread that I bookmarked for when I'm once again in need.

PhysicsOnIce- if you ever happen across  them on this side of the pond, please let me know where!
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: accordion on January 27, 2014, 07:33:34 AM
Have you considered braces to hold up the tights?

Rant: the waistband of my skate pants is starting to stretch. I keep pulling it up as I skate. Not so elegant. Will have to attempt a repair job soon.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: FigureSpins on January 27, 2014, 07:59:16 AM
Someone (Skate@Delaware, maybe?) had once posted that they removed the stock waistband from tights and replaced it with something else that worked much better.  I'll see if I can find the thread later.

Found it!  It was Aussieskater and she used lycra fabric instead:

http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=1077.msg9426#msg9426
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: accordion on January 27, 2014, 02:49:42 PM
Someone (Skate@Delaware, maybe?) had once posted that they removed the stock waistband from tights and replaced it with something else that worked much better.  I'll see if I can find the thread later.

Found it!  It was Aussieskater and she used lycra fabric instead:

http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=1077.msg9426#msg9426
Thanks FigureSpins! A fascinating read & web links too!

It's the waistband of my pants not tights that is going. I only wear tights (or pantyhose or stockings) under extreme pressure as I hate them intensely. The existing elastic is not very strong and narrow clear elastic. I should replace it with a stronger and wider width. Sigh.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: ChristyRN on January 27, 2014, 08:37:55 PM
I just want tights that stay up over my round belly. I have to wear tight panties under my dresses to keep them up and haven't found a pair of pants that I don't have to continuously pull up the entire time I'm on the ice.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: nicklaszlo on July 21, 2017, 08:02:59 PM
Somehow a lace hook on my boot punched through a lace, so that the lace was stuck on the hook.  I was afraid I would have to ask someone to cut me out of the boot, but I was able to break the lace off.  Now my lace is ruined after just two weeks.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 21, 2017, 09:01:02 PM
I have one lace that is 3 inches shorter than the other. Came in the same pack.

GRRRRR.  >:(
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: Ethereal Ice on July 26, 2017, 05:59:43 PM
I had the weirdest equipment issue the other day. (rant) I tied my skates and I happened to get my ankles, on both of them, just a little too loose. I had plenty of time before our session started, and thought to myself, "I will just re-snug both boots, a little, from the bottom up.". Best I can tell, because I basically never have fit issues with my skates, from the time I originally tied until the time I decided to snug them up more, the leather had warmed and started to get stretchy. We were also in the warm snack bar area. So when I re-tightened them, initially they felt snug but ok, but soon after I went into the cold rink, they must have cooled a bit. They clamped down on the tops of both of my feet like hounds from hell. What the heck? I tried un-tying and re-tying and could not get them right. Finally I figured out my warm/cold theory and decided to just pull both boots off for about 10 minutes. Precious skate time, but our session is 1.5 hours, thank goodness. I cooled my aching feet on the bleachers and let my skates cool too. When I put them back on, success! I had no clue that my skates were so temperature sensitive. What should have given me the first clue was that I ended up with twice as much lace as I normally do when lacing at my first "re-snugging" I feel for folks with fit issues now, it would be crazy frustrating to have that ongoing problem.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: AgnesNitt on July 26, 2017, 06:20:05 PM
I have/had a similar problem. My left boot always fits perfectly, the right boot is 'finicky in the heel' even after I had it rebuilt. I put both boots on, right boot first, then go back and retie the right boot.  Fits perfectly.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: tothepointe on July 28, 2017, 12:26:00 AM
I had the weirdest equipment issue the other day. (rant) I tied my skates and I happened to get my ankles, on both of them, just a little too loose. I had plenty of time before our session started, and thought to myself, "I will just re-snug both boots, a little, from the bottom up.". Best I can tell, because I basically never have fit issues with my skates, from the time I originally tied until the time I decided to snug them up more, the leather had warmed and started to get stretchy. We were also in the warm snack bar area. So when I re-tightened them, initially they felt snug but ok, but soon after I went into the cold rink, they must have cooled a bit. They clamped down on the tops of both of my feet like hounds from hell. What the heck? I tried un-tying and re-tying and could not get them right. Finally I figured out my warm/cold theory and decided to just pull both boots off for about 10 minutes. Precious skate time, but our session is 1.5 hours, thank goodness. I cooled my aching feet on the bleachers and let my skates cool too. When I put them back on, success! I had no clue that my skates were so temperature sensitive. What should have given me the first clue was that I ended up with twice as much lace as I normally do when lacing at my first "re-snugging" I feel for folks with fit issues now, it would be crazy frustrating to have that ongoing problem.

I have this issue to an extent but the opposite. I now tie my laces, step onto the ice, then almost immediately go to the hockey box to retie. I can never get it right the first time.
Title: Re: Clothing, skates, music and equipment Rant
Post by: nicklaszlo on September 15, 2017, 09:17:04 PM
RANT RANT RANT

My Risport RF2s have broken down.  Now it hurts when I land a jump.  The landing foot boot has a 5 cm crease. 

I got these boots six months ago and have skated about 100 hours in them.  They are marketed for triple jumps.  My highest jump is 1A.  Boots are costing me $6/hour.

Bonus:  state championships are in two weeks.