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Member since 9/18/06
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Posted on: 1/12/07 2:32 PM ET
I want to make a standard white shirt-blouse (with the pointed, notched collar and cuffs) from a soft, white cotton. I've seen a cotton/polyester blend at Hancock's, but it is too stiff. That's the one thing I don't like about purchasing this type of blouse--I have a short neck and the stiff collars crawl up my jaw bone; so I want to make a long-sleeve and short-sleeve version according to my needs. But, I can't seem to find the right fabric. Does anyone here have a suggestion of what to look for if I shop online? What blend? What web-store?

Diane
  
Member since 5/28/06
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Posted on: 1/12/07 3:33 PM ET
In reply to MitziDi
I have a short neck too, and the blouse patterns I choose do not have a neck band (that thing that attaches the collar to the neck edge). The neck band makes my neck look even shorter, and without it, my neck looks longer, my jawline less plumpy.

The fabrics I choose are shirting fabric of 100% cotton, cotton batiste, lightweight cotton poplin, and cotton/rayon blend.

You have to watch out for the shirting fabric since there are differents blends/weaves out there that affect the drape. I don't like buying shirting fabric online since I prefer touching it and draping it off my hands to see the quality, matching pattern style to fabric. I haven't had enough experience to just know off the bat what the quality will be, but my local independent fabric store carries this shirting fabric from England and it is very soft to the touch, has different weights, and is also very expensive. Cotton batiste has to be worn with something underneath (well, at least, I do), like a camisole. Doing so, the batiste clings and sticks out a bit, similarly with poplin. But it looks charming/romantic in vintage summer styles. And there's the rayon/cotton blend that is often hard to find. It has nice drape because of the rayon in it, easy to cut and sew, but shrinks a lot because of the rayon in it.

I stay away from any fabric with polyester because it doesn't breathe well, and I think, adds that stiffness too. Also, consider the drape quality of your interfacing(s).

For online sources, try Sawyer Brook, Fashion Fabrics Club, Textile Studio Patterns, Martha Pullen (for the batiste), and Fine Fabrics. Since I haven't bought shirting fabric online, I don't have a source for you, but perhaps, the online stores I listed above have them. I know for sure that Sawyer Brook and Fine Fabrics have a very knowledgeable staff that can help answer all your questions.

Have fun searching!
-- Edited on 1/12/07 3:38 PM --
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 1/12/07 3:50 PM ET
In reply to MitziDi
www.emmaonesock.com has some pinpoint cotton right now that is probably perfect for you. She only sells good quality and I have never been disappointed. She even takes back cut goods! No, I have no interest in her business. Terrific site, and she doesn't usually have this type of fabric. Also try www.manhattanfabrics.com . Great quality and good service.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
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Posted on: 1/12/07 4:46 PM ET
In reply to poplin
Thanks so much for all of the information. This is an excellent start for me. I will stay away from the neckband.

Diane
  
Member since 9/18/06
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Posted on: 1/12/07 4:47 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Thanks. I'll browse the website and see what she has.

Diane
  
Member since 5/22/04
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Posted on: 1/12/07 5:40 PM ET
Try browsing for Farmhouse Fabrics. Lovely blouse & shirt weight fabric.
  
Member since 3/19/04
Posts: 2557
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Posted on: 1/13/07 12:22 PM ET
Dharma Trading Co. has lots of white fabrics, great quality at great prices. Try ordering swatches for their cottons - the Pimatex cotton is crisp, but the Mercerized Combed Cotton Broadcloth or the Sandwashed Cotton Broadcloth may be soft enough. The Combed Lawn is very soft, but fairly sheer. It's not cotton, but the Viscose Rayon Challis is another possibility.
  
Member since 9/18/06
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Posted on: 1/13/07 6:50 PM ET
In reply to Irene Q
Good idea, Irene. I always forget about Dharma.

Di
  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 1/14/07 11:28 AM ET
I think Michaels Fabrics has shirtings too, and probably very high quality for a reasonable price. I've never ordered from him but I've heard nothing but high praise for the quality of goods and customer service. NAYY

Michaels Fabrics

Oh, I just noticed he has a sale until tomorrow. And if you don't see what you want on his site, call anyway. I understand he often has fabrics that never get posted to the site. HTH
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2020 Sewing Goal: Anything. Anything at all. And please let it be more than I buy.
  
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