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First online order... (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 3/5/11 2:33 AM ET
Well I was hoping to buy something on this site. I live in NZ and checking out the shipping was pretty horrified... $28.75 just for 2 measly yards of fabric, OUCH!
So I looked to see if I could find something else (you know, to make it worth it...funny how logic works! "I should spend even more to make spending a lot worth it!")
So I was looking for fabric to make this dress in:
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8645-products-11097.php?page_id=856
One of the fabrics listed is "handkerchief linen".
Can anyone give me any insight into whether this linen would be suitable? Or any tips on online fabric shopping?
http://www.hartsfabric.com/purple-echino-cotton-linen-fabric56321.html
Well anything would be much appreciated, thanks a lot guys :)
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So I looked to see if I could find something else (you know, to make it worth it...funny how logic works! "I should spend even more to make spending a lot worth it!")
So I was looking for fabric to make this dress in:
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8645-products-11097.php?page_id=856
One of the fabrics listed is "handkerchief linen".
Can anyone give me any insight into whether this linen would be suitable? Or any tips on online fabric shopping?
http://www.hartsfabric.com/purple-echino-cotton-linen-fabric56321.html
Well anything would be much appreciated, thanks a lot guys :)
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I have a new blog: makingitwell.blogspot.com
I'd love for you to visit :)
I'd love for you to visit :)
Posted on: 3/5/11 9:45 AM ET
Pretty dress. Handkerchief linen is very lightweight & breathable, perfect for a summer dress. I can't tell from the description of your selected fabric how heavy it is. It certainly does look pretty, but it also looks heavier. A heavy fabric would bunch at the waist in that dress, I think.
That fabric site is calling this fabric handkerchief linen, which it isn't really because it is made from ramie instead of linen (different plants) but you can see in the picture the fabric looks a lighter weight than the cotton-linen blend one.
Having said all that, I think the fabric you selected is beautiful. I just don't know if I would use it for that particular dress style. But that might just be me; someone else might feel differently. I suspect it is light weight enough that many people would feel it is fine for that dress.
(A tip for on-line fabric shopping: be ready to change your mind when you get the fabric! You can't always be sure it is what you think it is. Of course the better the description, the better your chances. I like it when a site gives some garment guidance or pattern selections; it tends to give me a better idea of the fabric drape & weight.)
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That fabric site is calling this fabric handkerchief linen, which it isn't really because it is made from ramie instead of linen (different plants) but you can see in the picture the fabric looks a lighter weight than the cotton-linen blend one.
Having said all that, I think the fabric you selected is beautiful. I just don't know if I would use it for that particular dress style. But that might just be me; someone else might feel differently. I suspect it is light weight enough that many people would feel it is fine for that dress.
(A tip for on-line fabric shopping: be ready to change your mind when you get the fabric! You can't always be sure it is what you think it is. Of course the better the description, the better your chances. I like it when a site gives some garment guidance or pattern selections; it tends to give me a better idea of the fabric drape & weight.)
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 3/5/11 6:18 PM ET
Thanks very much for your great and helpful response! I might have to leave it, I don't want a stack of too-heavy linen lying around. Ulp I may have to swallow those shipping costs though, I really like the other cute fabric I spied!
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I have a new blog: makingitwell.blogspot.com
I'd love for you to visit :)
I'd love for you to visit :)
Posted on: 3/5/11 6:38 PM ET
You might check Fabrics-store.com for true handkerchief (2.8 oz) and other lightweight (3.5 oz) linens. Their "Fiesta Marina" color looks like a good match for the one you liked at the other shop. Check their FAQ for information on international orders (I don't know what the shipping would be, but they're wonderful to work with. I buy all my linen--which is LOTS!--from them).
http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=fabricselector&menu=f&sstr=1&content=1&type=&color=&weight=1
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http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?goto=fabricselector&menu=f&sstr=1&content=1&type=&color=&weight=1
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 3/5/11 6:47 PM ET
Thanks for that link Stirwatersblue, I will have to check that shop out! Meanwhile for this potential order...what do you guys think of this?
Linen Tencel fabric
Maybe this would be a better weight?
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Linen Tencel fabric
Maybe this would be a better weight?
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I have a new blog: makingitwell.blogspot.com
I'd love for you to visit :)
I'd love for you to visit :)
Posted on: 3/5/11 7:22 PM ET
I think the drape that the tencel adds would help a lot. Looks lovely! They have some nice fabrics at that site.
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 3/5/11 7:42 PM ET
I made a tencel/linen dress last summer. The tencel is wonderful for drape. I'm not especially proud of this garment since it was the first clothing item I'd sewn for about 20 years but if you want to look at the photo in the review it might give you an idea as to the drape.
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Barb
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
Posted on: 3/6/11 3:06 AM ET
Oh thanks for your help! Now this pattern requires a lining (gosh I've never done one before!)
Could anyone tell me if these would be suitable to line with?
Linings
If so, (now this is getting technical, haha) would I go with the dusty red? I suppose the idea is to match the two as much as possible, right?
Edit: Even MORE questions! I'm so new to online shopping...I tried to put in something like 2.4 yards for a fabric but when I viewed my cart, it had been rounded down to 2. Do I need to simply round up to 3 yards? Is there no way to buy it in increments between yards?
I don't know the norms (also yards are new and strange territory to me, being from New Zealand). Seems weird to me! Help MUCH appreciated!
Thanks!
-- Edited on 3/6/11 3:26 AM --
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Could anyone tell me if these would be suitable to line with?
Linings
If so, (now this is getting technical, haha) would I go with the dusty red? I suppose the idea is to match the two as much as possible, right?
Edit: Even MORE questions! I'm so new to online shopping...I tried to put in something like 2.4 yards for a fabric but when I viewed my cart, it had been rounded down to 2. Do I need to simply round up to 3 yards? Is there no way to buy it in increments between yards?
I don't know the norms (also yards are new and strange territory to me, being from New Zealand). Seems weird to me! Help MUCH appreciated!
Thanks!
-- Edited on 3/6/11 3:26 AM --
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I have a new blog: makingitwell.blogspot.com
I'd love for you to visit :)
I'd love for you to visit :)
Posted on: 3/6/11 11:11 AM ET
Most US sellers will only do 1/2 yard increments. However, I tried to do 2.5 yards and put it into a cart as an experiment and it looks like they only do full yards. You might email them and see if they'll let you order a half yard.
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http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far
Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95
2009? I give up
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far
Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95
2009? I give up
Posted on: 3/6/11 11:54 AM ET
Harts Fabric has fantastic customer service!! I've ordered 1/2 yard cuts from them before--the only catch is that you can't return it!
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http://www.seamstressintraining.blogspot.com
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