Date: 11/3/09 9:22 AM

I've got my first paid job to make King and Queen capes for a Christmas parade. 5th graders will write essays and the winning boy and girl will be the King and Queen for a parade...

I always refuse paid work but I thought that capes would be relatively easy. The spec is for white faux fur to trim the front edges and the collar.

I only have JoAnn's as a brick and mortar source where I live. The only white fur that they carried said it is NOT dry cleanable. The girl who worked there said that is likely because the fur is acrylic... The customers plan to dry clean the capes as necessary.

...SO, does anybody know 1) Is it true that you cannot dry clean acrylic faux furs? 2) Can anybody recommend a good source that carries a white faux fur that IS dry cleanable?

The capes themselves will be a poly velvet (not acetate or cotton velveteen).

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I can't believe I didn't say no to doing this! I just like these people and thought it was a nice thing they are doing for their community, so I caved!

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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Kellie R. (Shortened from Costume and Retro Kellie)

2009-Fabric In: 29.5
2009-Fabric Sewn: 76.25

http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/

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Reply to Kellie R.
Date: 11/3/09 12:10 PM

What about using veleteen, which generally is machine washable for the body of the cape, then telling the client that they cannot be drycleaned, but much be machine washed.

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2008 fabric in 0
2008 Fabric used 1 m

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Date: 11/3/09 12:39 PM

Yes, that would have made it easy... but they don't want velveteen. I sent a velveteen swatch along with an acetate and poly velvet and they chose the most expensive, the poly.

I thought that I could make the fur trim/collar removable. I'm waiting to hear back from the "clients" to see what they think about that.

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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Kellie R. (Shortened from Costume and Retro Kellie)

2009-Fabric In: 29.5
2009-Fabric Sewn: 76.25

http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/

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Subject: Source for Faux Fur thats dry-cleanable Date: 11/3/09 12:47 PM

Fabulous Furs states to dry-clean their fur on the FAQ page.
White Faux Mink

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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Fabric = clothing (some assembly required) (from Re Becca's DH)

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Subject: Source for Faux Fur thats dry-cleanable Date: 11/3/09 12:51 PM

I think 'removable' will be your best option. Maybe they'd go for big snaps?

On the other hand, I think a dry cleaner would generally remove any sort of fur trim before cleaning the item as a matter of course. (But I haven't used a dry cleaner in years, so maybe that has changed.) In that case you would back the fur with satin or something similar and tack it into place -- for easy removal and replacement at the time of dry cleaning. (edited to say, be sure the backing is something that will NOT need pressing after it's washed. Evidently heat damages acrylic fur fibers...)

Do the clients think the fur and the cape will need to be actually cleaned every time they are used?
-- Edited on 11/3/09 1:00 PM --

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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com

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Date: 11/3/09 12:55 PM

How do I care for my Fabulous Furs?

dry cleanable, Pile method.... NO heat...

Actually, why don't you just suggest they have the whole thing made in fur...by the folks in Covington? That way they could foot the $600 or so bill without you being involved...

-- Edited on 11/3/09 12:57 PM --

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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com

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Reply to goodworks1
Date: 11/3/09 3:43 PM

Quote: goodworks1

Actually, why don't you just suggest they have the whole thing made in fur...by the folks in Covington?

And they would be oh so toasty warm. Under those hot stage lights. I could just see everyone on stage fainting.



(Even just the fur for the trim sound rather steep for a costume.)

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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Fabric = clothing (some assembly required) (from Re Becca's DH)

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Date: 11/3/09 4:42 PM

Ah hahaha - that sounds good to me Elaine!!!!!! But yeah, what's that fur made of, gold?

I spoke to the "client" and they think the removable trim/collar is a good idea. It was their intention to have them cleaned every year after used in the parade, but I suggested that if the kids are only wearing them for about 1/2 hour to one hour in a parade and that's it, they may not need it.

Thanks for your responses and links; let's hope that I can pull this off!

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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Kellie R. (Shortened from Costume and Retro Kellie)

2009-Fabric In: 29.5
2009-Fabric Sewn: 76.25

http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/

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Subject: Source for Faux Fur thats dry-cleanable Date: 11/3/09 7:51 PM

Kelly, is this Peoria's Christmas parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving?

I've marched in that one a couple times when it's been snowing, so I think they'd probably appreciate a fur coat for that as it lasts several hours!

However, I doubt if this is the parade you're speaking of... rather I suspect it's the one where your local school district is located and that's a much shorter parade, I'd guess...?

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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com

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Date: 11/4/09 8:37 AM

Elaine, it is for friends in North Carolina so the climate is much different from ours here in Peoria!

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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Kellie R. (Shortened from Costume and Retro Kellie)

2009-Fabric In: 29.5
2009-Fabric Sewn: 76.25

http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/

Next page>>