Hi, I’m on the absolute hunt for a cotton drill fabric that has been pre dipped in a non reactive dye, to make the fabric bleach resistant. I’m aware that companies do this for towel companies to make towels bleach resistant. Does anyone know where I could get fabric that has already been treated and then made into cotton drill? Any help would be amazing

By: donna

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

I have two layered dress the bottom layer is polyester and the top layer is a thin glittery fabric. The glittery fabric is less glittery on one side but very glittery on the other. I decided to use the less glittery side for the outside because I didnt want everyone to be blinded by the other glittery side. So now the very glittery side is on the inside but it keeps sticking to the polyester causing my dress to not sit right and I even tried ironing it but the glitter side still attaches itself to the under layer. please help!! how can I make it stand right?
By: mina

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

Hi all,

This  Portland Fashion Week Video is for my entry into Portland Fashion Week Emerging Designers Competition.  It will be seen by the judges along with my portfolio.  It will then be up to them to decided who gets in.  Keep your fingers crossed and I will let you know.

More information on Portland Fashion Week

Kirsten

Kirsten@fabrics.net

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

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Jaynejo posted a question on Facebook:  “I would like to purchase a pair of dress wool slacks.  I live in a warm climate but sometimes travel to cooler climates.  Can you teach me what to look for.”

I love answering questions like this because planning a purchase before going shopping saves time and money.  Instead of going from store to store to store and trying on slacks after slacks, an online search for specific criteria narrows the number of stores down to only those that carry the specific article of clothing.

First step is to develop criteria or specific features you would like to have in your pair of black wool slacks.  To do this I asked Jaynejo the name or type of her current favorite slacks and why she likes them.  Her favorites are Briggs of New York Women’s Curvey  Pant and Lee Comfort  fit  Straight Leg  Stretch Twill.   She likes these two pair because:

Stretch or give

Little or no wrinkling

Comfort Waist

I then asked her why she wanted  wool slacks instead of another type of fabric.  Jaynejo was introduced to Merino wool by Jan Ditchfield of Ditchfield Designs,  Australia.   Jaynejo then read the Fabrics.net article on Merino wool and decided that this type of wool was something she would enjoy wearing.  She found Merino wool yarn and has made several sweaters that really suit her purposes:  Comfort from temps in desert to mountains, cruises.  Merino wool regulates temperature by being warm when needed or cool when needed and can be dressy or casual depending on the weight and style.

Further criteria based on lifestyle and use of garment.  Jaynejo travels at least half of the year from Australia to Arizona to Colorado to Ireland on cruises or airplane or car.   Since the Merino wool recommendation was exactly what she loves, she decided that wool slacks would be an important addition to her wardrobe.

Putting all of the criteria together wool slacks would ideally have the following:

Stretch or give

Little or no wrinkling

Comfort waist

Merino wool

Washable or dry clean

Now it is time to go shopping online.

Although the current season is summer and finding a pair of wool slacks might be difficult, Jaynejo isn’t in a hurry.  My search of the internet resulted in three pairs of wool slacks.

Since the Merino wool article at Fabrics.net mentioned Ibex, I checked with their web site and found Ibex 101 explains their wool and has two pair of wool slacks, Izzi Pant or Energy Sport Pant which is Merino, nylon and lycra.  The Energy Sport Pant is also Merino, nylon and lycra.

Nordstroms carries a Layfette 148 Irving Stretch Wool Pant which is virgin wool and elastine.

Remembering back to 1963 and a suit that I loved that was a St John Knits, quality wool, unlined, classic.  St John Knits I didn’t find specifics of their black wool slacks but their winter line will probably carry at least one black wool knit slack.

Hope this gives an idea how to learn what to look for  when shopping for wool slacks.  Please let me know, Jaynejo, what you decide.

Meanwhile I am so happy that I can make my own black wool slacks from quality fabric we carry in our store at Fabrics.net.  I have a choice of Wool Double Knit Jersey or woven wool fabric like our Cashmere or  English Wool Crepe or Wool Satin Gabardine or maybe a Silk Knit Jersey and the list goes on.

Judith

Judith@fabrics.net

Judith has been studying and writing about fabrics for over 50 years. Passionate about textiles, she explains that researching is like collecting clues to build the full picture of each subject. Judith always looks for the sunny side of life.

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

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Are you a master seamstress or a student of the needle and thread? If so, completing a new article of clothing or a new set of curtains from a simple bolt of fabric is one of life’s greatest pleasures. You might want to try something new or find a new spark of inspiration, though. Here’s how to choose the right fabric for your next project.

Pajamas

Pajamas are a lovely gift to make for Christmas or a birthday. It also makes slipping into them after a long hard day so much more rewarding. Pajamas are an article of clothing which you have a lot of flexibility with.

For a traditional pair of upbeat pajamas filled with color, try a bolt of flannel. Flannel has lots of colors and is relatively thin. A pair of flannel pajamas is perfect for the summer. You might also want to opt for satin. Satin fabric is light and smooth. That ‘slippery’ feeling of being inside them adds an extra layer of comfort. Either fabric will work well for this new project.

Curtains

Curtains are usually very expensive and you may find that you cannot replace your old and worn out curtains based on your budget needs. Thankfully, a roll of fabric can be used for curtains and a bit of work on your part can save you hundreds of dollars on dressing up your windows.

Try using linen for a beautiful pair of summer curtains. It comes in light colors but stops people from looking in. Furthermore, it’s thin enough to allow sunshine and a light breeze to filter through the window. It suits windows both big and small. It affords the privacy you seek without compromising your comfort.

If you want a more luxurious feel, choose a damask fabric and create long flowing curtain panels. This fabric can be purchased in many different colors and patterns and will be much less to create your own rather than purchase ready-made curtains.

Pillows

The problem with most living rooms is the continuity and the lack of variety between fabrics. It’s almost like everything is made from some blend of synthetic fabric. Add some variety to your room by making throw pillows. Throw pillows are very expensive to purchase but with a little time and fabric, you can make a throw pillow that matches an décor.

The excitement of making your own pillows is that it’s something for both beginners and experts. Beginners can enjoy learning the basics of pillow making, whereas experts can dabble in making their own designs and playing around with different color combinations.

Fabric Variety

Although these examples of fabrics you can use may appear exhaustive, they are but the surface of what is available on the market today. You can choose from hundreds of different fabric types. Combine them together and make something entirely new.

You can choose whatever fabrics you like for any project. Experiment a little. It might not come out exactly how you planned, but it’s all about learning and determining what works best for you.

Marie is an intermediate crafter who enjoys sewing and creating new items with a variety of fabrics. She saves money on fabric and other crafting materials by visiting Fabrics.net

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

Hi

I am trying to dye my linen trousers, which were a light colour to black - I have used the dylon fabric dye, both for the machine and hand in velvet black, but my tousers are only turning a dark grey.

What can I used to make them turn a deep black colour?

Many thanks

Amanda Cantillon

By: Amanda Cantillon

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

I am wanting to make my daughter’s silk tulle veil 54 inches wide and 108 inches long. I have watched countless videos on how to wrap the comb with a silk ribbon and attatch the tulle to the comb. I wanted to know how to do a rolled edge hem. Do I need a thin ribbon? The veil we tried on was over 500 dollars and was just like the one I want to make. I realize the fabric will be 168.00 dollars but it does not look too difficult to make. Thank you so much. Jane Hamilton

By: Jane Hamilton

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

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Nanotechnology stops bed bugs in their tracks – R&D Magazine

http://www.rdmag.comFri, 31 May 2013 14:54:03 GMT

Bed bugs now need to watch their step. Researchers at Stony Brook University have developed a safe, non-chemical resource that literally stops bed bugs in their tracks. This innovative new technology acts as a man-made …

A moth hole in a wool garment is enough to cause a grown woman to panic and run for the nearest computer to find answers.  This article may calm the panic:

[Moth Management] Managing Clothes Moths – PCT Magazine

http://news.google.com<Thu, 30 May 2013 19:50:02 GMT

[Moth Management] Managing Clothes MothsPCT MagazineThis sentence is often the beginning of many phone calls from distraught people wanting assistance with their potential pest issue. As a pest management professional, there are several bits of key i …

Other pests in the home can be controlled or eliminated without resorting to hefty pesticides:  Greener pest control – How to stop bugs and other bothers – The Boston Globe – Magazine

http://www.bostonglobe.com/Apr 20

Inexpensive glue traps available online and at some hardware stores can catch male clothes moths through pheromones, chemicals that attract bugs to the opposite sex.

Judith

Judith@fabrics.net

Judith has been studying and writing about fabrics for over 50 years.  Passionate about textiles, she explains that researching is like collecting clues to build the full picture of each subject.  Judith always looks for the sunny side of life.

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

I work for a company that does professional badging for motor racing leathers. We use a cotton type material that is backed onto a type of glossy vinyl. We had a supply from china however our source is no longer available. We are struggling to find the same material, which will be a massive blow to the company. We transfer logos with a heat press onto this fabric then stitch it on the leather.

Can you help identify this fabric and also help us source this materail. I can send you pictures if this will help. I’m pretty sure it is cotton backed onto something! Its like a green shiny material we purchased in huge rolls! Any information you have will be most helpful and appreciated. Thanks.

By: Gemma

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance

I am trying to find a way to put a value on 3 Christening dresses I have.  They were imported to Marshall Fields around 1901.  They are cotton, 39″long and in excellent condition.

Thank you,

Judy

By: Judy Brock

     

Fabrics.net - Hand Selected Fabrics, Timeless Elegance