Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: iruinzippers
Date: 02-06-2006, 04:24 PM (1 of 7)
|
I'm new on here and I've been sewing costumes and dresses for myself for a while.. I'm a self-schooler, so I sometimes run into fabulous setbacks when starting a new project. I'm doing a commissioned piece for someone who went shopping for satins and came back with a pinstriped taffeta. I've never worked with taffeta, and unfortunately I think it might be acrylic - i tested a bit, and it melts and shrivels under the iron or in the dryer, and it takes a very bad crinkle easily. It frays with ease. It has metalic thread. She wants a kimono made out of this, so I'm wondering how I can make this any easier on myself. Is there any way to prewash/prepare the taffeta? What's the best way to take out the inevitable crinkle, and what's the best way to clean a finished piece? Is there any way in heaven or on earth to iron or machine clean something like this? I appreciate any advice. |
User: iruinzippers
Member since: 02-06-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-06-2006, 09:18 PM (2 of 7)
|
Don't wash it. Don't steam it with an iron. If you try to use steam, use a nearly dry cotton rag as a pressing cloth and lightly steam it, but it should dull the tafeta, cause it to wrinkle and spot. TEST ON A SCRAP PIECE BEFORE YOU TRY ANYTHING. If it is acetate and it probably is, her own sweat will discolor it and it can only be dry cleaned. It has a low melting temp. Use only the lightest temp of the iron. Do not even think of putting it in the dryer. LIght weight acetate rips easily, so she'll need proper ease in the garment. If it is the acetate with gold that you see at Christmas it is a little stronger. Most garments made with this are special occasion garments. Garments made with this as a primary fabric do not normally have a long life. Quite often the Christmas fabric is seen in gather skirts on velvet or velveteen tops. Remember, just because the customer likes the fabric doesn not necessarily mean that it will be the best fabric for the pattern. This is possibly one of those cases. There are absolutely GLORIOUS Oriental print fabrics out right now. You might want to encourage her to reconsider if she plans to wear this dress a lot. One of the most beautiful komono's I ever made was made out of an inexpensive jaquard fabric which was lined. The girl wore it to her prom and her graduation too. It was washable.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-07-2006, 12:47 AM (3 of 7)
|
I'm with Pam...I'd tell her it's NOT the right fabric for the project and talk her into something else. Just because it's pretty, doesn't mean it's going to make something great to wear. Sounds like she got curtain fabric.
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 02-07-2006, 02:08 AM (4 of 7)
|
You could always take a curtain rod and make up the dress ala Carol Burnette's Gone with the Wind, one of my all time favorite vignettes! Reading your post Chrys, reminded me of Carol coming down the stairway as Scarlett with the darn curtain rod across the top of the dress. (Kidding!)
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-07-2006, 07:29 AM (5 of 7)
|
Laura -- I remember that! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MariLynntex
Date: 02-07-2006, 09:52 AM (6 of 7)
Pam is right about taffeta. I have made taffeta costumes and dresses for bridesmaids and they looked beautiful, but they do not last forever, even when dry-cleaned. Taffeta is a fragile fabric. It fades in sunlight or even artificial light and must have enough ease not to pull at the seams and seam edges need to be finished to prevent raveling. They discolor from perspiration and whites become yellowed in 6 months to a year. Over time, taffeta fabric becomes brittle and will split in any creases or folds. This is because it is made of acetate and nothing can be done about it. Marilynntex
|
User: MariLynntex
Member since: 01-05-2006 Total posts: 107 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-07-2006, 09:28 PM (7 of 7)
|
I remember that scene...large gold pole and olive green velvet curtains, long fringe....that made me laugh so hard...and I've never seen GWTW.
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-18126.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft