Conflicted DIY

Emily
by Emily
This isn't really a DIY question per se. It is a question about being conflicted in using materials now complete in themselves; to make another item. I own a vintage (1930/40's) velvet dress. I was going to give it away and took it out to photograph it. In the light I realized that what I thought was black is really a very beautiful dark green/blue color. This dress also has 24 or so covered buttons in the same velvet. I thought, Oh what a great pillow that would be, trimmed with those beautiful buttons. The dress would fit a very small but tall person and not too many people have that kind of thinness now. But then there might be a person it could fit, and it would be unique and beautiful on them. See my dilemma?

  9 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 11, 2018

    Well, Photograph it to it's best advantage and put it up for sale as a Beautiful Deep Teal/Peacock Vintage Dress, and see what happens. Put a price on it that you would be happy to let it go for, and if it isn't snapped up, make your cushions and have no regrets......

  • Joan Stanley Joan Stanley on Feb 11, 2018

    List it and see if it sells. In fact a theater group might like it. If it does not sell, then you can still make your pillows.

  • It is completely up to you. Even if you sell it, there is no guarantee that the person is actually going to wear the garment. If you sell to a place that specializes in vintage clothing, you might get a collector. If you want to deconstruct it and use in a different manner in your home, go for it. Let your gut instinct be your guide. Another way to look at it - try and sell it and see what is offered. If not enough to make a difference, then keep and use as you see fit.

  • SandyG SandyG on Feb 11, 2018

    If keepsake/memory dress, have a pillow made for yourself. If not consider donating to the local theatre high school group. Most high schools have "Donate A Dress" at prom time and many young girls love the vintage dresses. Also, check with your local senior citizens' groups. They also have "prom dances" and what a lovely gift to give.

    • Emily Emily on Feb 11, 2018

      Hi Sandy, this is not a prom dress style. My daughter is the costume designer for her town's high school plays . . . this is full time (basically unpaid) work for over two months. You would be amazed at their costume department which is in its own "building". They have tons of stuff. In fact she had a sale of a lot of it last year.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Feb 11, 2018

    If the dress has meaning to you, use it to make you happy. it sounds like anyone who saw the pillow you made, would be pleased also.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 11, 2018

    I have experienced similar conflicts. Do you like the material enough to cut it? If it will make you happy, go for it.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 11, 2018

    If it means that much to you make something else out of it

  • Emily Emily on Feb 11, 2018

    Thanks for all your replies. It was the color that knocked me out. Didn't realize the depth and richness of it. It is beautiful as a dress (albeit one with about a 16" waist!) and would be a gorgeous pillow too!

  • William William on Feb 11, 2018

    I would do some online research and see what it's value is. Then you can try to sell it on Poshmark, Amazon, Ebay, 5Mile. If it doesn't sell then you can do with it as you please. If it does sell you can use that money for a DIY wish for your home. I started selling on Ebay to clean house. Now I sell all types of items. I have nine people nationwide that search out things and offer them to me.

    • Emily Emily on Feb 12, 2018

      thanks William. At one time I did join Ebay but there was a mess up that took a lot of work on their part to resolve (something to do with someone else using my user name) I did once have an antique shop and so am familiar with the potential value and marketing of this dress. I have thought of joining Etsy, as I have a multitude of items to sell under antiques!