Date: 10/29/08 3:21 AM

Now that I've actually made a few pieces of clothing this summer and have started a fairly decent stash-- I was wondering what everyone does -- with the outfits they sew. Do you label them Rayon or Wool or bamboo - whatever... so you will know what the fabric actually is? Like Dry Clean - or - hand wash- or whatever?

I have kinda looked for fabric labels - and never noticed any on the various internet sites.

Or am I the only one who can't remember all the fabrics?your kinds thoughts or suggestioooons would be grteatly appreciated. - signed Gail in Oregon
-- Edited on 10/29/08 4:38 AM --

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Date: 10/29/08 7:05 AM

I remember what is necessary for cleaning or whatever. Usually I remember the fiber contact but not exactly what percent is rayon and what percent linen. I do label the fabric before I use it.

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Reply to Vie
Date: 10/29/08 7:08 AM

I keep a file of all my fabrics with samples and fabric contents on index cards. As I make things the cards go to the back of the drawer. Since I prewash everything that can be I can usually wash everything except tailored garments.

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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

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Date: 10/29/08 7:56 AM

I have a pretty good idea what the fiber content is, but I put a colored "label" in the garment to catch my eye, hopefully before i toss something "dry clean only" in the washing machine. Being a simple kind of girl (comments not needed), I use the stoplight code: a length of green ribbon means GO ahead and wash and dry it, yellow means use some CAUTION and common sense (gentle wash, cool dry or hang to dry) and red means STOP: Dry Clean Only.

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Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

"If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?" -- Dave Barry

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Reply to Karla Kizer
Date: 10/29/08 8:15 AM

Your stoplight code is such a good idea! And not only for things we make ourselves. Can't tell you how many times I've tossed something in the dryer that should have been line-dried. I'm going to put this to use -- thanks!

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Karen

Yards in stash: I don't want to know!
2009 yards sewn 37.375
2010 yards sewn 13.67
2010 yards bought 2.5

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Date: 10/29/08 8:25 AM

ETA: I just realized she was asking about labeling clothing. No, I don't label my clothing. I can usually tell by looking at it what kind of care it needs.

The following is how I label my stash:

I usually tape (scotch tape) a small note to each piece, listing the length & width, the brand name/designer if I know it, and the content and weave. If I'm not sure I'll call it a "blend."
For example:

Lacoste cotton/lycra pique
2.5 yds/60"

Jasco wool jersey
1.5 yds/60'

wool blend crepe
3 yds/60"

-- Edited on 10/29/08 10:01 AM --

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Reply to Aunt Gail
Date: 10/29/08 9:14 AM

Nope, I'm too lazy basically....because all of my personal clothes get a hand or delicate cold water wash (Eucalan for wools...see Nancy K's post....I've always used it for my hand knits) and hang up or flat dry (conserving that dryer cost before it was considered green).

I prewash all fabrics, trims, etc. before sewing.

This of course does not apply to tailored jackets or like clothes....all of those in my closet are still RTW because I have been working up my skills to try one.

So I keep it simple.....

BTW, kids are gone and husband takes care of his own.....we have always had separate clothes baskets for dirty clothes and our marraige has survived better as a result .....he thinks washing means everyone in the pool at once....while I am definately a color divider kinda girl
ML

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Date: 10/29/08 9:36 AM

There a several labeling websites out there, where you can purchase (at a very reasonable cost -as long as you buy in bulk) labels for content/care ect. One is the sterling label company, which I have used.
They have sew in or adhesive labels. I bought 100 labels for about $7-8.

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Date: 10/29/08 9:56 AM

Thanks for the link! It looks like the labels are more like $30 per 100? I like $7-8 better. Do you remember what kind you got that was $7?

Also, do you just get labels with your name on them, and then hand write the washing instructions or fabric type?

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Date: 10/29/08 10:56 AM

I bought a roll of plain white labelling tape (it's about 1" wide). I know there's at least 25 metres on the roll. Then I cut off a 2" piece and write the care instructions on it with an ultra-find sharpie. I also write the month & year I made the item. I do this on my personal, gift and business items that I make.

I have just started writing the fabric content on a label and taping it to the cardboard I roll the fabric on to when I bring it home and before it hits the shelf. Then it is easy to add that onto the label that I sew into the garment/item when it is made.

If I remember correctly, it was under $10 for the roll of blank labelling tape -- I just got it from the place that makes my printed labels with my business name on it.

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Sheila

Monthly Goal Sew-Along
January Goals: COMPLETED ALL
February & March Goals: Raised the white flag/None planned
April Goals: COMPLETED 4 JACKETS, SKIRT MUSLIN & STARTED FORMALWEAR ENTRY
May Goals: 3 OUT OF 4 COMPLETED - 2 SKIRTS & 1 TOP
June Goals: 1.5 OUT OF 4 COMPLETED; 2 REVIEWS, 1 BAG & ORGANIZER
July Goals
1. Finish posting reviews for completed projects
2. Muslin and make my cardigan
3. Make the Jalie Scarf Collar Top
4. Muslin a woven skirt pattern

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