Will synthetics eat my soul?

[frualeydis]

I have 9 metres 155 cm wide burgundy fabric with a faint silvery shimmer. The sheer amount of it begs me to do a german with full circle skirt, like the Mary of Habsburg gown. The catch? It's 100% polyester. It doesn't necessarily look like polyester, it doesn't feel like polyester, but I did a burn test so I know.
And I don't know if I'll ever wear it because of that. Also, while the actual dress is pretty simple there is a lot if work on the smock and a fitting headdress and if I should make something from synthetics it definitely should be something reasonably simple that doesn't require hours and hours of hand sewing (except the hemming of the skirt ;))

Comments

Yes they will!

[haugtussa.livejournal.com]

Eeek they are the work of satan and all his mineons!

Re: Yes they will!

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

I know. But what on earth should I do with this gorgeous fabric?

/Eva

[therru.livejournal.com]

Is it satiny or woolly in texture? Could it be used as drapes or hangings somewhere?

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

satiny.

Eva

[clothsprogs.livejournal.com]

If it were a synthetic/natural fibre mix, I'd say go for it, as it is... make it into bed/tent hangings for colder weather events when breathability isn't an issue

Teddy

[liadethornegge.livejournal.com]

Look at it like this, polyester was created to look like silk. if it feels like the real thing, a gown like the Mary of Hapsburg is pretty open so you won't be completely covered in non-breathing fabric. And besides that, you're always going to be warm in tightly fitting late period clothes.

If it looks the business, use it.

[ginger-dragon.livejournal.com]

I know how you feel. I've made my frilly dress out of synthetics, justifying it with the thought of wearing it to public ebents where I wouldn't mind if sticky fingers left spots. And it does look like silk- only I feel compelled to confess evertyime someone admires the fabric...

[fluffy-badger.livejournal.com]

No, don't do it. You will regret it, I know this from personal experience... :-) Use your lovely fabric to make a modern skirt/dress and save the rest for later.

[peronel.livejournal.com]

Make something modern. Even if it's cushion covers. Otherwise it will gnaw at your soul every time you look at it.