Replies

1. 
   GALEY | Apr 25, 2005 12:28am | #1

   Dear Kate, I believe you have the sewing skills to do this job!  About the bust lining and all other linings and underlinings, I would use a silky polyester as it comes in all colors and I hardly ever recommend acetete products.  On this same forum,  there is a long discussion about various linings, etc. for wedding dresses and I like what they say, especially using an organza (polyester or nylon) for the underlining and a cotton batiste for the bodice part that will touch your body.  Remember to check for color changes! This is one reason the three layers (face, underlining, lining) work so well, and your dress will never gap or sag, especially with the ribbon at the inner waistline.  I have had wonderful results with clear elastic, slightly stretched and included in the upper bodice and armhole seams.   I will no longer make wedding gowns without linings and underlinings--you can always use $1.00/yard if you have to.

   About being cooler, I don't think there is much you can do with fabrics on a traditional style wedding gown--all those layers!  I have made about 20 wedding gowns, plus bridesmaids and proms and my rule is to have an extra box fan in the room where the bride gets dressed, along with the usual cooling system.  People who are excited are just hotter!  God bless you as you work on this special garment.  Mygaley.

    

1. 
   kathryn | Apr 25, 2005 01:58am | #2

   gayley, thanks so much for your advice. i had not even thought of putting in elastic under the chest seam; that is a wonderful recommendation for support. i will start searching for some raspberry batiste or will use the silky polyester of the outer fabric, for the lining. i appreciate you sharing your experience! kate

1. 
   GALEY | Apr 26, 2005 08:35am | #4

   I'm sorry I was not clearer, but I insert clear elastic at the neckline edge--I don't know what you call this edge on a strapless dress.  Elastic attached so no wrinkles show makes a good soft stay anywhere, as you surmised.  Just be sure you have polyester or spandex, no latex which will deteriorate.  The last wedding gown I was asked to alter had a 2-1/2 inch waistline stay, which fastened with velcro and it gave the bride the tiny waisted look she wanted on her bustier.  Also, a large or heavy skirt like a wedding gown often has requires a stay that will not stretch so your skirt won't sag.

1. 
   sewpro | Apr 30, 2005 04:53pm | #5

   My all time favorite lining is Bemberg rayon also known as Ambiance. It feels wonderfully cool against your skin and unlike polyester presses beautifully. Honestly, I would never use polyester lining in a wedding gown. And as a dressmaker, I have made hundreds of them. The Sewing Place has a website (I think it's thesewingplace.com) where you can find Ambiance lining in many colors. Good luck!

1. 
   GALEY | May 01, 2005 03:46am | #6

   Thanks for the tip!  I will be checking this out as my next bride's first visit is next week.  We work hard to help other women meet their dreams, don't we?

2. 
   HeartFire | Apr 25, 2005 08:22am | #3

   Kate,
   You need to be careful with acetate, personally I love the hand of acetate fabric, but it is very sensative to moisture and will change color if it gets wet (persperation). Bemberger rayon is wonderful against the body, it doens't have the drape of satin, but if you underline as reccommended with organza it would probably work, and as a natural fiber it will be cool
   Judy

3. 
   wench34 | May 05, 2005 11:25am | #7

   I recommend china silk or silk habotai, (same thing) as it is not hot, allows the body to breathe, and feels wonderful. 

    

   It is very reasonable at http://www.thaisilks.com....

   Less than 4 dollars a yard.......worth a look.......