Santa Claus Suit
 

I have been asked to make a Santa Claus suit and have the old one here to use as a pattern. I need to make the new one bigger and longer. The question I have it I have found some Panne which looks like crushed velvet online for $4.50/yard or I have seen more of a spandex type velvet on Joanns website for $9.99/yard. Has anyone ever used either one of these? Are they easy to work with??

Or would you suggest something else to make the suit with?

My mother made my dad a SC suit and herself a Mrs SC outfit. She used red velvet lining both the suit and the long dress. Helps with the cold weather and also fabric drapes better. Her apron was cotton, very shear, cannot think of the name of the fabric, decorated with lace and ribbons. Her little casp was red velvet trimmed with lace. Both his and her outfits were trimmed with real fur, since it was white it was probably rabbit. The outfits were stunning and handed down into the family. I only wish my own Grandchildren could have seen them, they were so impressive.
Until she passed away they did free parades and hospital shows as well as schools anytime, anywhere in the state.

i made one from waleless cordurory many years ago. it has held up well and is still in use. At the time,i couldn't afford to make it out of velvet like i wanted but felt this fabric was soft and looked velvet-y.

I would suggest that you go to Joann's and check out the fabric there. Real Velvat is very hard to work with since there is a nap and pile will crush when pressed if not very careful. I think that velvatine is better to work with. The sale associate at Joanns' should be able to help. Also you might concider buying a pattern. They are usually on sale at Joanns' and will be easier to cut and sew that if making own pattern from a already make suite. Good Luck!!!!!!!

Have you done sewing of knits, satin and silk etc. before? If not they are all not the easiest to work with. If you are an experienced garment sewer it should be no problem. Definately buy a pattern unless you have experience in taking a pattern from a made garment.

I think you can use whatever you would like to use that you think looks like Santas suit. I wouldn't go with velvet, it is hard to work with, expensive and often hard to find. I think velveteen would be great, but don't know what that costs either.

Panne is supposed to be the easiest of the velvets to work with. Use your walking foot. This site has some tips on sewing with velvet - http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques...ew-with-velvet