Casey's sdsa #1: fabric choice

There's no backing out now! I am fully committed to Casey's swing dress sew-along, after having bought the ePattern (my very first) and some navy blue crepe:


What do you think of this fabric? I'm a bit nervous about using it, as I've not used a slippery fabric before and I've heard some horror stories! I did want to get crepe though because it's the top recommended type of fabric to use for this dress pattern. It's also double sided and apparently you can use either side depending on if you want a shiny or a matte finish. Or I guess you could go with one finish and then make some of the details (like sleeves and dress middle) with the contrasting side of the fabric. Or would this be gross?

By my usual taste, I do think this is a boring fabric, only because I'm a sucker for all the cute printed cottons out there. It will be good to take a detour from my usual style though and have a smart 'grown-up' dress in my wardrobe.

Anyway, on a slightly different note, I'll leave you with another little finished something for the upcoming Esty store:




Have you guys had a productive weekend? Did you get any sewing projects finished?

11 comments:

  1. I love the fabric! Crepe is great to sew with (not as slippery as other fabrics) and having some parts 'shiny' and using the 'matte' for other parts was all the rage in 1940 (and probably other years too!) I can't wait to see your dress!

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  2. Thank you Debi, this is very encouraging to hear! I'm really enjoying following your progress in both the 'Sew Weekly' and 'Sewing Through the Decades' challenges!

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  3. Good luck with your sew along! I am sure your dress will come out well. I have not been doing much garment sewing lately. I made a few smalls items this weekend. Small bags to hold some gifts. I like you apron too. Aprons are on my list to start making as well.

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  4. I agree with Debi's idea about using the shiny and matte in different sections of the dress for some fun contrast! :) I love working with double-sided crepe; it's a lot easier than say, satin (don't even get me started! lol). I used a very lightweight crepe for the ballgown I made this past October and it was a dream to work with!

    ♥ Casey | blog

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  5. Good luck with your fabric it will look lovely, and your apron is very pretty. Dee ;-)

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  6. You've convinced me to go for crepe now Marie! I was umming and ahhing and had the same thoughts about shiny vs matt as you - but the comments from 1940's gurus Debi and Casey have confirmed it's the way to go! As much as I'd love to I can't do mine in navy blue too though, I've got to have SOME clothes that aren't grey or navy! So I think I'll go for red. Where did you get your crepe from? x

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  7. I can't thank you all enough for your comments/input, it's really encouraging and enormously helpful! Debi and Casey, I'm now feeling much more confident about the crepe ;o)

    Jane, so glad you're going for crepe too...we can exchange notes on any trials and tribulations (though there won't be any of course!). I bought mine off my favourite market stall in Leicester...it's excellent quality and only £5.99 a meter! I'm sure you'll find some at your local fabric shops or online...?

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  8. Your apron is just so cute, the green lace trim is such a lovely touch.

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  9. I think this is my favourite apron you've made. Loving the lace edge.

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