Taffeta

[Lady Rebecca]

When you go to make things out of taffeta, what kind do you use - polyester, acetate, or do you spring for silk? And please explain your choices. I'm getting into making some 18th c stuff, and I'm a little lost when it comes to non-cotton based fabrics.

[Kate XXXXXX]

If I can find it at the right price and in the right colours, I'll go for silk.  If not, whichever looks best.  If the choice is poly or acetate, I'll go for poly as it doesn't crush so badly and usually feels better.  It's also more durable.

[gem]

Rebecca, when I was writing my first book, I did a ton of research into 18th century clothing. I posted my favorite books on the subject here. I particularly recommend the Williamsburg book, and you might want to see if you can track down the Sally Queen (her website appears to have disappeared...?), which contains actual samples of fabric. I got my copy through interlibrary loan.

[Syrilla]

I agree with Kate.  There is nothing better than silk, esp. if you can find double sided!!!!  I try to always use at least half natural fabrics in ren. clothes.  So, that leave out most taffeta.  If I am building for parties or such, then I like bridal weight taffeta.  Heavier and crisper.

[LadyStitch]

My tutor  pushed for us to line the inside of an jackets or coats we did with silk taffeta.  That stuff is expensive but heavenly!  Just wish I knew where to get it

[Valencia]

I haven't yet done any 18th century stuff in taffeta, that is on my to do list, after my next project. I might take a stab with whatever blended taffeta I can find at Joanns, I can't afford $30 a yard for silk taffeta.

[Lady Rebecca]

My tutor  pushed for us to line the inside of an jackets or coats we did with silk taffeta.  That stuff is expensive but heavenly!  Just wish I knew where to get it

There's a seller on ebay whose prices are mostly around $12.95/yd for silk taffeta. But he's based out of Thailand. And I really want to find someplace to feel silk taffeta before I pay those kind of prices...
http://myworld.ebay.com/bangkokthaisilk/

[Anna Iram]

Wouldn't hurt to ask what he might charge to send a few swatches.

Just a thought too, but perhaps if there is a good bridal shop in your area you might ask them where they buy. Most likely wholesale, but they might be able to give you a good lead.

[gem]

Have you tried Silk Baron? His prices are higher than your ebay seller, but he has a terrific swatch service (excellent service all around, actually).

Renaissance Fabrics also has silk taffeta in several colors, for $16-$18/yard. And her swatches are free!!

[Lady Rebecca]

Gem, you are a terrible enabler. There are now 9 swatches I want from Renaissance fabrics. I can't afford silk!

[Cilean]

I spring for silk.  Why you have asked?

It makes the perfect sound
It moves like it is supposed to and has the correct drape
I tend toward H/A more than anything else
I like how it feels
How the fabric looks, and silk looks rich

Cilean

[operafantomet]

I have only used taffeta for fancy dresses and pure costumes, and then only for details. Synthetic versions work well for that. But if you're thinking of a whole dress, I would consider silk. It's just more comfortable.

That said, if you come across smooth silk dupioni, it is also a very good alternative. I've used it for a quasi-18th century dress myself, and it's both very easy to work with and looks gorgeous. A friend of mine used it for a proper Robe a la Française, and she was also very happy with the choice. The trick is to find the versions without too many slubs. It reminds of taffeta.

SILK DUPIONI IN USE:

[Syrilla]

I like the look of that peachy piece.

[Anna Iram]

Those are really lovely.  

I have a piece of tafetta in my stash that is of a colour I've not seen elsewhere. Grey with a lavender/pinkish thread. Not changeable, but just a really lovely tone. Anyway, unfortunatly it's not silk, so no full gown for it...it just feels so *not* breathable... but I think it wouldn't be too hot to use for sleeves as a lining for the slashes and perhaps a forpart and in the trim as piping etc.

...but yes, Cilean is right, even in the way that it moves there is nothing like silk. Even though mine is a nice tafetta, crisp and all that, it just doesn't have that *something* silk has.