Using RTW velvet curtain panels for fabric--what do I need to keep in mind?

[gem]

I mentioned in another post a couple of weeks ago that I was looking for some dark teal solid fabric to make the waistcoat/jacket from The Tudor Tailor. Well, I found some cotton velvet curtain panels at World Market this week, and I'm trying to decide if they'll work. They're a wee bit pricey (up to the equivalent of ~$18/yard), and I know I'm going to have to take some stuff into consideration, when using RTW curtains instead of new yardage.

My choices in panel size are 54x84" or 54x96" (which works out to 2 and 1/3 yards or 2 and 2/3 yards). The waistcoat calls for 1.5 yards of 45" (and I haven't done a mockup yet to check how much it will really take). So there will be a fair bit extra, but I don't know if it will be enough to account for any yardage lost in the hems/etc (creases that can't be removed) or to work with the nap of the velvet. I also do not know if the panels are lined or not.

Can anyone advise on how I should approach this? Is there anything else I should be aware of, and how should I handle it? Or is this going to be an untenable PITA, and I should just keep looking for another fabric?

Gramercy!!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Be sure to remove all stitching from the sides, hems and top casing where it has been pleated. WASH the panel in a COLD wash/COLD rinse, GENTLE cycle. DRY on a LOW setting for DELICATES until dried. Iron out.

You should have plenty fabric in the  panels. Be sure to lay everything going in the same direction due to the fabric having nap. If the pattern calls for 1.5 yards, having over 2 yards should suffice. Any Drapery lining should be removed or remain to use as  an underlining. Are you planning to line the Waistcoat?

Sometimes it is better to have a little fabric left over for a flat cap, pouch, etc. Good luck.

[gem]

Lady K, that is EXCELLENT! Precisely what I needed to know. Thank you!

I've signed up to get coupons from WM, and am holding off a bit to see if there are any post-holiday sales to lower the price a little bit more.  I've also realized that TT is kind of vague on their layout diagrams, so placing all the bits will be an adventure!

[gem]

Huzzah!

I bought the curtains!!

Very excited! Everything went on sale today, so along with my signing discount, it dropped the price to around $10/yard. I'm getting about 5 yards... which is approximately 3.5 yards more than I need.  LOL  At the last minute, I wasn't sure what direction the nap on the curtains went, so I decided to spring for two panels, when there was probably *plenty* of fabric on one. But, I mean, it's *velvet.* It's not like it won't get used. 

(I am also very close to a decision on what kind of linen to get with my contest winnings... or I was, until Fabrics-store.com introduced about 25 new colors!)

[operafantomet]

Huzzah!

I bought the curtains!!

Very excited! Everything went on sale today, so along with my signing discount, it dropped the price to around $10/yard. I'm getting about 5 yards... which is approximately 3.5 yards more than I need.  LOL  At the last minute, I wasn't sure what direction the nap on the curtains went, so I decided to spring for two panels, when there was probably *plenty* of fabric on one. But, I mean, it's *velvet.* It's not like it won't get used. 

Yeah, some spare velvet always comes in handy. Think of all the cool things you can make!. A couched saccoccia.... A funky head garb. Ornamental velvet sleeves for an existing dress... M-m-m...

[gem]

Update!

The curtain panels are here! They're lovely. A muted greeny-teal. Not terribly plush; really a nice "low-end" velvet for a middle-class look, which is precisely what I wanted. And there is GADS of it. GADS! I could probably make a whole gown (I won't, but even so).

They are not lined, so that's one issue off the list. They came with tie backs, which will be great for experimenting on (test wash & all that).

I'm really busy with work stuff and an embroidery project at the moment, so it will be a while before I get to this project, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the color plays with my coral Campi dress and the purple damask kirtle. I think it will be a nice complement to both of them.

Wondering if I should hang them up to let the wrinkles fall out... or if that's just asking for lint.