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Silk for Baby Clothes
LBH2010 Intermediate PA USA Member since 7/12/12 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/22/13 10:05 PM I know this is not technically a formalwear question, but I thought people who sew bridal or formalwear would know about silk. I recently found the sweetest little vintage baby jacket and bonnet on Etsy, and the seller described it as being made of silk. The silk looked almost like satin, only she was sure to clarify that it was made of silk and not satin. Anyway, it is not silk dupioni. It is very smooth. You can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/119614092/antique-silk-baby-coat-and-bonnet?ref=usr_faveitems I would like to make my own version because I have a pattern that is very similar, and I would like to make mine more gender- specific. Would anyone be able to tell me which type of silk is best for baby clothing? I was looking at silk poplin because it looked soft and easy to work with, but I am not sure what to use. I want my version to have "crisper" edges than the Etsy one, but I don't want to use dupioni. -- Edited on 1/22/13 10:06 PM -- ------ Lisa
jenleeC   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 6/4/11 Posts: 735	Login to reply to this post In reply to LBH2010 << 3 members like this. Date: 1/23/13 5:12 AM First off, I would not put too much store by what the store owner says since she doesn't appear to understand that 'satin' refers to the type of weave and 'silk' refers to the fibre from which the fabric is made. So you can have silk satin or polyester satin, or you can have silk that is not a satin weave. Assuming that the garment IS made from silk fibre (and I am not convinced), then the body looks like a silk crepe de chine and the edges like charmeuse or silk satin. The reverse side of Silk Satin has a plain back whereas Charmeuse has a crepe finish so it is hard to tell the difference without seeing the back of the fabric. Crepe de chine will have a fine but slightly crisp finish. Charmeuse and Silk Satin will have a softer hand. For babies clothes crepe de chine would be a lovely choice although it can be tricky to work with. If you want something with more body, then a silk Shantung might be a good option as it has the crispness of dupioni but is slightly finer and has less slubs. Maybe some bridal experts can add some more suggestions or information? Here is the link to the Etsy Store. Edit to add link and for typos :) -- Edited on 2/8/13 9:53 PM -- ------ Jenny, Perth, WA
LBH2010 Intermediate PA USA Member since 7/12/12 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post In reply to jenleeC << Like this post Date: 1/23/13 7:14 PM Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I think I will try the silk shantung or crepe de chine. I like the crispness of dupioni, but I don't like the look of a lot of slubs all the time. ------ Lisa
solosmocker Advanced NY USA Member since 1/23/06 Posts: 1263	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/27/13 9:58 PM I love silk dupioni for formal children's wear. It is crisp and just looks so lovely. I have used it also for Christening gowns and have made smocked clothing with it as well. Part of the look of the dupioni is making sure the slubs run left to right, horizontally. If constructed on the length, it just doesn't look right, IMO. As far as the slubs, it's sort of like real linen, it tells the world that this is real silk. If it is for an infant and you want something soft silk batiste is absolutely lovely. I am not a fan of silk broad cloth unless it is a very casual look, nor do I care for a charmeuse other than for piping or as an underlay. It looks too adult IMO. I don't think crepe de chine has enough body. A shantung would be nice. Just two cents from one who has done lots of children's clothing, heirloom and otherwise. I also agree with Jenlee. The store owner does not seem to know her fibers. -- Edited on 1/27/13 10:01 PM -- ------ http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 652	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 9:16 AM A 4-ply silk crepe would be lovely. It's thicker than crepe de chine...more body and easy to work with.
meleliza   Intermediate PA Member since 5/4/11 Posts: 493	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 9:24 PM Dupioni has the advantage of being easy to work with, but I hear you about the slubs. I don't always want that look either. I think crepe de chine would be too delicate for children's wear. What about a cotton silk blend like radiance? Easy to work with and washable too. But the 4ply crepe suggestion is good too. I feel like silk batiste would be an excellent choice. ------ Melanie
solosmocker Advanced NY USA Member since 1/23/06 Posts: 1263	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/8/13 8:12 PM I like cotton silk blends. They are a bit less formal than their shinier, glowing counterparts but I think would be very nice for a child's outfit. This person is THE expert at silk children's clothing. Her name is Angela and her business is Dandelion Avenue. The link is to some of her silk outfits but she is skillful in all types of fabrics and a wonderful designer of children's clothing. NAYY, just an online admirer of what she does. Dandelion Avenue -- Edited on 2/8/13 8:13 PM -- ------ http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7402	Login to reply to this post In reply to solosmocker << Like this post Date: 2/8/13 8:19 PM What gorgeous, traditional dresses there are at the Dandelion Avenue site! Wow.
jenleeC   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 6/4/11 Posts: 735	Login to reply to this post In reply to solosmocker << Like this post Date: 2/8/13 9:51 PM I am a big fan of cotton silk blends too. They have the look and functionality of cotton but with a subtle touch of luxury that comes from the silk content. My favourite blend is around 70% cotton 30% silk. I have made a couple of tops for myself and dresses and skirts for the girls in a 70/30 lightweight voile, often layering two or more layers to deal with the transparency of the voile. Lovely and cool to wear! But looking back at the original posters pictures, cotton/silk would not be formal enough for the heirloom type garments she was looking at. ------ Jenny, Perth, WA
MartiP   Intermediate MI USA Member since 9/5/12 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/8/13 11:10 PM I would check on the Martha Pullen website for information and fabrics. ------ MartiP

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