Swing Your Partner
Such spirited dancing, which many Americans have come to know as Western Square Dancing, actually had its origins in English country dancing and French ballroom quad drills. Throw in a little jig from the taverns of Ireland, folk dancing from Eastern Europe, and the fluid tribal dances of Africa, and you have the makings of a wonderful new blend for a good ol' country barn dance. In the Old American West of the 19th century, pioneers worked very hard on the land. But whenever a barn raising, wedding, or holiday gave them a reason, they were happy to celebrate and dance.
Click here for free project instructionsfor shirt set placement!
Dancers from many cultures - Poles, Germans, French, Irish, Jews, Scandinavians, Czechs, and Russians - who had clung to their native folk dances, could find common ground in new dance varieties like the polka, which combined the intimacy of a waltz with the vivacity of an Irish jig.The European blends of round, square, and line dancing that came west with the pioneers were also destined to undergo the impact of cowboy "culture." Cowboys spent many long hard days in the saddle and were not known for their gracefulness. They knew how to celebrate with a bit of stomping and a hoot and holler, but they cared little for genteel dance steps. One might imagine that the square dance caller may have been born out of necessity to tame, organize, and refine such behavior. New designs this week are a treasure for square dancers, young and old, and will also be beloved by those that enjoy the pomp and panache of western wear. Read below to find more interesting facts and tidbits about square dance, and to see how you can transform any shirt into a western delight with new shirt sets!
Patchwork symbols of country and music make this design a perfect declaration for dancers of all ages. Great on bibs for the "little bits" in your life, and colorful and fun on shirts and totes for your dance partner.
Available in three sizes: 9.33"X4.23" and 6.81"X3.09" and 3.82"X2.00"
This design features three silhouettes of square dancers, bordered by a 'call.' During the 1950s square dancing enjoyed a tremendous upsurge in popularity. Callers, armed with electric amplifiers, found they could cue many more complex dance moves and work ballrooms filled with a multitude of dancing squares.
Available in two sizes: 9.34"X3.85" and 6.77"X2.79"
American dancing was practically on its last legs (pun intended) in the early 20th century when famed industrialist Henry Ford raised it from its decline. Hiring a dancing master who worked at his vacation spot in Massachusetts, Ford brought dance─including the gavotte, mazurkas, schottische, Virginia reel, and all sorts of squares and rounds─to Detroit. Ford and his dance master worked together to build a dance hall, establish dance programs in all the schools, and write a book to encourage dancing.
Available in two sizes: 9.41"X4.04" and 6.86"X2.95"
Western shirts, swirling skirts, and flying petticoats typify what we think of as the western or country dance scene. This shirt front musically proclaims the opening cue.
Available in three sizes: 9.35"X3.85" and 6.78"X2.79" and 3.87"X1.59"
Could anything say 'fun' as much as these charming cowpunchers chattin' and chillin' out after a long hard day on the range? This spicy design is just the one to wear to your next neighborhood chili feed. Sew on aprons, shirts, totes, and more!
Available in three sizes: 9.41"X5.46" and 6.81"X3.95" and 3.86"X2.43"
This shirt design is an expression of courage...rodeo style. Riding─and staying on─an angry bull for eight seconds is a special feat. It takes perseverance to ride a bull or bucking bronco, and those who last the required time are respected and rewarded with a special belt buckle.
Available in three sizes: 9.41"X5.81" and 6.85"X4.22" and 3.87"X2.39"
Greeting others with this familiar square dance call is a cue to instant friendship, whatever circles you travel in. The term comes from the French expression dos-�-dos, meaning "back to back."
Available in three sizes: 9.34"X2.83" and 6.86"x2.08" and 3.85"X1.17"
Western shirts are as colorful and fanciful as the footwork in western dancing. Embroidery Library shirt sets include all the elements of a handsome western shirt. Each set contains both front and back yokes, button plackets, and an accessory that can be sprinkled on cuffs, hemlines, and anywhere else you want another touch of your theme or color. Just $6.97 per set! This western horse theme with its horseshoes, ropes, and western scenery is the perfect combination for embellishing a lucky shirt. A speedy stallion takes center stage on front and back yokes, and lassos loop along the plackets.
Available in two sizes: 6.19"X4.77" and 3.85"X2.95"
A rearing horse under a desert sun is a striking statement on shirt backs.
Available in two sizes: 9.31"X5.37" and 6.76"X3.90"
Rope designs, placed along the left and right of the button placket, continue the design theme.
Available in two sizes: 1.66"X9.36" and 1.20"X6.74"
A pair of horseshoes is the finishing touch on cuffs, and hemlines.
2.04"X1.71"
Toe-tapping music is what dancing is all about. Raising the volume and speed immediately raises our spirits. This Music Shirt features a guitar, notes, and a staff, to add your creative touches to a shirt.
Available in two sizes: 6.73"X4.80" and 3.87"X2.75"
Available in two sizes: 6.78"X4.81" and 3.86"X2.75"
Twin guitars and a bar of music team up to make the back yoke swing.
Available in two sizes: 9.42"X4.73" and 6.80"X3.41"
Musical elements have been plucked from the guitar to make graceful button plackets.
Available in two sizes: 1.72"X9.41" and 1.26"X6.80"
Available in two sizes: 1.72"X9.41" and 1.25"X6.80"
A treble clef can be added to cuffs and hemlines for a finishing touch.
.80"X2.01"
This design follows the art of the traditional bandana, with its paisley scroll pattern. Truly an Americana image from the Old West, the versatile square kerchief, tied around the neck was always ready to protect a pioneer rancher from sunburn or blowing dust.
Available in two sizes: 6.00"X3.00" and 3.86"X1.92"
Available in two sizes: 5.99"X3.00" and 3.86"X1.92"
Underscoring the paisley is a tiny row of leaves in the second design for the left yoke.
The second shirt-front design for the right yoke.
A wide spray of bandana paisley is a great accent to shirt backs.
Available in two sizes: 9.41"X3.49" and 6.82"X2.53"
Long borders of bandana paisley can be sewn on either side of the button placket.
Available in two sizes: 1.64"X9.40" and 1.19"X6.80"
A square of paisley can be added to shirt cuffs and hemlines for a wonderful coordinating touch.
1.84"X2.02"
All fired up and ready to dance! With feet a-flying, partners can certainly burn up the dance floor, and this bright flame really expresses the exhilaration and exuberance of the dancer.
Available in two sizes: 6.52"X4.56" and 3.84"X2.69"
Available in two sizes: 6.53"X4.56" and 3.84"X2.69"
A coordinating corner of flames, for placement underneath the above block.
The mirrored design for the right yoke.
A large border of flames is wonderful for a shirt back.
Available in two sizes: 9.39"X2.92" and 6.87"X2.14"
Borders of flames, nice for alignment along the left and right side of the placket.
Available in two sizes: 2.12"X9.42" and 1.54"X6.87"
Available in two sizes: 2.11"X9.40" and 1.54"X6.87"
A small block of flames, great for accenting shirt cuffs and hemlines.
.85"X2.01"
Always fashionable in harkening back to the Old West, the feathers of an eagle make a dignified composition on western shirts. Native American lore is filled with stories of the eagle. Much admired for its grace in flight, the eagle is a symbol that dancers are proud to emulate.
Available in two sizes: 4.86"X3.37" and 3.85"X2.66"
Shirt-front design for the left yoke.
Shirt-front design for the right yoke.
For the back of the shirt, the eagle feathers fan out gracefully along the back yoke.
Available in two sizes: 9.40"X4.07" and 6.86"X2.97"
Left placket design of eagle feathers.
Right placket design of eagle feathers.
Available in two sizes: 1.42"X9.41" and 1.03"X6.83"
The regal eagle himself. This little accessory design will go well on a cuff, but you will undoubtedly find many a spot for it.
1.60"X2.00"
Winding, weaving desert roses add elegance and grace to button-down shirts. Graceful arcs of roses arc across shoulders, yokes, and button plackets. Just $6.97 for the set!
Available in two sizes: 6.85"X3.81" and 3.87"X2.13"
Large spray, great for shirt backs!
Available in two sizes: 9.42"X2.89" and 6.86"X2.11"
Long sprays of desert roses are wonderful for either side of a button placket.
Available in two sizes: 1.96"X9.42" and 1.42"X6.87"
Available in two sizes: 1.96"X9.42" and 1.43"X6.87"
This versatile little design is an accessory that will be equally at home on a shirt cuff or enhancing a collar or hem.
.99"X2.02"
Some like it hot! And, these peppers are sure to spice up many a photo. Such bright happy colors are a great match for a lively group or a close-up of an impish smile. Click here for free instructions for making in-the-hoop photo frames.
Available in two sizes: 7.85"X5.85" and 6.35"X4.85"
They love horses, don't they? Kids of any age will delight in seeing their favorite horse depicted on this frame to hold a photo of their very own trail ride. What a great way to make a memory even more special!
Available in two sizes: 7.86"X5.86" and 6.37"X4.86"
These boots were made for walkin'...and framing your favorite rodeo or horseback riding trail adventure.
Available in two sizes: 7.86"X5.86" and 6.36"X4.86"
Picture that western vacation photo in this southwestern landscape frame. A satisfying remembrance of desert nights under the stars or a sun-drenched day in the wild, wild, West.
Want to see more? Click here to see designs released in previous weeks!