So I was able to order the silk brocade fabric for my new obsessive project, the LACMA Sacque-ma. I feel like…like…I’m now part of a special club of historical costumers who sew with silk. I know, shocking it’s taken me so long, but this will be my *first* all-silk gown.
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| Silk brocade from Puresilks.us |
No really.
The only way I could justify the expense was to sell a couple older costumes, and I have more old costumes to sell (because the trim isn’t purchased yet, ha!). It’s costume recycle! Like when you take your soda cans to the magic money machine, then spend the money on more soda…
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| Metallic trims from Tinsel Trading. These are expensive, but I think I can find something more affordable and that does the job at my local Mill End. |
Anywho…
I got 10 yards. It’s 44 inches wide (boo, don’t we all hope for 60?), and I plan to use inexpensive fabric on the back of the petticoat, so that saved a little. Let’s hope I’ve done my math right.
10 Comments
The Laced Angel
October 22, 2012 at 4:14 AMWelcome to the silk club! Now remember, the first thing you do when the silk comes in is roll around in it. It's a rule.
Lauren Stowell
October 23, 2012 at 1:58 AMOh yesss….but have to keep le dogs away. They will be jealous.
Lumikettu
October 22, 2012 at 4:58 AMThe other rule is to bury your face in it and breathe in a couple of times. 😉
Lauren Stowell
October 23, 2012 at 1:58 AMIt's coming from India…maybe it will smell like curry? mmm…currrrrryyy….
Rose
October 22, 2012 at 5:52 AMI have only two all silk gown projects, and I agree with you — use something inexpensive on the back of your petticoat, you will save a ton of fabric. I had to make some adjustments at the back of the robe with the narrower fabric I used but it came out beautifully. Can't wait to see your project!
Lauren Stowell
October 23, 2012 at 1:59 AMYes indeed! I will have to see what the weight of the brocade is, and try to get something similar and close in color to it, in cotton or…something.
Paula
October 22, 2012 at 8:35 PMAnd remember to always ALWAYS sew silk with silk thread. Otherwise your thread will eat through your beautiful fabric and the whole project goes to waste. But it is so lovely and smooth to sew with silk thread anyways so why would you use anything else 🙂
Lauren Stowell
October 23, 2012 at 1:59 AMOh, I had not thought of using silk thread. I shall get some!
Kaila
October 23, 2012 at 1:56 AMExciting! It also makes me feel so much better about my fabric choice of a poly moire faux silk for a project since I know costume bloggers I look up to as much as you don't always use silk! Excited for the progress and the finished dress!
Lauren Stowell
October 23, 2012 at 2:01 AMI am a believer in synthetics so long as they have the same look and hand as the silk they are meant to imitate. My red dress is all faux silk and wonderful, was a breeze to sew, but my striped Anglaise was faux and an absolute HORROR to sew. So long as you know what you're up against with the faux stuff, you're fine 🙂