In the world of Irish step dancing, the look, cut and quality of the costume are details that can’t be compromised, and dressmaker Jennifer MacLellan has made a business out of providing intricate, custom made pieces that make her young clients shine on stage.

“I love to see these little ones [in] their first dress. They’ve worked really hard to get to that level. They’re thrilled,” said MacLellan.

The Wareham resident, wife and mother of three started Jiggedy JiG in earnest eight years ago, and last year, she moved her workshop, industrial embroidering machines and all, to Marion.

MacLellan was one of eight kids growing up, and along with five of her sisters, spent many years as an Irish step dancer. The six girls learned to embroider by hand as their mother made their costumes.

“We were always taught to sew and to do handicrafts,” MacLellan said. “I always took sewing in school. It’s been a passion of mine.”

She stopped dancing in high school, but when her daughter was old enough, MacLellan enrolled her in an Irish dance school in Buzzards Bay. One day, the teacher asked if any parents could help make costumes, so MacLellan volunteered. She began working on “school dresses,” the costumes with a unique design for each school. From there, she was referred to another school in need of dresses and word spread.

MacLellan named her business Jiggedy JiG because she was called JG (short for Jennifer George, her maiden name) when she was younger, because she used to say to her kids “home again, home again, jiggedy jig,” and because the jig is a traditional Irish dance.

The company initially started in her home, but when fabric and dress forms overtook the house, she moved to a workshop in Wareham and later Dartmouth. The move to a two-story workshop in Marion, only a few minutes from home, was a welcome change from the small basement space where she last set up shop.

The new space in Marion allows MacLellan, her two industrial embroidery machines, cutting table, bolts of fabric, dress forms and four sewing machines, to spread out. And she needs the space. The seamstress makes 100 to 150 costumes each year. The detailed stitching and durable construction mean it can take her 40 hours to complete one dress.

In addition to the school dresses, MacLellan also makes solo pieces for the time when girls are ready to compete on stage. Each dress is unique, and MacLellan said her designs are inspired by everything from the Book of Kells to the pattern on a paper towel.

Vests, ties and pants for young boy dancers are also in MacLellan's repertoire.

Earlier this summer, MacLellan branched out with her designs, launching the Magpie Collection with fellow seamstress JoAnn Connolly. Where custom made solo dresses can cost $1,200 to $3,000, the ready-to-wear dresses in the Magpie Collection are around $800 and are adjustable so quickly growing little girls can wear them longer.

This project is where MacLellan says she and Connolly get to express their artistry.

“It’s kind of our fun. We have our time to be creative and put what we like into a dress,” she said.

The pair launched the line at the national step dancing competition in Providence, Rhode Island last July and hope to expand their customer base in the coming months.

MacLellan said her designs, which include an animal print in black and purple, are bolder, while Connolly’s are more “cupcakey.” It’s a good partnership.

“It helps us to provide a range,” she said.

From a bright, airy studio to her partnership with Connolly, MacLellan said she has much to be thankful for.

“I definitely am blessed that I’m able to pursue my passion.”

For more information, visit www.jiggedyjig.net and www.magpie-collection.com or call MacLellan at 508-527-4088.