Shirley Capon started making Irish dancing dresses in 1986 because her daughter needed one.  In those days there was no support or help available, but Shirley had trained as a professional dressmaker, so after much experimenting, had it all worked out! 

Since then, Shirley has made more than 200 dresses, and has seen styles change greatly. She has had to adapt her patterns many times to reflect the latest trends in dress styles and shapes.  Shirley has had a lot of experience in fitting and enjoys helping dancers to make decisions regarding fabrics, designs and colours.

Besides making Irish Dancing costumes, Shirley teaches Textiles, Design and Fashion part-time at a local College, and in her spare time (!!) teaches classes at the local Technical College in how to make your own Irish Dancing dress.  

Shirley rarely draws her own designs as she is always busy making dresses, but she sends  the dress patterns to Colleen Kirby in Adelaide, South Australia, who draws the designs directly onto the pattern.  

Colleen has been producing designs for Irish Dancing dresses for many years and is very professional.  She is open to any ideas the dancer might have, and can also work to a sketch.   Her contact details are listed on the Contact Details page. 

For information about Shirley's prices, please send her an email and she will be happy to discuss it with you.  

This is Shirley, pictured here with her husband Geoff, and daughter Rachel.  The photo was taken on Rachel's wedding day, 24 November 2001.  

(By the way, Shirley made both Rachel's and her own outfits.  The wedding dress had a front box pleat just like an Irish dancing dress - just not as stiff!  Not intentional, but very appropriate!)