Category Archives: Fabric

All things fabric

All Weather Fabrics for Spring

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Spring is just over a month away, and it is time to beginning planning your spring wardrobe sewing if you have not already done so. Planning in plenty of time is the key to actually sewing a lovely new spring wardrobe, rather than just dreaming about it.

If you live in a section of the country that has really cold springtime weather or variable temperatures, it can sometimes be difficult to decide what fabric to use for spring outfits. Lightweight eyelets, batiste, seersucker, and plisse are tempting, but just not appropriate for some climes.

Gabardine and poplin are better choices for cooler spring weather. Gabardine is a true all weather fabric and the lightweight versions can even be worn in the summertime. This woven fabric is perfect for suits and simple, tailored dresses as well as for pants. Poplin is also suitable for pants, jackets, and skirts.

Both gabardine and poplin are easy to sew and very durable. I suggest making a few classic pieces such as a tailored blazer and a straight skirt. If you choose neutral shades, you can mix these versatile pieces with many different tops and accessories.

Gabardine--Olive

Gabardine--Royal

Gabardine--Burgundy

Keep in mind that neutral doesn’t just mean traditional navy, black, brown, white, and grey. Try an exciting new neutral such as olive gabardine or royal blue. Even burgundy will mix well with a variety of hues.

Fabric: What’s new at OFS?

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Our inventory of beautiful designer fabrics is changing all the time.  What’s new this month?

Geometrics

Plenty of bold new geometric patterns including chevron, stripes, zig zag and wave patterns are available in colors that range from a crisp brown and white to a zingy red and white wave.  Be sure to check them out.

lipstick waves

Ethnic

Ethnic patterns such as Ikats, paisley and suzani prints remain popular.  They add a touch of global chic to many areas of your home.  Choose subtle pastels or go for the gold with bold colorways.

Portfolio bansuri bramble Ikat

Textures

Soft flannel, sturdy denim, rugged leather and versatile vinyl all add a layer of texture to your decor.

green phthalate free vinyl

Summery shades

Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner.  Now is the time to start thinking about the colors and patterns you want to use to update your sunroom, patio or outdoor areas.  Pretty lattice patterns and warm summery shades of yellow, green and coral will invite the outdoors in.

Portfolio Treads in Sunflower

Cool Laptop Totes and More

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It is easy to make stylish laptop bags out of attractive fabrics. Your creativity is only limited by your imagination.

We all enjoying showing our style with unique accessories. Accessories aren’t limited to clothing items. Even necessary items for business and school can become fun fashion accessories.

Oh, I know the stores have a mind-boggling assortment of accessories, but even with the wide-range of ready-made options, it is sometimes difficult to find one the fits your personality. If you sew or would like to learn sew, you can make your own practical accessories.

It’s easy to make cell phone and i-pad cases that suit your style. Laptop and netbook totes are also easy to make, although they take a bit more time than cases for smaller items. Laptop and netbook bags can be made with pockets, pin holders and zippered compartments.

Get creative and make beautiful accessories to protect your technology and carry it in style. Cell phone and i-cases are so quick to make and require little fabric; they make great gifts. Laptop and netbook totes are also great gifts to make when you have more time.

Many types of fabric are suitable for technology cases. Choose a bright Amy Butler print or a stylish faux leather. Upholstery and drapery fabric can also be used to make laptop and netbook totes.

This cool pattern from Simplicity features bags for laptops, i-pads, and cell phones. These handy bags can be made out of sturdy canvas or sport nylon as well as broadcloth.

If you just learning to sew, choose a small project such as a cell phone cover and an easy to sew fabric such as a cotton print. If your first project doesn’t come out “perfectly,” consider any imperfections as part of its charm. With practice, your projects will come out the way that you envision.

NFL Fabric for the BIG game–New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

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Unless you have been living under a rock for the last couple of weeks you are aware that this weekend is the biggest football game of the year–the XLVI Super Bowl.  And if you live anywhere on the east coast you, no doubt, know who is playing.  The New England Patriots and the New York Giants.

While the players, the NFL, the media and the advertisers all take this game very seriously, it is really a time for the fans to get together with friends and family, enjoy lots of fattening but delicious food and root for their favorite team.  Make that special Super Bowl party even more fun with pillows, throws, table cloths, aprons and party decorations and favors made out of fleece that features your team’s logo.

If there isn’t time before the big game this weekend, start your project for next season because, before you know it, football will be upon us once again.

 

Fabric and Home Decor: Valentine’s Day Fabrics

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Let’s start the month off with love.  It is not too late to add a hint or two of Valentine’s Day to your home decor.  Here are just a few ideas that might result in some flowers and candy from those special people in your home:

  • Can’t say it enough times….pillows, pillows, pillows.  They are the quickest and easiest way to change out your decor for seasons, holidays etc.  A simple felt heart appliqued to a pillow can really get your heart pumping!  Make your own or purchase one like this from the pineapple catz on Etsy.

  • A cuddly throw in holiday patterns is sure to be welcomed on the chilly February nights.  After all, Valentine’s Day is all about cuddling.  Fleece, flanneland chenille are warm fabrics available in holiday solids like red, pink and cream as well as “loving” patterns like plaid and toile.

    pink plaid flannel

  • Be creative with your fabrics.  For example, wrap a bright red knit around an old vase to create a pretty holder for all those beautiful roses you are sure to receive.  A tutorial for a sweater knit vase can be found here.
  • Add a pretty tablecloth in fun red and white checked gingham or, for a romantic dinner for two, consider a satin or lace table topper.

These colorful ideas will brighten up your winter home and send a message to your family and friends that says “I love you”.  How do you decorate your home for Valentine’s Day?

 

Fashion Classics—the Black Dress

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Over the years the "little black dress" has taken many forms. This style, which appeared a few years ago, is suitable for the office, as well an evening on the town.

Chanel first popularized the basic “little black dress” in 1926 and it has been popular every since. Before that time, black clothing for women was generally reserved for mourning. The “little black dress” from Chanel was calf length (which was considered short at the time) and featured very simple lines. Over the years, especially during the 1960s, the little black dress, has appeared in much more revealing versions than Chanel’s.

The “little black dress” can also be modest and elegant. A-line designs flatter all figures. A simple a-line black dress is easy to make and can be made to the length that suits you. It can be dressed down to wear to the office and dressed up for a night on the town.

Planning for the Prom

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If you have a special young woman with a prom dance coming up, it is time to start planning her dress. Intermediate and advanced sewers can save money and make a unique  prom dress for that special night.

The beautiful special occasion fabrics available from OFS are perfect for prom dresses. Satin and tulle makes a wonderful combination. Chiffon is another great choice, while lamè is also an option.

Purchase an easy to follow pattern and enjoy making that prom dress.

Homemade Valentine Gifts

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In a little over two weeks it will be Valentine’s Day. Gifts that you make yourself can really show your loved ones where your heart is and they are fun to make.

I love making stuffed animals and they can be great gifts for young and old alike. These critters look great in fleece as well as in sturdy broadcloth. An elephant, puppy, or kitten in this heart print fleece would make a cuddly friend for your Valentine.

Attach a pin back to hearts cut out of felt and you have an inexpensive school project.

Home decor: cozy winter decorating ideas

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We all knew winter would arrive sooner or later.  And while the unseasonally warm temperatures at the beginning of winter were a nice surprise, it is now here in full force.  Time to curl up by the fire, spend some time indoors and turn your home into a cozy and warm retreat.

A roaring fire just spells cozy.  But you can’t have a fire without logs (unless you have one of those fancy fake fireplaces).  Turn your log storage into a decorative accent:

Looks like a year’s supply stacked next to the fireplace in this photo by Elle Decor.

source

How about a pair of knit throw pillows on the floor?  (courtesy of elements of style blog)  You can make these yourself out of recycled sweaters and afghans or knit them yourself.  (tutorial here)Either way, they certainly provide a nice spot to while away the cold winter nights.

And don’t overlook simple ideas like plenty of comfortable throws and lots of cozy fabrics like fleece and chenille or the tried and true flannel sheets placed on everyone’s bed; cover up cold tile or wood floors with shaggy throw rugs or add drapery panels in warm fabrics and colors to your windows.  What a great way to frame the beautiful wintry view outside.

photo courtesy of pottery barn

Hot cocoa anyone?