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.
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
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.
Quote from: operafantomet on June 06, 2009, 09:27:28 AM
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.
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.
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 .
(http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHF87&P=FR%20.)
It simulates a very nice patina or oxidation.
One caveat.... ALWAYS DO A TEST SWATCH.
I also have colored laces with sharpie....desperate measures LOL
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.
Fascinating Dona Catalina! I might have to do a bit of experimenting with that trick!