Need Help with Fabric

[Allie Mo]

Hello,

I just received 10 yards of silk fabric that I won on eBay ($98 with shipping). I thought I was getting dress weight silk. Instead, it is upholstery weight. It has the weight of canvas. I have three cats and could never use it for upholstery. :bad

I can't really fault the seller as she didn't mention weight.

The picture was really pretty and shiney looking. The fabric is much much darker and duller. I am so disappointed.

I do have a dress idea. I have some burgundy velvet... Maybe I could make a winter gown for the next convention. Anyway, have any of you ever sewn a dress with this weight of silk. Would having it dry-cleaned soften or lighten it up by removing sizing? Or, could they launder it?

Any ideas are so welcome!

Regards,

Allie Mo
who is :kbutt herself for another eBay mistake

[Jessie Lyn]

What about using the silk for the skirt(s) and the velvet for a jacket with a little silk trim? Depending on how heavy it is you might be able to make jacket without the underlining.

[Ida Hands]

That's not a mistake. It's just a fabric adventure! Perhaps you could make a lovely skirt and/or the TV Talma wrap. It would be pretty in that stripe with some fringe. Here is the information:
500 - Talma Wrap
Fabric: 4 yards - 4 ¼ yards, depending on size.
Lining: 4 yards - 4 ¼ yards, depending on size.

http://trulyvictorian.netfirms.com/500.jpg

[Jessie Lyn]

OH, I like that idea!:ban :ban

[Lady LaSalle]

What about a 90's outfit? You know, Eaton jacket and bell skirt? That would look really great!

[Allie Mo]

Jessie, Lioness, and LL, thanks for the ideas.

I shouldn't have posted her photo of the fabric. Here is how it really looks compared to her photo. (She did say colors look different on different monitors.)

Are you familiar with TV297? It's the pattern of the blue and yellow outfit Fannie wore to Biltmore. I have a burgundy velvet (eBay) skirt that is too small. It has a front panel of velvet rouching. I was thinking I could use that as the front panel of a skirt with the silk. I'd rather have a jacket than a wrap. So, I was thinking of using the rest of that skirt for collar and cuffs on the jacket. Jessie, I think I could definately get away without underlining.

LL, the Eaton Jacket with a velvet collar and cuffs might work. I think I'll make the skirt and post a photo to see if y'alls think it needs an Eaton or longer jacket. I think the Eaton might be too sporty with the velvet rouching of the skirt.

Regards,

Allie Mo
who loves your advice

[Fannie Kikinshoot]

Catawba Kate has a great outfit that the jacket is made form upholstery weight fabric.

[Fannie Kikinshoot]

She even has a vest made from that same fabric.

[Allie Mo]

Fannie or Catawba Kate,

Did she/you pre-clean the fabric? If not, did it still fit and look okay after cleaning?

It's funny that Jess thought it would make a nice vest. Maybe a vest will end up as one of my "bonus/scrap outfits." I do have a burgundy suede skirt and cool Amalfi boots to wear with the vest.

Lioness, most of my CAS costume sewing has been an adventure. The worst/best was making a scoop neck 1860s bodice. I think it would fit Fannie nicely. I ended up putting elastic around the neck and hiding it with lace. I didn't make a muslin because I used scrap/bonus material to make the bodice. It isn't up to Belle standards; but, I've worn it.

Thanks for the ideas.

Regards,

Allie Mo