Dark red wood crepe

[lavendersun]

I am looking for a rich dark red, well not very dark but just not a bright red, wool crepe for a dress pattern.

I haven't made the pattern before (Merchant and Mills Park Lane) and whilst I expect to love it I am a bit reluctant to buy an expensive fabric for the first attempt in case I don't.

The pattern calls for a wool crepe and I can't find anything for less than £20 a metre (need 2.75).

Can anyone suggest where to look for a blend rather than a pure wool crepe. I have found remnants on eBay but nothing quite big enough.

[mimiasovitch]

I think £20 a metre us a great price for wool crepe (the world's finest fabric in my opinion), but it does add up doesn't it? Personally I'd make it in a good quality poly crepe first, to see how I liked the pattern. Minerva crafts have a good selection. At least that would be tumble dryable too. Then maybe splurge if you love the dress.

[lavendersun]

I know Mimi, but I really disliked the last new dress pattern I made with £25 pm fabric which I altered for me, still hated it and now it is in DD's dressing up box, all £70 odd quids worth.

The pattern is this

www.pinterest.com/pin/132926626471703378/

apparently a thick jersey would work too.

I am going to go to Anglian Fashion Fabrics in Norwich tomorrow to see what I can come up with. I don't really wear synthetic fabrics generally - am a creased linen or cotton or wool sort when out of my jeans.

So hard. I will probably end up just going for it in an expensive fabric knowing me.

[mimiasovitch]

Well, you don't have to go for a decent crepe then. Get the cheapest heavyweight you can find just to see if the pattern suits you. Then all being well splurge. Or take a trip to London and browse the Goldhawk rd? Jersey would be nice though. No fastenings, comfy, yet no one can tell you feel like you're wearing pyjamas!

[lavendersun]

I go to London once a month or so but always have a plan, museum something to see etc. My days of looking for fabric shops in a leisurely fashion are over .

Plus the cost of an off peak travel card is £46!