Dear Netfah,
I am attending a 1950’s themed party in September and wanted to try my hand at making one of the fun poodle skirts from my youth. My only problem is I don’t want to use any felt. While it looks and works great for the garment, I just really never liked it that much. Any suggestions for an alternative fabric that will hang and flow the same way?
No Felt for My Poodle/ Cambridge, Ma.
Dear NFFMP,
Though my parents had not even met yet, let alone conceived of me, there is much of the 50’s Americana that has always struck an inner appeal in the area of fashion, and the poodle skirt was definitely one of them! I remember watching ‘Happy Days’ and seeing the girls spinning around in their free swinging poodle appliques skirts and looking so cool! Seemed felt was surely the fabric of choice to create the bulbous look and shape required. One of the most memorable symbols of that era, it is regarded as a nostalgic novelty retro item still today.
In regards to your query about fabric options, the first thought that came to mind to create the kind of volume you are looking for is crinoline. Considered a type of womens undergarment in its final stage, in its rawer state, it is a fabric created from a mixture of linen and horsehair. Used primarily for projects where stiffness and strength are required, using crinoline to make a petticoat first, then layering with your choice of cotton knit, taffeta, wool or even a colorful broadcloth, will create the look you are most fond of. Applique a poodle or any one of the many substitutes such as flamingos, roller skates, and hot cars that designers have used over the years to create a truly one-of-a-kind skirt for your fall festivities.
** Send in your Ask Netfah questions to info@jandofabrics.com. **
It wasn’t the felt that created the volume, it was a combination of the cut of the skirt and the crinolines underneath. The skirt was cut as a true “circle skirt”, so you had a lot of fabric; the fact that felt is less drapy than cotton helped to make it keep its shape & wrinkle less too. Using felt also made it much easier to glue, then sew, the poodle on there, add embelishments, and have the skirt retain it’s shape without getting droopy. You will need to find a “cinch belt”. It was a wide, elasticed belt that was a MUST for wearing with poodle skirts.
Yes, I agree. Yet while it was definitely the combination of both the fabric, the cut, and the addition of the crinoline petticoat that created a more volumnous skirt, for those who did not have the undergarment then, the felt material used in the skirt still offered more shape than any other material at that time. Thanks so much for your comment Pat!
every 1950’s themed parties the poodle skirt is the main dress. i had purchased a poodle skirt for my girlfriend, she had to go in that party wearing the skirt. nice blog about skirts.
I hope it was worth it!
Thanks for your response.
I think its much true that America had always struck an inner appeal in the area of fashion, the fashion of the poodle skirts of the American girls looks cool. I like it. Thank you
The OP’s question regarding an alternative fabric for felt was never addressed. Does that mean there ARE no alternative fabrics to using felt?
While felt is the fabric of choice for this project, a novelty or even decorative fabric would work as well Stephanie. To check out our selection of both, click on either category to the left of this blog.