when, exactly, is (was) this from?

Better Dresses Vintage

Better Dresses Vintage

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Don't look too closely at this wedding gown, as you may start crying. It fell victim to the cedar chest, months ago.

Finally getting around to photographing it for an upcoming blog post on "how not to store your favorite clothes for the long term."

Anyway, I recall when I bought it that the person at the sale said it was from the 30s, and that there was actually a wedding photo to verify that. BUT... doesn't it look 40s? Or could it be older?

It's really not that important, as it's clearly a goner. Still, I'd like to know for a better story.

What's left of it is the most exquisite silk satin (and wonderfully strong and sound, annoyingly enough -- and ridiculously clean, too). Side metal (the "bell type pull") zip. Removable pointed sleeves.

I wonder if someone couldn't use the remaining satin for a new project? There are yards of it, when you put it all together. And the lace is nice. And that smocking at the hips. Oy, quelle domage!

Couldn't you just weep?

Didn't bother pressing/steaming it for the photos, as really, it's just adding insult to injury at this point.

Best estimate on the date?

bodice+skirt top.JPGcrossed long sleeves.JPGfull back view.JPGshoulderdetail.JPGhipsmocking.JPGskirt expanse.JPG
 
Are the problems just on the train? Could it be saved by shortening it to just belw the ankles or so? It is so pretty!
 
Ladies, it's a total loss for anything but cutting up and creating something entirely new from the pieces (which would still give it some sort of "new life" that has to be better than the trash).

When I first dunked it in the bath, it was my hope that only the worst off, the train (which I'm guessing had been wrapped around the dress, and in closest contact with the wood), would disintegrate and the bodice and most of the skirt remain intact.

Yes, it would have made a terrific floor, tea or even knee-length dress. Alas, nearly every "cedar spot" turned to silk protein jelly and slid down the drain. A horrifying thing to watch. Just nauseating.

Of course I should have taken a "before" photo to show that the holes are, in some respects, an improvement. It was a real mess.

Now there are gaping holes everywhere but the midsection (from about under-bust to mid-thigh). Here are one sleeve and the adjacent portion of the bodice, to illustrate:

sleeve puff holes.JPG bodiceHoles.JPG

What didn't contact the cedar oil is pretty much like new. After the Vintage Textile Soak, it's sparkling clean, strong, supple, shiny with that gorgeous silk shimmer.

Any seamstresses out there interested in repurposing some of it? I'm happy to send it to you. Clearly, it's not going in my shop(s) and can't be sold intact.

I'm thinking I'll send some of it to a good friend who creates lovely soft clutch purses and other accessories. Beyond that, I some Etsy creative type might be able to make bridal accessories (headpiece/headband, fabric-flower bouquet, etc.). There is no way I could bring myself to toss this in the trash. So let me know if you'd like it (or a chunk of it -- eek! -- can't imagine that first cut).

I wonder if the gorgeous smocking could be repurposed somehow. The waist is tiny, but the skirt is very, very full.

Thanks for the date help! It confirms my memory.

Liza

p.s. Nicole, nice new photo!
 
Friends, the dress has been claimed. I will send it off to good hands, where it will be given new life -- almost certainly not as a dress (as I mentioned, you'd need a true miracle worker to make that happen), but as any number of lovely items, with a special history. From there, whatever still remains will be sent to another VFG member to be put to even further good use. So... mostly happy ending! : )
 
I would love to see what get's made out of it. Think you can get some photos of the items that are made?
 
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