Hi and welcome from Michigan.

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D

Maybe try handwashing a little sample of this dress?

Welcome from Tennessee.

Welcome from Minnesota and Happy quilting :)

Thank all of you nice people. After finding out that this had to be steamed and not pressed or ironed, I spent 2 hours steaming the pieces and part of my hands. The lady admitted that she had not taken care of the dress and it shows yellowing and dirt at the hem line. Will do the best I can but did not promise her anything.

Thanks again,
Charlsee'

Hello and welcome from Minnesota!

Charlsee, you don't have to use ALL of the fabric from the dress. I was thinking as I read through this thread again: A long time ago, velvet and brocades were used in gorgeous crazy patch quilts (or blocks). Choose the fabric that is in the best condition. Is there lace or other kinds of embellishments on the dress (or the the woman's "stash.") Make a beautiful block or set of blocks and set them in the center and then choose appropriate fabric/s that will blend with the velvet.

Don't worry that the fabric has yellowed (don't we all? after a certain age? :wink: If the fabric is more yellow in some areas than others, use it to advantage. The different "whites" will add character to the block.