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Fabric Library or Dictionary or Something How to learn more about fabric
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2916	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/24/12 1:08 PM I want to learn more about the different fabrics and how to select what I am seeing in my head. I want to take my wardrobe to the next level by making nice garments in fantastic fabrics. I started thinking about this more after I started reading Overdressed: The Shocking High Cost of Cheap Fashion and realizing I don't like most of the fabrics in my stash. Most of them are there because I purchased online and the fabric was not quite what I had in mind. How do you all learn about these fantastic fabrics so you can order successfully online.
minggiddylooloo   Intermediate VA USA Member since 5/17/05 Posts: 1797	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/24/12 1:31 PM This is my go-to set of books that also includes swatches of the fabrics described. Sandra Betzina and Claire Schaeffer also have fabric books but they do not include samples. Many of the indie fabric stores will send samples so that's another way to go about collecting and learning about various weaves and fibers. ------ I'm finally a blogger! sewming.blogspot.com
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2527	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/24/12 1:46 PM One of my favorite ways to get to know fabrics--especially when trying to compare with the fabrics available to RTW designers--is through catalogues. They usually have very nice full-length and sometimes detail photos of the garments, along with good descriptions of the fabrics. I think Chadwick's is one of the best for fabric descriptions (I don't believe I'd actually order from them at the moment, as there seems to be a bit of chaos from their bankruptcy proceedings, but their catalogues are still good!). Other good catalogues are Land's End, LL Bean, JJill, TravelSmith, Soft Surroundings, and Eddie Bauer. It's useful to go through and compare the descriptions in the catalogue to both the RTW clothing in your closet as well as the fabric in your stash. ------ ~Gem in the prairie
jkmom19   Member since 2/5/12 Posts: 20	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 7:03 PM A swatch club is also very useful for learning about fabrics.
jkmom19   Member since 2/5/12 Posts: 20	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 7:05 PM Thanks for the link to the books. I think I need to order these!
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 7005	Login to reply to this post In reply to KathySews << Like this post Date: 7/24/12 8:04 PM Julie Parker's 3 fabric dictionary with swatches books are The Best, and simply must-haves for fabriholics ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2916	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/26/12 12:38 PM I just purchased some fabrics and realized when I got home that I need to make notes about fabric content while I am at the store because that info is gone once the fabric is cut. I will go by the store next week to get the info. It had a designer name on it too and of course, I don't recall the details. I do think I will begin my own book by making notes with samples of the good and the bad.
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2257	Login to reply to this post In reply to KathySews << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/26/12 12:47 PM Quote: I do think I will begin my own book by making notes with samples of the good and the bad. You posted some great ideas. I'm finding that at least 80% of my sewing battles are related to poor fabric. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7631	Login to reply to this post In reply to minggiddylooloo << Like this post Date: 7/26/12 4:49 PM I like SB's book better than Claire's but I haven't seen her revised issue. I know most people like CS's book, but honestly I looked at both when I bought Betzina's and the pictures are better and the whole set up is clearer. I would buy one of these and then order fabric samples of the different types and add them to the book. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2916	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/26/12 7:37 PM Mary -- well said - my problem exactly Nancy K -- adding real fabric to the book is a good idea.

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