I Love Swarovski

About the author: For more information you need to visit fabric shop Melbourne. Or also you can check out wholesale fabrics Melbourne, Previewiff allows you to buy wholesale fabrics like cotton, Japanese, Italian cotton, Indian silk, etc. with secure online shopping.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/exquisite-and-elegant-fashion-fabrics-shop-3374214.html

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How to sew a skirt from smocked dress fabric?
   I recently purchased some lovely smocked top dress fabric - however I do not want it to be a dress but rather a skirt with a stretchy smocked top! To turn it into a skirt is it as simple as sewing the edges together to form a type of tube or skirt like shape? Or do I have to cut and sew the fabric at a certain angle so that it sits like a nice skirt? Any tips would be greatly appreciated

   • ANSWER:
     Because of the gathering and fullness inherent in the smocking the skirt will have that nice "skirt angle shape" to it auto-magically. At it's core a skirt is nothing more than a tube sewn together at the center back and many basic gathered-waist skirts are nothing more than large tubes gathered to waist bands you can certainly explore the option of a simple center-back seam. You might need to add an invisible zipper to the center back, smocking is funny....it seems like it should be really stretchy...but it sometimes isn't. A center back zipper might make it fit a bit better and look a little more professionally made. Anyways, you can try sewing it as a tube and see if it works. No harm, no foul, so give it try!

2. QUESTION:
   I would like to know how to remove Finalgon oitment stain from a polyester fabric dress?
   I have had a sore back and rubbed on my shin a very strong oily heat cream on my back and then put my polyester dress on and have now stained the fabric.I have soaked the dress for one week in drive detergent and Napisan and have had no results,so please ,help!

   • ANSWER:
     The absolute best thing for any kind of oily stain is LESTOIL. It smells bad but it works. Apply the Lestoil to the stain and either scrub it out with a toothbrush or in your case since the dress is polyester you might try just rubbing the fabric against itself. Reapply and let sit overnight. Toss in the washer and hang to dry. Do not put in the dryer. After it's dry see if the stain is still there. If it is, just repeat. It WILL come out, I promise!

3. QUESTION:
   Where can I get Prom dress fabric?
   I want purple and zebra print fabric for a ballgown styled prom dress where can i get it?

   • ANSWER:
     Sallys...
     they have a lot of choices and not very expensive

     Good luck!

4. QUESTION:
   i've to stick fancy beads on a dress with fabric glue. What do i keep below the dress that wont stick to it?
   Like when we stick something, we need to apply slight pressure. BUt how do i apply pressure while sticking beads on a dress because whatever is underneath will also absorb the glue through the fabric and stick to it!

   Last time i kept a plastic sheet and it stuck to the fabric!

   • ANSWER:
     Slip a sheet of wax paper under it. Best of luck!

5. QUESTION:
   what dress fabric is the best for a dress:Stretch Sateen • Stretch Cotton • Linen • Crepe?
   im making a dress :
   http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/itm_img/M5881.jpg
   (the red one)
   and i want quite a strong fabric(nothing flimsy which will be hard to hold for sewing)
   does anyone know a good comfertable fabric?

   • ANSWER:
     If you look on the back of the pattern, it will tell you which fabrics are suitable for the dress. If those are your choices, go to a fabric store and feel each one. Hold a length of it and see how it'll drape. Of those, linen is the easiest to work with, crepe is the most slippery. I like stretch sateen, personally.

6. QUESTION:
   How long before wedding dress fabric starts loosing it's color?
   My wedding is in June 2009 and I'm supposed to receive my dress in less than a month. I am afraid that in 6 month it may develop some yellow spots or something. Does any one know how long it takes to happen? Thank you.

   • ANSWER:
     Unless there is something terribly wrong with the materials used to make your dress, you have nothing to worry about.

     The best way to store a wedding dress is to fashion a muslin bag. Muslin is very inexpensive and you can find it at your local fabric store.

     Your dress should come with loops inside the bodice for hanging. Make sure to use these. They reduce the stress that may occur on the skirt/bodice seam.

     If the skirt of your dress is big ( one that has pickups or a long train) then consider hanging it up by the loops mentioned, but in a muslin bag resting on the floor. This will again reduce the stress on the seam.

     Congrats and have a wonderful wedding.

7. QUESTION:
   What kind of dress/ fabric is best to wear for a music festival?
   Im going to one later this year, and want to sew a simple dress that i can wear whatever the weather. Anyone got nay ideas? preferably one with sleeves (eevn if theyre small)

   • ANSWER:
     Jersey is softer than cotton, flows better than cotton, and can be cool or warm, so go for it! And also, jersey is in.
     A dress made out of jersey will look very pretty!

8. QUESTION:
   Where can I buy blue velvet dress fabric in Sydney, Australia?
   I want to make a dress and I need to buy blue velvet for it. Where can I buy it in Sydney Australia?

   • ANSWER:
     You should be knowing it by yourself....

     Annandale, btw...

9. QUESTION:
   I need to find a mail order firm for dress dress fabric,with samplesof the fabric if possible?
   I would prefer the shop to be in Australia if at all possible. That is only cheaper for postage,but does not really matter. I hope someone can help me.

   • ANSWER:
     try this i hope it helps.barriepace.com/bp/customer_service/fabric_glossary.asp?. www.kerrynsfabricworld.com

10. QUESTION:
    How do you cover dress shoes with fabric?
    There was an article in Sew News magazine a few years ago about how to glue fabric to pumps or dress shoes to match an outfit. I cannot find the article.

    • ANSWER:
      probably something that you should have a professional do.
      I think you really need to pull the shoe apart to glue the fabric between the upper of the shoe & the sole. The fabric needs to be cut on the bias so that it stretches over the shoe & moulds to the shape.
      GOOD LUCK

11. QUESTION:
    Where can i choose from a huge selection of dress fabric?
    Like the sort of shops they show on fashion design programs.

    Don't mind where in the UK it is, I'll travel if it's really good.

    • ANSWER:
      Try this link. It will give you a map to your nearest store. I love fabric warehouse. Its one of the biggest fabric stores in our area.

12. QUESTION:
    Would it look weird to make a dress out of eyelet fabric?
    The pattern is for an 18-yr-old girl with a square neckline, cap sleeves, and a bell-curved skirt. It is supposed to be a simple dress. If that fabric wouldn't work, what would be better?

    • ANSWER:
      Could be fine. There are lots of examples of eyelet dresses out there. Usually they "look younger" than the wearer unless a really sophisticated cut and an unusual color.

      You'll need a slip or lining underneath.

      http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod57350021&ecid=BGCIFroogleFeed&003=5842946&010=B148Z&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B148Z
      vs
      http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3089825?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ite=eci_embroidered_eyelet_shift_dress:294733&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=C57DBF6E-1968-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA
      or

13. QUESTION:
    how do you make your own dress fabric?
    i heard you have to buy a fabric maker, how do you get those and how expensive are they?

    • ANSWER:
      Why don't you use scraps of fabric from clothes that no longer fit? or, hit up the consignment shop near you. . and do the same

14. QUESTION:
    How to X-ray a black dress or a dark fabric using photoshop or GIMP?
    Does any one know how to transform a black dress or dark fabric into see-through on Photoshop or GIMP?

    • ANSWER:
      You can't.

15. QUESTION:
    What is a really good stain remover for a raylon fabric dress?
    So i went to a sushi place and spilt a little sauce on two parts of my dress... its 95% raylon and 5% elastic... I got it from Forever 21 and i really have to get this stain out.. I tried the tyed (forgot how to spell it) pen and just plain washing... Could someone please help me because its important i get it out. Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Is it rayon (a cellulosic fiber) or nylon? And what's the sauce?

      If it's rayon, treat the stain as if it were on cotton -- but gently, because wet rayon is not as strong as dry rayon.

      If it's nylon, you may have more problems as nylon is a notorious dye scavenger, and will tend to hang on to colors. I usually find, though, that pretreating the spot with a liquid detergent, holding it overnight, and then washing does a good job.

      More help:
      http://www.tide.com/en-US/stainsolution/stainfinder.jspx
      http://www.extension.iastate.edu/homefamily/clothing/care.htm

      Do not use chlorine bleach on nylon or lycra/spandex/elastane (which is what I'd guess your "elastic" is).

      If you machine dried the dress, you may be stuck with it -- heat tends to make stains permanent.

16. QUESTION:
    How do you add fabric to a dress to make it less revealing?
    I recently bought a triangle-ish top dress [it's all black] for my senior prom. But I'm rather heavy-chested and it's too revealing for my liking.
    I want to add some fabric to the top part to make it less revealing, but I don't know how. I think I want black fabric so it isn't too obvious.
    so from this / to -/ this, if you can understand.

    • ANSWER:
      take it to a dry cleaning shop where they do alteration......or to a dress maker.....either get them to do it for you......or mabee they could offer some hints on the best way to do it.....but since it is a dress for a prom....I wouldnt advise you do the alterations yourself : ) good luck

17. QUESTION:
    Any tips for someone who wants to sew a tight dress in an organza fabric?
    I'm making a dress for a friend, and she wants it fairly tight. And by fairly tight, I mean skin tight. She also wants it see through. But, I don't want her to regret this, so I'm lining it with lace. But, how would i sew a dress in organza so it doesn't rip? Or is there a form of sheer fabric that stretches that i have not heard of?

    • ANSWER:
      Stretch allusion for the lining. http://www.amazon.com/Wide-Stretch-Illusion-Nude-Fabric/dp/B002OQQO0S

18. QUESTION:
    Washing a vintage silk crepe dress that has fabric glue?
    It's a bright salmon pink 1920s dress with the underarms reinforces and patched with non dry cleanable fabric glue. How to wash?

    • ANSWER:
      You either dry clean it and let the patch go, or you vacuum it and don't clean it beyond that. Washing turns most silk crepe into a limp rag and/or shrinks it horribly.

19. QUESTION:
    how do you get a stain out of poplin fabric dress?
    It looks like a grease stain. Should I just throw it into the wash and it'll be fine?

    • ANSWER:
      What's the fiber? Polyester tends to hang on to grease stains pretty badly, but grease usually comes out of cottons easily. For polyester or poly-cotton blends, I'd spot treat with shampoo or dish detergent (the kind for handwashing, not the dishwasher detergents) overnight, and then wash in warm water and hang dry. Repeat pretreatment and wash if there's still some staining.

      If the fabric is wool, silk, rayon, nylon or acrylic poplin, drop me an email and I'll give you the procedures for those, too.

20. QUESTION:
    What is a good fabric for a formal dress?
    I want to make my daughter's prom dress. What is a good fabric that will drape nice?
    Thanks to all who offered advice and websites.

    • ANSWER:
      Check the pattern envelope for suggested fabrics, then choose a fabric that drapes much like one of the suggestions.

      Patterns are designed to look right with certain fabrics -- making it up in another fabric can make it look cheaply cut, or like you're wearing a circus tent -- which is why there are fabric suggestions on the envelope.

      If you're new to sewing, try to stay away from shiny fabrics like satin (it tends to pucker and any mistakes show up easily), fabrics with glued-on sequins or shiny bits, most velvets (they crush), etc.

      Also, I'd suggest you avoid strapless dress designs if you're new to sewing -- they really require a lot more boning and underlining than most pattern companies suggest. If you're going to do one, I'd suggest
      getting hold of Susan Khalje's book, Bridal Couture, and reading the section on bustiers.

      The dress I wore for many years started out as a prom dress, somewhat similar in design to http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8449.htm -- it was a wool knit, and I could change it around with scarves, belts, jewelry, jackets, shawls.... wonderful investment dress. Not at all what you'd think of as a typical prom dress fabric, but always comfortable and really quite practical.

21. QUESTION:
    Does the texture/fabric of my wedding dress have to match the bridesmaids dresses?
    The dress I am looking at buying is satin with lace underneath.
    Do the other girls' dresses have to be the same texture or fabric?
    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      In my wedding I'm having my bridesmaids wear the same color but I'm having them wear different dresses because I had to get them dresses that were right for all of their body types and ones they felt comfortable in. My maid of honor is also wearing a different dress but the color is a darker shade than what the bridesmaids are wearing. It's your wedding, you do what you want. There's no "right" way how to do things at a wedding.

22. QUESTION:
    Can ivory satin/silk fabric dress shoes be repaired from being chewed up by a dog?
    I recently purchased gorgeous ivory colored dress shoes in a satiny fabric. A friend's dog got to one of them. The majority of damage is to the back of one heel. If I had matching fabric I could possibly take off ALL the fabric from that section and re-glue it. A shoe repair person said if it was leather he could repair it, but otherwise nobody can repair it. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      not likely...doesn't hurt to try though

23. QUESTION:
    What fabric is Taylor Swifts dress made of in the video Love story?
    I wanted to get a seamstress to make me Taylor swifts dress in love story the one that she wears while on the balcony, not the old style one. I was wondering if anybody knew what kind of fabric the skirt of her dress is made of? Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      I know this has nothing to do with your question, but anyone who sees this Don't click the first guy's answer.
      It just gave my computer a freaking trojan.
      (thought it got fixed in an instant)

24. QUESTION:
    How much would a seamstress charge to remove layers of fabric from a wedding dress?
    I am having a destination wedding on a beach in just about a year. I found a dress that I absolutely love. However, it would be too hot to wear on a beach with all the layers of fabric that are in it. I want to know how much a seamstress would charge to remove a few of them?

    • ANSWER:
      Probably around .00-.00.

25. QUESTION:
    for cutting dress fabric, it's recommended that you usa?
    a.pinking shears. b.a seam ripper. c.dressmakers shears.
    d.small scissors.

    • ANSWER:
      c.

      although a. is also suggested...

      it really depends on the fabric... a thicker fabric like demask(?) then c. is the go... but things like silk or satin i'd go a.

26. QUESTION:
    how can I remove vaseline from my dress (cotton fabric)?
    I put some vaseline onto my dress by mistake,how can I remove it,av washed the dress,its not coming out?

    • ANSWER:
      A liquid dish soap such as Dawn, should do the trick. Dawn is a great degreaser, so it can easily break down oily stains. Apply it to the stain at least 20 minutes before washing.

      If you have already dried it, mix a little baking soda into the Dawn to make a paste. Apply it to the stain and let it dit for about an hour. Then launder as usual.

27. QUESTION:
    What is the most breathable fabric for dress shirts and suits?
    My boyfriend is wondering what would be the most breathable material used for a nice dress shirt or suit. Anyone know?

    • ANSWER:
      cotton.

28. QUESTION:
    A dress shirt requires 3 man hours of labor and 2 square yards of fabric to manufacture. There are 120 man hou?
    A dress shirt requires 3 man hours of labor and 2 square yards of fabric to manufacture. There are 120 man hours and 100 square yards of fabric available to produce dress shirts. Assume that real capital resources are adequate, and used in conjunction with available labor resources. Based on your answer to question 7, if the selling price of a dress shirt is and fabric is priced at per square yard, what is total value added?

    • ANSWER:
      Scott, your question can't be answered, because it is based on the answer you got to a prior question 7, which you dont give or explain to us here.

29. QUESTION:
    How can i remove a stain on a white wedding dress, from a red dyed fabric flower?
    My daughter was drinking water, and the red dyed fabric flower bled all over the dress when the water hit it...it has been while ago....

    • ANSWER:
      I would take it to a dry cleaner and tell them what happened and see what they advise. Probably it hasn't helped since it's been a while. So much depends on what kind of material the dress is too. I think professional advice is the way to go. Good luck!

30. QUESTION:
    Type of dress shirt/fabric that keeps you cool?
    For men's dress shirts, what type of fabric(s) keeps you the coolest?

    • ANSWER:
      Heat retention of fibers:
      Heat retention of fibers, from best to worst (so you want poor heat retention --
      go for something low on the list):
      wool
      acrylic
      polyester
      olefin
      nylon
      aramid
      silk
      spandex
      linen
      cotton
      rayon
      acetate
      (Kadolf, et al. 1993. Textiles, 7th ed. Macmillan)

      1) this is a list of fibers, not fabrics--a closely woven fabric
      of a "cool fiber" can be warmer than a not so closely woven
      fabric of a "warmer fiber". A textured weave may be more
      comfortable than a plain weave.
      2) these are for unmodified fibers. Some of the engineered fabrics
      can be remarkably comfortable under certain conditions. For instance,
      a cotton t-shirt soggy with sweat and plastered to me is one of my
      unfavorite sensations. In fairly low humidity, I find some of the
      lighter wicking polyesters (particularly the micromesh types) are
      more comfortable to me.
      3) color does play a part... white reflects light energy, black absorbs
      it.
      4) some of the fibers on the list include things that I'd sooner
      walk across hot coals barefoot than sew... acetate is a fiber I
      particularly dislike working with, fwiw.

31. QUESTION:
    What do I do if I failed to cut out the notches, shown on my dress pattern, on my fabric?
    I didn't know that for the notches on the dress pattern, you're supposed to cut them towards the outside of the pattern- not the inside. I didn't cut them on the inside, but I didn't cut them on the outside. So i just cut it straight across the line. Is that a big deal? Should I re-cut my fabric again? Or should I just not worry about it? (can I finish the dress successfully without using the notches?)

    • ANSWER:
      Don't recut your fabric, but do pin the pattern back on to the pieces. Then take your scissors and make a 1/4" long snip in the notch triangle, towards the point of the triangle. Or you can mark the notches with a dab of white tailor's chalk or even bar soap -- you want the slivers that have sharp edges for this.

      Those notches serve a couple of purposes... if you look at a sleeve piece, you'll see there is a notch
      that matches to the single notch in the front armhole, a dot that matches to the shoulder seam, and two notches in the back of the sleeve that will match to the back armhole notches. If you pick up a pattern piece and see some double notches on it, you're almost assuredly handling a back pattern part.

      Another example -- if you were going to sew pj pants, the center front crotch seam would have a single
      notch in it; the back crotch seam would have two notches in it. It's a shorthand for front and back in patternmaking.

      Yes, we tend to have beginners cut notches outwards, because it prevents them from making great big snips right through the stitching line. But if you're careful about just snipping 1/4" in from the edge, you'll actually be marking your cutting more accurately than you would by cutting those notches outwards.

      Sooner or later, if you keep forgetting to cut your notches (which are really sew-me-to-me reference marks), you're going to wind up doing something like doing a great job setting a sleeve in backwards. Or a sleeve into the neckline. And that will not be a happy day. On the other hand, if you do mark the notches and use them, things should fit together properly.

32. QUESTION:
    What is an easy, yet flowing fabric to make a formal dress out of?
    I'm a beginner at this whole sewing thing, and I think I can make my own dress instead of paying 0 for one. My plan is to make a formal gown for a pageant, what kind of fabric should I use that would be... "user friendly?"
    All responses are greatly appreciated! Thanks for your help!

    • ANSWER:
      For a sophisticated look, seek out a fabric with fibers that have a small bore size and are tightly woven. Silk is the most common, but there are some synthetics that come close. For a more breezy look, go with a lighter fabric with some breathe BUT NOT TOO MUCH.

      Make sure it's cut to fit well (i.e., not loosely unless that's the look you're going for), and keep the design simple without a whole lot of frou-frou, and make sure the lines don't draw attention to less glamorous features of your physique.

      Pay attention to the hemline and make sure you get shoes that compliment the dress and outshine it just a bit. Accessorize accordingly -- pearls, simple gold / silver chains or pendants can round out a sophisticated dress, and go more flashy with the accessories if the dress is plain (which is OK -- done right, the classic plain black cocktail dress can be a killer!)

      I hope this helps. Good luck.

33. QUESTION:
    What is the biggest, best place in which to buy formal dress material/fabric in Brisbane, Australia?
    For example, Lincraft, Spotlight, individual retailers, etc. I just want to find a place with a huge selection so I don't have to travel all around Brisbane to find the perfect stuff thanks guys!

    • ANSWER:
      Gardams at Indroopilly - it is the absolute best place for formal wear and specialises in providing these types of fabrics in one section of the store.

      Gardams is also in Adelaide Street, almost opposite Anza Square near Post Office Square - BUT IT IS A MUCH SMALLER STORE with nothing like the exciting range and Indroopilly - and all of the staff at both stores are experienced sewers used to and willing to offer extra service to make sure you get what you need and want.

34. QUESTION:
    I wanna start taking my dress designs to be made and i need help with fabric choices?
    i havent taken a fashion design class but i have been sketvhing since i was little. i need help with fabric selection. this one particular dress i wanna have done has a deep v that needs to stay up. what would be the best fabric for that?? and to attach lace to??

    • ANSWER:
      Take that sketch to your patternmaker and ask. Personally, I'd probably bone such a neckline, which will require lining and underlining.

      The choice of fabric conditions the choice of pattern, and vice-versa. They have to work together.

      The other problem you're going to run into is that many drawings simply can't be made up at all (fabric doesn't move or hang like many Manga drawings, for instance), nor can it be made without seams.
      You might want to start by reading Kate Dicey's essay on working with a dressmaker at http://www.katedicey.co.uk and with Kathleen Fasanella's critique of design sketches at: http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/design_sketch_analysis/ (Kathleen is an excellent commercial patternmaker).

35. QUESTION:
    How to make fabric roses/folwers that attach on a cocktail dress?
    I'm making a cocktail dress, that will have different size fabric roses. I'm not too sure how to start making them. I was thinking, start by making a ruffle and shaping the rose from that.

    • ANSWER:
      http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/alternative-for-real-buttons-make-a-dior-rose/
      http://selvedgestudio.blogspot.com/2009/08/dior-roses-selvedges-saturday-workshop.html
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14823/create-a-detachable-flower-embellishment
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/14191/how-to-make-a-chrysanthemum-flower
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/13182/circular-ribbon-flower-redux
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/12197/the-circular-ribbon-flower
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/7714/silk-lotus-flower

36. QUESTION:
    Learning to sew- how much fabric for a maxi dress?
    I have pattern 3803 from simplicity and I want to make the long style dress (C) which is divided into 3 sections- halter/middle/bottom trim. The packet says 45" 4 Yd and 60" 2 7/8 Yd. What does that mean?? Why does it appear the shorter length needs more material? Is that alot of fabric? Starting to find out it's not so cheap making your own clothes. Also what is a decent price for dress material (cotton and silk)?
    Also how much material on average would I need for a 2 year olds dress and how much for a long style and short style dress.
    I'm only a beginner and I know I probably don't make much sense but any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Aussie sheila I live in Camden on the outskirts of sydney. Would you know of any cheap material shops around? Have been looking on internet for most fabric.

    • ANSWER:
      The 45" and 60" refers to the width of the fabric, not the length of the dress. The width will be on the end of the bolt, or the clerk can tell you.

      Dress fabric cottons range widely from on sale on up. A decent cotton, regular price, is uaully around - a yard, and the silks generally start around - and go up from there.

      A child's play dress is a yard or two at the most, depending on the pattern, and most patterns come with some accessory patterns like bonnets or tote bags included. There's really no way to guess how much fabric a skirt would take though since it depends on the style, fullness, print on the fabric, lots of variables.

      And a word of caution.....PATTERN SIZES ARE NOT THE SAME AS DRESS SIZES!!! Buy the pattern according to the largest measurement that fits you. If it's a dress pattern and your bust measurement calls for a 10 but the hips call for an 8, buy the 10. If the waist is the only measurement given for the skirt, double check the length listed.

      And ask the clerk at the fabric store if you have any problems figuring things out. They are usually happy to answer questions, and if they aren't, there will most likely be a customer within earshot who will help you out.

      Good luck, and teach that little one to sew!

37. QUESTION:
    What is a good, moderately stiff fabric I can line my chiffon dress with?
    I purchased a few yards of polyester chiffon and am planning to make a flowy dress with it. Although I want it to be very free-moving and sheer, I want the bust to be slightly stiffer so it can support the breasts. When I say stiff, I don't mean heavy fabrics like denim and etc. I'm looking for fabric that is feminine and would look good with a chiffon overlay. Do any of you guys have recommendations/suggestions/tips? All would be greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      If this is going to be strapless, you need something like coutil for underlining the bodice. And you're going to need boning and an inner waist belt besides. A good place to look for construction information is Susan Khalje's Bridal Couture.

      Also:
      http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4339/boning-not-just-for-corsets

38. QUESTION:
    How much fabric do I need for this dress?
    I am not good at figuring it out!
    I am making the blue bubble dress. I am a size 10.
    How much fabric will I need for the entire project?

    • ANSWER:
      You need a pattern. And on the pattern it will tell you how much fabric to get.

39. QUESTION:
    what kind of fabric is good for making a dress?
    Hi! I've designed a dress that I've wanted to make for awhile. it's kind of a special occasions dress (like something for homecomming dance). I have made a dress in the past, but i'm more serious about this one. I don't know much about fabrics so i was wondering what kind of fabric would be good for making a dress.

    I want kind of a shiny silky fabric, that doesn't cost too much and i don't want something so thin you can see though it. any ideas?

    thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      well if you want you could buy polyester chiffon, it will have the same look as silk chiffon, it is very flowy, its especially nice for a long gown.

40. QUESTION:
    What fabric should I use to sew a dance dress?
    What kind of fabric should I use to make a dress for a swing dance? I want the skirt to be somewhat flowy and I have no clue what fabric would be best. Thanks in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      Ideally you should use Gabardine. Try and find a wool blend.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabardine

      This is also the fabric that would have been used in the 1930s and 1940s. It will be more expensive than off the shelf stuff you will find a wallmart or joann's, but if you want something that will last, I highly recommend it!

      Check out this blog for more tips on vintage wear and making your own vintage clothes related to swing dancing:
      http://vforvintageblog.blogspot.com/

41. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to clean fabric dress shoes?

    • ANSWER:
      I remember when I was younger my mom would do it with a toothbrush but make sure its new so you don't get toothpaste stain on them.

42. QUESTION:
    What is the best fabric to use for a semi formal dress?
    I'm making a dress for a semi formal event, and I'm not sure what fabric would be best. It would have to be something not too light or too fancy, and it can't deteriorate in the wash. It has to look nice with a sheer fabric as well.

    • ANSWER:
      satin
      silk
      chiffon
      tulle
      jacquard - its absolutely gorgeous.<3

43. QUESTION:
    What kind of fabric should I get to make a lining for a dress?
    I bought a dress pattern. It's very simple, only four pattern pieces, but it has a lining for the yoke. It says that the dress should be "with nap" in a fabric like satin, crepe, or matte jersey. It doesn't say what I should get for the lining except "without nap".

    • ANSWER:
      For light weight fabrics I like to use silk or polyester habotai. For medium weight fabrics, I like to use Bremsilk, which is a breathable cupro fabric made for lining. Heavy fabrics deserve a nice twill satin suit lining, and coat weight fabrics need a good coat lining. Jersey fabrics need a jersey lining, or one cut on the bias.

      Here are some examples of the different types of lining and their uses:
      http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/Category.aspx/Linings

      'With nap' just means a one-way design or a pile (like velvet). While satin doesn't have a nap as such, it is always wise to cut it out as if it does as there can be subtle differences in the weave that may show up when you don't, especially with silk satins. Lining fabrics tend not to have a nap or one way design unless you chose a patterned lining.

44. QUESTION:
    Should I use a slip as a fabric base for a duct tape dress?
    I'm planning on trying to make a duct tape dress. I currently have a very sheer, simple white slip. Should I use this as a base to build off of when making the dress? Will the tape stay attached to the fabric?

    • ANSWER:
      A slip would be a great foundation for a duct tape dress.

      Just make sure your duct tape overlaps another piece of duct tape when you attach it, so that if the slip disengages from the duct tape (no reason it should, but it might) it will remain attached to itself on the outside garment.

      A few hints... duct tape comes in 20+ colors (silver, black, blue, red, pink, orange, lavender, etc.), patterns (zebra, camo, tie-dye, leopard & collegiate) & shapes (sheets, rolls) (http://www.duckbrand.com/Products/duck-tape.aspx), so use 'em to your advantage... Duck brand tape runs an annual contest for the best prom dress & tux made from their tape w/ a k top prize (http://www.duckbrand.com/Promotions/stuck-at-prom.aspx), check their web site for ideas... they sell a clear duct tape that you can use to hem your dress, or on the interior of the dress to join seams... you can make roses from duct tape to accessorize your dress (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/duct-tape-crafts.html)... and think about a matching or contrasting duct tape purse (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/duct-tape-purse.html).

      Hope this helps,
        & nbsp; TX Griff

45. QUESTION:
    What kind of fabric is used to make a flowy dress?
    I am designing a dress for my friend and she wants to know what kind of fabric should be used. I NEED HELP!

    • ANSWER:
      You can try satin or light-weight cotton. Stay away from rayon!

46. QUESTION:
    How much fabric would i need for a medium sized dress?
    I am making a a dress for my friend ( 13 years old) She is not fat but not super skinny either. I want the dress to hit about an inch above the knee. Any idea how much fabric i would need or any good places to get silk or a soft fabric?

    • ANSWER:
      1. 3 1/2- 4 yards.
      2. Fabric wise use Joanns, Walmart, Miachels, or fabric.com.
      3. Why don't you use a pattern to find out?
      Try this pattern: http://www.simplicity.com/p-1897-girlsgirls-plus-dresses.aspx
      Or This:http://www.simplicity.com/p-2217-girlsgirls-plus-dresses.aspx
      Or This:http://www.simplicity.com/p-2257-girls-dresses.aspx?VariantID=8038
      Or this: http://www.simplicity.com/p-1577-junior-dresses.aspx

      Hope that helps! Happy sewing!

      (I've been sewing for about 7-6 years including costumes like this: http://www.simplicity.com/p-1799-costumes.aspx or this:http://www.simplicity.com/p-1992-costumes.aspx or this: http://www.simplicity.com/p-2194-girls-separates.aspx

47. QUESTION:
    what is the best way to cut out pieces of fabric in order to make a dress?
    i have this big piece of black fabric and im trying to make it into a dress. whats the easiest was to cut and sew it into a dress that can actually be worn?

    • ANSWER:
      As a very experienced sewer who has helped and assisted many beginners: the best way to cut out pieces of fabric is to do it with the assistance of a real sewing patten. The pattern will have the pieces to place on the fabric before cutting, it will tell you how to cut the fabric and how to assemble all the fabric pieces into a dress. The pattern will also list all the other essentials such as zippers and closures, interfacings and other notions. Patterns also come in sizes, select your size based on your measurements, not the size you buy in stores. It's almost impossible to just cut into fabric and make a dress that fits without a pattern to follow. I always begin with a pattern and a plan, even if the pattern is one of my own creations. I never just cut out pieces of fabric and hope for the best.

      Simplicity patterns has a line called "It's so easy" and they have several very nice dress patterns that will make wearable and stylish dresses. The simplicity site also has an extensive help section.
      How to measure: http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=section/fittips/howmeas.htm
      How to select a size based on the measurements: http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=section/fittips/bestguidefit.htm
      Here's their help topics: http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=sewingBasics.html

      Here are a few It's so easy dresses that some of my beginner student have used and ones that I think have turned out the best:
      This sundress is simple and looks nice: http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2649
      Another basic dress that presented few problems: http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2663
      This maxi dress is the one that is getting the most attention from my students: http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2638 I made it for myself along with the class.
      A Marilyn Monroe halter dress: http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2884
      And this combination dress/top and skirt set pattern is one of my all time favourites for beginners and intermediate level sewers alike. It's a classic summer set: http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=2955 I use it in my "trims, embellishments, and customizing for beginners" class. I've made it for myself several times.

      Any questions? Go to About.com's excellent site where they have lots of sewing help and a forum to post questions where there are several experts ready to help. Including me. http://sewing.about.com/

48. QUESTION:
    where do you buy a zipper that matches the fabric that you bought for a dress?
    Where do you buy a zipper that matches the fabric that you bought for a dress?

    • ANSWER:

49. QUESTION:
    Where can I get a waterproof clear fabric glue for sticking rhinestones on a dress?
    Who makes a product of this description? I need to stick the rhinestoness on my ballroom dance dress......I have tried the glue from Chrisanne & DSI (large dance wear manufacturers) but once in water (although wrongly advertised) they aren't waterproof & the stone comes off!
    Can anyone suggest a clear, fabric glue that will not cause all the stones to fall off when I gently handwash the dress. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Why don't you use hot-fix rhinestones? They already have clear glue at the back and easily stick to the clothing when applied heat with an iron or hot-fix applicator. But if you are happy to use glue, you can get clear fabric glue for rhinestones from this website.This glue is called strass244.
      Hope this helps.

50. QUESTION:
    Where can I buy gathered or ruched rhinestone fabric for a dress?
    i am wanting to make a dress for my little girl with the gathered or ruched rhinestone fabric it a satin or silk fabric
    Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      I think you can go and have a look in the wholesale-shox.com

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