What a fabulous tip....I love silk chiffon but it is so difficult to sew...not any more....I have tried the gelatine treatment and the results are wonderful. For all of the subscribers who live in USA I can tell you there is a marvelous family-run shop in New York (www.customfabricflowers.com) where the same methods of making fabric flowers are used, and you can use your own fabric as well. New York is a most exciting city....I visited from Australia in May of this year and met up with members of the American Sewing Guild for a six-day tour of the garment/fabric/textile district....I had such a great time I am saving to come back again!!! Diana Heuston,Australia.