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Member since 7/4/05
Posts: 638
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Posted on: 10/30/11 1:19 PM ET
i am wanting to make a warm fleece poncho for winter. the only thing is i don't know which kind to get ~Generic anti-pill fleece, polartec? etc, etc?

and i'll be buying online. anyone have good experiences with reputable sellers they'd like to share?
  
Member since 7/22/09
Posts: 793
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Posted on: 10/30/11 11:41 PM ET
Calendria,

I have ordered online from this store, which sells original Polartec and a bunch of variations:
Mill Direct

I was also there physically back in the day, when it was the Malden Mills factory store and you could get scrap fleece by the pound. (They're online only now.)

Fleece is easy stuff in most ways--cut edges do not ravel, and the stitch sinks into the fluffiness of the surface so it's not easy to see minor bobbles. Two important tips:
--a largish stitch length--3 mm--is usually recommended.
--Make sure the stretch is going the right direction.

Looks pretty good today, with snow on the ground....
------
Jeanne
2015 inventory:
Yards sewn: 15
Yards purchased: 0

"People....so much bigger on the inside." Doctor Who, "The Doctor's Wife," 6.04, by Neil Gaiman.
  
Member since 7/4/05
Posts: 638
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Posted on: 10/31/11 0:32 AM ET
okay thanx. what the diff between anti-pill fleece and polartec?
  
Member since 12/13/08
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Posted on: 10/31/11 3:38 PM ET
Have you looked at the link Sauvage provided yet? It explains the different types of fleece they sell (Polartec is a brand name). Since you specify wanting a "warm poncho for winter," then I suggest you pay close attention to the descriptions on the site. Many varieties of fleece (particularly the ubiquitous JoAnn fleeces) are quite thin and not very warm at all.
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
  
Member since 1/8/10
Posts: 1500
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Posted on: 10/31/11 3:57 PM ET
And listen to Sauvage about the long stitch length! That bit about the stitches sinking in my make it difficult to see minor mistakes.. but it almost makes it difficult to rip them out!
  
Member since 1/7/06
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Posted on: 10/31/11 4:55 PM ET
I made a hoodie jacket out of JoAnn's anti-pill fleece and it pilled anyway. Do yourself a favor and buy good quality fleece from Mill Direct. I just received my order from Mill Direct and can see the difference in quality right away. I am sure it won't pill.
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Blog: www.sewmuchfashion.com
  
Member since 7/22/09
Posts: 793
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Posted on: 10/31/11 4:56 PM ET
Polartec is a brand name and "anti-pill" is a description. Polartec is anti-pill, at least the original product was; but other brands--see one of the aisles of fleece at Jo-Ann--are also described as anti-pill.

Get something lofty....


------
Jeanne
2015 inventory:
Yards sewn: 15
Yards purchased: 0

"People....so much bigger on the inside." Doctor Who, "The Doctor's Wife," 6.04, by Neil Gaiman.
  
Member since 7/4/05
Posts: 638
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Posted on: 11/1/11 12:47 PM ET
okay, thanx sew much.
  
Member since 4/4/05
Posts: 2204
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Posted on: 11/1/11 8:02 PM ET
fabricmart sometimes has Polartec fleece. It has some right now (http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/xcart/Fleeces/). Pay close attention to the descriptions because some of it is lighter and airier than you'd want for a very warm garment (the graphite for example is described as "airy") Watch for the Polartec name in the description too.
  
Member since 10/26/08
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Posted on: 11/3/11 0:15 AM ET
If you want high quality fleece that will last, choose the real Malden mills polartec. It is more expensive but it's worth it. Especially if it's going to be something for outdoor wear.

If you are doing something like the tie blankets and real warmth isn't a concern, the Joann anti-pill would suffice.
  
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