I'm thinking of trying satin ice for a big cake coming up. I tend to have a problem with mmf ripping when i use big sheets of it and the cake i'm doing will have a lot of "drapery". i'm doing a dress cake based on a "southern belle" Hoop dress (if that makes sense) here's my plan, any suggestions????

carve the layers in an A frame and carve womanly top. i'll lay the fondant down the sides of course hiding the "seams" in a pleat. the top has a lot of frill work on it. do you suggest just using satin ice to make the ruffles or should i do with gumpaste/fondant mix???? i'm not sure. what would be the best way to make the ruffles? using the ball tool like on flowers or a crimper?? i'm still learning tricks of the trade with fondant.

Thanks!