I just finished weaving the 2-yard "sample" for my wedding-coat fabric, wet-finished it, and draped it over a dress form to see what it would look like.  It's beautiful!

Here's a closeup of the fabric:

I'm very pleased with how it is coming out and how it drapes on the dress form.  Can't wait to see it in the final garment!

The one thing I did find out is that wet-finishing it in a washer is not good...it produces wrinkles that I couldn't get out with any amount of pressing.  They're not super-visible, but they're definitely there.  I think it's because it crimped the metallic yarns, and they don't un-crimp to their original smoothness.

So I guess I will be wet-finishing 22 yards of fabric by hand in the bathtub (not something I am looking forward to) - unless someone has better ideas for how to handle this??  Would a front-loading washer be any gentler on the fabric?  I have the feeling the creasing is happening in the spin cycle, so maybe not?

Tien

Comments

Ellen (not verified)

Oh! It is beautiful. I can't see the wrinkles, but you are probably right, it is the spinning that does it, I have experienced that with linen. So for this very, very special fabric, I'd say go for the bathtub! You are already putting so much loving work into this, don't cut corners.

And thanks again for sharing your progress with us.

bolivian warmi

Sorry I can't help you with the washing problem but I just wanted to tell you how gorgeous it looks.

Laverne

claudia (not verified)

Hey Tien,

It is beautiful and I am glad you are pleased with it.

As for wet finishing, I'd go for the bathtub. I have used a front loader for linen and the spin cycle is likely to leave you with creases. I would be careful about wringing it out since you have the metallic thread which has a memory. I would wash it in the bathtub and roll it up in towels and press out excess water. Like you would with any delicate fabric.

Claudia

rose Goldielocks (not verified)

your fabric is just wonderful!!!!!

Are you going to break the yardage up in a few smaller amounts to make it more manageable to handle while wet finishing? when you wet finish it... do you have a 'real" clothesline or hedge avalable to you to help dry it?

otherwise, you could lay some sheets over a hedge and then lay your nice fabric on the hedge. (of course you would need to 'be near' while the fabric is drying to chase the birds)

"real clothes line" = the kind with uprights on both ends and a long loopy wire beween then.. not the "umbrella" style.

suzyhok (not verified)

 WOW!  Tien, this is spectacular!  What a lucky man you are marrying to have such a talented bride!  What you have created is breath-taking!  The hand washing won't be  too labor-intensive, especially after weaving 22 yds of this amazing cloth!  You might try draping the wet fabric over your covered shower curtain rod several times to air dry it if you can't do it outside.

Suzy

suzyhok (not verified)

This post has been deleted by claudia

It looked like you might have hit save twice so I deleted one of your posts.

 

weaverbird53 (not verified)

Absolutely gorgeous!

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 Beautiful!  Beautiful!  Beautiful!

The fabric looks like it will drape fabulously, besides its innate beauty.

I agree with everyone else, beware the washing machine, front or top loading. If you have room, what about using a kiddie swimming pool set on a table to save your back and knees?

Congratulations!

Carie

w178 (not verified)

That looks absolutly amazing, truly a labour of love as for the wrinkels dide you press it when it was still a little damp, I find that if you do this with a lot of presure it helps or the wrinkels could add to the design,just a thought.btw what are you going too do with the 2yds sample?

 

gougy

eggplantlady (not verified)

You have to be careful with leaves leaving stains also - I have 3 permanent stains on a white shirt to prove it!

tien (not verified)

I did press it while it was still damp, and the creases didn't come out - they're not too noticeable but I think they would still be noticeable in the finished garment.  I think I'll do as people have been suggesting and cut it into panels - that will make wet-finishing easier and a lot less intimidating (imagine trying to iron dry 22 yards of fabric at once! 8-/ ).

Thanks for the advice!

DianneStucki (not verified)

Ohhh....oh Tien, it's simply exquisite.

jenadina (not verified)

I've done it with 10 yards of commercial fabric. It was NOT FUN and I can't imagine doing it with more. (I wouldn't even do 10 yds again!)

I love the sheen that comes through in your first photo. Stunning fabric.

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