Fabric coop fabric (Free Spirit by Heather Bailey "Fresh Cut", 3 coordinating Katie Jump Rope designs, China Doll and Lollidot)
Hollabee (top) and Lara Cameron's fabric (bottom)
Two fabrics from Lotta Jansdotter
Are you seeing a lot of green??
Showing posts with label fabric. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fabric. Show all posts
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Fabric Fabric Fabric
Speaking of Spring thoughts... my fabric co-op order arrived today WITH another order, Lotta Jansdotter fabric, from Japan. Also, I have some new hand printed linen fabric from Hollabee! Time to sew!
Fabric coop fabric (Free Spirit by Heather Bailey "Fresh Cut", 3 coordinating Katie Jump Rope designs, China Doll and Lollidot)
Hollabee (top) and Lara Cameron's fabric (bottom)
Two fabrics from Lotta Jansdotter
Are you seeing a lot of green??
Fabric coop fabric (Free Spirit by Heather Bailey "Fresh Cut", 3 coordinating Katie Jump Rope designs, China Doll and Lollidot)
Hollabee (top) and Lara Cameron's fabric (bottom)
Two fabrics from Lotta Jansdotter
Are you seeing a lot of green??
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Fabric, Fabric, Fabric PHOTOS
OK, I didn't post the photos a few days ago so here they are:
JUST IN yesterday! Kristen Doran from Australia. I think I will keep this fabric for myself as in making something for ME not my shop.
And here's my packet o' goodness from Leslie at alittlegoodness
Leslie sent me some free goodies including the print fabric on top. Here is the Lotta Jansdotter fabric close up:
And from the pages of the Bienfait magazine, a cute apron:
And last but not least, from Frances at Matatabi shop:
Frances included the little kitty fabric and the cute sewing tape gratis! Sweet!
Oh, and some Christmas fabric I had to buy this weekend at a local fabric shop:
Ready, set, SEW!
JUST IN yesterday! Kristen Doran from Australia. I think I will keep this fabric for myself as in making something for ME not my shop.
And here's my packet o' goodness from Leslie at alittlegoodness
Leslie sent me some free goodies including the print fabric on top. Here is the Lotta Jansdotter fabric close up:
And from the pages of the Bienfait magazine, a cute apron:
And last but not least, from Frances at Matatabi shop:
Frances included the little kitty fabric and the cute sewing tape gratis! Sweet!
Oh, and some Christmas fabric I had to buy this weekend at a local fabric shop:
Ready, set, SEW!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Fabric, Fabric, Fabric
Besides sewing aprons, I've been accumulating more fabric! I received two shipments from Japan this weekend (YAY) from Etsy shops alittlegoodness and matatabi. From Leslie at Goodness I received some really fun Lotta Jansdotter fabric and some cute prints from Matatabi.
And finally, I am waiting for another Australian fabric from Kristen Doran. You Aussies know how to design fabric! :)
Next up on my list of sewing is a Hippie Mama Lovechild Apron! I can't wait to make this, it's all ready, I just have to wait until I go home tonight. Then I will make a matching hippie kiddie apron I think. Fun.
I have so many plans for using this fabric and so little time!
And finally, I am waiting for another Australian fabric from Kristen Doran. You Aussies know how to design fabric! :)
Next up on my list of sewing is a Hippie Mama Lovechild Apron! I can't wait to make this, it's all ready, I just have to wait until I go home tonight. Then I will make a matching hippie kiddie apron I think. Fun.
I have so many plans for using this fabric and so little time!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sewing
I was so excited about my fabric arrival that I've already started a new apron/pinafore! This one is Full Moon Polka Dot Cherry fabric from Amy Butler and it will have trim using Lotus Slate fabric you see in the upper part of this photo.
I'm loving those covered buttons. They really make it look polished.
I'm loving those covered buttons. They really make it look polished.
Monday, October 29, 2007
fabric fetish
I'm in a fabric co-op and last month we selected Amy Butler fabrics. I received my first package today:
The book is a birthday gift from a wonderful friend! A perfect combo. Now to find time to SEW...
Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas? I wonder if my Dad would like Full Moon Polka Dot Cherry or Damask Black and White pajamas? hehehe
The book is a birthday gift from a wonderful friend! A perfect combo. Now to find time to SEW...
Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas? I wonder if my Dad would like Full Moon Polka Dot Cherry or Damask Black and White pajamas? hehehe
Sunday, October 14, 2007
It's all about the O(rganic)
Remember that Overstock.com commercial? When my husband was waiting for his US Work Permit, he watched a lot of TV to learn English. He would start quoting funny commercials which is how I even heard this phrase as I don't watch much TV. He kept repeating it and I finally said "What are you talking about?" and he told me about the commercial, too funny.
Anyway, I thought it would be a funny play on words for the organic items I'm going to be working on soon. One reason for this post today is to introduce what I have learned about organic fabrics. I think we sometimes jump on the bandwagon when we start hearing a buzz about something and I am one of those people who refuses to get on that wagon until I have done my research.
So, this is what I know. I have always used natural fabrics for Little Bitsys, cotton, hemp, linen. I just like them better and it seems like babies and kids should wear things that are natural. Organic as defined by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB):
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."
So organic natural cotton uses sustainable growing methods and a great website to look at which will give you tons of easy to read informatino is the Sustainable Cotton Project. The Care What you Wear Campaign lists these reasons for going organic:
TEN GOOD REASONS TO JOIN THE ORGANIC APPAREL CAMPAIGN
1:: The bottom line.
Large retailers are profitably incorporating organic cotton into their garment - either with one hundred percent substitution or by blending with conventional fibers.
2:: Proven business models
Associated Students in Chico, California, and Patagonia in Ventura, California, are just two examples of companies who have pioneered the organic cotton market and are sharing their experience with the Sustainable Cotton Project.
3:: Consumer preference
Market analysts report that consumers expect corporate responsibility as a matter of basic business practices. Organic cotton is a great way to implement it.
4:: Forthcoming regulations
Possible bans on the most toxic agricultural chemicals, as well as potential regulations about labeling on genetically engineered products, point to the need to develop sustainable, practical solutions for cotton.
5:: Quality product differentiation
Most consumers who care about the environment also care about quality; organic cotton fibers provide the opportunity for market differentiation, particularly among companies with a high quality brand image.
6:: Motivate youth and students
Campuses who have made the switch to organic cotton report that students are inspired, motivated and energized by the challenge.
7:: Environmental Leadership
Companies and campuses taking positions of environmental leadership are gaining market advantages.
8:: A Cleaner Approach
Each T-shirt made from one hundred percent organic cotton saves one-third of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals.
9:: An Industry Movement
The apparel industry stands poised to voluntarily raise its standards for materials by beginning to incorporate organic fibers into mainstream products.
10:: The farmers' daughters
Our farming and manufacturing methods can no longer compromise the environment we pass on to our children and grandchildren.
This is a lot to process. I strongly recommend everyone do some research about this industry.
Now, my philosophy is that it is hard to change the world all at once but every little bit we do personally helps. I cannot and will not stress out over not always buying organic, it is expensive and sometimes just can't be found. But here and there still helps I think.
The items I'll be working on will start with blanks from American Apparel's organic line, which have been certified . I will also use organic fabrics for applique from Near Sea Naturals, which offers a huge variety of organic fabrics and products.
DYES
This was the hardest subject to find information about. I use Procion MX dyes for cellulose fiber (cotton, linen, hemp, flax, etc.). This dye is permanent only after fixing it using soda ash. Soda ash (aka sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda) is used in glass making, and used in detergents to soften the water. For dyeing, it changes the pH so the dye reacts with the fiber, making a permanent connection that holds the dye to the fiber. It can be found naturally in the environment. Using it at home in small quantities is probably not harmful to the environment but large quanities are controlled and cleaned before releasing. The dyes themselves do not seem to pose a threat to the environment when released, though they contain heavy amounts of metals so industrial dyeing is controlled.
What about natural dyes? Well, in my research of natural dyes, the mordants used to bond these to fiber are much more dangerous to use and the effort is more time-consuming so I have decided to just NOT dye any of the organic pieces for now. It is possible to use natural mordants, but the effort is larger for someone like myself who is doing small batches at home. Nobody would be able to afford what I make if I had to throw in more labor to my products. Unfortunately. If you have any conflicting information, I am certainly not an expert, feel free to comment.
The thread, my labels and some other tiny amounts of fabric I might use will not be organic but all in all, I think the percentage will be about 95% organic.
This was not a real exciting post, eh? And no photos! OK, I'll throw one in just to be interesting. This is an original watercolor painting my grandmother made in 1960 in her travels through Europe. I just love this.
Anyway, I thought it would be a funny play on words for the organic items I'm going to be working on soon. One reason for this post today is to introduce what I have learned about organic fabrics. I think we sometimes jump on the bandwagon when we start hearing a buzz about something and I am one of those people who refuses to get on that wagon until I have done my research.
So, this is what I know. I have always used natural fabrics for Little Bitsys, cotton, hemp, linen. I just like them better and it seems like babies and kids should wear things that are natural. Organic as defined by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB):
"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony."
So organic natural cotton uses sustainable growing methods and a great website to look at which will give you tons of easy to read informatino is the Sustainable Cotton Project. The Care What you Wear Campaign lists these reasons for going organic:
TEN GOOD REASONS TO JOIN THE ORGANIC APPAREL CAMPAIGN
1:: The bottom line.
Large retailers are profitably incorporating organic cotton into their garment - either with one hundred percent substitution or by blending with conventional fibers.
2:: Proven business models
Associated Students in Chico, California, and Patagonia in Ventura, California, are just two examples of companies who have pioneered the organic cotton market and are sharing their experience with the Sustainable Cotton Project.
3:: Consumer preference
Market analysts report that consumers expect corporate responsibility as a matter of basic business practices. Organic cotton is a great way to implement it.
4:: Forthcoming regulations
Possible bans on the most toxic agricultural chemicals, as well as potential regulations about labeling on genetically engineered products, point to the need to develop sustainable, practical solutions for cotton.
5:: Quality product differentiation
Most consumers who care about the environment also care about quality; organic cotton fibers provide the opportunity for market differentiation, particularly among companies with a high quality brand image.
6:: Motivate youth and students
Campuses who have made the switch to organic cotton report that students are inspired, motivated and energized by the challenge.
7:: Environmental Leadership
Companies and campuses taking positions of environmental leadership are gaining market advantages.
8:: A Cleaner Approach
Each T-shirt made from one hundred percent organic cotton saves one-third of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals.
9:: An Industry Movement
The apparel industry stands poised to voluntarily raise its standards for materials by beginning to incorporate organic fibers into mainstream products.
10:: The farmers' daughters
Our farming and manufacturing methods can no longer compromise the environment we pass on to our children and grandchildren.
This is a lot to process. I strongly recommend everyone do some research about this industry.
Now, my philosophy is that it is hard to change the world all at once but every little bit we do personally helps. I cannot and will not stress out over not always buying organic, it is expensive and sometimes just can't be found. But here and there still helps I think.
The items I'll be working on will start with blanks from American Apparel's organic line, which have been certified . I will also use organic fabrics for applique from Near Sea Naturals, which offers a huge variety of organic fabrics and products.
DYES
This was the hardest subject to find information about. I use Procion MX dyes for cellulose fiber (cotton, linen, hemp, flax, etc.). This dye is permanent only after fixing it using soda ash. Soda ash (aka sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda) is used in glass making, and used in detergents to soften the water. For dyeing, it changes the pH so the dye reacts with the fiber, making a permanent connection that holds the dye to the fiber. It can be found naturally in the environment. Using it at home in small quantities is probably not harmful to the environment but large quanities are controlled and cleaned before releasing. The dyes themselves do not seem to pose a threat to the environment when released, though they contain heavy amounts of metals so industrial dyeing is controlled.
What about natural dyes? Well, in my research of natural dyes, the mordants used to bond these to fiber are much more dangerous to use and the effort is more time-consuming so I have decided to just NOT dye any of the organic pieces for now. It is possible to use natural mordants, but the effort is larger for someone like myself who is doing small batches at home. Nobody would be able to afford what I make if I had to throw in more labor to my products. Unfortunately. If you have any conflicting information, I am certainly not an expert, feel free to comment.
The thread, my labels and some other tiny amounts of fabric I might use will not be organic but all in all, I think the percentage will be about 95% organic.
This was not a real exciting post, eh? And no photos! OK, I'll throw one in just to be interesting. This is an original watercolor painting my grandmother made in 1960 in her travels through Europe. I just love this.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Remember the fabric samples I got from the closing of Miss Talulahs? Well I was inspired to rePURSEd (a very bad pun on repurpose) them! I used the large samples to make the purse, lining and straps, then used the smaller swatches for pockets (check out the minky, mmmm) and the jersey swatches to make the animals. I came up with the button on a strap idea somehow and I really like that little uniqueness it gives to the whole thing. Here they are:
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Ideas.... Directions...
So, now that it's the beginning of Fall, my mind turns to....
SPRING! Sounds silly but I'm already thinking about what to make for Spring wardrobes! Part of this has been inspired by my desire to start sewing from scratch again. I have ordered some yummy Japanese fabrics in cotton, linen and double-gauze cotton to put together some ideas. Here are some of the fabrics.
Don't worry, I am also thinking about holiday and winter styles but for the scratch sewing I'm going to have to start thinking now!
I'm also busy putting together a wholesale order so I'm cutting out purple flowers in the wee hours of the night while I watch really bad TV and my husband sleeps. Sound fun?
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