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From: sew slow
Date: 01-20-2004, 02:02 PM (1 of 11)
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Hi, I'm a new poster to this forum. I've been sewing for years, mainly clothing for family, period costumes for reenacting, and alterations. A few months ago I decided to try sewing as a business. I just recently accepted a client who wants me to copy a Romona Kevesa wedding gown. My first wedding gown! I know that I can construct the gown. But I'm wondering how in the world do you go about treating 12-15 yds. of fabric? The gown will be of 100% polyester dutchesse satin and the lining in 100% polyester. Even if it calls for machine washing and tumble drying, I just don't see cramming all that heavy dutchesse satin in the washing machine. Please...I need suggestions. Sew Slow |
User: sew slow
Member since: 01-20-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-20-2004, 02:50 PM (2 of 11)
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Do you know someone who has one of the new front loading or one of the Calypso (Kenmore Elite) washers ??? they're bigger and you don't need to cram fabric into'em, you just lay it in... (I have one of the Calypso ones, it has no agitator, just a round 'hat' in the bottom, it treats fabic nicer than a regular washer) Or if you're confident in your local do-it-yourself laundry, take it to one of the bigger front loading machines.... Dry cleaning ??? (last time I tried dry cleaning something, (white drapes) they came back pink...I don't do dry cleaning here...) But most bigger cities have great dry cleaners.... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: sew slow
Date: 01-20-2004, 04:01 PM (3 of 11)
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Chyrs, thanks so much! Don't know why I didn't think of the laundry. Alas, my 'user name'. LOL I will keep the board posted on this dress. It's going to be a beauty. Sew Slow |
User: sew slow
Member since: 01-20-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-20-2004, 06:15 PM (4 of 11)
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I made my DDs wedding dress & all of the bridesmaid dresses last summer (boy that seems like so long ago) I didn't pretreat any of the fabric & they came out fine. I hand washed them after & hung them to dry. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 01-20-2004, 07:28 PM (5 of 11)
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Sew Slow I agree with Mom of Six about not pre-washing/pre-treating bridal fabrics. There is no need to worry about shrinkage because more than likely, the bride's dress will never be worn again. I have made a lot of bridal wear including a bridal gown and never pre-washed any of the fabrics. My best suggestion is to make sure your hands are always very clean and oil free. Hand creams of any kind and bridal fabrics do not work well together. Satin tends to pick up the most minute amounts of body oil, hand creams, etc. My best technique is to do muslins on all bridal apparel and mark and make any alterations right on the muslin to get the most absolute perfect fit possible before I even unfold the actual fabric to start cutting. Although when I was working with upteen hundred yards of gold heavy satin for my niece's wedding several years ago, I did unpack the satin from the shipping package it came in from New York and hung it over very heavy duty hangers to allow the wrinkles to fall out as much as possible. If the duchess satin is of a rather heavy weight, it wil put its own wrinkles out if you drape it over a hanger or something. One major thing to remember is that you can only sew satin once without leaving stitching marks on it that do not disappear. Keep us posted with your progress or any questions you may have. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: sew slow
Date: 01-20-2004, 09:56 PM (6 of 11)
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Patsy and Barb, thank you so much. I wondered about the 'one time wear' thing also. And didn't really think I needed to do anything with the fabric, I'm so used to using cotton, I assumed everyone treated everything. LOL I guess there's no end to learning! I made 2 dresses last fall for my son's wedding from crepe back satin, and just remember how it snagged so easily. I've never worked with dutchesse satin, so this will be a real learning experience. I'm really excited about this dress, I'm always up for a challenge, and this is my biggest to date. I'll keep you posted with pic's, right down to the muslin! Thanks again. Sew Slow |
User: sew slow
Member since: 01-20-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Llantrisant
Date: 01-21-2004, 02:10 PM (7 of 11)
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I doubt theres a need to prewash bridal fabric, as you will take out the stiffness or sizing, that the manufacturer puts in all fabrics, Wear white gloves to handle the fabric and keep hands clean,don't decide to oil your machine before you sew eighther lol.The dry cleaners must have had dirty solvent in the machine, if your garment picked up pink in the process. 
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-21-2004, 02:27 PM (8 of 11)
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I like to use white 'quilters gloves' for sewing....they're cotton/poly with grippy stuff on the fingers..holds but doesn't snag...
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: sew slow
Date: 01-21-2004, 05:22 PM (9 of 11)
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Thank's for all your advice. I'll buy some of those gloves right away. I was wondering, as far as ordering fine fabrics online, has anyone here done this? If so, can you recommend a reputable web site? Marcia aka sew slow |
User: sew slow
Member since: 01-20-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Sharon Smith
Date: 02-03-2004, 04:02 PM (10 of 11)
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I have made bridal gowns for 29 years and I have never pretreaded the fabric - regardless of what it is. You will remove the sizing - which is very important to maintain the form of the dress once finished. It is also easier to press out any wrinkles and the seams if it has not been washed. My advice - don't wash it. Sharon Sews
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User: Sharon Smith
Member since: 01-29-2004 Total posts: 5 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-05-2004, 07:00 PM (11 of 11)
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Marcia, I can recomend Mary Jos Cloth Store. It is a fabric shop in the next town from us and she does a booming mail order business.. Most reputable store in the 2 Carolinas and furthur... She has everything in the world...I believe its www.maryjos.com but I'm not sure... My family gives me a gift certificate from there every Christmas and Birthday... When I go , I plan to spend the day..She has everything, like I said, but dressy and formal and Bridal fabrics are her very special featured products...They have an 800 number if you want to talk to a live person.. Check the website.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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