Fairy Cove Silks
Veil Review by Oberon
Additional Comments by Zaina Hart
Veil Review by Oberon
Additional Comments by Zaina Hart
One of the pleasures in writing reviews about dance products for iShimmy, is the ability to introduce vendors to our international arena. Veil Queen that I am – I’m particularly happy that my Editor chose to have me review products from Fairy Cove Silks.
The site is immediately lively and vibrant. One small important posting you may miss, is the “Made in USA” declaration among the credits at the left of the screen. “Hand-crafted” also forecasts a careful and thoughtful art and that is indeed borne out in the happy story of Fairy Cove (can’t say that name enough – happy childhood evocation).
The site offers product other than Belly Dance and indeed states that they began with children’s toys in 2004 adding the dance line in 2006 and gaining much more currently.
Meagan K. Maloney, artist/owner says she is self taught when it comes to both the sewing and dyeing of the fabrics – no easy task with silk. They are able to offer custom colors but there is a huge array of beautiful color possibilities on their website in most configurations and shapes desirable to dancers.
Meagan suggests that swatches are available and that they also like to receive any samples or pictures that may help assure the right selection for custom projects. I highly recommend this because lighting both from photography and on your computer screen does influence the way a fabric really appears. It’s important because as with most businesses, custom orders are shipped without a chance for refund although Fairy Cove makes their policies abundantly clear assuring their clients that they will “stand behind” any defect in product or workmanship.
What silk delights does Fairy Cove offer for the dance?
Silk petal skirts that can be custom colored or bought as shown. They are adjustable and come in a couple of starting sizes. Beautifully colored “gypsy” choli and pantaloon sets, whole costumes if desired – hip scarves, “scrunchies” and silk squares with a hundred uses.
However, my temptations are the veils! A plethora of them in every imaginable color – single colors – patterns and color blends – with names like “Arching Rainbow”, “Royal Fantasy”, and “Tropical Sunset” and “Isis” to name a smidgeon. They come in an ultra-light 3-yard standard and heavier longer lengths also. Four Yard – Long and tall adult, short adult and also children’s. They come in my preference – the half circle or purchase a straight 48 x 90 inch if you are so inclined. There is a seemingly endless color chart on their site with large easy to see suggestions but don’t be afraid to ask for swatches of your chosen selections. Spend a “coffee –mug morning” strolling through the multitude of pictures depicting veil selection.
O.K. so did she try the product you’re asking? Did you doubt it for a moment? Here’s my experienced opinion. I’m not a fan of the ultra – light silk veils although I have some strikingly painted half-circles that I use as entrance veils. I danced with a slightly heavier larger half circle silk veil from Fairy Cove with a beautifully mottled pattern of grayed blues and teals – very evocative of stormy skies. I immediately loved the lush quality of the veil – the gracious size so welcomed by we larger dancers - and there was another plus that made it possible for my beginner students to embrace it. The fabric seemed to have a finish or sizing in it’s make-up, probably due to the hand dyeing, and it gave the veil practical “body” that helped it while air-borne and enhanced curves and arcs. I am an open advocate of purchasing helpful “tools” rather than those I have to coax or bully. Remember that this is the heavier weight so please do question the hand of the fabric when ordering your own veil.
I loved the “look” of the veil – often the first impression when a dancer enters the line of sight in performance. It was forceful yet ethereal all at once. I found it picturesque, easy to maneuver and remarkably resilient – not easily wrinkled – in my opinion would travel well. Pricing depends on style, fabric, size and custom detail so choose your personal favorite and ask for a quote. Meagan’s business is proudly providing work for home-workers and Moms. Please take a peek at their enchanting silk toys and other product line.
You can call Meagan toll free or hit their website which I recommend because you can view the product with customer comments etc. Fairy Cove is officially “Oberon Recommended” and you all know what a princess I am. The best part – they have good old –fashioned LAY-AWAY – Oh Yeah!
Additional comments from Zaina: Costumes come and costumes go, but my veils have always been keepers (sounds like a good quote or something to put on a t-shirt – so remember you saw that here first
When I removed it from the package; (special note: when you receive your merchandise from Meagan, it is not merely stuffed in a box and mailed. These veils were carefully packaged in clear plastic, pretty ribbons and tissue surrounding, like a birthday cake you don’t want to cut into yet) and shook it out, I was unsure about the weight, seemed lighter than what I am used to. I actually opened the veil that first time in class, to oohs and aahs on the color and oh my’s on the size. So, as we proceeded to work though veil class, to my delight the weight was no restriction as I had anticipated, but rather it enhanced the movement of the veil. The ends seem to reach back to me in spins, enveloping the body in a caressingly familiar way, yet it was easy to move out, up and away from me to extend the emotion of dancer and music. FABULOUS! Each student (even my shorter girls) took a turn with it and not only was there a collective thumbs up, but the comment “let me know when you don’t want it anymore” and “what is that website?”. It now hangs gracefully in the dance studio and I find it is the veil I am drawn to during my own practice as well as during class. Oh Meagan, what have you done?
Meagan sent along with the scarf a matching fringed hip scarf – again students were clamoring for a chance to wear, use it and again to everyone’s delight it works whether tall or short and provides great movement and for class times (where many of us are in black or other dark colors) a delightful swash of color. Now, here is where it gets FUN. As some of you might know I coach young women who are scholarship/beauty pageant bound and recently one of my girls was in the studio, in swim suit, heels, etc. working on walk and stance. She mentioned her sarong would not be done in time for the pageant and did I have any suggestions, would it be okay not to have one? As I stood there thinking my eyes were immediately drawn to the fringed piece hanging right next to her. The match to her suit was somehow perfect and her suit is a very different and unusual color. Once she put it on and strutted about with it on, we discovered it was not only perfect for the suit (muted orchid) and often the tones of her skin, but it quickly become the envy of the other contestants, most wanting to know where they could get one. She is set to compete this month, April - - and I will include a photo once available. As a side note: Meagan has also done color matching silks for western rodeo queen pageants - - so pageantry is a venue she us accustomed to.
Meagan and her family have recently moved across country back to the beauty of Oregon. I am glad she is close, but as well know that all one needs to do is call, or e-mail, or send a swatch of fabric for her to dye and match anything you want to enhance with Fairy Cove Silk products. And, she tells me she is working on new product to be released very soon, “hand dyed silk gauze” ohhh yuummmmmy.