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From: seamstress16
Date: 08-24-2005, 10:14 AM (1 of 13)
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I answered an ad for this lady who needs someone to sew this dress for her and the fabric she has is brocade. I'm not entirely sure this dress would look quite right with brocade. What do you all think? Can this dress be made out of brocade? And secondly, will it need a lining? -Danielle http://www.1sewingpatterns.com/images3/6375bnl.jpg |
User: seamstress16
Member since: 01-29-2005 Total posts: 88 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-24-2005, 10:59 AM (2 of 13)
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I expect you can do it but it won't have that kind of drape. It will likely be stiffer. As for lining, what is the wrong side of the fabric like? Is it going to itchy or scratchy? Sandra Betzina recommends "Jackets, vests, straight dresses or skirts, narrow pants with flat front styling. Avoid gathers or pleats. Since this fabric is crisp, any style requiring drape will make you look heavy...." Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 08-24-2005, 01:20 PM (3 of 13)
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I also think it could be made from brocade. It will be stiffer, but I think still a lovely dress. It will not have much give in it. Which view are you making? If I had to line it I would use a silky lining, just because it feels better on your skin and makes it easier to get on and off.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Saydee
Date: 08-24-2005, 06:28 PM (4 of 13)
| I would use a brocade on that style of dress. However I would not make the haulter-neck version though. Not saying it can't be done but I would think it a bit stiff and scatching on the neck. |
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-24-2005, 09:30 PM (5 of 13)
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If you use the 'new' Asian brocades that are silk/rayon, or just nylon you might be able to get the drape you want WITHOUT the scratching of the skin. I've seen quite a bit of the 'new' stuff in stores (JoAnns and my local quilt shop) It's quite pretty and light.( I would however line it a bit, it's a bit on the sheer side.) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Zabelle
Date: 08-25-2005, 03:34 AM (6 of 13)
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I am sure it'll be lovely. Another option could be to make a cheongsam (http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/culture/dressesknee.html) . I have some brocade to make one but I still haven't got around to making it, precisely because I am not sure whether I have to line the dress, and what kind of fabric to use for the lining. Another reason is that I'm not sure how to wash it. Mine is poly brocade. English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-25-2005, 07:56 AM (7 of 13)
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I've used that poly brocade a few times, Zabelle, and I just throw it in the washing machine and drier and it comes out fine. It is great stuff. I have some of the silk and a silk blend too and it is hard to tell the difference in the way they look, feel and wear. But they are a little stiff and that dress is not going to drape like the picture. They don't lose the stiffness with washing. I've never used the nylon so I don't know about it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-25-2005, 08:04 AM (8 of 13)
Dorothy, thank you so much. Now I'll put a small piece of it into the next laundry to see if it shrinks. I have no excuse not to make that dress now!  I love that brocade, it is black with light-coloured flowers. I used it to make a corset and being small I still have enough left to make that dress.  You are right, it won't drape. That is why it seems better for straight-line dresses. English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-25-2005, 08:09 AM (9 of 13)
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Zabelle, I should mention I wash in cold water. I don't know if it shrinks -- I do prewash. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-25-2005, 08:16 AM (10 of 13)
Dorothy - thanks again. Without your advice I'd have put the sample with the rest of the laundry 
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98
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From: Longblades
Date: 08-29-2005, 09:30 AM (11 of 13)
| Darn it, Zabelle, did you have to post that link to cheongsams? LOL. They're gorgeous and I did not know the proper name for that style of dress before. I feel an urge coming on, to buy brocade and get sewing again. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-29-2005, 09:50 AM (12 of 13)
Do, by all means! I understand they come together very easily.  I searched online about the proper fabric to line cheongsams and it appears that satin (or silk, if you wish to splurge and go the whole way) is the best option. Wearing a cheongsam must feel so nice! 
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-29-2005, 12:53 PM (13 of 13)
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I saw some oriental brocades (or brocade like fabrics) this weekend in JoAnn that were much softer and would drape very nicely. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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