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Friday, March 2, 2012

Looking for Fabric101? You've got it! {New Mini-Series}

**This post has been edited to include the links for all of the Parts of The SoChick Chick's Guide to Fabric**


If you've been around this blog for any amount of time, you know I have this thing for fabric... a slight addiction/obsession, what have you.  I love to touch it, cut it, sew and create with it; I'm not going to lie, I have some yards that I'm hoarding holding on to because I just can't bear to cut into them.  I could spend a lot of time talking about fabric (I kind-of sort-of do, ahem, Fab. Fabric Fridays), learning more about it, etc. etc...  I seriously do a happy dance every time the UPS man brings fabric to me, and am admittedly bummed if I miss the UPS guy and have to wait another day for said fabric.


Another thing I'm passionate about is teaching/encouraging others to sew, appreciate great fabric, and all of the beautiful things you can create when you mix the two!  Recently I've been testing the waters with teaching sewing lessons... so far so good, more about that another time... 


I find that when I'm teaching I have to fight the urge to just go on and on about fabric, mainly quilting cotton, and how great I think it is.  Not to mention all of the fun, fresh, modern prints that are available out there, from small shops and online, but it wouldn't be much of a sewing lesson if the instructor blabbered on about fabric instead of showing you how to thread a machine, right? Right!


... Light-bulb Moment... why not put all of the info here, on my SoChick Blog, for everyone to see?!  I mean, this is a blog about sewing and creating "Everyday Chic for Everyday Chicks!", riiiiight? Right!


So, starting next week I will be sharing a Mini-Series: 



Topics I'll cover:

* What is Fabric Grain? [Part 1: Fabric Grain]


* Pre-treating/Pressing your fabric. [Part 2: Pre-washing & Cutting]


* Measuring/Cutting [See Part 2]


* Fat Quarter vs. 1/4 Yard [Part 3: Fat Quarters & Pre-Cuts]


Interfacing vs Interlining and why you NEED it. [Part 4: Interfacings & Interlinings]


Beyond Quilting Cotton: some of my 'other' favorite types of fabric


Tools, Tips & Tricks


My hopes are that this guide will be of some help to those of you who are new to the world of fabric & sewing, by having helpful info and tips in one place.  Plus, now my students can benefit from learning how to actually sew instead of listening to me babble about fabric, on and on and on... 


* * *
Coming Up Next Week:
- Mini Series: The SoChick Chick's Guide to Fabric 
- I'm Heading to The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Atlanta, GA
- My Stop on the Craftsy BOM Blog Tour, see Here for dates.


Have a great weekend!
XxOo~ Melissa

3 comments:

  1. Oh, I love the idea for this series. I would really like to learn more and need to learn more about fabrics!

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  2. I am really excited for this! It's funny - I have a shop where most of my stuff is sewn but I still know very, very little about sewing & fabric. I found a couple things that worked for me and haven't ventured far out of that little box.

    I've downloaded some patterns and photos of things I want to try to spice up my wardrobe, and I'm even going to try some BAGS. I know. I am so brave. ;) But seriously, it's intimidating!

    I remember you explaining that I should use a different needle for knits. I admit that I haven't tried it yet but it's on my list. :) Anyway - as I said, I'm looking forward to this. Besides learning more about sewing and fabric, I really need to find some good places to get fabric. I currently get my fabric from thrift stores and clothing I don't wear anymore, one online shop that I love, JoAnn.

    Oh, and interfacing - I so need to learn about this! In all the bag patterns I want to try, interfacing is included and I'm lost trying to figure out what the best type is for each project and then where to buy it. Online? JoAnn?

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    Replies
    1. I am SO glad you are excited about this!! Just you wait, you'll be bursting with info when I'm done ;-)

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