I use the Hoopwire from Tutus and Textiles or the 7mm Steel Boning (continuous steel boning) from Vena Cava Designs for my tutu plates. I tend to use the Hoopwire for older dancers tutus as it's quite expensive due to the cost of shipping from the US. All other tutus I use the Vena Cava hooping, it is less expensive but no problem with the quality or weight. For all my bodices I only use spiral boning.

As long as the sides of the box are equal or slightly longer than the skirt the hoop will hold the sides up. You don't need a box the diameter of the hoop as you can fold the tutu slightly. Example is I have a box 14"x14"x14"  and I would fit a 13-14" , skirt tutu into that and send it tracked and signed next day delivery with the post office for £11. A  smaller skirt will fit into a smaller box and bring the price down to around £8-9. I've had no problems with the post office and the delivery is guaranteed before 1pm the next day. Only in the box overnight and the tutu springs into shape when taken out.

Hi Heikedog, I'm based in the UK and post my tutus in a cubed post with the Post Office next day delivery, tracked and signed for sevice. I make sure the sides of the box are the same height as my tutu and because I hoop the skirt, I push the tutu (slightly folded) down so the sides are straight along the sides of the box....if that makes sense. The tutu bounces back no problem when it is removed from the box.  I know other tutu makers who use this method to ship abroad and don't seem to have any problems. The longest a tutu has been in a box was 4 days to Ireland.  Hope this helps.

I make mostly non stretch tutus but when I  do make stretch, I hand pleat my top layer only and attach it with a zigzag stitch. I make it big enough to go over the hips and so far no problems.  I have made the Tutus that dance bodice pattern 5001 which is a stretch bodice with a back opening. It can then be teamed up with a traditional skirt. ...A sort of hybrid tutu. Works really well.

Hi Heikedog,
There is a new supplier of the tutu hoop you are looking for. They are based in the US so you should be able to get hold of some. They are called HoopWire.com   I have been using a 7.5mm metal hoop covered in plastic which I get from Vena Cava here in the UK but am hoping to get hold of this new hooping in the near future as I believe its the same as the hooping that was discontinued some time ago.

I'm not very technically minded but I get tutu patterns by email in PDF format.  I am able to print them out using Adobe and have to set the print option to poster. This them prints out the pattern on numerous pages which I cut and stick together.  I'm not sure if this helps .....I may be completely on the wrong track....which isn't hard for me. ..lol

Mmmmm now let me think.....possibly at seminars or could it be the social events in the evening. Good to see you here Stephanie

Just seen this post and have to say that I have been on these seminars in the past and now attend the advanced courses. I started with very little knowledge regarding the construction of tutus and how they should work with the dancer as she performs. Also how colour and design works under the stage lights.  Highly recommend to any new tutu maker.