Category Archives: Apparel Fabric

All things Apparel Fabric

All Weather Fabrics for Spring

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Cool Laptop Totes and More

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Fashion Classics—the Black Dress

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Homemade Valentine Gifts

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Quilter’s SOS—Save Our Stories—stories of contemporary quilters

Posted on by
2

One of the major projects of The Alliance of American quilts is known as SOS—Save Our Stories. This is a living history project; the goal is to gather the stories of contemporary quilters and preserve them for posterity.

Quilter’s stories are as unique as each individual. Some quilters have been quilting most of their lives; others began just for fun in their retirement years, while still others began quilting to memorialize a loved one or to ease stress during a traumatic time.

Volunteers interview quilters across the country in order to preserve this precious part of America’s social history. Numerous interviews are done at the International Quilt Festival, held annually in Houston, during the fall. You can read many S.O.S. stories at the Alliance site. The stories are archived at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center http://www.loc.gov/folklife/.

Using the Appropriate Pattern Layout for Your Fabric

Posted on by
1

Many luxury and novelty fabrics require a with the nap layout. If you are new to sewing, you may be puzzled by the directions on commercial patterns which tell you to use a with-the-nape layout for certain fabrics. You may even think that this is a bothersome detail that really doesn’t matter, but don’t be fooled. The right layout may sound like a small detail, but it makes all the difference in how the garment looks.

Velvet, velveteen, and panné fabrics must be laid out according to the with the nape layout. So must corduroy and any other fabric with a noticeable pile.

The with the nape pattern layout is designed so that the fabric pile will run in one direction when sewn to make a garment. This means that the fabric will appear as all one color; when fabric pieces with the nap running in two different directions are sewn together the garment will appear to be two different shades. For more information see my post “What is a Napped Layout?”

Gingham Home Decor is Easy to Make

Posted on by
Reply

Gingham is at home in both rustic and elegant settings. Gingham home accessories such as these curtains are easy to make.

As Diane reminded us yesterday, gingham can be a fabulous fabric for home decor. It is available in both apparel weight,and in upholstery and drapery weight.

Apparel weight gingham is appropriate for lightweight curtains to add charm to your kitchen, breakfast nook, or bedroom. Basic curtains simply require neatly finished sides, plus a hem at the top and the bottom; the hem at the top is left open to form a heading for the curtain rod.

Oilcloth (vinyl) gingham is a classic for tablecloths. It can simply be cut to the size needed and requires no hem, because it does not ravel.

New Stylish Fleece Appeals to Girls

Posted on by
Reply

OFS has many new fleece designs. Your young cheerleader will simply love this stylish fleece cheerleading fabric.


And this “girly words” fleece is sure to be a hit.

Black and pink zebra fleece is cool too.

Versatile Oxford Cloth

Posted on by
Reply

This light green Oxford cloth is pre-shrunk and easy to sew.


OFS now carries a wider selection of Oxford cloth. Oxford cloth is a versatile cotton blend fabric with a basket weave. Traditionally, it has been a favorite for both men and women’s shirts, but it has become popular for many other projects as well. It can be used for pillows, pillow shams, duvets, window treatments, and even as wall coverings. Oxford cloth is easy to sew and is suitable for beginning sewers.