This is article 1 of a multi-part series focusing on three categories of fabric – fabric made from plants, from animals, and from minerals. This month – plants! Did you know that the overall global textile industry is valued at nearly one trillion dollars? The plant-sourced portion of this market grows about 7% annually and […]
Matching Fabric Patterns Across Seams
Ever wondered how to line-up/match the pattern of your fabric across seams? This 1-minute tutorial is a sure fire way to get it right!
Selvages: On the Edge
What is the selvage? Selvages are the edges of woven fabrics—the place where the weft (crosswise) threads turn around to form the next row during the weaving process. Some selvages are thicker than the fabric itself, as often there are more threads per inch at the edges to help keep the edges straight during the […]
Working with Pre-Cut Fabrics
If you’re a quilter, chances are you’re familiar with pre-cut fabric groupings, but if you’re not a quilter, the term may be new to you. Pre-Cuts Explained Most manufacturers offer their lines in coordinated groupings of various numbers of fabrics—often including prints, solids and perhaps dots or stripes that all go together. For those reticent […]
Fireside Chat: Shankari Paradee
We hope you enjoy this 25 minute chat with Shankari (a.k.a. Sewl Sister) as she talks about making quilts and memory bears with a plan for zero waste. Her goal is to live in a world with no landfill fabric. We think you will enjoy her story and be inspired! Visit the Sewl Sister website […]
Border Prints 101
When shopping for fabric, we’re accustomed to seeing rows of bolts with an allover print. But look a little deeper and you’ll find some with unique features—border prints! Border prints are fun to work with and allow you to showcase this print feature in creative ways. What is a border print? Instead of a fabric […]
Sewing Basics: Fabric Terms
What is the one item that you absolutely must have for every sewing project you will ever do? It’s fabric, of course! Since the fabric you choose will have a significant impact on how your finished project turns out, it can help to have an understanding of how fabric is woven so that you can […]
Tackling Tulle
Whether you’re making a flirty tutu, a long flowing wedding veil or decorating for a bridal shower, it’s likely some tulle will be involved in the process. Like its netting cousin, tulle is an openwork fabric sporting allover holes for a transparent look. Netting has larger holes than tulle and it’s usually stiffer. Both are […]
Sewing Basics: Fabric Grainline
Fabric grain refers to the direction in which the threads run. It’s important for the lengthwise and crosswise threads to meet at right angles, or the project will twist or hang crooked. Do you understand fabric grain, why it is important and how to work with it? This video will tell you everything you need […]
Learn to Sew: Knowing the Nap
Napped fabrics are normally cut so that the nap runs down the garment, from the top down toward the lower hem. This feels softer, and the fabric tends to pill less and wear better. However, when the nap runs up, the color is richer. Short-nap fabrics, such as corduroy and velour, can be cut with […]
Guide for Seam Finishes
You have all of your supplies ready, you’ve adjusted your pattern, cut your fabric and you’re ready to start sewing. Before you sit down at the machine, have you thought about the best seam finish to use for your fabric? This post will help you to choose the best method to assure your seams are […]
The Dior Exhibition
On a beautiful, sunny day in January, the Colorado Springs ASG garment group toured the Dior exhibition held at the Denver Art Museum. I had heard glowing reviews from other friends who had attended, but I was not prepared for the scope of the offering. A selection of more than 200 couture dresses was on […]
