Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

sandrab · Last edited by sandrab on Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

I need an evening dress for next year - not until September but as they only seem to be in the shops around this time of the year I've been trying some on. However, they are all too big around the bust and a bit snug over the hips - I am obviously an odd shape Laughing

So. I've decided to have a go at making myself a dress. I've found a pattern and am thinking about buying some silk. Could therefore do with some help:

(a) Does anyone know of a good online seller of silk fabrics? Highly unlikely to be able to buy any locally as I don't think we have a fabric shop in Coventry

(b) Anybody got any good tips for working with silk?

(c) Does anyone know of any good suppliers of trimmings, particularly anything a bit glitzy?

I haven't done any dressmaking for many years, but did do a bit in my younger days and think if I take my time it shouldn't be beyond me. I might even make a shorter cotton version of the dress first, just to make sure I can do it.

Thanks very much for any help you are able to give me.

_________________
Sandra

GrannySmith · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:45 pm Post subject:

Do you know what sort of silk you would like to buy? It will make a difference how to is sewn it together.

May I ask which pattern you have picked?

I am happy to talk you through the stages as you make it.

malteser · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 1339 Location: Derbyshire

It might be worth visiting a Sari shop to see if they have any silks, and trimmings.

I think the lack of fabric shops is nationwide. I quite disappointed at John Lewis when I went to get some material to make a skirt in the summer.
_________________
Anne

sandrab · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject:

GrannySmith · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:45 pm Post subject:

Lovely design

have a look at this site for some ideas.

Do you wish the silk to be soft and to swish and drape or a little stiffer?

craftybernie · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 5:19 pm Post subject:

For trimmings and shiny stuff, how about Josyrose for ideas.
_________________

sandrab · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 5:27 pm Post subject:

harrysmum · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 468 Location: Leeds UK

TBH I wouldn't buy fabric for something like this on-line - you need to feel the cloth & I suspect it'll be quite an investment so not a puchase you want to get wrong!! Saying that - most suppliers will send out samples, so worth asking!! - Have a look at bridal fabric suppliers for nice eveningnwear fabrics! This is my "local" silk wholesaler
James Hare

There's a John Lewis in Solihull which isn't too far away, but if you venture into Birmingham there are dozens of sari shops on the A41 (could be stratford road?) some will be cheap & cheerful but you should be able to find silk and probably a lot cheaper than at a dept store!!

Check out Monsoon for floaty dresses in that style - nothing worse than slaving over a dress and finding the style doesn't suit, but it sounds like you're a British Pear like me and I'd go for something that shape Wink

Have fun planning your dress!!

Liz
xx

sandrab · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

Liz, I think you're probably right, as I have plenty of time I will try to buy direct, but just wanted to have a look at what's around. I do get into Solihull quite often so will have a look at JL, and there are also a lot of Asian shops not far from my house in Coventry so will have a look there to see if they have any nice silks. There is actually an online supplier of fabrics that has premises about ten minutes drive from my house so I have asked them if they are open to the public and am awaiting a reply to my email.

As for Monsoon, I have tried on a few dresses in there - they are absolutely beautiful but the only one that really fits anywhere near is the most expensive they have (and it is quite similar to the pattern I've chosen except the top is boned and strapless - not sure I'm brave enough to go strapless Laughing

). The others all come into the too big at the top or too small at the bottom category Crying or Very sad

_________________
Sandra

n · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:52 am Post subject:

If you are going into the sari shops, I'd take the pattern with you, women are the same the world over, and they will be able to give you better advice if they can see the pattern too. There is a wealth of knowledge out there which we have largely lost, sadly.
Threads patterns are good. Have you seen the Threads magazine? ... you can usually get it in Borders.

n

_________________
The Yarn Yard