My mother's wedding dress was silk that my dad brought back from Japan. He was there for the Occupation in the 40's. Couple of years ago, mom cut her gown for 16 silk handkerchiefs (one for each grandchild) and her mother tatted lace to edge them. Each grandchild will get one as a wedding gift. Wish she had done an extra one for me. The dress had been stored for 50 years and wasn't in the best of shape, but she saved what she could. What a treasure to pass down.