better watch out

[jaina]

Oh my gosh you guys, there I was, innocently browsing in a store in the garment district with aviendiora and llyrafantasyfae, and this roll of fabric just leapt up out of its bin and attacked me and demanded that I make it into an 18th century gown! And I said, "But I've never made an 18C before! I've never done *anything* historical before! What if you aren't historically accurate? What if I look terrible in yellow!? I'm not even supposed to buy any fabric today!" And it said, "WHO CARES I'M GORGEOUS BUY ME NOW WOMAN."

So I did. (I was helpless against it!) It's silk taffeta, I think, but very soft and drapey; the most beautiful buttery yellow with blue and white and tan stripes. I kept peeking in my bag to look at it the whole rest of the day!

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(L: no flash, R: with flash)

So now I have to decide what to do with it! I'm thinking maybe a matching blue for the petticoat? We looked in Fabrics & Fabrics but nothing matched quite right. Suggestions? ...I guess I should probably do some 18C research now, huh?

Comments

[amaz0n-princess.livejournal.com]

OH! Yes, a very good purchase indeed!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Yay! Glad you like it!

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

I looked at it and thought 18c before I even read what you said--it's gorgeous!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, I am so relieved to hear you say that! You are pretty much my guru, so if you thought 18C, I am set! :D

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks! You're making me blush :)

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Oh, I was going to ask you! When you're working with taffeta, do you do anything to prep it before you start sewing, or do you just work with it as-is? I mean, with most everything I do, I prewash my fabrics, but I'm thinking that's probably not the right thing to do here?

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

You're right--prewashing it turns it into a nice, soft, drapey fabric with occasional permanent creases. It worked great for a modern skirt I had once, not so much for costuming!

Leave it as is, and don't be afraid to use a hot steam iron on it. I've never used the silk setting on mine. Hot works fine. Although, do test it first! I'd hate to give advice like that and have it not work for some reason :)

[llyrafantasyfae.livejournal.com]

Yummy Yummy Yummy

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

*pets fabric*

[moorina.livejournal.com]

Whhheeeeeee!! Can't *wait* to see what you do with this!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Hopefully it won't take me years and years...I just love it so much!

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous fabric!! You should definitely do 18th century! Check out my personal costume site. On the dress diary for the purple gown I wore at DCon, I have links and stuff! I love 18th c, and that fabric will be amazing!!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Oh awesome, that is super helpful! Thank you so much!

[lordofhaladin.livejournal.com]

that is gorgeous!!! I vote an ivory petticoat. :)

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :D Maybe I can do multiple different petticoats and change them out!

[lordofhaladin.livejournal.com]

I think so! :D

[wendyhouse.livejournal.com]

gorgeous!!!!
I can just see you next to Maggie in that! you will be stunning :):)

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!!

[pinkrouge.livejournal.com]

Sure you've done historical before - what about your PotC Elizabeth? You're halfway there!

That fabric is yummy!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

I don't really count that though, because it wasn't from a historical pattern, I didn't concern myself with technique, and it wasn't over a corset or anything. I mean, the thing closes up the front with Velcro! :P But you're right, I did learn a fair amount from making it, so that's helpful. :)

[flyingcarpet.livejournal.com]

gorgeous! Definitely trust your instincts on this one!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm excited to start it!

[dm-lunsford.livejournal.com]

That is some seriously gorgeous fabric!

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Your icon makes me think of Daniel being impressed by my fabric...I think he could appreciate a good textile! ;-)

[dm-lunsford.livejournal.com]

Hee! Yeah, I could see him doing that.

You know, there's probably a crazy fic idea in there somewhere.

[knitress.livejournal.com]

There is nothing better than finding fabulous new STUFF to make things out of.

[brightcupenny.livejournal.com]

Oh, absolutely!

[kay-dee70.livejournal.com]

I LOVE that fabric! It's so perfect for 18th century.

If you have enough of the fabric you can always just do a matching petticoat out of the same stuff.