What about reverse applique using dark heavier fabric as background . The lighter contrast on top so it will needle turn .ie my avatar.

3 of my children have gotten married and I am hoping to use their bridesmaid's dresses for Christmas tree skirts. Perhaps you could use a new one also? Or a table runner?

This is a GREAT idea!!!

I am not sure if rubber stamps can be ironed on to the satin but I know in quilt club one night we were doing it with the velvet which turned out great. I have been collecting various fabrics for a crazy quilt including my family's mens ties. I want to use the rubber stamps I have to make different stuff on the velvet. I have a wonderful antique bunny stamp I want to try too. Try it sometime.

I love the tree skirt idea, when i read it i had one of those "why didn't i think of that?" moments. Years ago i made all of our Christmas stockings out of recycled fabric and they are all lined with a pretty dark green satin dress. The skirt we have now isn't so great so that sounds like a perfect idea.

Because of the condition of the dress, i decided i won't be donating it. The seems are so worn out that i thought it wouldn't make it through the night. Giving it to someone to be altered would cost more than getting a newer dress at a consignment shop.

loving the Tree Skirt idea also for those unwanted old dresses...I have one in my closet...have been debating on a quilt, but this tree skirt idea is perfect...and maybe adding another color to it. Small squares.

Another think I have done with silky or satiny fabrics is make nightgowns, simple cuts and wonderful to sleep in. Scraps from that can still be crazy quilted into pillows or small quilts. If you travel, those fabrics make wonderful lingerie protectors for your suitcase - make these like a book with the open pockets to the inside. I have tons of ideas on using up those kinds of fabrics.

Before you cut it up please consider donating it to a local high school where it will be given to a young girl who would otherwise not be able to go to her prom because she or her family do not have the means to purchase her a dress. Most high schools have a special program set up just for this purpose and those that don't usually have someone on staff or a volunteer who will assist the girl with the selection of a dress and see that the necessary alterations are made so it will fit her and in and in some cases given a few extra nips and tucks to make it fit into the current styles. While this may not seem like much to many, it is a really big deal to the girl receiving the gift of your dress and being able to attend her prom.

And, for those of you with formal type dresses and/or men's dress clothes that are hanging in your closet but you know you will never ever ware again, please consider donating them.

Betty62, I will definitely wait before i make any final decisions. We don't have any regular charity type places that do something like what you mention. Ocassionally one of the high school seniors will have a dress drive so that she can complete her community service project which is a requirement to finish high school here. From what i have seen, these girls are only collecting newer, clean dresses which do not require any repairs. If i was capable of handling the repairs or alterations, i would volunteer and help. We don't even have a shop that does alterations anymore, the last one closed quite a few years ago.

Just another thought to throw out there for making your decision. While it would be nice to donate your dress you might want to look at the current trend in prom dresses to see if your style is still within the current trend of what the girls are wearing. The last time I saw prom pictures the trend was more along the lines of a less formal cocktail dress than what I would call a prom dress.