Materials
& Fabric Care...
This page contains tips and ideas relating to fabric care, content,and handling tips. If YOU have a tip that belongs here just
email me and let me know! I'd love to add YOUR
name to our growing list of sewing friends!
Estimating Fabric on Bolts...
Submitted by: Renee Parrill
When buying fabric off the bolt, you can easily count yardage without actually measuring. Every two folds of fabric equals about one yard. A nifty trick I use, is to estimate yardage within one yard or so, and the store will usually give about 50% off the end of the bolt to avoid wrapping a remnant.
(Thanks Renee!)
Fabric Before Sewing...
It's important to treat your fabric before you begin sewing. You clean the fabric in the manner to which it will be treated after the garment is constructed (ie. washing machine, dry cleaning, hand washing, etc.) It's a good idea to do this right after you've purchased the material so you'll never need to wonder which ones have been done or not.
From: Renee' =)
Fabric Labels...
It's a good idea to write down the information for fabric care while in the store making your purchase. That way you won't forget anything! Take a small notebook and enter information about the fabric content, care, and amount of yardage that you've purchased. You can purchase labels from sewing retailers that indicate the care and content (ie; cotton, polyester, etc.).
Not only is the information helpful but it gives your finished garment a professional look!
From: Renee' =)
Cleaning Antique Linens...
If you have beautiful antique treasures, whether it is lace or linens, this cleaning recipe is GREAT for removing yellowing and stains.
You'll need a glass bowl, or new plastic bucket. Take about a 1/2 cup of Biz for the small glass bowl or 2 cups for the bucket and then add water. It doesn't matter whether you use warm or cold water. I wouldn't use hot water, because sometimes the laces and fabrics may be very fragile. Stir the BIZ and water thoroughly and then add your fabric. Let this soak for a couple of days, checking on it periodically. If the stains are really bad you may leave the fabric to soak for a while longer. Just remember to change the BIZ water at least EVERY WEEK and keep checking periodically.
Then just "hand" rinse the garment until all the BIZ is removed and hang to dry. You will be amazed how white your treasures will be!
Brought to you by: Renee' 11/30/98
More Coming Soon...
...other sewists have been here since 4/1/99!