Metallic trim help

[Pipere]

Hey all, long time no post.

I'm in a bit of an odd situation. I've never made a proper gown before and thus I've never had to deal with using metallic trim but.. well, guess what kids?

The color scheme is black, blood red, grays, and silver- I need the silver for the right amount of pop and highlight. I've also decided that I'd like a thin piping or cording rather than something laced or braided or BIG. After cruising 3 different Joann's and various trim websites, I realized that I really don't know what I'm looking for.

So please oh gurus of the sewing forum, what are some good, inexpensive metallic trims that I can use? Or some photos of costumes that use them well.

[operafantomet]

I would love to know more about what KIND of gown you're making. It's hard to give picture references and suggestions without knowing what style/vision you have yourself. I mean, I adore the use of silver in this dress:

http://www.geocities.com/carlottacostumes/masquerade/eumask6.jpg

But I bet that's a totally different concept than what you're heading for...

However, eBay is always the place for me... Don't know if you get the same search results up as I got up, but look:
http://crafts.shop.ebay.com/items/Sewing-Fabric__silver-trims?_catref=1&_fln=1&_sacat=160737&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

When working with Metallic trims be they golds or silvers, be sure that they do not look too "plastic". Meaning, too bright. Finding more of a tarnished finish to metallic trims is better if you are going for a more Historically Accurate look.

JoAnn's has been stocking good trims that I buy a lot. Those 40% coupons and competitor's coupons sure helps when buying trims.

[Pipere]

I would love to know more about what KIND of gown you're making.

I will give this much away as I'd like there to be a bit of a surprise. The style of gown I'm making is a fusion of spanish and late period English styles, even a hint of Rococco (this is not meant to be completely H/A of course). I am... in better lack of words, going to be the villain. Again, the color scheme is black, grays, red, and silver.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[ladyharrogate]

To add on to what Lady Kathleen said, do be cautious but if all you can find is a brighter silver you can always tone it down with a hammered silver spray paint.  I use the technique in stage costumes and some ren stuff.  In fact, I just posted a pic on the finished garments thread of my youngest in a pirate coat.  The only trim I could find was white and I wanted gold.  I spray painted it and it lasted her through the whole season!  Like Pipere said though it's hard to really tell without knowing the style of the gown. 

[Miranda]

I've antiqued trims by dipping them into a darker rit dye.  A black or dark brown works really well..  It dyes the thread cores, making the trim look less chintzy.  Spraying it with a matte finish like testor's dullcote http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHF87&P=FR .

It simulates a very nice patina or oxidation.

One caveat.... ALWAYS DO A TEST SWATCH.

[ladyharrogate]

I also have colored laces with sharpie....desperate measures LOL

[DonaCatalina]

have you looked at http://www.cheeptrims.com  ?

I have used metallic trim on several things. One way to tone down the metallic look of the ribbon trim is to sew it down with a box stitch in the color of your fabric. This gives it an embroidered look.

[Pipere]

Fascinating Dona Catalina! I might have to do a bit of experimenting with that trick!