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what type of silk should I use?

Hullo, all!

I am making the wedding dress for my dearest friend, who is getting married in New Orleans this June. I've done a good bit of sewing, but never with silk. We're putting together a pattern for a 30's era slip dress, cut on the bias. I'm wondering what sort of silk is recommended for this? She loves the matte look of some stonewashed crepe de chine that I have, but it is terribly thin. I need something that is thick enough that, once self-lined, will keep her silhouette from showing through. What are your thoughts? And do you have a good source?

Thanks for your help! Elsa

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Reply to
elsa
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Charmeuse:

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A slip dress cut on the bias will likely require a wide fabric unless it has "feature" seams.

Reply to
BEI Design

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I haven't bought any charmeuse, but I'm quite happy with my black raw-silk shirt. Been wearing it every time I leave the house ever since I finished it.

Reply to
Joy Beeson

If you think the chameuse a little light, try a heavy crepe. It'll drape beautifully, won't cling too much, and look fab. Yo will probably have to peice the fabric, but that can ve done discreteely close to the hem.

Take a look at this article I wrote:

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It might help you to avoid some of the pitfalls of bias cutting.

Silk is generally easier to work with than the poly equivalents. Just go carefully! Use a rotary cutter rather than scissors if you possibly can, and make a toile! And of you don't have a serger, use stretch techniques on the sewing machine - but avoid the so-called 'overlock'stitches. A plain zigzag is much better.

All mt suppliers are here in the UK, but will ship internationally. Get lots of samples!

This gown was made from a heavy crepe back satin that would probably work very well for your friend:

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Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

I'd agree that a heavy crepe would be ideal. I used a heavy satin-back crepe in

100% silk for a dress I made for a friend, with a medium-weight silk lining.
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hung and moved really nicely for her. Good luck!Michaela

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Reply to
mic9970

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