tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72369622280016455292024-03-18T20:38:36.746-07:00Fabric8 On-line. Textile News and ViewsFabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-61489424714595943852015-08-17T08:12:00.000-07:002015-08-17T08:12:46.725-07:00Everything you wanted to know about our closing down but were afraid to ask. Our closing down sale is still on-going and I have been answering a lot of questions of late regarding our shop closing down. I thought it may be useful for our Facebook and Twitter followers to have a bunch of the answers in one place. If your questions isn't answered here feel free to ask one in the comments below.<br />
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<b>Is there a sale on in your shop and website?</b><br />
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Yes there is, ALL fabrics have been reduced by 30%! This discount is applied at the till in the shop and at the checkout in the web shop. So when at our web-shop and buying fabric the final amount for all fabrics is 30% less than shown.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Gf_qftXmGO-leUmir8_E7ykPTlVujHjXOzUBAaJmNoTmwwmkGxg47bTZiZoRX3Bjq7kzg6vPPmC7q7Ck7WBJRAicqY5mrftyykc_ZQlQZii3umMv0ufmbuPJBxDUC9Vffcw-jWuByg/s320/top_closing_banner_2_small.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where are the quilting cottons?</b><br />
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The sale was just too much for some. We've actually sold out!<br />
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<b>I ordered curtains to be made, are they safe?</b><br />
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We have now stopped accepting orders for new curtains. However if you have ordered curtains then they are still being made and will be ready for collection as advertised. Don't Worry :)<br />
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<b>Is the trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show to Ally Pally still going on?</b><br />
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Yes it is! the coach is booked and we're looking forward to a fantastic day out and hope you will come along with us on <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Sunday the 11th of October.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/28296/Knitting-and-Stitching-Show"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAlWDUDB_suK2xL8iIXPRwUWdxatSY-AFKT7KZ4-lQDTpyJnLITTOOP4ROlJG9p_Uad3Ioygr8mu0pzzEiUc4HEU1N0bQlZwmO23Jim_UClKGYDZIa1fR2iYpb5dhH0xbqEh9hjG-PHE/s320/new_b_knitting_stitching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope this helps cover any concerns you may have. Feel free to add any questions to the comments below.<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-89586341145082570842015-08-03T00:25:00.002-07:002015-08-03T00:25:45.768-07:00<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">All good things...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYzUFZnptEfbDHsnZWRseBGDr89Uz7yvGtHnDdBNJVxlQQ_DSf-vlqGMx2CoF5l5ipXIFTFjeN2tAZRvwYXvjAInmkai46OcZkge3Wgxe3kZYe4-9JoTKMUvey5Tv4sm-B3iUD2yBveE/s1600/270649_111573735606179_246029_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYzUFZnptEfbDHsnZWRseBGDr89Uz7yvGtHnDdBNJVxlQQ_DSf-vlqGMx2CoF5l5ipXIFTFjeN2tAZRvwYXvjAInmkai46OcZkge3Wgxe3kZYe4-9JoTKMUvey5Tv4sm-B3iUD2yBveE/s1600/270649_111573735606179_246029_n.jpg" /></a></span></b></div>
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I've been writing these blogs on behalf of the shop I work in for 4 years or so now. During that time I've had so much lovely feedback from people saying we helped them get into sewing. We've covered many topics and had great fun but one post felt dreadful to write. Last November we had to announce our Felixstowe branch was closing down. Telling people about the loss of a local service and the lose of jobs was thoroughly heartbreaking. Now only a few months later we have to announce that our Colchester branch is now closing as well.<br />
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I'll leave the fine details to the press release written by a smarter man than I. Read below.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Colchester Shop to close after 20 years of trading in the town</span></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>A well known family business that has been serving the people of Colchester </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>since 1995 is to close its doors for the last time at the end of September.</i><br />
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<i>Fabric8, originally opened its doors as “The Remnant Shop” and sold fabrics </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>and haberdashery of all kinds. In recent years they added a curtain making </i><br />
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<i>service as well as sewing classes and even threw Children’s activity parties.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Owner Robert Bamberger is deeply saddened by the need to close as the </i><br />
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<i>business has been in the family for three generations, originally opening its </i><br />
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<i>doors in Felixstowe in 1944. He has put the need to close down to a number of </i><br />
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<i>reasons but there are two that stand out. Perhaps the most significant factor </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>has been the change in shopping habits caused by the rise of the internet. “As </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>a result” he said, “The High St as we know it is changing rapidly. More and </i><br />
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<i>more people use the town centre for social reasons rather than to buy the </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>things they need at home. The growth in the number of coffee shops, bars and </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>restaurants reflects this”</i><br />
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<i>The second factor has been the lack of support they received from the Bank, </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>who, recognising that the business was in difficulty, rather than trying to help </i><br />
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<i>and support them in a time of transition as directed by the government chose </i><br />
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<i>instead to actively make trade harder and harder in effect forcing the closure </i><br />
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<i>of a business that was just beginning to turn the corner. </i><br />
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<i>“We were seeing the seeds of tangible growth but it was all too slow for them” </i><br />
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<i>said Mr Bamberger and “the decision had to be made”</i><br />
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<i>“The Business has been open a long time” he added, “but times change and </i><br />
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<i>nothing lasts forever” He thanked his customers, staff and suppliers for the </i><br />
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<i>overwhelming support he received over the years.</i><br />
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That basically covers it. We will be having a Sale of course and I'll still do a few more blogs as we say goodbye to each other. On a personal note I really do need to thank the company for 7 years of happy employment. They took a disabled guy and gave him a chance when no one else would. This little shop has turned the lives around for so many people, we even have one happily married couple who met working here!<br />
So for now that is all, We will of course keep you all up to date with final closing times and let you know of any special offers in the sale.<br />
Warmest regards<br />
Dean<br />
Fabric8's web bloke.<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-43061981747197344402015-07-08T06:46:00.002-07:002015-07-08T07:43:12.337-07:00How to make Bunting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauj5oRqmksgxYG21G5w4B7fXJo2LNpJu6B_Z96rIAgfTNe7oN7k95E3VYsVScBfeZOxbOFtiWUx7Vnh5KknbuE5hwWWNGVJzeiJaCFrsmglizjXkc2Xlmdpoq7TIi8pf_NTrFLNYQl08/s1600/20150706_121416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauj5oRqmksgxYG21G5w4B7fXJo2LNpJu6B_Z96rIAgfTNe7oN7k95E3VYsVScBfeZOxbOFtiWUx7Vnh5KknbuE5hwWWNGVJzeiJaCFrsmglizjXkc2Xlmdpoq7TIi8pf_NTrFLNYQl08/s400/20150706_121416.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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About four years ago we noticed more and more people getting into bunting. This traditional decoration can add a beautiful yet comforting homely touch to any occasion. However more and more people have been using bunting to decorate their homes all year round.<br />
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Bunting is very simple and cost effective to make. However some people have asked us to run a <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/60948/Bunting-Workshop">course in making bunting </a>in our Colchester shop. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to visit us in our little outpost of sewing and crafting in Essex. To help everyone out we decided to make a quick Bunting Tutorial here.<br />
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<b>How much Fabric do I need?</b><br />
No where near as much as you think. Of course the size of your triangles and the space between your triangles will effect the amount of fabric, as will the width of the fabric, In this example our triangles sides were 20cm long and the space between each triangle was about a hands width. 20cm of polycotton that was 112cm wide gave us over 2.5 metres of bunting! so 1 metre of fabric should give you around 12 metres of bunting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyUf_7_rVbfah5UClqT1JDMNK6XIz7W6rL9_Jf8XNtOSKwGJ165q8LzjjoQu1LRRYpZtUbLIi0nJtcvyWf7OaqGwB4AqZ9B-jxzrqR9yFoIh1-YFbaBcwWlHTQhieeLz22bmlSjkHNI4/s1600/Hesian+-+Tree+print+VBM0071415274321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyUf_7_rVbfah5UClqT1JDMNK6XIz7W6rL9_Jf8XNtOSKwGJ165q8LzjjoQu1LRRYpZtUbLIi0nJtcvyWf7OaqGwB4AqZ9B-jxzrqR9yFoIh1-YFbaBcwWlHTQhieeLz22bmlSjkHNI4/s320/Hesian+-+Tree+print+VBM0071415274321.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>What fabric is suitable for bunting?</b><br />
Just about any fabric is suitable, however it's best to avoid fabrics that fray and crease.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/58543/Hesian---Tree-print---130cm">Hessian fabric </a>can give a lovely rustic and natural feel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/6/Quilting-Fabrics">Quilting Cotton</a> and <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/12/Patterned-Cotton">Dressmaking Cotton</a> are both suitable for bunting and come in vibrant colours.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/14/Patterned-Polycotton">Polycotton</a> is light and cheap and fray resistant.<br />
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<b>How do I finish the edges of the triangles (or pendants) off?</b><br />
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There are three main ways of making sure your pendants do not fray.<br />
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1) Cut them out with Pinking Sheers. This gives a pleasing zig zag finish and is VERY quick and easy.<br />
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2) Bias bind the edges. This can look stunning if you use a contrasting bias but needs a steady hand and LOTS of patience.<br />
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3) Line the Pendants. Simply cut out twice the number of triangles and sew them right sides together before turning them out. This literally doubles the cost of the bunting and more than doubles the time needed. However the bunting will look stunning from both sides.<br />
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<b>How to I cut out the triangles?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1P5DfqIqh6GoRMgYZrPs34xYVepQckYUwIO-_Ka-rpAo4WlEeAVRzRWPOkbZZxWjrrp67eyMyrkGa4zxmJ6ikmKoBYt_ijQgagxENS3X2gsjsQD5xYsvCh1RucdAdpSbz0w4NRyC4NA/s1600/20150706_122146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1P5DfqIqh6GoRMgYZrPs34xYVepQckYUwIO-_Ka-rpAo4WlEeAVRzRWPOkbZZxWjrrp67eyMyrkGa4zxmJ6ikmKoBYt_ijQgagxENS3X2gsjsQD5xYsvCh1RucdAdpSbz0w4NRyC4NA/s320/20150706_122146.jpg" width="320" /></a>To begin with you will need to make a pattern or template. Using a protractor and a ruler draw a lin 20 cm long. At each end use the protractor to make an angle of 60 degrees. Then use the ruler to draw in the final two lines which should meet in the middle.<br />
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We use an equilateral triangle (one where all the angles are 60 degrees and all the sides the same length) to give us more options about which way up the triangle will go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLI8Vca01sVFf7dihTVf1B8nayev27KUQn3g7G0qC3s1kvi5zvUiFGDrSjSzvXHzfRw164tZJfr08sdVynkRT5J5n9dkZmR2rTrkn7DsTlybGkuYpouJ7n-lGauSN_gvaczZziXcH6_o/s1600/20150706_122404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLI8Vca01sVFf7dihTVf1B8nayev27KUQn3g7G0qC3s1kvi5zvUiFGDrSjSzvXHzfRw164tZJfr08sdVynkRT5J5n9dkZmR2rTrkn7DsTlybGkuYpouJ7n-lGauSN_gvaczZziXcH6_o/s320/20150706_122404.jpg" width="180" /></a>If you're using the pinking shears to stop the fabric from fraying trim along the one side of the fabric.<br />
Now lay your template on the corner of the fabric with one of the sides of the triangle on the side of the fabric. Using a ruler to give a sharp edge draw around the triangle in chalk.<br />
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Flip the pattern over and draw another triangle upside down and next to your first. Repeat this process. This is called tessellating by the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8qfSM7vMMXVMatLkwxJTD0ONKD8wXykL761YDfdF2gd5Eq22GMxlz2H8BGE5JG2IimA-4eFofPYUwmpvhtIkghb0TropwDfnggUADZlxf2HErTTwRHJE8NkV8FIoNQToKB9zTGLeL94/s1600/20150706_122732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8qfSM7vMMXVMatLkwxJTD0ONKD8wXykL761YDfdF2gd5Eq22GMxlz2H8BGE5JG2IimA-4eFofPYUwmpvhtIkghb0TropwDfnggUADZlxf2HErTTwRHJE8NkV8FIoNQToKB9zTGLeL94/s320/20150706_122732.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Now simply cut out along the chalk line. A 20cm strip of fabric that is 112cm wide should give you around 8 triangles.<br />
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<b>What do I sew the triangles onto?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NbH8rpzfk8wWeW-4ETqQ8UC8zerB3eElor_gkTXHPkE4p1JhvrDFVYJUwnNMW7VkgoZ-RK-WPX8hTp79czLcw6VwUSTFzqhZUp-aRNOpbHxcHvtLWFYbY7OEWVbROOsSubcR-SCNRIQ/s1600/20150706_124651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NbH8rpzfk8wWeW-4ETqQ8UC8zerB3eElor_gkTXHPkE4p1JhvrDFVYJUwnNMW7VkgoZ-RK-WPX8hTp79czLcw6VwUSTFzqhZUp-aRNOpbHxcHvtLWFYbY7OEWVbROOsSubcR-SCNRIQ/s320/20150706_124651.jpg" width="320" /></a>You can sew the triangles onto ribbon or cotton tape. However We have used Bias Binding. This has the advantage of wrapping around the top edge of the triangles to make them look neater.<br />
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Simply place the triangle along the middle of the bias and fold it over, pinning it in place before running it through the sewing machine.<br />
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I left a gap about as wide as my hand between the triangles, but you can choose to have a smaller gap or no gap at all. This piece of bunting was for a very set colour scheme. However you could always buy a metre or two of different fabrics and mix the triangles up.<br />
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And there you have it, easy to make bunting to adorn garden parties, wedding and very tall workmates.<br />
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-39349554699871596502015-06-30T04:00:00.001-07:002015-06-30T04:00:13.806-07:00What do all these sewing pattern terms mean?One of the most rewarding parts of my job has to be teaching. I teach "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/56443/Using-your-sewing-machine">How to use a sewing machine</a>" and "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/57521/How-to-Use-and-cut-out-a-sewing-pattern">How to follow a sewing pattern</a>" whilst my friend Michelle teaches "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/56431/Beginner-Patchwork-and-Quilting">Patchwork and Quilting for Beginners</a>" as well as an excellent "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/56433/Machine-Applique-class">Machine Applique</a>" class. Our little sewing room in Colchester is always a fun and friendly environment. <br />
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Many people show up not knowing a thing about sewing, after all they are at a beginners course. So here are a few terms you may have heard or seen on a sewing pattern that you may not know yet;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL43J4J74coraabhMx3I2HW-_5DIPsQOT-RQVJbOPTFcidQlq-8BtIHcO9X6kQCbWyQKAlGw-ZGE7WuZqB6pS9HQ6rQd4f0fX51k08RZYu_o4Fxu7ct8a4IdSInd50n11InPK7s5US_0/s1600/20150630_115140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL43J4J74coraabhMx3I2HW-_5DIPsQOT-RQVJbOPTFcidQlq-8BtIHcO9X6kQCbWyQKAlGw-ZGE7WuZqB6pS9HQ6rQd4f0fX51k08RZYu_o4Fxu7ct8a4IdSInd50n11InPK7s5US_0/s320/20150630_115140.jpg" width="320" /></a><span data-dobid="hdw"><b>Selvedge </b>- This is the finished (neatened) edge of the fabric. If a fabric is sold on the roll then the selvedge is at either end of the tube. Sewing patterns will often say "fold fabric in half, right sides together selvedge to selvedge. If they said to fold in half along the length or width things could get mixed up, after all not everyone things of the length as the longer measurement and the width the shorter. Also what if you are using 1 meter of fabric that is 1.5 meters wide? By saying Selvedge to selvedge or "So the selvedges meet" they are removing that area of doubt.</span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw"><b>Grain</b> - The grain line TENDS to be an imaginary line that runs along your fabric parallel to the selvedges (see how the selvedge makes an awesome reference point). When placing pattern pieces on your fabric you need to keep all of the grain lines in the same direction (imagine a striped fabric, if you put one side of the dress at a different angle on the fabric then the stripes will run in a different direction. EVEN if you're using a plain fabric try to follow the grain line. All fabrics have a little "Give" which is different at different angles, so you may find some of your panels stretching slightly. </span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw"><b>Nap</b> - Some fabrics have a texture, such as velvet or fun fur. When this texture only runs in one direction we call this the nap. Run your hand over some velvet, then run it the other way, see how different it feels and how it makes the fabric look different. The back of a sewing pattern will tell you if you need extra fabric to accommodate a nap. You will need this as sometimes the pattern will lay out a pattern piece "upside down" in normal fabrics this makes no different, but in a velvet for example it will make your garment look very odd if one side runs one way and their side has the velvet brushed the other way.</span><br />
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<b>The Bias</b> - When the pattern pieces are laid out on a fabric at 45 degrees to the grain line we call it Bias Cut. This will often give the garment a little stretch. Many people seem afraid of sewing on the bias but it's just like regular sewing, you just have to take it easy and take your time.<br />
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If you have trouble with "<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/whats-difference-between-facing-and.html">Interfacing and facing</a>" or" <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/what-is-difference-between-lining-and.html">Lining and interlining</a>" just check out our blog.<br />
Happy Sewing all. Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-27972603455011841402015-06-19T04:45:00.001-07:002015-06-19T04:45:25.516-07:00Getting the most of your Sewing Shop.Whilst trying to think about what to blog about today I received a lovely tweet.<br />
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<a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Fabric8Online" style="background: transparent; color: #2e0854; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #816a98;">@</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fabric8Online</span></a> we've got a lot of fun & <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/toys?src=hash" style="background: transparent; color: #2e0854; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #816a98;">#</span>toys</a> out of the materials we bought <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sewing?src=hash" style="background: transparent; color: #2e0854; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #816a98;">#</span>sewing</a> ... <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="https://languagegamesforall.wordpress.com" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/UOYUE9doxc" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #2e0854; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://languagegamesforall.wordpress.com"><span class="tco-ellipsis"></span><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;">https://</span><span class="js-display-url">languagegamesforall.wordpress.com</span><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;"></span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible" style="font-size: 0px; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></a> </div>
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It really is heart warming when we see people use our stock for their projects. However we can do more than just sell you fabric, needles and threads. Many of our staff are skilled in all areas of sewing, knitting and crafting. From our curtain making department upstairs to our quilting and bridal wear on the landing right through the dressmaking and knitting sections of the ground floor. We can often give you tips and tricks, however for those not lucky enough to be able to pop in to the shop we present some tips here.<br />
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<b>If you can't find it, ask.</b><br />
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This is something that's true for our on-line fabric shop and the bricks and mortar store in Colchester. We go through great pains to make things easy to find but sometimes we may know where to find a fabric or bit of habby in seconds. If we can't find what you need we can always offer alternatives or order in what ever you need.<br />
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<b>Feel free to say what you are trying to make or fix.</b><br />
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Many of the staff have years of experience in the fields of sewing and crafting. As a result they can help you choose what fabrics suit your project best.<br />
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<b>You can use quilting fabric and curtain fabric in dressmaking.</b><br />
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Our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/6/Quilting-Fabrics">quilting fabric</a> section has all manner of beautiful cotton fabrics with amazing patterns. The same is true of our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/23/Curtain-Fabrics">curtain department</a> and you can actually use these fabrics for dresses, jackets, waistcoats and anything your imagination can think of. <br />
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<b>If your sewing machine stops working try re-threading and changing the needle.</b><br />
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Last week we gave you some <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/understanding-sewing-machine-tension.html">tips on using your sewing machin</a>e. Trust us all too often people tell us their machine is skipping stitches, or damaging fabric. Most of the time these issues can be fixed with changing the sewing needle.<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-63428915625842579142015-06-12T00:49:00.001-07:002015-06-12T00:49:37.880-07:00Understanding Sewing Machine Tension and Stopping a Big Ball of Thread on the Underside of Your Sewing.Our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">sewing classes here in Colchester in Essex</a> are as popular as ever. We cover such diverse topics as Patchwork, Machine Applique kids sewing project and how to set up a sewing machine. Okay that last one may seem pretty basic, you're reading a sewing blog so you know how to set up your sewing machine. Well I'm not going to argue with you, however many people worry about tension without understanding it. To many people the tension dial is a piece of arcane technology who's method of operation has been lost in the dark winding passage of time. However I believe if you have even a rough guide of how this works you will become a far more adept sewer. <br />
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A sewing machine works by sandwiching two layers of fabric between two threads which loop together in between the two layers of fabric. To achieve this all other cleverness has to happen, the teeth pull the fabric under the foot (which in turns hold's the fabric in place) and the teeth drop down to stop moving the fabric when the needle is down. As a tech nerd I love the ballet of mechanical cams that make all this happen in perfect time. So where does the tension come in? The tension controls how much of the top thread goes down with the needle. Different fabrics require different amounts of thread (due to how tight the weave is or how thick the fabric is). Sewing a simple test peice helps you work out how right or wrong your tension is.<br />
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In these examples the green thread is the top thread the red is the bobbin or bottom thread.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Normal Tension</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span> Here you can see the top thread on the top, and the bottom thread on the bottom, the threads over lapping in the middle of the fabric sandwich. A good strong neat seam.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tension Too Low</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can see from the underside view here the green top thread is forming loops on the under side of the fabric with the bottom thread just laying on the fabric. A terrible seam that will fall apart in moment<span style="font-size: large;">s</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tension Too High</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On this top view you can see the red lower thread showing on the top. Whilst not as severe as having the tension too low this does cause problems. The fabric can become puckered around the seam and even damaged. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's All About Balance</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">The bobbin thread's tension does not get adjusted, it's constant. We adjust the top thread's tension to change the balance point where the fabrics loop together. However what if the bobbin tension was not constant, behold the shoddily wound bobbin on the right.</span></span><br />
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The bobbin's tension is going "tight, lose, tight lose" And so suddenly we get upper thread tying it self into a knot on the underside of the fabric as it's tension is relatively too high all of a sudden for a few stitches. Ever sewn and suddenly have a big ball of thread on the underside of your fabric fowling up your machine. This is what happens' the bobbin thread's tension is suddenly too high for the upper thread to cope with and too much upper thread appears on the underside, this get's caught in the guts of the machine and we get our dreaded thread ball!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do we stop the dreaded thread ball?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at the pic on the right, look at all the technology being used to keep the upper tension even. </span><b> </b></span> The lower bobbin tension is set as we wind the bobbin.<br />
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Now look at how we wind the bobbin, just a little circle of metal, that's all we get to even out the tension. IF you wind the bobbin at lightening speed or be going "fast, slow Fast Slow" you get an uneven bobbin. An uneven bobbin WILL give you a threadball on the underside of the fabric. And thus we come to the important point i make in EVERY lesson. Wind the bobbin slowly and evenly, it's an important job, not an afterthought. Pay more attention to your bobbin winding and I think you will find your sewing experience improves no end.Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-39237114196284969492015-05-29T01:29:00.001-07:002015-05-29T01:29:29.808-07:00Easy Ribbon Embroidery for Kids. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago someone asked me about running a workshop about ribbon embroidery for kids. I'll be honest I hadn't done much in this particular aspect of our craft and was keen to explore it. Ribbon embroidery is a way of adding details such as leaves or flowers to a garment or other sewing project. The flowers can also be mounted onto a safety pin or broach clasp or used on a fascinater.<br />
There were many techniques out there, in fact it seamed as though no two people made flowers from ribbon the same way. Each method had it's pros and cons, some required intricate sewing before hand to place a wire in one side of the ribbon, other methods included making your own ribbon.<br />
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Most techniques had the following draw backs.<br />
Expensive materials<br />
Specialist tools<br />
Fiddly advanced sewing techniques<br />
Lots of sharp things for kids to hurt themselves on.<br />
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To make this project more child friendly we will be using aida (the fabric with a lose weave used for cross stitch) and wool needles which are rather blunt to make things safer for kids. This method is designed to reduce the equipment and advanced skills that you will need. Once you have your bits you're about 10 minutes away from your first ribbon embroidered flower!<br />
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You will need:<br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/56016/Cotton-Aida-Matting---108cm">Aida</a> (a metre will be enough to make LOADS of flowers, probably hundreds)<br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/56225/Large-Plastic-Needles-Pack-of-2">Wool Needles</a><br />
A regular<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips"> hand sewing needle</a><br />
A little <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/56/100m-Gutterman-sew-all-thread">sewing thread</a><br />
Satin ribbon (either 10mm or 15mm wide)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DuDrQcARAsRk5aLDsPYS5eGvELKldVKWxhui8wDwsUtJ6JP0odihLsv3A1e2lgRaM44j4cLls1Orb-WTVWj1L34x-yDMOsUC2b-UGxID6Rd_BsYF7aebGeznOqFd_l0Amy5FKSUoWHc/s1600/20150528_231036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DuDrQcARAsRk5aLDsPYS5eGvELKldVKWxhui8wDwsUtJ6JP0odihLsv3A1e2lgRaM44j4cLls1Orb-WTVWj1L34x-yDMOsUC2b-UGxID6Rd_BsYF7aebGeznOqFd_l0Amy5FKSUoWHc/s200/20150528_231036.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Step 1</b><br />
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Draw a circle on your aida. I This one is just under 5cm in diameter and seems to be a good size for a first go. Draw out 5 lined from the centre to the edge of the circle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6zLDNpEvIvbaMvYkL3Kgm5P47T620Gb4gMXOjR_8553dfH3GhsOb6IZLPBzL9e50nDC7WABu-12fD9il4WxJI-vpx8iKpgP1BvbIEvskS8xpxhvYHqCtJkKPGuqg3ep2M1rh6CchubM/s1600/20150528_231843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6zLDNpEvIvbaMvYkL3Kgm5P47T620Gb4gMXOjR_8553dfH3GhsOb6IZLPBzL9e50nDC7WABu-12fD9il4WxJI-vpx8iKpgP1BvbIEvskS8xpxhvYHqCtJkKPGuqg3ep2M1rh6CchubM/s200/20150528_231843.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Step 2</b><br />
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With the reguler sewing needle and thread going from the underside of the aida to the top make a stitch from the center to the edge of the circle along one of the lines. Repeat for the other four lines. We have used a contrasting thread to help you see what is going on. When you make your flower use a thread that is a close match to your ribbon.<br />
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<b>Step 3</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o4EU-OByfWFa_q2mS7h3UwhahjpoRwKbDAC7nY1_EvMw-p6UTpl-8wguhEw3FB0e4xWml_S3S4UH8VOKtAh3Ag6lK2XY59Q7vNhqCQGoRQ4nZGbKpPeDHHssXUzgQG-aFmIeaS1G_us/s1600/20150528_232156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o4EU-OByfWFa_q2mS7h3UwhahjpoRwKbDAC7nY1_EvMw-p6UTpl-8wguhEw3FB0e4xWml_S3S4UH8VOKtAh3Ag6lK2XY59Q7vNhqCQGoRQ4nZGbKpPeDHHssXUzgQG-aFmIeaS1G_us/s200/20150528_232156.jpg" width="200" /></a>Thread the wool needl with a 40cm length of ribbon. Tie a small knot in the end of the ribbon and push the needle from the underside of the aida to the top at the centre of the circle. This is one step that MIGHT be too tough for little hands and so they may need a little help.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HcizlEr5eyx5D1zNVs6qGjsa9IwE2BbkPX4T1WZV25_RzKjeIxpgkWdGxBN7hoKb47jsVjI7iGMvragWWKcaszkXoo9IPO5GbAwFw0WtU-XAedwfXc2ZfrDE3Qkv4c-ubDQtKnFoxrA/s1600/20150528_232407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HcizlEr5eyx5D1zNVs6qGjsa9IwE2BbkPX4T1WZV25_RzKjeIxpgkWdGxBN7hoKb47jsVjI7iGMvragWWKcaszkXoo9IPO5GbAwFw0WtU-XAedwfXc2ZfrDE3Qkv4c-ubDQtKnFoxrA/s200/20150528_232407.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b>Step 4</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub4zJxVBR1F83FjHbGi1z1KWQgMB-W4aKh73qT8OUmdReemx_R91LDY8iQ0lPT5lj9IHMpheQzNQVtQnL4rafR0wgSB-NGIEnJbdIPoDQjhuLAmmfuqSqrMeqtvJftcUgy7M6XYz3pVA/s1600/20150528_232436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgub4zJxVBR1F83FjHbGi1z1KWQgMB-W4aKh73qT8OUmdReemx_R91LDY8iQ0lPT5lj9IHMpheQzNQVtQnL4rafR0wgSB-NGIEnJbdIPoDQjhuLAmmfuqSqrMeqtvJftcUgy7M6XYz3pVA/s200/20150528_232436.jpg" width="200" /></a>Slide the needle UNDER the first thread and then over the next going around the circle going under <br />
and over alternate threads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh954U1uuFM55sc4m0k8Gm2u2dENZt4kbyykzbX7Z-M3qadjyCUDV-SH-P_lV4-mCF2g-SrGHyOh-eTcWSyyW4NophHZQxFAjd3AfNCduX3v5r8SCm5hlTPFk-Oy86mIf90IduYBr1eDVo/s1600/20150528_232718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh954U1uuFM55sc4m0k8Gm2u2dENZt4kbyykzbX7Z-M3qadjyCUDV-SH-P_lV4-mCF2g-SrGHyOh-eTcWSyyW4NophHZQxFAjd3AfNCduX3v5r8SCm5hlTPFk-Oy86mIf90IduYBr1eDVo/s200/20150528_232718.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Step 5</b><br />
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Keep going around in a spiral, going over and under the threads.<br />
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<b>Step 6</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtqGm0JxPywnm4IUyPf1NdXuKY0XTmQTyD4zj_quPNkLEYg0lrvtOOYAK7WCciBrGpzOEOD_S2nJj4_WgF6-vUzWK-UoG9ZtS_oklJTuMLwNYav25IKlHa2j1lE_GC1aAHkdQT3Apb9s/s1600/20150528_233205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtqGm0JxPywnm4IUyPf1NdXuKY0XTmQTyD4zj_quPNkLEYg0lrvtOOYAK7WCciBrGpzOEOD_S2nJj4_WgF6-vUzWK-UoG9ZtS_oklJTuMLwNYav25IKlHa2j1lE_GC1aAHkdQT3Apb9s/s200/20150528_233205.jpg" width="200" /></a>The shape of the flower can be determined by how much tension you put on the ribbon, to help the shape form waggle your finger in the centre of the forming flower now and then. When you get to the edge of the circle you can stop and push the ribbon through to the underside.However if you keep weaving the thread through the string at this point your flower head becomes denser and more three dimensional. <br />
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All that remains is to pop the ribbon to the underside and either tie it off or tack it in place. You can then trim away the excess aida (making sure not to cut the 5 threads) or cut a rough circle around the flower and then fold the aida back and taking it in place. Your flower is then ready to be turned into a broach or added to a sewing project<b> </b>such as a prom or wedding dress.<b><br /></b><br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-46179264055382417422015-04-20T05:55:00.001-07:002015-04-20T05:55:35.173-07:00How to Shorten Curtains, or "How to Take Curtains Up"Your first thought may well be "What a weird title, surely shortening Curtains and Taking Curtains up is the same thing?" In fact they are but here is how a tailor my think differently from a curtain maker.<br />
This distinction hit me when a friend of mine had a problem with his curtains. They were simply far too long. These curtains were of a very heavy high quality fabric with a thick bonded interlining/lining. Due to the cost and quality of the curtains we decided to just alter these instead of sourcing new ones and that's when it hit me. He asked me to "take the curtains up". Now I'm used to taking up a skirt, or trousers or a dress so my first thought was to cut off the excess at the bottom with the curtains and re-hem them just like trousers or a skirt! These were nice curtains and would need to be "Blind Hemmed" with care and precision. I really wasn't looking forward to this job, then a curtain maker made me realise my stupid mistake. Don't redo the bottom, requiring to lots of intricate hemming, just take off the curtain header tape, cut off the excess fabric, fold the top of the curtain over to the lining side and sew on NEW header tape. Header tape is very inexpensive and this was a MUCH easier quicker way of doing the job! And so here we have it, the quick easy and more accurate way to make your curtains fit.<br />
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/50/Curtain-Haberdashery">Curtain Header Tape</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/55/Threads">Thread</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Pins</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/48540/Tape-Measure---150cm-60">Tape measure</a><br />
Scissors<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJksI_Zsq5L7AuV2cH4iJJA9CHB0eHrvm80Zyt-naAHhP4qfll3E9n7vghIRuRZbaegBGlUOEYvFdaTrsjFjIRAQUN_LqQBjoA0L6QMNTdBoNFBEy9USORZBpKE9drj_AXTr7mLePE0r8/s1600/20141222_093020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJksI_Zsq5L7AuV2cH4iJJA9CHB0eHrvm80Zyt-naAHhP4qfll3E9n7vghIRuRZbaegBGlUOEYvFdaTrsjFjIRAQUN_LqQBjoA0L6QMNTdBoNFBEy9USORZBpKE9drj_AXTr7mLePE0r8/s1600/20141222_093020.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Step one.</b><br />
Lay out your curtain lining side facing up. Try and have it fully laid out either on a huge table or on the floor, avoid having half of it crumpled up or tucked away. By having it all out and visible you reduce the risk of cutting the curtains at an angle.<br />
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<b>Step Two.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBR6W1kdY-i4USFkQMRrSCv3JSbS__wIO56gGud9jeZjjcSNcF9Hl-Sia3q7CbtHo-a59Ai4s3WgEM0bR0mcly7qYbq10mq1JZkxutaGGdvde6Mw5Jee8rNRWZsJw7DsPUxOWLl-xSc/s1600/20141222_093327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBR6W1kdY-i4USFkQMRrSCv3JSbS__wIO56gGud9jeZjjcSNcF9Hl-Sia3q7CbtHo-a59Ai4s3WgEM0bR0mcly7qYbq10mq1JZkxutaGGdvde6Mw5Jee8rNRWZsJw7DsPUxOWLl-xSc/s1600/20141222_093327.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a>Remove the curtain header tape. If you're removing LOADS of hight then just pull away all of the cords that are used to gather the curtains, but if in doubt unpick the tape. This way your curtains will be laying nice and straight and not pulling t the middle when you try to adjust them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1GA3uxN1ggPgOBsWNbk2XQarH9_ZMMUfe7GRhAtv-lNv6etK99PW4ADBj5svUo6CMTAXEN0bJRa7yXw2C1a-gFC5OhOTvJNfMBjMT14n-7FfYG5eiBMEam304FF7uTkV-8CYv8_aepA/s1600/20141222_093846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1GA3uxN1ggPgOBsWNbk2XQarH9_ZMMUfe7GRhAtv-lNv6etK99PW4ADBj5svUo6CMTAXEN0bJRa7yXw2C1a-gFC5OhOTvJNfMBjMT14n-7FfYG5eiBMEam304FF7uTkV-8CYv8_aepA/s1600/20141222_093846.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><br />
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<b>Step Three.</b><br />
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Measure your curtains from the hem up to the desired length. Fold the curtain over at this point. Pin this fold in place both just below the fold and along the length of the curtains, and along the bottom of the fold, We want to minimise the curtains shifting. Check this folded section is the same length all along the width of the curtain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIH74ixZlxFbqhyphenhyphenX_YYhQ8rJ_6TueyksiI96db8yKtZBPCMXWXEEGBbogCZFZz7f6O21DxnBcjGeo6FWCWNe8ZgpLDSneNE6XjfWWDeBw4DKxaU1p1LQdWqVN2Bz-i4JNIYbtZV3gOdU/s1600/20141222_130114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIH74ixZlxFbqhyphenhyphenX_YYhQ8rJ_6TueyksiI96db8yKtZBPCMXWXEEGBbogCZFZz7f6O21DxnBcjGeo6FWCWNe8ZgpLDSneNE6XjfWWDeBw4DKxaU1p1LQdWqVN2Bz-i4JNIYbtZV3gOdU/s1600/20141222_130114.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b>Step Four.</b><br />
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Very carefully and only after you've double checked the length on BOTH sides of the curtain begin to cut away the excess curtain. <b>MAKE SURE YOU ARE ONLY CUTTING ONE LAYER OF CURTAIN!</b><br />
As the picture shows by leaving the pins in at the fold we are holding everything in place ready for the curtain header tape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnKz8daMxO4xxkZIWW0ZCG0PpwKtMOsRQnHJpWr36KwbTOn1ZDNybfjbEx-9E7iNGOlgyaJ7Hs1CBG7YjK-TnlRd-1A4joVQjvUARkQlxsbUa6Qk_QA6CKDY0fgvbfGIgxOX5Ck9y59w/s1600/20141222_132653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnKz8daMxO4xxkZIWW0ZCG0PpwKtMOsRQnHJpWr36KwbTOn1ZDNybfjbEx-9E7iNGOlgyaJ7Hs1CBG7YjK-TnlRd-1A4joVQjvUARkQlxsbUa6Qk_QA6CKDY0fgvbfGIgxOX5Ck9y59w/s1600/20141222_132653.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><b>Step Five.</b><br />
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Pin on the new curtain header tape and sew in place. By keeping the pins in on the fold of the curtains we help keep the shape stabilised so attaching the header tape is simple. Make sure to tuck the ends of the tape under itself to keep the ends nice and neat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoClSthDuo6rPPlETDSxP2hw9nAOUcqa2v4k0BhdhRFQXfc27jtbZpb2uGLvj8lsRLN4-x0oeHUhVQjBMNWqDEunuqc3tnHqlKrutD-dcf7FqmeSLkDfb0Vj2c-SgcNCy29f408K4zLU/s1600/20141222_184046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoClSthDuo6rPPlETDSxP2hw9nAOUcqa2v4k0BhdhRFQXfc27jtbZpb2uGLvj8lsRLN4-x0oeHUhVQjBMNWqDEunuqc3tnHqlKrutD-dcf7FqmeSLkDfb0Vj2c-SgcNCy29f408K4zLU/s1600/20141222_184046.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a><b>Step Six</b><br />
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Pull the cords on the header tape carefully to gather the curtains and hang your new curtains up!Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-67519376975906201112015-04-13T02:44:00.003-07:002015-04-13T02:46:50.195-07:00Teaching kids how to sew.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA1O5eigbsb3UZujwal7ZuCViXcl4TcB3rxy8JN3AoePSqdU6Z4z0EZ986XMlg8gXhf_W1zGExKZir3XnyOtfFWeRL1vsDHY7nDYMv5w1Z8lQhlJa3Wl3Vo6qongztetKIZtAA0dumL8/s1600/20150219_140345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA1O5eigbsb3UZujwal7ZuCViXcl4TcB3rxy8JN3AoePSqdU6Z4z0EZ986XMlg8gXhf_W1zGExKZir3XnyOtfFWeRL1vsDHY7nDYMv5w1Z8lQhlJa3Wl3Vo6qongztetKIZtAA0dumL8/s1600/20150219_140345.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Last time I wrote about how we now run <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">sewing classes in Colchester, Essex</a> and how that has helped both our customers and us. Teaching grown ups is one thing, but teaching kids teaches YOU even more.<br />
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When you start teaching children you will find they are a lot smarter than you may think and very engaging. Try to keep the feeling of the lessons light and bouncy and let them make mistakes. They will learn far more from a mistake than by doing things perfectly.<br />
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There are some practical considerations. The main issue is one of safety. Whilst we may all have had a needle or pin through our fingers at some point, day to day most regular dressmakers never worry about injuring themselves. Whilst no kids in our classes have ever decided to do something overtly stupid such as sticking pins in each other or waving scissors around their heads they do need some supervision. To help with supervision we only teach children when they have a parent or other responsible adult with them to help out. The adult is made aware that THEY are responsible for the safety of their child when our tutor has to give some individual attention to another child.<br />
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The main points we have found through our lessons are:-<br />
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<b>Picking fabrics for a project:-</b><br />
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There can be many reasons why a fabric isn't suitable for a project. The fabric may have the wrong amount of stretch, it may be too thick for some delicate points. If a child wants to use a fabric that is technically suitable but will look a little strange we suggest you let them. We are trying to teach them that sewing is about expressing yourself and being creative and yet we often see people try to stifle that creativity at the very first step! One girl wanted to make a scarf of white velvet,with gold ribbons and day-glow yellow fringe trim. A few of the grown ups tried suggesting other fabrics but she stuck by her guns and the actual scarf looked REALLY cool, original, one of a kind and she was thrilled with it!<br />
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<b>Pining pattern to fabric and cutting out :-</b><br />
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Make sure you actually explain and demonstrate how to put the pin through the paper and fabric. It's something grown ups take for granted but some of our kids have never used pins before!<br />
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On the subject of patterns. We tend to make our own projects (such as <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/simple-pouch-tutorial.html">making a draw string pouch</a>). At home I use brown paper but young fingers can REALLY struggle to punch a hole through that stuff. Try using thinner tracing paper of your not using a commercial pattern.<br />
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Have a selection of scissor sizes on hand. This may sound obvious but I actually forgot to get some when we first started teaching kids as well as grown ups. some of my younger students can't even lift my personal shears (giant man sized ones). And a sharper blade is much safer than a blunt on which will slip and slide!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6VNS3wDToLFe_HgQKRq7gtR6BRziIUICyi5OvpcdQ3wz9hTW8gjBqYw4DsyTunmGJW-NLj_WxHAsi8IthMD2HNffC7E9chIypHLC2am6xCl4D8majbVkEO1EC-SpmgzJa9PsDR1TgQc/s1600/cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6VNS3wDToLFe_HgQKRq7gtR6BRziIUICyi5OvpcdQ3wz9hTW8gjBqYw4DsyTunmGJW-NLj_WxHAsi8IthMD2HNffC7E9chIypHLC2am6xCl4D8majbVkEO1EC-SpmgzJa9PsDR1TgQc/s1600/cutting.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Don't be afraid to spend a few minutes letting the kids cut through some scrap fabric (under intense supervision) before cutting out the pattern pieces. Again when you cut out fabric you may actually be holding the blades at a certain angle, or holding the fabric in a certain way. Many times I've been told scissors are blunt and seen people just mash the fabric with the blade, but when I cut I tend to apply some sideways pressure between the blades and with the same scissors I can cut perfectly. These are the little quirks we all develop.<br />
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If working with a very young child use the big scissors BUT have your hand through the handles as well as theirs, so they get the feel of how we cut out the fabric without the risk of injury.<br />
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So there you have it, a few simple ideas for when you want to introduce kids to the world of sewing.<br />
The biggest most important things to remember is to let them have fun and experiment and let them know it is ultimately only fabric. They are allowed to make mistakes.<br />
Take care :) <br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-50378934005258443472015-03-23T05:16:00.000-07:002015-03-23T05:16:01.963-07:00Sewing Classes, what we teach in them, and what we learn from them.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5vjKtq-1UbC1fKP0Mk92e_kp3Lx6gUGpJBYe8CSRFdkudkHGY2BGrnLRKUbRsl1usmzLqWlJP8HL35iTUewJdcaA4_uFoaTQBKMAPE0lNxMs6Z00MMidMlg9_51NM7iC8_S8vgU8bOI/s1600/20150303_125822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5vjKtq-1UbC1fKP0Mk92e_kp3Lx6gUGpJBYe8CSRFdkudkHGY2BGrnLRKUbRsl1usmzLqWlJP8HL35iTUewJdcaA4_uFoaTQBKMAPE0lNxMs6Z00MMidMlg9_51NM7iC8_S8vgU8bOI/s1600/20150303_125822.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From being too scared to try threading a machine to making a cushion<br /></td></tr>
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We have been running <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">sewing classes in Colchester</a> Fabric8 since last Summer. During this time we have run classes in putting in zips, patchwork, making fancy dress costumes and how to use a sewing machine. There is a special warm glow you get when you give someone the skills to create something. I have lost count of the number of people who have come along to our "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">How to use a sewing machine</a>" and told us they bought a machine years ago but have been too afraid to use it. The fear of failing can be very powerful and very destructive. The look of pride on people's faces when they hold up something they learnt to make in an hour or two and the determination they have to go home and start sewing is fantastic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9G9OQz6c5eX0my0MkuRe_ZhaARs78KEYx9xY7BZYWc4gDwKS_8aO0H4xPIZ09XGyOBTMTYuARJaRyWhxwUCQk48Q7-NRAI5i6HGIwog3Tl7F1YQd1Z_MMKQOwfysMKma-uZ42OOfn_w/s1600/20150115_105400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9G9OQz6c5eX0my0MkuRe_ZhaARs78KEYx9xY7BZYWc4gDwKS_8aO0H4xPIZ09XGyOBTMTYuARJaRyWhxwUCQk48Q7-NRAI5i6HGIwog3Tl7F1YQd1Z_MMKQOwfysMKma-uZ42OOfn_w/s1600/20150115_105400.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of happy quilters with out Patchwork, <br />quilting and appliqué tutor Michelle.<br /></td></tr>
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We get different kinds of people coming to our classes. Many are like the young lady above who was afraid to even thread the machine at first. Often these people have a project in mind and need help overcoming the initial fear or maybe just need a little knowledge. We then have people with a good basic knowledge but who want to try something new like our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">Patchwork and Quilting classes</a> or our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">Machine Appliqué classes</a>. Often these people like to come in groups and they like to make it part of a girls day out.<br />
For these people we now offer a special discount.<br />
If you book 2 places on the same class you get 5% off.<br />
If you book 3 places will get you 10% off<br />
If you book 4 places will get you 15% off.<br />
And if you fill the class up with 5 people you get 20% off, that's a whole person free!<br />
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We have learnt a lot from teaching as well though<br />
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1) <b>Mean people don't sew</b>. I mean it, we've never had anyone who wasn't totally lovely attend our classes.<br />
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2) <b>It is always worth going to a basic class even if you know loads.</b> We have had several people book in on the "how to use y our sewing Machine" even though they felt very confident in their abilities. Sure enough they always leave with a little gem of knowledge. One lady had been making curtains for years and said had she been to the class 10 years ago who life would have been a lot less frustrating .<br />
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3) <b>Teaching helps you improve yourself.</b> By slowing down and thinking about everything I do as I explain how to sew I have found myself becoming neater and more precise!<br />
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4) <b>Enthusiasm is contagious, and it works BOTH WAYS!</b> Our students always leave primed and ready to sew (most pick up a lot of <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">fabric</a> after the class to go home and work on). However after the classes I tend to stay behind and carry on sewing myself. There's nothing quite like sharing a passion for sewing and quilting to make you want to grab some fabric and start creating.<br />
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5) <b>THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS - EVER!</b> This can not be stressed enough! What may seem obvious because you've sewn for decades may not be at all apparent to someone setting out. And sometimes the questions really do make me think long and hard (such as how do you adjust the tension when sewing a light silt to a heavy furnishing fabric).<br />
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So there you have it, great reasons to either try a sewing class or to teach one! If you're handy with a machine then invite a friend over for a sewing session and teach them the basics. you will BOTH find it fun and rewarding!<br />
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And if you're anywhere near Colchester pop in for a sewing lesson with us! at the moment prices start at £8.00 and the lessons are not only informative but great fun!<br />
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Check back tomorrow for the second part of the blog. Teaching Kids How to Sew!<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-45944851686799428862015-03-16T06:09:00.000-07:002015-03-16T06:09:00.532-07:00Blackout lining your curtainsYep I've been a TOTAL man and failed to multi task. The world of Fabric8 has been an interesting one lately. Whilst we sadly had to say farewell to Felixstowe out Colchester branch is expanding it's services. We now run some superb <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/28/Classes-in-Colchester">sewing classes </a>(more on them in our next blog) as well as expanding and improving our <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">fabric website</a> . With so much going on this blog fell to the side a little, but it was never far from my thoughts. During this time I have been preparing a few tutorials for you such as how to shorten curtains, fun sewing projects for kids and some patch working tips. All of these in the coming weeks.<br />
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So where to begin with the first blog of the year? I took inspiration from our shop window this week. In previous blogs we've looked at <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/lining-curtains-new-years-project.html">why you should line your curtains</a> , <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/lining-curtains-new-years-project.html">what kinds of curtain linings</a> are out there and <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/how-to-line-your-curtains.html">how to line your curtains</a>.<br />
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Lately we've been focusing on <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/51/Curtain-Lining-and-Interlining">blackout lining</a>. Check out these examples of regular curtain lining and blackout lining.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3gBJkJsWOzSCjKrfJP615NF5uRotlsYV3RGeUBtWgDR49VFBQJESL-MgT_2zHRr3-_maSDKgFhFM6ZIHfhzsC_vMiy2rdsQYZQjErt-Z_kVs1WMoE1wAwU490PDKWLNDjw8d5bSYQX4/s1600/20150316_070007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3gBJkJsWOzSCjKrfJP615NF5uRotlsYV3RGeUBtWgDR49VFBQJESL-MgT_2zHRr3-_maSDKgFhFM6ZIHfhzsC_vMiy2rdsQYZQjErt-Z_kVs1WMoE1wAwU490PDKWLNDjw8d5bSYQX4/s1600/20150316_070007.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtain WITH Blackout Lining</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y1I2rS6LMvFV5WGm9Oh0TIH-Cm8Bi3LAfBCOA46a1Vyq3c8hcz7wRcypsOLzYssTp7q4h-D_LborSNxu7-pXKNkPmkR2P4VAcmlqv-ZvQuZRsdVZ3wjnGAHPeXv76YVBOMt-Ef2dMfU/s1600/20150316_070018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y1I2rS6LMvFV5WGm9Oh0TIH-Cm8Bi3LAfBCOA46a1Vyq3c8hcz7wRcypsOLzYssTp7q4h-D_LborSNxu7-pXKNkPmkR2P4VAcmlqv-ZvQuZRsdVZ3wjnGAHPeXv76YVBOMt-Ef2dMfU/s1600/20150316_070018.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtain WITHOUT Blackout Lining </td></tr>
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As you will have noticed you can still clearly see the pattern of the curtain with the regular lining clearly through the reverse side of the curtain. The blackout lining however totally blocks everything out. So what are the advantages to blackout lining?<br />
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1) If you have children they may stay in bed a little longer giving you the lay in you deserve.<br />
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2) Blackout Lining reflects heat as well as light helping you reduce your fuel bills.<br />
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3) Blackout lining is slightly heavier than ordinary lining and helps your curtains hang straight making your curtains look even better!<br />
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4) Blackout Lining is durable. With proper care you wouldn't need to change your curtains for many years to come.<br />
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So if you ever visit us and talk about curtains you hopefully will understand our love for blackout lining<br />
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Take care and I promise not to leave it so long before the next update.<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-39504496851471002522014-12-12T00:33:00.002-08:002014-12-12T00:47:00.642-08:00How to Make a Patchwork Christmas Stocking.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzab7DZyrGD2NJUzTUR5YKephMMgob5y9uznVEmy_p6evzvlTQxtKgsu2-fbCp7XHe_qqqIqiFc2teXKfmHizZ0cC2DQjmcggps6bgVDHOerqcW3II2c2DqdJzE1a7eQPsBkjvnoroQk/s1600/20141212_083742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzab7DZyrGD2NJUzTUR5YKephMMgob5y9uznVEmy_p6evzvlTQxtKgsu2-fbCp7XHe_qqqIqiFc2teXKfmHizZ0cC2DQjmcggps6bgVDHOerqcW3II2c2DqdJzE1a7eQPsBkjvnoroQk/s1600/20141212_083742.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Forgot someone on your Christmas list? Want to make a hand crafted gift or decoration but haven't got time t visit your local fabric shop or order from an <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/homepage">amazing fabric website</a>? Fear not we're here to help you create a stunning Christmas stocking to fill with nuts, fruit or small toys out of little pieces of scrap fabrics. Many people may find the patchwork simple, but I have a lot of people in the shop ask me how you avoid any raw seams in the finished article.<br />
You will need:<br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/55/Threads">Thread</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Needles</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Pins</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/2/Fashion-Fabrics">Fabric</a> for the stocking (any off cuts will do)<br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/21/Lining">Lining fabric</a>. (I've used satin lining but you can use any thin fabric that you have laying around.<br />
<a href="http://www.josephinewall.com/goddesses/polar_princess.jpg">Inspiration</a><br />
Tea or Hot chocolate<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHwKCMbKe5w">A good Christmas movie</a> or soundtrack to work to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwjTd4MWZNJrPzEkMzTEYorsbNXUBvK_bPmMWxMKxMXi60XJWHKoo7DY8hG7FzK0AVin1FlQKkldE1CeARhSyLIBL1L9f-23IW-rb594jj725lEHPXI-o6pdXjHpoL-AH_nVVWKTTwc4/s1600/20141211_120454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwjTd4MWZNJrPzEkMzTEYorsbNXUBvK_bPmMWxMKxMXi60XJWHKoo7DY8hG7FzK0AVin1FlQKkldE1CeARhSyLIBL1L9f-23IW-rb594jj725lEHPXI-o6pdXjHpoL-AH_nVVWKTTwc4/s1600/20141211_120454.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCdJ8dZTl99-3ajilAhbB9NDDl9LWTKOtk92KTpFJkHRKf-GuKNh69Koco3LF0hMKUXXrzSXsAH-yRytVHJNwF-luULBcBj566b11hze6zUPV8eGMskOgoIJk1tnnkPjDtpwhNdpZJ-E/s1600/20141211_121234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCdJ8dZTl99-3ajilAhbB9NDDl9LWTKOtk92KTpFJkHRKf-GuKNh69Koco3LF0hMKUXXrzSXsAH-yRytVHJNwF-luULBcBj566b11hze6zUPV8eGMskOgoIJk1tnnkPjDtpwhNdpZJ-E/s1600/20141211_121234.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>To begin with gather all your little odds and ends of fabric. One of our previous blogs covers <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/some-handy-hints-for-storing-fabrics.html">ways of storing fabrics</a> by the way. You can either just pick what fabrics takes your fancy or break the fabrics down into themes, such as "cool colours" or "natural colours" or just gold old "red, gold and green"<br />
I adore this red and gold fabric (I've made a rather fetching jacket from it) but I just didn't have enough fabrics to compliment it, so I've gone for silvers and whites, a clean cool but festive stocking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiEEnD4DWhmTpXglOkzWQ4hmdRTKtVhYMb6J8s4hV8hWd5sQBww0disBJA5jm2PBE0oWJseE2O51-hEpeHblKbNMuJp7gr5oBYsWu5brWNDk_rrC6bVyoJxU8puHCkRoJX9rofxIM6Ek/s1600/20141211_121326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiEEnD4DWhmTpXglOkzWQ4hmdRTKtVhYMb6J8s4hV8hWd5sQBww0disBJA5jm2PBE0oWJseE2O51-hEpeHblKbNMuJp7gr5oBYsWu5brWNDk_rrC6bVyoJxU8puHCkRoJX9rofxIM6Ek/s1600/20141211_121326.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><b>Draw a template </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAjDHtpTIyVSRBBXe12xCHMH0m2wa9EjzGmx8apsx9oO3xUO6eqQzV4MTAdSBbfZ82d3GXYKevq6v5qmbI7qD2XpRiob4ueeLyNVdfwrhHRyviB5CYqPFn86RVaAZ5nBO5Buek4OBRxQ/s1600/20141211_124115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAjDHtpTIyVSRBBXe12xCHMH0m2wa9EjzGmx8apsx9oO3xUO6eqQzV4MTAdSBbfZ82d3GXYKevq6v5qmbI7qD2XpRiob4ueeLyNVdfwrhHRyviB5CYqPFn86RVaAZ5nBO5Buek4OBRxQ/s1600/20141211_124115.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
I used an existing stocking, and then cut out 4 of these stocking shapes out of the lining. I'm using a satin lining so I made sure to have 2 from each side so it looks like I have 2 "right" stockings and 2 "left" stockings. Then use this to sort out a rough stocking shape out of the scraps of fabric. I've decided my stocking will be made mainly of horizontal strips.<br />
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I found a beautiful Crystal organza which has a iridescent shimmer. It reminded me of some of the Christmas decorations from the 80's. (this is why Christmas fashions goes around in circles as each generation of adults borrows ideas from their childhood, I'm sure of it.) Now my lining is white satin so the organza would look lovely over it, but it may be hard to control. So I decided to top stitch the organza over the lining to form a big square of shiny shimmering magical goodness. You can do this if your lining fabric isn't something you want visible as well.<br />
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Now start sewing your strips to form one sheet of fabric. You can keep placing one of the stocking panels over it to give you a guide to which bit of fabric will go where (I wanted the shimmering white to form a heel). Don't worry if this fabric is not stocking shape yet, We will use the stocking shape as a template and cut out the proper shape next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEmKD9lT4scZJaTdsSnS0Z4mhJuMgR8YdYmv8WGbk1eLdmdj3G6NNemrD_B2f-Lz4PwAOFruFOixF1mHDeAU1JlwsJK8famd0PLe_WUMUkuLiFUEtOmYEbWm0JzM6UtiDD4_8gMafgBE/s1600/20141211_130507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEmKD9lT4scZJaTdsSnS0Z4mhJuMgR8YdYmv8WGbk1eLdmdj3G6NNemrD_B2f-Lz4PwAOFruFOixF1mHDeAU1JlwsJK8famd0PLe_WUMUkuLiFUEtOmYEbWm0JzM6UtiDD4_8gMafgBE/s1600/20141211_130507.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place the stocking shape over your patchwork and line everything up until you're happy where each piece is, pin and cut out.<br />
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If you are using a lining fabric that looks the same from either side then which piece you top stick your patchwork to will not matter. However in my case I need to ensure the patchwork is laid and sewn onto the SHINY side ! Why? if I laid the fabric onto the mat side then either one of the inside pieces or the back of the stocking will be mat as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-P82POdj1wRPKMH5xDEvOdTKjcCC3itJBka6KtHlZ2NokRTmaFOj2pz58rrlwL4NBp-ht7El8TELNvhT0VBFCSt2HK_C7VBpCQmHDzqhOCfsebzNFlMH1UIRAx38OSqpZhSpnHVv2Qc/s1600/20141211_134541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-P82POdj1wRPKMH5xDEvOdTKjcCC3itJBka6KtHlZ2NokRTmaFOj2pz58rrlwL4NBp-ht7El8TELNvhT0VBFCSt2HK_C7VBpCQmHDzqhOCfsebzNFlMH1UIRAx38OSqpZhSpnHVv2Qc/s1600/20141211_134541.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Top stitch in place, sewing close to the edge so these stitches wont show in the finished stocking. If you wanted a padded quilted feel to your stocking you would add the wadding between the two layers here.<br />
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Now is a good time to add ribbon or ricrac. I used some organza ribbon to fold under a little excess of the light weight silver fabric that was bulging out slightly.<br />
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Now right sides together sew your stocking front to the stocking back. Repeat the process for the lining, BUT leave an inch gap in the middle of the back of the stocking (to pull the stocking right side out after). Cut noticed into the seam allowances around the curvy bits on the stocking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcDT0ega0i9rP9qOzhwD9cr6fu_Qz7hFvxcjGRUlphzzzMrhnfZo5hZ2c78GRLiys1iWz2YkZRsayBalRiupjPqAvvG6IhWf3BaaB3iaEhp0DMaxRAx6B9po83M3FJwt9harQKsetPD8/s1600/20141211_135458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcDT0ega0i9rP9qOzhwD9cr6fu_Qz7hFvxcjGRUlphzzzMrhnfZo5hZ2c78GRLiys1iWz2YkZRsayBalRiupjPqAvvG6IhWf3BaaB3iaEhp0DMaxRAx6B9po83M3FJwt9harQKsetPD8/s1600/20141211_135458.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Pull the outer stocking right side out THE slide it into the inside out lining.<br />
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Now sew the inner and outer stocking together along the top and pull right side out. and her presto, you have a beautiful hand crafted stocking!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUgi6i6BdiQIgQrHDzjelKGnhp-1xg7s3hVM8g7jh4ll4Ouo63AB21DqnuxvJzEuUrgEZP2K_qFXVKvtbNsqf79BtPcQ7ZJo_UQqyuoFyRyj1lPP-OSji7fnj-vHPMgWiGm8U1oIblXw/s1600/20141211_140522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUgi6i6BdiQIgQrHDzjelKGnhp-1xg7s3hVM8g7jh4ll4Ouo63AB21DqnuxvJzEuUrgEZP2K_qFXVKvtbNsqf79BtPcQ7ZJo_UQqyuoFyRyj1lPP-OSji7fnj-vHPMgWiGm8U1oIblXw/s1600/20141211_140522.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-45237127650790069492014-12-03T02:57:00.000-08:002014-12-03T02:57:28.179-08:00Fabric8 in Felixstowe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuEjfjYS3eEmW6EfqnW563drTklAUz-5zc56fW8ZTh34A0CsgrDfvLwj0FThAIZnvn66MdMOEL4_sjsukCURJqLT7AESaPAgkS9mddvApl-rTOKc83off7MZ2e4B7oAX5sRMopI9JowQ/s1600/f8.jpg" /></a></div>
Up until today I have found every blog a joy to post. I've covered some arcane facts of sewing and knitting as well as explaining terminology and providing many free tutorials for projects you can do at home. The inspiration for many of these blogs came from working in one of the Fabric8 shops out there in the real world, in the Essex town of Colchester in fact. And some of you may be aware there are two shops in the Fabric8 family, one in Colchester and one in Felixstowe. The company has been in the same family for over 70 years since it started out in the stairwell and hallway of a flat in Felixstowe.<div>
Over this time shopping habits have changed a lot. What began as a stock of linen and antimacassars transformed many times over the years until it became 2 fabric shops and a <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">website</a> supplying dressmakers, tailors knitters and those with a love of crafts. However some changes have not been for the better. In recent years our Felixstowe branch has suffered from the failing economy and regrettably the decision has been made to close down Fabric8 in Felixstowe. As you can imagine this was a very difficult decision to come to as Fabric8, in all of it's incarnations has been a fixture of Felixstowe for so many decades. </div>
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Fortunately Colchester has faired the economic storms better than many other towns and so our Colchester branch will be remaining open along with our website for many more years to come. All of our Felixstowe customers will find a warm welcome at our Colchester branch where their loyalty cards will be honoured. Our website is expanding daily and we hope you will find all of your sewing, crochet and knitting needs met with only £3.50 delivery charge no matter how large your order. If there is some stock you miss from your local Fabric8 that you can't find on-line feel free to e-mail us at <a href="mailto:fabric8online@gmail.com">fabric8online@gmail.com</a> and we will do our best to get what you need available. </div>
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We hope people will pop into the Felixstowe shop to say goodbye during our January sale and on our final day of trading in Felixstowe on January 31st.</div>
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On behalf of the Felixstowe staff we would like to thank everyone for visiting us over the years and on behalf of the Colchester and Web teams we look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve all you want in the fascinating world of stitch crafts. </div>
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-86538713271275115192014-11-26T03:47:00.003-08:002014-11-26T06:36:04.555-08:00How to make a shrug or bolero top<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI7TkZ0NfD66KTdKJZXpZX2_iUf3dxclQdpxxh-gG1YhvHdLeGHpKoVMfgo9maXg43J6WXz2qwKD-4V0Q0TdPtIMW5R6IAW0Umpfqjewm_4HWOhFZ5Ry6FLAEbtv8g-PrG2Nl60_4t9w/s1600/20141126_115229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI7TkZ0NfD66KTdKJZXpZX2_iUf3dxclQdpxxh-gG1YhvHdLeGHpKoVMfgo9maXg43J6WXz2qwKD-4V0Q0TdPtIMW5R6IAW0Umpfqjewm_4HWOhFZ5Ry6FLAEbtv8g-PrG2Nl60_4t9w/s1600/20141126_115229.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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In December Colchester is playing host to a <a href="http://www.alittlesympathy.co.uk/#!coming-soon/c1wr4">Narnia themed party</a> night that promises to be most enchanting. As with many themes nights there is a lose dress code of "Narnia character or white". I decided to help out with this tutorial for a regal white queen shrug project which could be adapted for many other uses. This shrug was first taught to me by my fashion tutor Julie Stammers when I studied at adult community collage. She has very graciously allowed me to replicate it here for you all (she's lovely, trust me)<br />
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The initial shrug requires between half a metre and a metre of fabric depending on how long you want it and how big a collar you would like.</div>
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All you need are some </div>
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Pins</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Sewing Needle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/55/Threads">Sewing Thread</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">Fabric</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/33/Fleece">Fleece</a> would work very well with this shrug.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Step one</span></b></div>
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Draw out the pattern.</div>
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I know this is an odd little pattern, the shrug is actually one single pattern piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV71qrUobQG0meSKAvqflx-vuSkCwNddjT1PWoimB0FxOqkSkeVyN8qaYLBnpR3ladp7GBcsp95ifxWWp8NsJ8vrcMytX4EivU5LKgAubi3qR3zY3Qs1gxuw5La7LNZJwiHSSQgBl8oIY/s1600/pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV71qrUobQG0meSKAvqflx-vuSkCwNddjT1PWoimB0FxOqkSkeVyN8qaYLBnpR3ladp7GBcsp95ifxWWp8NsJ8vrcMytX4EivU5LKgAubi3qR3zY3Qs1gxuw5La7LNZJwiHSSQgBl8oIY/s1600/pattern.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the diagram says the long rectangle in the middle is the measurement of wrist to wrist across the back with the arms fully extended plus 30 cm for ease. The bulbous bit in the middle is from armpit to armpit plus 20 cm for ease. How high is the bulbous (or from this point on the back and collar) of the pattern? That's entirely up to you. In college we used a far shorter back and collar, but I want this to have a regal quality so I went VERY large. Once you see how the shrug is sewn together you will understand how to alter the back and collar for different styles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwLLKIenI12ISrcY_ieoxUcLqiGBZNmWPwYa_bx5iIfpbq13luD40y5Xw7JwOB-20azt5ANMyvT2079SgY7A0yfzEM4aG5a5aHYFWZy-mDg6blRNFmWGzMmOmmSarqHHBVgzZVcRGWlY/s1600/20141125_153739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwLLKIenI12ISrcY_ieoxUcLqiGBZNmWPwYa_bx5iIfpbq13luD40y5Xw7JwOB-20azt5ANMyvT2079SgY7A0yfzEM4aG5a5aHYFWZy-mDg6blRNFmWGzMmOmmSarqHHBVgzZVcRGWlY/s1600/20141125_153739.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Step two </span></b></div>
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Cut out your fabric using the pattern and sew up the sleeves.</div>
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Right sides together fold the pattern piece in half along the length, Pin the sleeves section together and sew, stopping about 5 cm before the back/collar section. Pull the shrug right side out and check it out :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpp8diKdgNyzOatOufzMRqMM_4Itc_iz1ueGWj2tqDrq-rCBGb8BkgzhBCXDIfJAfe0bHHPNTGKRvD-zTVEgNzMNew77iwUPdxYstrzh5SASrx38FVjhNGZ4ZvT_D2kwN5_gnbA-pE5I/s1600/20141125_154142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpp8diKdgNyzOatOufzMRqMM_4Itc_iz1ueGWj2tqDrq-rCBGb8BkgzhBCXDIfJAfe0bHHPNTGKRvD-zTVEgNzMNew77iwUPdxYstrzh5SASrx38FVjhNGZ4ZvT_D2kwN5_gnbA-pE5I/s1600/20141125_154142.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDQc8bMwDiEfCO_ZDjWzalpYj7mbepIR55HoeUpbdK90beia1KW3z0n86Zm-WY6l2uIvEw5IDtpls8oDMMZ2IsRYhkk55y0GxgTyYe3sZAiEBk5AqHQbI2cJ5leL57SByR6maYtK0hiQ/s1600/20141125_154100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDQc8bMwDiEfCO_ZDjWzalpYj7mbepIR55HoeUpbdK90beia1KW3z0n86Zm-WY6l2uIvEw5IDtpls8oDMMZ2IsRYhkk55y0GxgTyYe3sZAiEBk5AqHQbI2cJ5leL57SByR6maYtK0hiQ/s1600/20141125_154100.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful model Jane showing off the new shrug.<br />
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Now hopefully you can see how the height of the collar and back effect the garment. This shrug covers the entire back and then has a large collar. If you have used a fabric that is fray proof and looks nice on both sides the behold you have a shrug! If your fabric looks nice on both sides but frays you could just hem the back and collar or bias bind them along with the cuffs. A warm snugly shrug made of fleece would be lovely by this point.<br />
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However the joy of this garment is you can adapt it and bend it to your evil will. I want a shrug that's lined in white satin lining and even a little pipping. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxGkRIXFEVAMw8owvacqt04sId7490vfKS6eEnwZnuGIIsjL-xZyZ884hw9QbHwC3p7MnaO5k-MLnZbAgiHFSYf-1xUxDxrKkM9wv6ZbqoGONDXFlVPLmmmU56pE6xfb7iMdmQD3jeqU/s1600/20141125_163025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxGkRIXFEVAMw8owvacqt04sId7490vfKS6eEnwZnuGIIsjL-xZyZ884hw9QbHwC3p7MnaO5k-MLnZbAgiHFSYf-1xUxDxrKkM9wv6ZbqoGONDXFlVPLmmmU56pE6xfb7iMdmQD3jeqU/s1600/20141125_163025.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining and outer pinned together on the back and collar.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Step Three</span></b></div>
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Cut out the lining and sew the arms up of the lining just as we did with the outer layer.</div>
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RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER pin the lining and outer together around the back and collar.</div>
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If your using piping with a flange just sandwich it between the outer and lining and sew together using a <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/11888/Zipper-Foot-H161">zipper foot</a>.</div>
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Some people stress about where the lining joins the outer around the sleeves. Just take your time, pin everything in place and you'll see where you need to sew.</div>
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Pull the garment right side out through the sleeves. </div>
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Pull the shrug into shape and hem the sleeves inner and outer together and you have a simply stunning regale shrug</div>
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Suitable for any white or snow queen.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts.</span></b></div>
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The back and collar are easily adjusted. They don't have to be the same size so you could have a larger section UNDER the arms to form a long back and then less above the arms to form a smaller collar.</div>
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We HIGHLY recommend making a mock up first in a <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/8/400-and-Under">cheaper fabric</a> such as <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/22/Satin-Lining">lining</a> or <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/54/Utility--Fabrics">muslin</a> first. Different people tend to need different amounts of ease etc. </div>
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This shrug is so quick and easy to make you could use different fabrics for different parties as well as day to day wear.</div>
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-65656042154265271212014-11-17T03:19:00.003-08:002014-11-17T03:19:40.563-08:00What is the difference between lining and interlining? <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/images/websitecat/Satin_Lining_4f0ad4ba51f43_200x2001414152847.thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/images/websitecat/Satin_Lining_4f0ad4ba51f43_200x2001414152847.thumb.jpg" /></a>Often a blog is inspired by a project and tutorial, However this blog, much like my facing and interfacing blog last month was inspired by a question asked in the shop. A customer had heard of lining and interlining and wasn't sure which she needed. Fortunately she asked the right people, but for those of you unlucky enough not to live near an <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/homepage">awesome fabric shop</a> I present this brief summary.<br />
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Last month we looked at the differences between facing and interfacing. Facings and interfacing are quit different, however lining and interlining have a lot more in common.<br />
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We find both <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/21/Lining">lining</a> and interlining in clothing and furniture like curtains.<br />
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In clothes a lining is simply a copy of the garment made in a lighter fabric. There are many good reasons to line a garment ;<br />
Lining a garment reduces wear and tear<br />
It can be a lot easier to put clothes on if they have a silky smooth lining<br />
Lining looks neater and more professional<br />
<b>Lining hides a multitude of sins!</b><br />
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An interlining in clothing is a layer of often fluffy fabric like wadding to make the clothes warmer, think of the old parka coats. Interlining is more common in colder climates and in the UK you rarely come across it in clothing except in winter coats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wE8T8JeqcXclwpCuwNtv9h2DXGpUGV6DeOtoFoQbwRhs4Cc55jeLdDHZn2vQ5kwU69cAz8E6z1MM3Iy6cb3_AqQaQ_BuxIGl7dK13IXlNJvmBYmWHMwv-Jhv6CZaUNa3atwarOktnf4/s1600/white+interlining+NNO003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wE8T8JeqcXclwpCuwNtv9h2DXGpUGV6DeOtoFoQbwRhs4Cc55jeLdDHZn2vQ5kwU69cAz8E6z1MM3Iy6cb3_AqQaQ_BuxIGl7dK13IXlNJvmBYmWHMwv-Jhv6CZaUNa3atwarOktnf4/s1600/white+interlining+NNO003.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
In curtain making we find a few different sorts of lining and interning. Again we always recommend lining your curtains to make them last longer and to help them block out light and the cold.<br />Check out our blog "<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/how-to-line-your-curtains.html">How to line your curtains</a>" for details.<br />
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Interlining however is more of a personal preference. If you interline your curtains any pleats, tucks and folds become MUCH more pronounced. Curtains that have been interlined also tend to be far more insulating and have a much nicer draping quality.<br />
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So which to use? Well regular<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/51/Curtain-Lining-and-Interlining"> curtain interlining</a> works very well, however if you don't want to go through the bother of measuring and cutting out another lot of fabric for your curtains you can simply use <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/51/Curtain-Lining-and-Interlining">bonded interlining</a>, this is effectively a lining and interlining in one!<br />
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So there you have it, a quick run down of what the difference is between lining and interlining.<br />
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Many readers of the blog may find all this elementary, but remember we were all beginners once and sometimes the smallest bit of knowledge can make the difference between success and failure of a project (or even worse, not starting a project).,<br />
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I'll do a cool new tutorial next time, honest :)<br />
Keep sewing, keep having fun!<br />
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-7036496641666437142014-10-31T09:49:00.005-07:002014-10-31T09:49:48.412-07:00Our Fabric Web Shop.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/41/Childrens-Curtain-Fabric">Disney Princess fabric</a> from our website</td></tr>
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We've been running this blog for a few years now, and much has changed in this time. Our shops have become more modern with knitting sections now included and sewing classes now being held.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">Our website</a> has also been through some changes. Our old site worked but it was held together with the coding equivalent of sticky tape and bubble gum. The new site is linked into our database in the shop so we can't accidentally offer a product that we've sold out of. However due to a few teething problems we were without a site for a few months, and so now we have to attract visitors and customers all over again.<br />
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The sagely <a href="https://twitter.com/almondrock_sews">Almond Rock</a> suggested "bread Crumbs" this is a facility to allow people to see where the product they are viewing is in relation to other categories. We've just implemented this, but we are always looking for ideas to help serve our customers better. Take a quick look at our website and leave any comments about what YOU would like to see done there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">http://www.fabric8online.co.uk</a><br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-26830598789223109912014-10-20T04:23:00.004-07:002014-10-20T04:24:25.556-07:00What's the difference between facing and interfacing?<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/27/Classes">Our sewing classes in Colchester and Felixstowe </a> Fabric8 have been a great success. We have covered all sorts of subjects such as patch working and how to follow a sewing pattern. I always find it fascinating to find what people struggle to follow. Paying attention to these things makes us better teachers as well a guiding all our staff on how to help people new to sewing in our shops.<br />
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One such issue is that of interfacing and facings. Due to the similar names people seem to get the two mixed up, not helped by the fact that in many patterns ask you to interface the facings! So what are they?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Facings</span></b><br />
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<b>What is a facing?</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the facing extends a little into the garment <br />
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Facings are not something you buy they are a feature of a garment. The facing of a garment is normally a piece of the outer fabric on the inside of the garment. Whilst a lining is effectively a duplicate of the garment the facing extends only a little inside the garment. Sometimes a garment only has a facing, other times the facing the joins a traditional lining.<br />
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<b>What is a facing for?</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the facing joins the lining.</td></tr>
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Often a facing is used for cosmetic reasons. By having some of the outer fabric on the inside of a garment people do not see flashes of the wrong side of the fabric or the lining on the opening of the garment or at the arm holes. A facing will sometimes be used to add stiffness to a garment if it has been interfaced (more on that later) or to avoid raw seams or to prevent you having to use a fined seam on a tricky part of construction, such as on the arm holes. The facings themselves can be shaped so if they have to be finished neatly then the edge needing finishing will be straight and easy to hem.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Interfacing</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzuacNp6xpXgqgir6AS1pcXgzwIbLWgOzoihPGg4fPWLbCoQVTlKkTX39fsLdJsSSVx-xiP6XwPzj_y9oXq-FJI9rlOSfvLVDY1F86bv3y9zcIXtPTDxLiHZXxbfhPdAGqen8pmNB3Zo/s1600/interfacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzuacNp6xpXgqgir6AS1pcXgzwIbLWgOzoihPGg4fPWLbCoQVTlKkTX39fsLdJsSSVx-xiP6XwPzj_y9oXq-FJI9rlOSfvLVDY1F86bv3y9zcIXtPTDxLiHZXxbfhPdAGqen8pmNB3Zo/s1600/interfacing.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b>What is interfacing?</b><br />
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Interfacing is normally a special fabric you can buy from your sewing shop, occasionally a pattern will show you how to make your own. It comes in 2 main sorts, "s<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/42/Interfacing-and-Stabilisers">ew in interfacing</a>" and "<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/42/Interfacing-and-Stabilisers">fusible or iron on interfacing</a>".<br />
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<b>What is interfacing for?</b><br />
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Interfacing is attached to the wrong side of the fashion fabric to add body and stiffness to the garment.<br />
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<b>How do you use interfacing?</b><br />
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Your sewing pattern will tell you what shape to cut out, normally it's the same as one of the pattern pieces. To use sew in interfacing simply lay the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric and press with an iron, lining up the edges. Then using a basting stitch (a long stitch) sew around the edges of the fabric and interfacing within the seam allowance.<br />
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To use <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/42/Interfacing-and-Stabilisers">fusible interfacing </a>lay the side of the interfacing with the glue (the shiny side) onto the wrong side of the fabric and pop a damp cloth on top. Then press through the cloth with an iron set on setting 2 for 12 seconds or so. Start from the middle and work your way out to avoid creases.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">When things can get confusing.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghG9X_fABzqT8ATNzs6JkljZucbL93SjY8SUB1U9vjUxwEmgc1f0bQ4YiXwu-CTwv3J7NLgFElCe2WSTXcl4FgvU25_myK6hwhkFKq6Ri4bC8GwpahdaVGFMH2RRve3ozysMYayEMA4AQ/s1600/20141020_121543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghG9X_fABzqT8ATNzs6JkljZucbL93SjY8SUB1U9vjUxwEmgc1f0bQ4YiXwu-CTwv3J7NLgFElCe2WSTXcl4FgvU25_myK6hwhkFKq6Ri4bC8GwpahdaVGFMH2RRve3ozysMYayEMA4AQ/s1600/20141020_121543.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a contrasting facing used in a lapel </td></tr>
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Sometimes a facing is made from a different fabric than the outer fabric. In these cases they TEND to <br />
be lapels of a jacket or something similar that are contrasting with the fashion fabric.<br />
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Sometimes the only part of a garment that gets interfaced is the facing, If the patterns says that don't worry you've not misunderstood, some garments are just like that.<br />
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Sometimes a facing IS a complete lining. This is rare and normally happens in children's' clothing where it's possible to cut out a lining from the left over fashion fabric. Again if the pattern says to do this don't panic, you haven't misunderstood.<br />
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And so there you have it, a brief guide to the difference of facing and interfacing and a little of the terminology used by patterns. If you ever find yourself struggling with a pattern just pop into your local <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">Fabric8</a> shop or find us on twitter. We're always happy to help.<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-82129433668346887242014-10-03T02:14:00.001-07:002014-10-03T02:14:48.667-07:00Robot toys and the ZeitgeistA few years back I spoke about just how many butterfly fabrics we had in our shop. I had in away touched on the concept of zeitgeist. Many people like to follow and be part of fashion. Other people like the idea of being in touch with society but treading their own sartorial path. Others of us just wear waistcoats. But even when we are forging our own fabric creations in the crucibles of our sewing rooms we can still show that we are wear of the word outside. And this is the zeitgeist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhgYxxzrgN8fD7N387gyjTtI2nUT987oJ_gqzySrx06mMVQNtC-FKfFBLJNwxcTS93bojrmMo_cElJ502pnle_TWRvBiSdDo_VdAUmLviqAy5AGa_E1BspOGnh3IPMD8STHgTQsPW58/s1600/20140930_105306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhgYxxzrgN8fD7N387gyjTtI2nUT987oJ_gqzySrx06mMVQNtC-FKfFBLJNwxcTS93bojrmMo_cElJ502pnle_TWRvBiSdDo_VdAUmLviqAy5AGa_E1BspOGnh3IPMD8STHgTQsPW58/s1600/20140930_105306.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br /> Zeitgeist is a German concept meaning "Spirit of the Age". In other words capturing the scene of the moment, that indefinable thing that connects us all. Our staff are charged with the duty of working out what will be "In", what people will want, but also to ensure our customers can then take our fabrics and mold them to their will and to express their individuality whist;t also being fashion savvy. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGde336vl70TQWE0gECNpVyhIeJDseBNVns6mkUFbZ4m7hyjKJyV_bgHLFIT3MsQvyI0EhK1nmYZ49kRpjcrWHHDh2fnqGdIH_BdIuQv9dvBuPkC2zYtGmGa9EiU-LpUVWw5pZ0gymbU/s1600/20140930_110327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGde336vl70TQWE0gECNpVyhIeJDseBNVns6mkUFbZ4m7hyjKJyV_bgHLFIT3MsQvyI0EhK1nmYZ49kRpjcrWHHDh2fnqGdIH_BdIuQv9dvBuPkC2zYtGmGa9EiU-LpUVWw5pZ0gymbU/s1600/20140930_110327.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
I suppose right now themes around us include zombies and general retro mad science.<br />
I was in a coffee shop reading a book about a scientist fellow of old with questionable sanity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/55062/Where-The-Toys-Are-1710-01-112cm">Vintage robot fabric</a></td></tr>
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Whilst thinking of giant robots and death rays I spotted a young lady who was a shining example of what I mean. She had a rather fetching bag in the shape of a fuzzy green monster whilst her sweater had a collection of vintage or retro robots! I just had to take a picture to show everyone in our shop around the corner. You see we'd just taken collection of a simaler pattern, but in a heavier cotton fabric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuf1GA2uVClV0HSiizUnXQy6Y1IB-ocEiJOuhac6bnGhiW78qhNwqPHLUAmMttvK_HHur-U2bCG_T4RUSZb1sEHRWcymRZ1Y8MdB6tL34TmdPRQW9B7FbhvieFCAJuKbURtSM8WaId90/s1600/where+the+toys+are+robots+BSU005+cu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuf1GA2uVClV0HSiizUnXQy6Y1IB-ocEiJOuhac6bnGhiW78qhNwqPHLUAmMttvK_HHur-U2bCG_T4RUSZb1sEHRWcymRZ1Y8MdB6tL34TmdPRQW9B7FbhvieFCAJuKbURtSM8WaId90/s1600/where+the+toys+are+robots+BSU005+cu.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/55062/Where-The-Toys-Are-1710-01-112cm">Retro robot fabric</a></td></tr>
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And so there you have it, how to be fashionable and yet also individual. <br />
There are plenty of other cool <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/6/Quilting-Fabrics">retro sci fi fabrics </a>out there, like this fantastic <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/p/51230/Rocket-Captain-C3801-Brown-112cm">Rocket Capitan fabric</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-bJRAOpmlIDir9fmGgwTVC52v6-p5XB8NIUUZUWLpmlOkc9LT04lgPlRjNeizHu88mgZbu9uoD1MSD89fPXfLM3HMrqG6sHFqW0cJOZuzYxinQAs73N_O50vpQhVzgoOeEd-nAK13K8/s1600/Rocket+Captain+ZRS003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-bJRAOpmlIDir9fmGgwTVC52v6-p5XB8NIUUZUWLpmlOkc9LT04lgPlRjNeizHu88mgZbu9uoD1MSD89fPXfLM3HMrqG6sHFqW0cJOZuzYxinQAs73N_O50vpQhVzgoOeEd-nAK13K8/s1600/Rocket+Captain+ZRS003.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Experiment, mix different fabrics and textures go forth and create, to infinity and beyond! (well to the sewing machine and beyond!) Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-84219129447202479312014-09-05T05:30:00.001-07:002015-01-10T01:52:25.211-08:00Making a Princess Bubblegum Cosplay Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was around my friend Keely's house when she started talking about a Fancy dress event called INVASION COLCHESTER! Her and her family were planning on going as characters from Adventure Time, a strange cartoon for children set in what appears to be a post apocalyptic nuclear wasteland. My friend was stressing about getting a dress to become "Princes Bubblegum". I asked why she didn't just make one. "It's okay for you with a full sewing room and hundreds of reference books, it's much harder to make things up as you go along". Challenge accepted. Can I make an <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/8/400-and-Under">affordable costume</a> (around £20) using a standard sewing gear and no fancy or difficult techniques.<br />
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Many of these ideas would work just as well for a Halloween costume. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsrlN0ydIICx29XaaNDtaNv43NF6yHCx8uSBvw-HFhBvtl0SaD-TooPamKouUB6IUUht_xTrShCEZxltFqAgbNaLU3UpEKVEQEs-KXhJmc8BRohrvv5L2MAgN2qvjikmBfgAZj_vFoUo/s1600/tumblr_l8km1vlc621qdxi7no1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsrlN0ydIICx29XaaNDtaNv43NF6yHCx8uSBvw-HFhBvtl0SaD-TooPamKouUB6IUUht_xTrShCEZxltFqAgbNaLU3UpEKVEQEs-KXhJmc8BRohrvv5L2MAgN2qvjikmBfgAZj_vFoUo/s1600/tumblr_l8km1vlc621qdxi7no1_500.png" height="320" width="160" /></a><span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b>Step one - Reference</b></span><br />
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What does Prince Bubblegum look like?<br />
The dress looks simple enough, puffy sleeves, tight bodice, long skirt section. Then a contrasting collar and belt.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Step two- Initial planning</b></span><br />
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I decided to make a pattern for a tight-ish bodice and a floor length circle skirt. These would be sewn together at the waist and the belt would hide the seam. The whole garment would be made of <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/13/Polycotton">poly cotton</a> and have a zip fastening at the back. Initially I was going to leave the seams untreated and the garment unlined, however my friend said she would like to be able to wear it a few times. As a result I quickly change my plans to make the dress more durable. The bodice section would be lined and all exposed seams would be bias bound. The hem of the circle dress would be bias bound as well. <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Step three - Making a pattern</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdno2LtN1H5EpmigOVldDWv0TEHixZBW5QKK2s9gLdOY-3bdsI6G59ZVD1-DvEXWcYb_YwMN1IoyNHbDifu1ALivprcL5xJuOg_Uiw7N1n-7Ol_GrMI0UhEGVMx9zE7Y0Ea5xTE1KcJnI/s1600/20140901_123057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdno2LtN1H5EpmigOVldDWv0TEHixZBW5QKK2s9gLdOY-3bdsI6G59ZVD1-DvEXWcYb_YwMN1IoyNHbDifu1ALivprcL5xJuOg_Uiw7N1n-7Ol_GrMI0UhEGVMx9zE7Y0Ea5xTE1KcJnI/s1600/20140901_123057.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Normally in my studio I have proper pattern paper or brown paper. However these aren't essential. You can just tape newspaper sheets together. use MASKING tape however and not sellotape. If need be later on you can iron your pattern if you use masking tape but sellotape will melt everywhere. You can also draw on masking tape much easier than sellotape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLyCX0aFYAqCn6tXi86J7JD3HyYaTLX7oVhH1HceHTmz9MVkROXBBhUi2jUnL-KhCif1HZDQDi8dbbaC7kYlMC1CMbCMooTQJGJXUuIGA-iHosHyCxXLwFpVEv-zomVSeoWr0H-Plask/s1600/20140901_120613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLyCX0aFYAqCn6tXi86J7JD3HyYaTLX7oVhH1HceHTmz9MVkROXBBhUi2jUnL-KhCif1HZDQDi8dbbaC7kYlMC1CMbCMooTQJGJXUuIGA-iHosHyCxXLwFpVEv-zomVSeoWr0H-Plask/s1600/20140901_120613.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I didn't have access to my books and so I had to come up with a pattern off the top of my head. <br />
I can not stress the following enough- There is no supbstitute for a good pattern or a pattern making book.<br />
However here's what I did. I drew a rectangle that measured 2cm more than my friends' nape (bottom of neck) to waist measurement high. The width was half her bust plus 5cm. I worked the neck out by measuring her neck and adding some ease this is VERY unscientific. The waist darts are easier, just take the difference between the bust and the waist and half it (as the pattern makes half a garment). The amount left is the amount you have to dart into the waist.I guessed at what angle the should sloped at and then drew in the arm hole, going down as far as the bust line.<br />
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Once the pattern was drawn I cut it out, and then cut up through the bust darts, the side dart and the back dart. This left me with 3 pattern pieces. <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Step four - Cutting out fabric</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ksoGvGUg99QEqJjeTmfMGMqUmeGPfquaxvzotk1fd4A-69Pqb91wfvSxJ56IHlLz0-ojFDxquBXHuRCQkMktO9_PUrXWOyafMC6oA7i6HfQN97J4S7OKWA03BYG0cCgintU7Jb8tSsw/s1600/20140901_133234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ksoGvGUg99QEqJjeTmfMGMqUmeGPfquaxvzotk1fd4A-69Pqb91wfvSxJ56IHlLz0-ojFDxquBXHuRCQkMktO9_PUrXWOyafMC6oA7i6HfQN97J4S7OKWA03BYG0cCgintU7Jb8tSsw/s1600/20140901_133234.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The fabric was folded selvedges together and the centre bodice panel placed on the fold. The pattern has NO SEAM ALLOWANCE. At home I'd use a seam guide to ass a traditional 5'8 of an inch seam. However I was back to basics here and so I fashioned a guide out of a cereal packet.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Step five - Making up</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxKp20Uq_z-mdkWm0opOTCU8E1ie0LMU_hRCaexcKVfSHhJCwh3F_SEPROMXIxltoU5yf9Mf606LyuEIzxFXm_fGME3VjJUtc2rP4GKrjk8EpeHeCKQFFZIYKo24Ed7A7oJiDcOf7XYQ/s1600/20140902_114535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxKp20Uq_z-mdkWm0opOTCU8E1ie0LMU_hRCaexcKVfSHhJCwh3F_SEPROMXIxltoU5yf9Mf606LyuEIzxFXm_fGME3VjJUtc2rP4GKrjk8EpeHeCKQFFZIYKo24Ed7A7oJiDcOf7XYQ/s1600/20140902_114535.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Construction of the bodice was relatively simple. Just sew the panels together, right sides together. The sleeves were slightly trickier. Now here I went totally off track. I knew the sleeves were going to be VERY puffy, this gave me a lot of wiggle room in design. I just taped the pattern together the shoulders to give me the outline of the arm hole. I drew this on to some newspaper and then stretched the design making it Twice as wide and nearly twice as high. I then added 15cm to the bottoms length for the actual sleeve. <br />
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I removed the seam allowances from the arm hole of the <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/21/Lining">LINING</a> and bias bound it. Each sleeve was sewn along it's length and then pleated into the armhole of the bodice.<br />
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A pattern for the collar was made the same was as the sleeves with it being cut at the back for the zip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ7Pfnkel3r_KORplgAyoFEZexgFPgyd73VTJUXd_y3bGLCx91BKyANzczGBRBFwJ70pU-JiorPjALQJdUAlFLszRlfW1xBFORunSu026lFg0OUcazb3oFaKHoZIZBy6V22FfRm590EQ/s1600/20140904_190332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ7Pfnkel3r_KORplgAyoFEZexgFPgyd73VTJUXd_y3bGLCx91BKyANzczGBRBFwJ70pU-JiorPjALQJdUAlFLszRlfW1xBFORunSu026lFg0OUcazb3oFaKHoZIZBy6V22FfRm590EQ/s1600/20140904_190332.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Before the collar and lining were attached to the bodice the circle skirt had to be made and attached.<br />
Check out our guide on " <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/how-to-make-circle-skirt.html">How to make a circle skirt</a> ".<br />
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The seams of the circle skirt were pressed open and bias bound and the hem was bias bound. <br />
The collar was basted with minimal seam allowance to the neckline and the circle skirt was sewn to the bodice. All that remained was sewing the lining around the neck hole and then pulling the dress right side out and pressing it. I tacked the lining to the bodice around the shoulders and around the waist as well to give it stability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6qBTjUPJ4ys1FBi7bdBGPSdW3CoA9GE-Hi4S8P__y_oTd9OQumm98jX_s_8ByMjWuv4Vr-w1Wj3WAKkjFp9maDxOnI55d_PuZjujRpuw6kaCm0tQObiOQaAtAeAa_cy8naVWXz85ASQ/s1600/20140904_190335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6qBTjUPJ4ys1FBi7bdBGPSdW3CoA9GE-Hi4S8P__y_oTd9OQumm98jX_s_8ByMjWuv4Vr-w1Wj3WAKkjFp9maDxOnI55d_PuZjujRpuw6kaCm0tQObiOQaAtAeAa_cy8naVWXz85ASQ/s1600/20140904_190335.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Final Thoughts.</b></span><br />
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This post isn't one of my typical "how to make" posts. It's more a collection if ideas and concepts. If you are not sure how to make something just get some poly cotton and give it a go, fly hands free once in a while, you may surprise yourself by your own ingenuity. Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-87533376538872397122014-07-16T02:27:00.003-07:002014-07-16T02:27:19.655-07:00Where's the website Dean?Still no website! The problems behind this reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago. I was watching the news when the terrible tsunami laid waste to Fukashima. My friend kept telling me I shouldn't be so concerned with things on the other side of the world, that I was "buying into the global panic". I didn't feel like I was panicking, I was concerned for the people affected and also aware that the impact of this disaster would be far reaching. Three months later the same friends was complaining that his new hard drive cost much more than it would have a year ago. I explained the hard drive factories in Fukashima were destroyed, causing a drop in supply hence an increase in cost. A global event on the other side of the world had affected his bank account, take about a butterfly effect.<br />
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Such is the problem with our new website. Our old site just worked on pay pal. The new site is built and ready to go, but needs a merchant e-commerce back account for payments. These accounts have been used by terrorists and criminals in the past, and so they are now strictly regulated. A global issue is slowing us up. However we have now been given the green light, it's just a matter of getting our account number sorted out and transferring our domain! Much like the old British Rail, we're getting there, and like any great journey the destination will be worth the travel.<br />
<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-21632431569110606972014-07-01T02:16:00.001-07:002014-07-01T02:16:57.939-07:00So where is the website, and where have we been?Okay so there's no website yet, why? We've had people panicking (including us at one point) but it's all being sorted. In an exercise of radical honesty, I thought I would share exactly and honesty what's been going on behind the scenes.<br />
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The big huge plus of our new website is that it's linked directly to the database of stock. This means if we only have 3 metres of something it will warn the customer that there may be a delay in ordering if they try to order more than 3 metres.<br />
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To use this new sight we need to have a new payment gateway as the system will not allow us to just use PayPal like our old site did. Here lays the problem. A new payment system means a new merchant account. In the post 9-11 world there are a LOT of hoops to jump through to set up one of these accounts.<br />
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This is almost sorted, so the website will go live about 48 hours after the payment system is sorted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1Gg0z0aJTwa704SnKNR0ahJWpMLfE7ETKlJ-ooEU4jAx_FQyaZzdAzUUfbDSHGFIHdiW4CaiBzUnIhKIKvz9XCww9ZfGKVS3I30uDkwMfESqzmSql5WXNq4myxYMqIQe-KnB693oLLY/s1600/summer+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1Gg0z0aJTwa704SnKNR0ahJWpMLfE7ETKlJ-ooEU4jAx_FQyaZzdAzUUfbDSHGFIHdiW4CaiBzUnIhKIKvz9XCww9ZfGKVS3I30uDkwMfESqzmSql5WXNq4myxYMqIQe-KnB693oLLY/s1600/summer+print.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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So where have the blogs and the tweets been?<br />
ALMOST all of the social media is done by one person, the same person is sorting out the web. And here we hit another snag. The current database is about a year old. A lot of products were imported from an old data base. This worked fine, that is until we started putting things on the website. There is no structure to how the yarns are arranged on the database. This in itself causes no problems in the shop, the wool is scanned the bar-code brings up the correct product. However if you were to look through the database you would find it very hard to find something as there is no real organization, at least for yarn. So every single yarn had to be duplicated, photographed, new product info imputed, and then the bar-code transferred from the old one. A long laborious processes and there just wasn't enough time to sort out the social side, esp as I like to link the webshop to the blogs, and there was no webshop.<br />
<br />We're through the worst of it now though, so we're back!<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-85835353574830989072014-05-09T06:47:00.001-07:002014-05-09T06:47:05.159-07:00So what's happening with the Website?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeIe-S2DWo2nYIMwX0vqPHPMdENV4HK0T1zkI9sDzAIdatUrMnuCbeDGw0MUQcMVEb1JkFq97BdHaNgHUyRB0x-UdcZdzsEWPjsktPOxS32jishf96Mj8zcKUu7XgLf8sQyw3lBODptE/s1600/f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeIe-S2DWo2nYIMwX0vqPHPMdENV4HK0T1zkI9sDzAIdatUrMnuCbeDGw0MUQcMVEb1JkFq97BdHaNgHUyRB0x-UdcZdzsEWPjsktPOxS32jishf96Mj8zcKUu7XgLf8sQyw3lBODptE/s1600/f8.jpg" /></a>We've noticed a change in our relationships with our customers in the last year, and quite frankly, we like it. <br />
Our customers are no longer just coming to us for fabric (although they are always welcome to do so), we are becoming more of a service than a vendor. People come in for advice on projects and inspiration for things to make. We are embracing this whole heartily and so want our blog to not just have a few projects but to also let you know what we're up to, to treat you as part of our Fabric8 family and to keep you informed on what's happening at your shop. We don't want to just tell you about any changes we're making, we also want you to know WHY we are making them.<br />
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Some of you may have been along to our website and found it shut down. Fear not we're not shutting up shop, in fact quite the reverse. We had an epiphany a few weeks ago.<br />
Our Colchester branch of Fabric8 has had a bit of a re-arrange. Our knitting section is now downstairs to help those with reduced mobility to carry on with a past time they love. Whilst working out what changes we can make in store we decided to have a look at what improvements we needed in our virtual store as well.<br />
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We've been working very hard on our webshop but there were some things the software we were using just couldn't do. These included:<br />
Presenting all the linings on one page and having icons to pick out the colour you need.<br />
Easily linking to complimentary fabrics<br />
And the biggest change for me, hooking up the website to the tills so the website will not offer fabrics that we are out of stock of.<br />
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Luckily we have a solution to all these issues with our new website system. But here's the downside, we have to take our website off line for a few days. When we go live again the website will be better than ever complete with a few added touches such as being able to post to a news section as well as highlighting new stock.<br />
Make sure to check back this time next week when we will have a new and improved website, and I'll show you the ropes. Until then, take care.<br />
<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-60526009567021533902014-03-24T03:57:00.000-07:002014-03-24T03:57:47.478-07:00Bridal and other Wedding Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know if it's my imagination but we're getting a lot more bridal parties come into the shop to prepare for weddings. Sometimes they want something simple like <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/fashion-fabrics?page=shop.browse&category_id=100">dress net to make favour bags</a> with, or <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/fashion-fabrics?page=shop.browse&category_id=15">ribbon for the cake</a>. Other brides (or their mums) are tackling the wedding dresses.<div>
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I myself am about to get married (this coming Sunday in fact) and so I'm sewing for my wedding as well. Many people were expecting me to sew the wedding dress, however my bride has put her foot down on that matter. I'm not allowed to know anything about the dress and I can't very well sew whilst blindfolded. </div>
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So have I made all of my (the groom's) outfit. Surprisingly not. I've been a busy boy with other aspects of work, however I did want to have some of my own creations in the wedding. This was when I realised I could sew and save a fair bit of money.</div>
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I am guilty of having an "All or nothing" attitude at times. BUT I realized I don't have to make ALL of my outfit. I love <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/making-waistcoat-and-adding-functional.html">making waistcoats</a> and cravats so decided if I wear plain black trousers I only need a frock coat for the day it's self. Renting a wedding suit cots around £90 however BUYING a frock coat second hand on E-bay, £50. So by making a waistcoat and cravat I'm saving money and I get to have a frock coat to KEEP (and trust me I will get use out of it). There will be many pics of my creations for the day coming (and maybe another blog) until then I suggest you check out these past entries...</div>
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<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/more-of-my-greatest-mistakes-weddings.html">Learn from my wedding sewing mistakes</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/fairy-tu-tu-or-petticoat.html">How to make a petticoat</a></div>
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<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/tying-knot-in-dots.html">Retro Weddings </a></div>
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-9914072166008940522014-03-18T01:45:00.000-07:002014-03-18T01:45:15.039-07:00The Tao of Fabric8 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a new addition to our little <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">Fabric8 </a>Family. A strange but fantastic thing about getting a new member of staff is we end up seeing ourselves in a new light, or examining everything we do in the shop as we explain the running of the shop to them. In the past we've picked up some very odd little quirks when our new member says "<b>But why do you do it like that, it's so illogical?</b>" Sometimes we have to do things a certain way because of something else, but then when that "something else" is removed we may still have a long winded or illogical system in place. Other times we hear some lovely things from our new staff members such as "<b>This is the most friendly place I've worked in</b>" or my personal favourite from a new member of the furnishing team "<b>I just keep wanting to hug everyone here!</b>"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One observation really did start a long conversation. Our young acolyte said she was surprised at how much time we were willing to spend with customers who weren't spending much money. This came as a shock to a few of us you see we're not there to sell stuff, we're there to help people. This may sound cheesy and corny but our mission statement goes along the lines of " <b>To inspire people to be creative</b>" and not "<b>To sell 5 meters of white velcro</b>". As a result we're not fussed with how much people are intending to spend, we're more interested in helping them work out what they want to do, and then how to do it. It's a happier way of working as it's much more enjoyable to help someone on their journey through creativity than it is to try and get their cash. </div>
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Some people have dismissed this idea of how we should work, but in the long term we think people enjoy coming into our shop because of the help they get, and because they know we wont try selling them things they don't need. We have a few customers who are very talented fashion degree students who I remember helping with their GCSE projects. This firstly makes me feel quit old, but more importantly it shows that treating our customers with care and not pressuring them makes for life long customers. </div>
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When asked why I work at the shop I responded simply with "I want to change the world". This elicited a bit of a giggle from the questioner but it is true. I personally feel the world would be a better place if people made things. We're forgetting the simple joy of achievement and of self expression. Okay so maybe working in a fabric shop in Colchester only lets me help a small number of people, but it's a start. And it's through Fabric8 that I get to do these blogs with hints and tips and projects for people to try. </div>
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So why am I writing this? Partly to share with you WHY we do what we do. However I also wonder if this is a normal way of running a shop. So the next time your'e in any shop try asking for help, even if you're not spending much money, they may just enjoy helping.</div>
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Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7236962228001645529.post-10462421059156891632014-02-25T08:40:00.000-08:002014-10-24T06:58:47.767-07:00How to make a cushion or pillow case. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week's blog was "<a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/how-to-make-quilted-panel-for-cushion.html">How to make a quilted panel</a>" to be part of a <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/fashion-fabrics?page=shop.browse&category_id=148">steampunk fabric</a> cushion. Top stitching this panel on to an existing pillow case could prove difficult. If I simply stitched directly onto the case it would be very easy to stitch through both layers of the pillow case. I also didn't have pillow case at hand which I thought would fit well with the room. With this in mind I thought I would make my own pillow case. This way I could top stitch the panel onto one side of the case before making the whole case up. Making a pillow case or cushion cover is pretty simple, the only tricky thing is the envelope opening at one end. This envelope style is useful as it doesn't require buttons, Velcro or zips which can be uncomfortable when you lay against them.<br />
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You will need:<br />
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Two strips of <a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/">fabric</a> one 3cm longer than your pillow and 6 cm wider.The second piece has to be 15cm longer again.<br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Pins</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/35/Needles-Pins-and-Clips">Needle</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabric8online.co.uk/c/36/Measuring-and-Marking">Chalk</a><br />
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<b>Step one</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKecC1-EhIwtqZnN-prEfVAR1H9Bj0N3bCbkQ2Gn_Xu6Uvwd9xz8042rwdtCaxkjIMOe3_vzgvdVpYMaB6uf3RWcMvRhB9lNNZ2Qzy-Jiflob0J1qHr_gwP1LWXw8gNFpDMl5Mo2wuiNg/s1600/20140225_094352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKecC1-EhIwtqZnN-prEfVAR1H9Bj0N3bCbkQ2Gn_Xu6Uvwd9xz8042rwdtCaxkjIMOe3_vzgvdVpYMaB6uf3RWcMvRhB9lNNZ2Qzy-Jiflob0J1qHr_gwP1LWXw8gNFpDMl5Mo2wuiNg/s1600/20140225_094352.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Cut out the two rectangles of fabric. About the width of your pillow with 6cm added to width of both rectangles and 3cm longer than your pillow on one piece and 15cm longer on the other (this extra length will form your envelope). Hem one of the short sides of each rectangle. A trained kitten to hold the fabric in place is useful here. An untrained kitten on the other hand makes things a lot harder. Check here to see <a href="http://fabric8online.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/sewing-without-pattern.html">how to hem</a> .<br />
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<b>Step two</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yC5OgsUUGyAzx-kulo3GESzcYUOCRQmG3YiZTYmqigBg58Jxsv7oUvKWqqcDYCvoHbovYwZV-hJ0zLCC1ko_SbT4XH-TjUhW7SbsQD-g0LbC4DnBi-9mZmp0Lu7PMqviD4mkViG79E4/s1600/20140225_095026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yC5OgsUUGyAzx-kulo3GESzcYUOCRQmG3YiZTYmqigBg58Jxsv7oUvKWqqcDYCvoHbovYwZV-hJ0zLCC1ko_SbT4XH-TjUhW7SbsQD-g0LbC4DnBi-9mZmp0Lu7PMqviD4mkViG79E4/s1600/20140225_095026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>If you're adding a panel to your cushion or pillow case then now is the best time to top stitch it in place. Decide which side of the pillow or cushion case you want your panel to be on. If it's on the shorter piece then place the panel in the middle. If you want it on the longer side remember it does not go in the middle, but 15cm to the side of the middle to allow for the envelop opening of the pillow case.<br />
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At times it can be tempting to try and hurry through stages like this. However it is often quicker to take your time. In this case I positioned the panel in the middle of pillow case panel and pinned it in place before carefully top stitching the middle section to the pillow case. This secures the panel to allow you to then smooth out the fabric and pin and sew the outer edge of the panel to the pillow case panel.<br />
Top stitch the out edge to the pillowcase.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UN1bMUTrBGVwr8UYRBcs94h-J7LWd89MbasGrmPVuPtjB_xFSEiYyssUFAgTnfcTdjUuHITZRtLBnxWnrNTmWw_3ezRhkJ7EbWk8hq7wFqnjWU88BSkLO0NUWwk2tePZcfUMfNGuRQ4/s1600/20140225_100712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UN1bMUTrBGVwr8UYRBcs94h-J7LWd89MbasGrmPVuPtjB_xFSEiYyssUFAgTnfcTdjUuHITZRtLBnxWnrNTmWw_3ezRhkJ7EbWk8hq7wFqnjWU88BSkLO0NUWwk2tePZcfUMfNGuRQ4/s1600/20140225_100712.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Step three.</b><br />
Place both panel pieces right sides together, lining up the NON-HEMMED short sides. One piece (in this case my red piece) will be longer than the other.<br />
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Fold the extra length of fabric over the shorter piece. Now pin and stitch the two sections together, leaving a 1cm seam. Sew lone edges together (at the ends you will be sewing through 3 layers of fabric). Sew the un-hemmed short edges together as well.<br />
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Pull the pillowcase right side out, and hey presto you have a pillow case. Once you have the hang of making pillow and cushion cases you will find you can run one up very quickly. These projects are perfect for using up any old odds and ends of fabric you may have at home. So get creative !<br />
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<br />Fabric8 Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10766085792370030038noreply@blogger.com0