Lrose trumpet skirts question

[kina]

I ordered 2 of the deluxe trumpet skirts with a slit on the side, and the chiffon modesty panel. Lora asked me at the time did I want the panel sewn in, to which I replied yes (why have it running loose? ).

I just received the skirts, and they are luscious! nice deep dark chocolate brown (to go with my copper from Jes) and a luscious deep fuscia, to go with my purple costume, with matching chiffon panels. I've also finally learned that I need to order them bigger than what my actual measurements are to get the look I like (flow -v- skin tight), so they fit beautifully AND are more than long enough!

However, what I didn't realize was that the chiffon would be sewn COMPLETELY in and not just at the top, which was what I had envisioned. I like showing leg, so I'd like to have the chiffon loose, just sewn it at the top of the panel/beginning of the slit. They've been sergered in, though. Any suggestions on how to separate the chiffon from the velvet without ruining the panel?

[crystalllized]

The only thing I can think of is to sit with a seam ripper and very carefully take out the thread on the sides. You will have to re-hem the velvet and chiffon. I suggest a rolled hem for chiffon, but a normal hem for the velvet. My rolled hems pretty much suck so I just add beads over it. From stage, you wouldn't be able to see the hems, but in restaurants you can.

Good luck!
Crystal

[lotus]

Hello Kina! Is it possible for you to post a photo of the skirt as it arrived? I am having a hard time visualizing this?

[Adishakti]

I'd love to see pictures too!

[ssipes]

My suggestion would be to skip the seam ripper and just cut the serged seam away with scissors. The serged section of the chiffon will not survive the seam ripping no matter how carfully you do it, and you will not loose that much material. I second the suggestion to do a rolled hem for the chiffon and just a simple, narrow once-folded hem for the velvet.

Synthetic chiffon is a nightmare IMO to sew with a machine, so I would skip any attempt to do a machine rolled hem and just do it by hand.

Sedonia

Originally Posted by crystalllized

The only thing I can think of is to sit with a seam ripper and very carefully take out the thread on the sides. You will have to re-hem the velvet and chiffon. I suggest a rolled hem for chiffon, but a normal hem for the velvet. My rolled hems pretty much suck so I just add beads over it. From stage, you wouldn't be able to see the hems, but in restaurants you can.

Good luck!
Crystal

[jmdruadh]

You know, that is just my look (I like my modesty panels super-modest) and those are just my colors, and I think we're similar sizes. If ripping out doesn't work for you, I could, ahem, take them off your hands.

I do recommend cutting & rehemming the chiffon; the serger will have chewed it up. Any decent dressmaker should be able to do that for you for a reasonable price if you don't want to do it yourself. If Watertown isn't too far to go, I recommend Irene Mischko. She completely re-engineered my wedding gown, and did a brilliant job. I know she makes and alters other formalwear, so she should be good for chiffon.