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Member since 8/22/05
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Posted on: 12/15/08 10:30 AM ET
Two years ago I purchased, what was labeled, French terry at Hancock's to make a robe for DGD. This year I went to Hancock's again and purchased more for another robe - the other is ready for the rag bag. Hancock's only handle 3-4 colors so I searched on line and came up with Sew Baby showing French terry. I sent an email describing what mine looked like and ordered some of theirs. It arrived this weekend and it's nothing like what I purchased. Now, I'm wondering what I bought at Hancock's? Mine is a fairly heavy fabric, terry on one side and smooth on the other. The one from Sew Baby isn't terry cloth as we normally think of it, but is 97% cotton w/3% lycra and is used for lounge/night wear and lighter weight. The French terry from Hancock's is 100% cotton, but it does have a little stretch. If I've confused you, I'll take a photo with both and see how it turns out for comparison. Any suggestions/comments welcome.
  
Member since 5/11/08
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Posted on: 12/15/08 11:10 AM ET
In reply to Rhoda K
Hi Rhoda,

I just bought some French terry online to use for camping outerwear.
Quote:
Now, I'm wondering what I bought at Hancock's? Mine is a fairly heavy fabric, terry on one side and smooth on the other.

When it arrived, I found it to be finer than I had anticipated. The terry part is finer and shorter, and the fabric drapes nicely. I think you must have had regular terrycloth from Hancock's.
  
Member since 8/22/05
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Posted on: 12/15/08 12:30 PM ET
In reply to marec
The regular terry at Hancock's is more like bath towels, not what I have, but . . . I've seen some towels like the Hancock fabric, now that I think of it, though they're usually used for embroidery/decorative items. ETA - what I got from Sew Baby will drape nicely so I definitely can use it.
-- Edited on 12/15/08 12:31 PM --
  
Member since 3/22/05
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Posted on: 12/15/08 1:30 PM ET
I bought some fabric labeled "french terry" a few months ago, and it sounds more like the first fabric you bought than the second. It has loops on one side, and is smooth on the other. It also seems much softer than normal terry, although that probably varies. It doesn't have much stretch, but it isn't really heavy. I'm planning to use it for a medium-weight hoodie.

Probably french terry can be defined as anything with loops on one side and smooth on the other, so maybe the Sew Baby fabric wasn't really misclassified.
  
Member since 8/22/05
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Posted on: 12/15/08 1:36 PM ET
In reply to gameCoder
I just had a response from Sew Baby and the gal said what I was looking for was probably terry velour which sounds right. She said they only have one color in stock at present so I emailed back to see if they carry it in other colors. I think it would be too heavy for PJs but would be fine for a robe. At least now I know what to look/ask for. What I received from Sew Baby would be ideal for robes and sleepwear as it's lighter and drapes well. I hope to get started on my robe this week. Thanks for your info.
  
Member since 10/27/05
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Posted on: 12/15/08 3:52 PM ET
In reply to Rhoda K
Is this the terry you purchased at Hancock's? I know this particular one is organic, though. I've had RTW sweatshirts made from this. Click here.

  
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Posted on: 12/15/08 7:13 PM ET
In reply to ccris
No, this is what I got at Hancocks. Only 3 colors available, red. white and navy. I got red as DGD is a pink freak and she's already had pink so DD suggested red. Now my sewing room looks like it's snowed red! ETA - luckily, I had my 40% coupon!
-- Edited on 12/15/08 7:14 PM --
  
Member since 8/22/05
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Posted on: 12/27/08 8:31 PM ET
More confusion on French terry. I've washed what I received from Sew Baby, but now I'm not sure which is the right side. I've read in the past that when you stretch a knit it will automatically role to the right side. Well, this fabric will roll to both sides, so now I'm not sure if the right side is the smooth side or the textured side. The textured side seems like it would be a bit rough on the skin. I've done some searching on the web, but will continue my search and also check some of my sewing books for info there. I checked my Fabric Savvy (Saavy?) book by SB and no answer there either. Sandra does talk about it, but not to any great extent. Oh well, onward HO!
  
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