| Subject: Updating Used Dress & Redo Cape |
Author:
Anonymous
| [ Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 12:28:58 03/15/01 Thu
In reply to:
K
's message, "Contruction Problems-Technique & Tips" on 15:45:15 03/10/01 Sat
Recently we bought a used velvet solo dress. It is my daughter's first dress. It is somewhat old fashioned and has been through at least 3 dancers. It did not come with a cape or crown and the skirt seems very "limp" to me. I do not sew and there is not a seamstress experienced in solo costumes nearby. My questions are: can a seamstress who does embroidery on other types of clothing possibly match the cape to what is on the dress now? How should I tell her to construct it (ie stiffening)? How long should it take and how much should I expect to pay? What can I do about the limp skirt ( I notice all the new ones are very stiff, this one is a split panel).? How difficult would it be to replace the collar ( it is currently a thin material, I think it would look better in velvet)?
Replies:
-Without actually seeing the dress, it's hard to say, but here goes...First, can the velvet be matched? For the crown, a shade off might not be noticeable, but for the cape you'd want it really close. Sometimes matching velvets can be a problem, but not always. Since it's an older dress, is the embroidery chainstitched by hand, or a machine satin-stitched? You could also consider the option of having a satin cape made with no embroidery. As for the stiffener, Vilene or a product similar should be used, but I wouldn't suggest having someone who is not experienced do it, as the entire skirt has to be taken apart and reconstructed. I charge in the neighborhood of $100 for new stiffener, but that can change according to how it was made, if the lining will then need to be replaced, etc. Is this a dress that your daughter will be able to wear for a while? Hopefully so, but if not, consider how much money you really want to put into it, and if you'll get a decent return with resale. Overall, you could easily be looking at $200-$300 to get it done - possibly more. Does you teacher have any suggestions? What area of the country are you in? Perhaps one of us can come up with someone to help you out.
--Thanks for the reply! I think I have matched the velvet, it is black and so, not as difficult a shade. I believe it is machine embroidered, and I know that these days they can replicate almost any pattern. You make a good point about how much money to put into this project. I kinda thought $200 would be in the ballpark for what I want done. This dress should last her a year but maybe only a half, considering her growth rate right now. Hopefully with the changes I am making it won't be too old fashion to sell again at that time. I have a question. I see Vilene mentioned a lot on these pages. Is it what is in the new dress that stand out so nicely? Thank you for your suggestions. Our teacher is very busy with the Oireachtas and I am more or less on my own with this. I live in the metro Atlanta area if anyone knows of someone who is experienced with these dresses.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
] |
|
Feedback: 