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This is my VIP stash busting dress. I bought the the silk yardage eight years ago from an import shop, but have never been brave enough to use it! I also almost ruined it by washing it; the orange bled all over the cream sections. Thankfully, I was able to save it by hand washing it in synthrapol detergent.

More on my blog: http://daughterfish.com/?p=1808

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Comment by Judy Roberson on August 24, 2011 at 8:10am
This is very pretty.. Love the colors.
Comment by Cathe on August 24, 2011 at 3:10pm
So very pretty! How difficult is it to sew with silk? I can just imagine how floaty and light this fabric is!
Comment by Daughter Fish on August 24, 2011 at 3:19pm
Thanks Judy and Cathe! Cathe, it's not hard at all, especially this kind, which is a crisper China silk (I think!). Charmeuse or more slippery silks are a little harder to work with; but I actually think it's more the cutting of slippery silk that's hard, not the sewing. Best of all, it's delicious to wear:)
Comment by SecondBedroom on August 24, 2011 at 5:11pm
Adorable!  Love it with the Converse.
Comment by Daughter Fish on August 25, 2011 at 7:14am
Thanks SecondBedroom! The chucks are from high school and totally thrashed, but I can't stop wearing them!:)
Comment by Rosy on August 26, 2011 at 5:55am
Really cute! Sorry to ruin the fabric washing, it is unforgivable that the seller does not advise this, only dry cleaned. However, you got a fantastic dress.
Comment by Daughter Fish on August 26, 2011 at 7:29am
Thanks Rosy! The fabric was a vintage piece that was part of an estate sale, so it was more my fault than anyones!:) But yes, from now on only dry cleaning!:)
Comment by Jessamyn on August 27, 2011 at 12:14pm

More silks than not can safely be washed, especially "blouse weight" silks such as habotai (china silk), crepe, georgette - but HAND washed, in cool water, mild detergent, and don't wring it out! Drain the water from the sink or basin, press out excess, then roll in a towel to press out more water. You can lay it flat to dry on another towel or on a drying rack, or gently hang to dry on a padded or shaped clear plastic hanger, not wire. Always test a scrap of fabric first to see if it's going to do something awful like run or pucker. (And never wash natural silks such as dupioni, shantung, pongee, etc., unless you want a soft puckery look - the natural gums of the silkworm give these silks their texture and gloss and will be washed away.) Don't panic if you see some color in the sink - silks do have a tendency to discharge some dye, but as long as you keep the water temperature reasonable and don't leave it in too long, it probably won't matter.

 

It's always worth trying a swatch, because think of what you'll save in dry cleaning bills! Also, silks that have been washed usually won't water-spot if you get caught in the rain or splatter yourself at the sink.

Comment by charlotte tilley on August 28, 2011 at 1:28am
so lovely, worth all the heartache and hassle!
Comment by margueritedesigns on August 28, 2011 at 3:25pm
Lovely colours - brave you!

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