Recently in Apparel Category
Which brings me to my dilemma… As mentioned previously, I come
Before I start paring down my list to a more realistic size, I thought I would share it with you, our craft-minded readers. Whether you’re searching for ideas or can offer a few tips to help me narrow this down, I would love to hear your thoughts.
A Minky Blanket - I’ve seen these popping up in stores all over the place, and on my “Can IMake It?” scale they
fall somewhere between “Heck yes I can make that” and “Why wouldanyone pay that much for something so simple?!” When it comes to luxury and softness, minky is probably tops in my books. The only drawbacks I can see to making one would be the mess and possibly the price (I would certainly save money by making my own, but we’re tightening the purse strings at the moment and minky is on the costly side). On the other hand, I could make more of a throw with slightly larger dimensions and both of us could cuddle under it.Oversized receiving blankets – I’ll admit it; I’m spoiled. My mom had my brother when I was 11 and my sister when I was 16, so I was exposed to the wonders of the oversized receiving blankets my aunt made for her and could truly appreciate them. Whether she laid them on the floor for tummy time or used them for a little extra privacy while breast feeding, the extra coverage made a great difference in their usefulness. It wouldn’t be hard for me to make this myself, but then again I could always put them on my wish list and hope my aunt loves me as much as she loves my mom.
Clothes – He’s not even here yet and he’s already got more clothes than I do, but it’s hard to resist the urge to make him a couple outfits when I work around temptations like the Sew Baby patterns. This will probably be the first thing to get cut from my list, but I’m still very tempted to make a replica of the adorable seersucker outfit I saw in a rather pricey catalog the other day.
Baby Sling – We recently started carrying a pattern for the Mei Tai baby carrier, and I can’t help but picture walking around with one in a cool Amy Butler fabric. My only concern is with entrusting my child’s safety to my sometimes shaky sewing skills. I might go sneak a peak at the pattern so see if it’s something I could handle or if I should just leave this one to the pros.
Sew Baby Snappy Wrap – Despite the teasing my Canadian friend throws my way, it does in fact get cold in Georgia. This cute little wrap just screams “useful” to me, and I am all about the functional along with the cute. Fleece is such a breeze to work with, this might become a standard baby gift if it’s as easy to make as it seems.Baby’s First Quilt – Our lovely graphic artist, Moniqa, had a wonderful idea the other day. She suggested taking little hand and foot prints of our little guy, printing them onto fabric, and making a quilt out of the blocks. I always talk myself out of making a quilt because there are so many quilters in my family who are so much more talented than myself, but this idea might actually be one I could justify doing myself. I’m getting misty eyed just thinking about it.
That’s all I want to think about for now. I still need to get my sewing room cleaned and situated so that it can double as a nursery (I waited WAY too long for a sewing room to just give it up. He can share for now). All I can say is that part of me is glad I am not having a little girl – my sewing list went down by half once all the little dresses and baby doll clothes left the picture. If you can think of anything I should add to my list, please feel free to let me know. I’d love to hear your suggestions!
- Minky is stable parallel to the selvage and stretches perpendicular to the selvage (along the width).
- Before you start a project, make sure to note the nap on the minky and cut pieces accordingly if you want the nap to lay a particular way.
- Minky, like fleece, will not shrink with washing. However, make sure to pre-wash all other fabrics you may be using in your project since they may.
- When cutting minky, be prepared for a cloud of fuzz! Try cutting pieces with a rotary cutter then taking them outside to shake them off, putting them in the dryer on the air dry cycle (NO heat), or keep a vacuum handy to cut back on some of the mess.
- Test, test, and test your stitch length, width and tension on a scrap piece before you start your project. Did we mention that you should test?
- Pins are your friends. Pin every 1” to 1.5” to ensure the minky stays in place. It may be time consuming, but you’ll thank yourself.
- Use a walking foot to help with slipping.
- To further prevent slipping, you can hand baste the layers before machine stitching.
- If you are working with one layer of minky and one layer of another fabric, stitch with the minky layer down and let the feed dogs guide the fabric.
- Give a generous seam allowance (about 1/2”) as minky tends to curl.
- DO NOT iron minky directly. Instead, place minky face down on a towel and press gently on low heat or steam it. Ironing and high heat will ruin the nap and any embossing in the fabric.
- Don’t forget to clean your machine’s throat plate, feed dogs and bobbin case often. All that fuzz can get messy and clog the works.
- If you are making a quilt, use only a low-loft polyester or pre-washed cotton batting. Even better – skip the batting altogether and save yourself the extra work. The minky is fluffy and offers a great deal of warmth.
Those are just a few tips. If you are an experienced Minky Master and have anything else to add, please feel free to leave your own tips and tricks in the comments section. Don’t forget to post pictures of your minky masterpieces on the gallery, too!
As you can see, I did not ruin it. Natonda, our newest merchandising employee, is modeling our wrap. I used the BC-226 You can make this wrap with 2 yards of fabric within 30-45 minutes. I folded the fabric in half lengthwise wrong sides together. I pinned it about every 2 inches, then sewed a straight stitch about 1/2 inch. Trim the seam. Turn inside out, right sides will be together. Pin and stitch another seam 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Lightly press with a pressing cloth to protect velvet. Turn fabric. You have just done a French seam. It covers any raw edges. All you need to do now is finish the ends. I found this to be the hardest part. Turn in about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Pin thoroughly. It helps if you hold the edges tautly. You have just completed an elegant wrap for very little time and money.
This wrap was a huge hit at the gift exchange. We think this should be a present to yourself! A great way to start off the New Year and leave the old year behind. Dress up your New Years outfit and pamper yourself.
Have a Happy New Year!
Last Spring I had the pleasure of meeting a very memorable group of sewers ( If I did not think I would look like a fool, I would invite myself to their sewing sessions). They kept returning to my table with the best fabrics... Alexander Henry, Amy Butler, Moda, on and on. I was very impressed with their keen eye and tenacity. Even though CJ (ring leader), Shannon, Maribel and Winnie were 50th in line this year and a stones throw behind their "warehouse sale shopping nemesis" they managed to find their magic and appear at my table all morning with incredible fabrics. I just had to know how they did this...Before the sale started I didn't find these beautiful fabrics for my own stash! So I observed their behavior and was able to pick up on a few of their methods. They also shared a few of their secrets with me. Of course I cannot disclose this highly sensitive information with you but let's just say these chicks are smart! I can however share some of their creations from the great bargains they purchased from our sale. After hugs goodbye to my special girls I made them promise to send me pictures. CJ and Shannon sent me these photos of clothes they made for their children from the warehouse sale last Spring. Wow what talent...not to mention adorable models!
Fabric.com has the best customers!
Post your photos in our "Sew & Tell" gallery and be sure to share you best sewing tips on our forums!
Ciao for now and happy sewing!
Flash forward to this past Summer when we were all sitting around for our first blogger's meeting, and Nancy said, "I think we need to start having contests!" Now armed with a co-conspirator, we set off to come up with our great contest debut. This was our first contest, so we knew that we had to keep it kind of simple; no big projects, not a lot of rules, and as gallery-centric as possible. Nancy was just wild about the Cute Skirt pattern by Favorite Things, and I pointed out that we just got a shipment of their new Hip Skirts and Little Hip Skirts patterns. These patterns, we reasoned, are simple enough for a novice sewer but leave a lot of room for "creative interpretation" and "artistic alteration." Plus, we'd get all sorts of ideas and inspiration for our Spring wardrobes...
Well, after some pre-planning and creative sessions, we had our email and web page ready to go. We were ready and excited! Little did we know, the extra patterns we ordered were nothing against a sea of creatives biting at the chance of a challenge. By the end of the first day we were calling Favorite Things in a panic (Thanks for the help, guys!).
A few weeks and a couple minor bumps in the road later, and we had 52 entries ready for the vote. I can honestly tell you that I am happy that I didn't have to play judge in this case. Even to this day I cannot begin to pick my favorite (or even top 10), they were all so fantastic! All that creative power out there just amazes me. With the power of the vote in our customers' capable hands, the following winners were declared:

1st place - Brown Suede "Ruffled Dream" by Jessica Kathleen
2nd place - Pink "Glitter Nouveau" Skirt by Anna M.
3rd place - Ariel's Skirt By Ariel Lennon
Congratulations to all our winners, and a MASSIVE thanks to everyone who participated. We'll be leaving all the entries up in the gallery so that everyone can "ooh" and "ahh." We'll have another contest in the near future, so stay tuned for more info!
Happy Stitching!
Melanie
FASHION TRENDS TRANSCEND TO THE GYM
AND
ACTIVE/FITNESS INDUSTRY
By Karen Howard
There was a time, without revealing my age let's just say around 20 years ago, when dressing to stay in shape, maintain your health or step up one's active lifestyle was all about oversized cotton or poly/cotton tees, sweatshirts, jackets, pants and shorts. Colors were drab and silhouettes were loose and unflattering.
Well, in the last 7 or so years things have REALLY changed .... Fashionable styles, silhouettes and fabric trends have invaded the active/gym wear industry. With the huge surge of everyone, from 5 - 100 years, looking to maintain their health and fitness .... Top designers and active wear brands have transformed the industry attire to include more fashion forward fabrics like washable silk lycra blends, cotton lycra spandex, quilted broadcloth, quilted nylon, decorated/printed fleece, stretch fleece, lycra knits, poly lycra knits, nylon lycra swimwear, stretch velvet, cotton flannels as lining and stretch velour.
Silhouettes are following the current fashion trends ranging from tastefully fitted and revealing to loose, very fashionable less revealing looks, empire waist tops and leotards, short and long shorts, various pant lengths from extremely long yoga pants to extremely short running shorts.
Famous sports, movie and designer personalities are launching their own high-fashion active wear lines .... adding even more fashion flair and trends to the once drab apparel industry ...thus taking active wear apparel beyond the limits to carve out its own place in the fashion industry.
Now is the season for marathon training and running. Die-hard fitness enthusiasts never let the cold or the approaching holiday season keep them from accomplishing their fitness goals. Now they look forward to touting their physiques in fashionably layered, cold weather active attire highlighted in with layered, lined or accented as trim with quilted faux suede, faux fur / minky accents, spa minky and various unique trims.
Athletes and wannabe athletes are not only now inspired by the motivation to get and stay fit, but by the fashion inspired attire that now allow them to personalize and individualize their active persona.
Editor's Note: Check out our Jalie Patterns for your active fashion needs. I love the jogging suit!
Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay (Workman Publishing) When I found out there were entire books dedicated to T-shirt makeovers, well, my little creativity-cup not only overflowed - it nearly erupted. Although definitely aimed at a younger audience, this one is my favorite of the few t-shirt books I have seen. Using primarily T-shirts as your materials, projects range from simple top renovations to skirts to swim suits - even a complete wedding dress! There are even a couple projects for men's shirts, and t-shirt trivia throughout the projects is a fun distraction. This book is perfect for any crafter whose style has a bit of edge to it.
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make With Fabulous Fabrics by Francesca Denhartog & Carole Ann Camp (Storey Publishing)This book has just about everything you need to know about making a skirt without a pattern, and then some. It starts with a pretty thorough guide to the basic techniques needed when starting a project. The writing was detailed enough for a beginner to understand, but still informative enough to give an experienced sewer a refresher without boring them. Once you take a few measurements (the book shows you which ones) you can begin whipping out adorable skirts that are tailored to your taste, without the hassle of confusing patterns or aggravating tissue paper.
Making Vintage Bags: 20 Original Sewing Patterns for Vintage Bags and Purses by Emma Brennan (Guild of Master Craftsman Publications) This book is perfect for the handbag enthusiast. Using clear instructions and photographs, this book shows you how to make handbags fashioned after trends from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's. Many of the bags have smaller matching purses, all of which you can find the pattern for in the back of the book. Even if you aren't making of the bags featured in the book, the instructions and photographs make it a great reference for techniques and styles that can be used in your own creations.
Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects by Amy Butler (Chronicle Books) Ever a Fabric.com staff favorite, Amy Butler's book appeals to a wide audience with its varied projects. There are projects for just about every room in the house, but don't be fooled into thinking that this is a strictly home décor book. The "Bedroom Projects" section has instructions for an absolutely beautiful duvet cover, as well as some for comfy and stylish wide-leg lounge pants. This book works well as an inspiration for gift making, but would also be a welcome gift in and of its self. You can even see a couple of the projects on her site. I personally cannot wait to find the time to make the patchwork handbag on page 162 - too cute! But, hey, it's Amy Butler; how can you go wrong?
Happy Stitching!
Melanie
I am all moved in to my new house and I am loving it. However, I need a bit of a break from home decorating but can't get it completely out of my mind. With the promise of fall around the corner (in Georgia that means the temperture comes down to only 80 degrees) I am distracted by thoughts of new fall clothing. Being surrounded by home decor fabrics all day but thinking of apparel allowed me to find inspiration in using home decor fabrics to wear, Amy Butler's Nigella not withstanding. Here is what my wandering mind has come up with. See if you don't agree.
Coat, Trench & Blazer
I am all about the coats this fall. Heck, I am all about
the fall period! I cannot wait for crisp mornings, cooking stew and wearing sweaters and coats.I am cold blooded by nature so according to my family as soon as the temp reaches 69 degrees I reach for outerwear. I figure they are just jealous that I get to wear my awesome coats before them. More for me!
We have some really great options no what what your coat preferences. However, let's step outside the norm just for fun and look at what home decor fabrics have to offer for coats. I think this embroidered microsuede is so beautiful and different. It would really great with a trench pattern or if you prefer something classic and demure. Try this pattern with our Faux Suede in dark grey that is so popular this season.
Finally, don't forget about the fuschia this fall. Our Fall Forecast predicts this is one of the hotest colors this fall. And all too rightly! Who says we must bundle up in darker colors the rest of the year. Carry your favroite spring and summer colors with you to brighten the shorter days. Perfect for this task is this combo of Fuschia Polka Dots (Who doesn't love Dots!) with a fun, funky for fresh jacket pattern by Favorite Things. The non-tradional closure and new spin collar coupled with classic dots in a feminine color make this combination a sure thing and a staple.
Dresses
I have recently been watching reruns of Sex in the City and fell
in love with Charlotte's entry, whose walls are covered in a blue plaid. Ever since I have been on a plaid kick. It reminds me of so many things I love, Family, warmth, crisp weather and Scotsmen (wink). It is not tricky to wear and is a must for keeping warm and sheik this season. I love this print with this dress pattern.The modern cut and details make it perfect to take the 'school marm' image out of this plaid. The shorter hem makes it so tempting to wear tights in either a trendy or classic color. This dress is also perfect for either boots, heels or flats, your choice but you can't go wrong with this lovely plaid.
Another great trend this season are bright colored or patterned tights. This simply shaped retro style dress is perfect to show off your fashionable legs in the best colors or patterns. I used Simplicity's Retro Pattern 3833 with our new Ultrasoft Sueded Twill in Rasberry. I paried it with dark grey tights. It looks so comfy but so sleek. Great for a lunch with friends, shopping or to wake the weekday doldrums.
I can't wait to get started on my Fall Fashions and I hope you will join me. Be sure to post your pictures in our Sew and Tell Gallery so everyone can admire and be jealous! And remember "If you don't look good, we don't look good."
Oh wait, wrong slogan, but still true!
Tara Miller
La Vie des Années Quarante! (The Life of the 1940's)
Silhouettes for fall 2007 are varied, wide ranging and reminiscent of the 1940's. There is truly something for everyone to update their wardrobe with. Lady-like styles including softly tailored jackets and dresses are some of the best updates. You can choose any length of skirt that suits your figure from the mini to an A-line skirt at your lower calf. Pants can be super skinny or the wider leg variety like Lauren Becall would have worn. Add a great new fall color or accessory, and you are up to date! We have a great selection of Fall Fashion fabrics ranging from our Wool Gaberdine & Suiting (check out our great suiting in our Everything's $1.95/yard) for pants to our new Corduroy for jackets.
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Speaking of jackets. One of the best features you could sport for fall is a nipped waist. There are tricks to perform in case your waist isn't already ''nipped.'' Princess seaming in a jacket or blouse will reveal curves that may be just barely there. Add a belt or a sash, and you could be amazed at what you see in the mirror. Wool coatings and wool meltons will make this style of jacket appropriate as outerwear. Another trend in jackets is a ¾ length or bracelet sleeve. For colder climates, these jackets will require a longer glove. They are very 1940's without the giant shoulders. Add a great glove, and you have a great update.
Pants and trousers this season can seem confusing because the trendiest styles are totally opposite. Skinny is still ''in'' and if you are tall and thin, this is a great trend for you. Add volume on the top to balance out the skinny silhouette with a voluminous top for evening, or a chunky sweater and a scarf for day. The other end of the spectrum is the higher waist and wider leg trousers a la 1940, Check out Erica's wonderful wide leg pants here, note how she works in that great belt to show off her waist! A wool gabardine will add some drape to the trousers and give them some warmth and substance.Or if you are looking for something lighter for the transitional period try our great selection of suitings.
Pencil Skirts and A-line skirts pair nicely with lady-like blouses for fall. A-line skirts need a fabric with movement and some flow. Try the pencil skirt to the left with our Wool Blend Tweed Suiting and Simplicity pattern 5259. The Soft Suede is a terrific fall fabric, and would update an A-line skirt pattern you already have. Pencil skirts need structure. Wool gabardine or even a dull satin like Duchess Satin are both great choices.
Don't forget to have fun. Make your A-line out of quilting cotton or a great vintage tablecloth, like Tuesday's. Try our Retro and Mod Section to brighten up your fall wardrobe. Wear the funky prints with a solid color top for work or Polka Dots for a night out! Throw on a Corduroy Blazer and cashmere scarf to finish it out.
The blouses have accents like long thin bows at the neck or ruffles on either side of the placket. To capture the richness of the season, create your blouse in a charmeuse satin. For a crisp alternative, use our Japanese Shirting. Try this Vogue pattern to make your own. We recommend Charmuse Satin in Butterscotch or Sweetheart Satin Antique Gold to bring some warmth and shiny into your closet.
As always we, here at fabric.com, look forward to seeing what you create for fall. When we can't find great ideas in our Sew & Tell Gallery, we troll the craft blogs. Either way, we are loving everything you create. Don't be shy drop us a line and tell us your ideas or better yet, show us! Post your pictures in our Gallery. Have a great season!
Fall Fashion Forecast 2007
Colors to wear
Black is back! Did anyone really let it leave? Women always turn to shades of black to look sophisticated, to look slimmer (of course) and to make getting dressed easier. Fall and winter 2007 embrace ebony, raven and midnight as very chic, but there are colors to look for as well. Shades of grey are the new classic staple for Fall replacing chocolate brown. Grey comes in many wearable shades and can be worn with many colors. If you don't like greys near your face, pick up a pair of trousers in grey. Add a colorful scarf at your neck with a grey coat or sweater. Check out our new patterns in the Amy Butler Nigella Line. It is chock full of greys mixed with this years hot colors or greens and pinks.
The trendy color for Fall 2007 is magenta/fuchsia pink. Not only does it look fresh and fabulous with greys, it will go with all the browns you already have in your wardrobe! You can go head to toe is this jewel-tone shade of pink, or stick with accessorizing with it. The most up-to-date way to accessorize with magenta is in your hosiery or footwear. Deeply pink tights or trouser socks will put the spice into your fall wardrobe immediately! Check out our new wool coating for that great pink coat you can't buy in stores!
Always a classic, red is a fantastic fall color. In 2007 it's the perfect accent to black and grey. The Italian designer, Valentino, has been known for his shade of classic red for decades. It's not too orange and not too blue. Every woman can wear red; you just need to know how to find the right shade for you. If you have a warm skin tone, look for warmer reds. If your skin tone is cool, look for bluer reds. A great black outfit looks like a million bucks with a little red lipstick!
Accessorize yourself!
Accessories are an important wardrobe update for the fall. Those beautiful browns you love to wear can get an update with the right accessories. Tights are back in vogue, and I, for one, am thrilled! The style of tights popular this season harkens back to the 1980's with bold pattern and color. Have a little fun with a new texture or color on your legs with your basic brown or black footwear. On the flip-side, wear a pair of inky black tights with red pumps. On the more conservative side, grey shoes with the blackest black tights would look fabulous, too.
Scarves are a winter necessity. This season, wear one of the really large printed scarves with accents like fringe and beads on the edges. Take a scarf that's at least 36'' square and fold it in half. Wrap it round your neck and create a loose cowl neck. The more ethnic the scarf looks, the better. Thick, knitted scarves and wraps are also very fashionable and quite practical. The chunkier the knit is the warmer and more fashionable you'll be.
Handbags are the new status symbol. The designer bags have become quite outrageous not only in price, but also in size. If you are looking for a bag that is on trend for fall, but is not large enough to carry a small wardrobe, try a clutch. Once again, we hearken back to the 1980's for the oversized clutch bag. This kind of clutch holds more than a credit card and lipstick. You can carry everything you need for work in this compact bag. For shopping ease, get a clutch with a slim strap to attach to each end. Look for envelope styles with great hardware in patent leather or leather.
Don't be scared and don't hold back.

