Monday, October 18, 2010

Fabric Store versus Op-Shop

Washed and ironed store snippets.

I decided to experience buying cloth from a fabric store instead of limiting myself to op-shop purchases. I enjoy op-shop buys because there is such a good chance of finding interesting and unique fabrics. The down side is the bulk of items to deal with and store once I bring them home. As a result of my visit to a fabric store I found some great advantages in buying fabric thus. It was easier to find exact shades I was after, if I was attracted to a small design aspect I only needed to buy a small yardage, and the cost was not high when only buying a fragment. Overall though, I loved assembling the little pile of color and design. I could look at this little pile happily for the rest of my life. This pleasure reminds me of the immense satisfaction I derive from organising stationary items in drawer or on a desk. Fabric store shopping doesn't replace the thrill of the really great op-shop finds but it certainly does enhance the range of fabrics from which to choose just the right one for the task at hand. Plus it was really good fun - better than choosing a cheese from a Paris 'fromagerie'. That is saying something! I did learn that when washing these fabrics I need to put them in a little bag to minimise the huge tangled mess I had. Any tips regarding this?

At close of needle I had nearly finished my second bear cloth. I will post it soon. I am pretty happy with it. The two together do make a stronger composition just as Janet Bolton comments in her book, Patchwork Folk Art.

Happy stitching all, Gilly


Tangled mess after washing.



12 comments:

  1. oh yes, such a tangled mess. you could try placing them in underwear washing bags, using the gentles cycle on the machine, recutting the edges with pinking shears or as i do just hand washing. lovely pile of threads to play with now tho.
    the top one of orangey purples is lovely, as the old timers here say "i'd like a pup out of that". k.

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  2. Hahahah kaite- I haven't heard that expression. Would you like me to send you some? G.

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  3. i save all my threads from washing and use them in collages and fabric cards. i don't have many these days because before washing, i fold the fabric in quarters and just snip the 2 raw edge sides with a pinking shears. works like a charm.

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  4. i snip around the edges. about 1/4" in. with a sharp scissor first, makes lint rather than tangled long threads. and nice fringe

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  5. What a wonderful pile of inspiration! It makes me want to go to the fabric store. I'll keep myself from that for now... I have plenty of started cloths to work on. Now, I might want to go get some more floss... there's always room for floss!

    ;~) Debi

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  6. hmmmmm. thinking.
    you are right, about the pleasure, i DO
    know that pleasure, but i think i need to
    stick to the thrift shop/op shop.
    what i'd like to do is learn to redye them
    and/or color what i do with my own hand.
    i like very much though, your words about
    this...very nice for me. thanks....

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  7. Hi Gilly; I think I do the same as Jude. At each corner of the cloth I snip at a 45% angle about a quarter of an inch triangle.

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  8. hi Gilly, the expression came from the old farmers who were always on the lookout for good working dogs, our famous kelpies. and no, you keep it but thankyou. k.

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  9. Makes good stuffing too. Like the colors you've chosen.

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  10. Love the brown and purple .. on the top of your pile .. I was so excited this week to find a wonderful piece of batik in a rich red and orangish color. I love to find fabric at the thrift store. I dyed some quilting that was discarded in the thrift store. It now has a lovely pink shade overall... maybe i'll post some images soon. Too much going on right now .. but love looking at your goings on. :)

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  11. i snip at a 45 degree angle at each corner... it eliminates the treads so no tangles... it was a long while before i learned this!

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  12. Thankyou all very much. I tried the snipping but not cutting the ends. Next time I will definely cut the ends. I can see how it would help. Gilly

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