Category: General

Wawak Sewing Supplies Co. Catalog

The Wawak Catalog was the brainchild of Frank Wawak early in the 20th century. A professional tailor, Frank, wanted to offer supplies to other tailors.  He opened his first store in 1907, serving his neighborhood in Chicago, and later, via a mail-order catalog, to the world.

Since Joann Fabrics closed its doors more than a year ago, I’ve had many requests to share alternative sources.

Many designers are searching for places to pick up all the materials and supplies costumers need to build beautiful handcrafted dancewear.

Wawak carries many of my favorite brands, from cutting tools and pattern-making equipment to small supplies like thimbles, needles, and pins.

Perhaps I’m a little “Old School” and really love having a printed catalog to thumb through.  So I recently requested an updated catalog.  But you can find all of their tools and supplies on their website.

Follow this link, check out their website.  This is not a sponsored advert, just me sharing the source.

Happy Costuming, 
Dawn Devine ~ Davina

PS: The Mini-Magazine is bigger and better than ever!  If you’re looking for more sources for costuming materials and supplies, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.

Showgirl red lipsticks are a mainstay and staple of the belly dancer’s makeup arsenal. This spring, I’ve chosen to clean up and declutter my lipstick collection. When I pulled out all the bullets and tubes, I found I had way more than I could use up.  But worse, I realized that my favorite liquid lipstick had dried up and turned clumpy.

I had to toss her into the trash!

Lipsticks generally have a 2-year lifespan

In fact, over the past four years, I’ve only been using one signature lipstick, and all the rest have gone off.  Some have a strong Play-Doh odor, others show visible mold, and ucky oil separation.  I’m not putting these spoiled products anywhere near my face.

Throwing out seven fantastic, but funky, lipsticks has led me to a key realization. For my lifestyle and dance calendar, I only need two lipsticks – one for my daily bag, and one for stagewear in my makeup kit.

Red Lipstick Top Three

While I would love to splash out on a Mac “Russian Red,” the OG in my book, I’m making my replenishment purchases at Ulta – but on the drugstore side.

It’s important to note that some dancers consider the shade “Ruby Woo” to be the best showgirl red, making it their OG MAC lipstick.  The beauty of going to a MAC store is you can try on the lipsticks and find the one with the best undertone for your particular skin.  For reference, I live in a fair desaturated blue-olive skin.

For my daily bag, I’m investing in a classic bullet-style lipstick from Revlon.  In the past, I’ve worn “Cherries in the Snow” and “Fire and Ice.”  But for this season, I’m going for the slightly deeper color “Uncut Ruby.”  I find I need red lipstick less for performing, but more for going to see performances.

For stage, I’m investing in a fresh tube of Maybelline Superstay in the color “Pioneer”. This is the lippy that I’ve gotten the most consistent questions about. You know it looks good when people walk up and ask what makeup brand and color you have on.

I would splash out on a tube of  MAC “Russian Red.” However, the economy is trash, and I’m balling on a budget.  So a new MAC lipstick is just not in the cards for this year.

It’s spring, so why not sort through the old makeup bag, box, or steamer trunk?  Now is a great time to remove any expired lipsticks and replenish and refresh your supply.

Next items up for spring edit, my biggest category: Eyeshadow!

Dawn Devine
April, 2026