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[animefarie]

Hello everyone! I'm finally venturing into the world of steampunk dress, at least on a costume basis for the moment. I have a design planned and i am in the process of fabric shopping. I need a fabric that will be used for a man's vest and my skirt. The skirt will be many tiers of ruffles. I keep thinking I want a crinkle satin texture, but not so shiny. And I hate the sound of the taffeta's available locally. Satin I know isn't too Victorian, but modern advancements and small selection over wool. I would like a decent weight to the fabric as well. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

[Mehdia]

If you are so worried about the shine of the satin, flip it over and use the back if it's more matte. I've done that plenty of times with satin when I didn't want it as shiny.

[animefarie]

That is definitely one of those "oh duh" options, haha! Would it be too terribly tedious or awkward to back the satin in a cotton? I assume for the vest this would be less of a problem, but for the skirt and all the pulls and ruffled tiers would it be awkward to see?

[Mehdia]

You could back it, though if you were using the dull side, I would just make sure to hem it nicely and then with all the layers and ruffles, you shouldn't see the shiny side too much.

[Ororo Monroe]

I rather like using the back of crepe back satin for what your talking about (skirt). It has the texture and lack of shine already mentioned. As for the vest. Have you thought of looking in the home decor section? They have lovely brocades etc.