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Member since 12/25/09
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Posted on: 5/16/16 9:43 PM ET
Hi Everyone,

This is my first post, I am so excited! So I bought a whole bolt of white cotton knit jersey when I worked at House of Fabrics and couldnt resist the employee discount. I have about 10 yards, I think. But I am stumped by what would be good projects for this for summer and spring. Wrap dress, long sleeve T-shirt?
I want it to be comfortable, but not look like pajamas.

That's about all I can come up with.

Suggestions are much appreciated! TIA

Linda
  
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Posted on: 5/16/16 10:12 PM ET
In reply to Sewingmavin
Classic short sleeve or custom-length tee--how great and rare would that be?

But whatever you choose, if your fabric is pure cotton, do consider washing and drying it on pretty warm temps at least three times. Cotton knit can do what's called 'progressive shrinkage,' becoming shorter and shorter during laundry, and you really don't want that to happen to garments on which you've spent a lot of time and effort.
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Elona
  
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Posted on: 5/16/16 10:26 PM ET
You could use it to familiarize yourself with knit/stretch patterns first, if you haven't really sewn with knits before. It's amazing how many things can go wrong, until you actually start sewing.....but it quickly grew on me, and I never hesitate now. There's a huge difference between knits and wovens.
Being the creative type, I would prewash it like crazy, and then the sky is the limit on this canvasYou can try out some dyeing techniques, tie-dye, shibori, textile/fabric painting.....
Just be sure that you know for sure what the fabric is.....100% cotton, or a mix with spandex/elastine, even bamboo. Most textile paints will adhere to pretty much any fabric, but be sure to use the correct dye for good retention.
What do you want to make? What could you use more of that is missing from your closet? Are you sewing for only yourself, or do you want to make something for someone else?
T-shirts are a great basic, easy to start with. Also, small items like camisoles, panties, and sleep shorts can be quick satisfying makes.
If you'd like something to work on during downtime, that doesn't require a machine, you can look into the Alabama Chanin books. I've found these projects soothing, very portable (like a small knitting project) and easy to set down in a jiffy when the kids come calling, or the phone rings. The theraputic effects continue even after the project is done, when my friends gasp at the stunning needlework, and the praise brightens my day :)
Whatever you choose, you are a lucky gal to snag that bargain!! I love grabbing plain fabrics since there's so many uses for them, and it can really bring out the creative artist living within.
Have fun!! Don't forget to post any makes, or works in progress along the way. I hope you get some great ideas to get your sewing churning along soon!!
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*Tracy*
*Everything happens for a reason. What's meant to be will be.*

In heaven with my best friends:
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Vintage White Rotary model 43 (1939)
Kenmore Deluxe Rotary 117.552 (made by white 1954)
Singer 99k (1928)
Brother 2340cv (coverstitch)
  
Member since 12/25/09
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Posted on: 5/17/16 8:11 AM ET
Thanks for the great ideas. I hadn't considered the shrinkage factor, but I will wash and dry three times, it is 100% cotton, I got in the day before spandex, so that tells you how long I've had it. I mostly sew for myself, dresses and that kind of easy stuff, but want to branch out. The idea of painting and or dyeing is great, hadn't even thought of that! For sure i will post my projects, thanks again☺

  
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Posted on: 5/17/16 9:03 AM ET
In reply to Sewingmavin
I always hesitate before making a solid color knit top ... and then find that I wear the heck out of them. Good luck with your sewing! One way to change the look is to use colored thread for topstitching or coverstitching; this can perk up the look without looking babyish. Another is to use a coordinate like a thin striped knit for sleeves and bias trim.
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
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Posted on: 5/17/16 10:37 AM ET
Knit shrinkage can vary so much! I wash/dry, measuring each time. When I get the same measurement twice in a row, I wash/dry one more time.
I had a knit fom JoAnn which took ALL DAY!
  
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Posted on: 5/18/16 9:09 AM ET
Thanks for the ideas! I hadn't thought of using contrasting thread, but that's a really good idea and it will also make it look more professional too.

As far as measuring each time you preshrink, great tip, I hadn't thought of that but it is a good way to gauge the shrinkage factor. Do you measure length and width as well? Since it is white, it's highly likely I will be washing it in the future with hot water so I will preshrink with hot water too.

And thanks to the person who suggested looking at Alabama chinon, so many creative ideas there and on pintrist as well.

This should be an interesting project. Thanks for all of your replies 😊
  
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Posted on: 5/18/16 10:22 AM ET
In reply to Sewingmavin
I want to add that because you stated it is from the days before spandex, you probably have cotton knit with less recovery than you may be used to. Check the stretch, and check the recovery. Lycra makes a great difference in the drape and recovery of knees and other stretched areas. Have fun and consider some patterns which hang from the shoulders.
  
Member since 9/17/12
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Posted on: 5/18/16 11:46 AM ET
Wow, you could make ANYTHING. Good choice. No wonder you want some advice.

Might I suggest... you could dye it, any color you like, solid or with a shibori pattern. Tons of tutorials out there on the web, some as simple as dumping a couple yards of fabric into your washing machine and squeezing in a bottle of dye. You can get RIT dyes at your fabric store, or fancier stuff from somewhere like Dharma Trading Company. Seamwork magazine also had a great tutorial for printing a design on plain fabric, using simple materials-- fabric paint and a pencil eraser to make little dots.

I think you should make some tees AND a wrap dress! If you wanted to make bottoms and the jersey is light, it might work if you dyed it a dark color, or you could make your garment with a double layer.
  
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