Fancy schmancy satin brocade dress
The other day I got inspired to use up some of my fabric cuts that have been on the shelf too long. I had a poly brocade from JoAnn (you know the ones--they come in all those bright colors and prints, lots of fun but all verrrrry polyester-ey) that I had bought experimentally a while back. I only had a yard, and just bought it to see what it was like. But I figured, how about a sort of 60's-inspired cocktail dress?
But yes, I only had a yard. But, I'm a thrifty cutter. Here it is with Simplicity 2444 with the modified scoop neckline that I gave it!
So, it did work out to make it with only a yard, but the skirt's pretty short. Maybe shorter than I would have ideally made it. But all in all, it turned out well! This fabric sheds like crazy--little silvery threads everywhere!--and the grain was NOT straight at all. I think I wasted some fabric trying to straighten it out before I cut it, but then had to give up and just use it slightly crooked. Just the way it was woven!
It's very bouncy, really, but it worked well with the soft poly lining I gave it (the bodice only). Would have been really annoying with facings at the neck and armholes!
Have you ever used that poly brocade stuff? What for?
And, any tips for wearing a pale-colored cocktail party dress like this one? I love that it's not black--might replace an LBD for me once in a while!
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