Saturday, January 23, 2010

Light Bulb Moment



The other night my friend wondered why we couldn't use the lining fabric for the outside of the dress, and while I liked the color, the quality and texture weren't really any better than the satin.

Friday night I was out to dinner with Mario, grousing about working on this dress, and all of a sudden I had an almost-idea - you know, that foggy feeling in your head that you know, if it clears, the answer might. just. be. behind. it.

I went home and stared at the fabric for a while, and then I had it.

Use the reverse of the satin. It's not flat; it's a matte finish, and has a bit of the nubby texture of the satin without the godawful glare.

I had already cut out all the pieces, so I pinned the front of the bodice on and looked at it. It still has some sheen, but without the extra shine, the color didn't look as drab.

I had the designer's sketch handy, and I started folding the other bodice pieces, alternating right and wrong sides, to see if I could somehow create the scalloped effect of the original design.

Obviously these pieces are just folded and pinned in place, but I think I might have something here. The alternating matte-to-shiny at least adds some variation to what would otherwise be a dismal, shiny dress. Once I get the bodice fitted on Jen and calculate how much fabric I need for the skirt, I can start playing with the leftover pieces and see if I can salvage something from this mess.

I'm beginning to feel just slightly hopeful.

9 comments:

Skitzo Leezra Studio said...

I blogged about reverse sides of fabric here:
http://skitzoleezrastudio.blogspot.com/2009/06/examine-your-back-side.html
Thanks for showing us your progress!

Anonymous said...

I really like this idea. Keep going!

Ruth said...

That's great! And don't forget that under stage lights it will look better. For some reason, like TV cameras, they make tatty and cheap fabrics look glamorous. Oh, where would creativity be without unreasonable demands and sticky situations?

gwensews said...

You have a good idea going on. Take it and run with it!

Elaray said...

Sometimes, putting things on the back burner is the best way to solve a problem. I knew you'd find a solution.

Rachel said...

That is a great idea.

Little Hunting Creek said...

Good idea - it already looks promising

snow said...

I love your idea.I think the operative word here is WHY NOT use the reverse side. I can't wait until you finish stitching it up!

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

I am loving the look of your draping! Good idea to mix the two satin textures.