The Conservative Cave

Interests => Hobbies => Topic started by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 08:58:50 PM

Title: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 08:58:50 PM
1 of the things I've been doing to avoid politics is crafts and sewing, and since my sewing machine is working awesome I've been doing a bunch of projects, most recent ones are flannel pillowcases. The question I have is this, we're limited in fabric stores around here, I basically have Joann's and Walmart, I've been buying my fabrics at Joann's but honestly the choices are way too overwhelming, they have so much to choose from, and also the prices are really high, on average I'm spending about $6.97 a yard. Well I had to take my Mom and Aunt to Walmart today, so I'm wandering around and thought let me look at their fabric dept. well OMG at the prices, we're talking $3.97 per yard for flannel, and solid cotton colors going for $2.97 a yard, so I bought some fabric there. Just curious, anyone know about the quality of fabrics at Walmart compared to something like Joann's?
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 04, 2013, 09:37:08 PM
Bally Girl, I have gone thru this company and never a problem!! Beautiful material, and lots to choose from....
Prices are pretty good!!
http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=flannel&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e

It takes you right to the flannel section of the website.
 I avoid fleece like the plague..it tends to catch in the gunnels...
Also avoid cheap thread, like Coats and Clark and Dual Duty. They will do a number on a sewing machine.
I like and prefer Guterman thread myself.
With Joanne's you have to keep up with the coupons, and they only cover one item... :whatever:
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 10:07:33 PM
Oh wow, that's a really cool site and the prices are awesome, I'll have to bookmark it.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 10:12:06 PM
Oh and ugh! I bought 2 yards each of fleece in black and red about a month ago, I was going to do something with it and changed my mind, now I have no idea what to do with it.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BattleHymn on April 04, 2013, 10:15:53 PM
Hello Bally,

I asked the spousal unit, and she said that although Wal-Mart typically carries economy-grade fabrics, if you're just making stuff for everyday use, there is nothing wrong with what you'll get there.  

-Spousal unit, 11-years of experience at Hobby Lobby
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 10:19:54 PM
Awwwww, thanks BH and BH spouse!
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BattleHymn on April 04, 2013, 10:27:04 PM
What were you gonna make with your red and black fleece?
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 04, 2013, 10:28:36 PM
Oh and ugh! I bought 2 yards each of fleece in black and red about a month ago, I was going to do something with it and changed my mind, now I have no idea what to do with it.
What about a nice spring or fall vest...or a hator mittens, or a scarf?.  These are pretty easy to make.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Dori on April 04, 2013, 10:53:50 PM
Oh and ugh! I bought 2 yards each of fleece in black and red about a month ago, I was going to do something with it and changed my mind, now I have no idea what to do with it.

Sew them together and make a warm reversable throw.  You could even fringe it on the ends.   Use a zig zag stitch, as fleece stretches.  You could cover a pet bed with it too.  It washes up really nice.


Seahorse is right about JoAnns.  You need to watch your ad coupons and sales.  I've seen some good sales there.  Also, check the flat folded fabrics on the tables, they are not on the bolts. 
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 04, 2013, 11:40:21 PM
I wanted to make curtains for my Mom and for some reason I chose the fleece. My neighbor does crafts and I might ask her if she wants them.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: chitownchica on April 05, 2013, 12:00:59 AM
I wanted to make curtains for my Mom and for some reason I chose the fleece. My neighbor does crafts and I might ask her if she wants them.

If you have any drafty doors or windows, maybe you could  make a draft blocker.

ETA a picture of a basic one.

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s450/DUDUmmies/Draft-Snake.jpg)
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 05, 2013, 07:15:28 AM
Actually it's not fleece, it's freaking felt, no idea what the heck I was thinking when I bought it.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 05, 2013, 08:43:15 AM
Actually it's not fleece, it's freaking felt, no idea what the heck I was thinking when I bought it.
Felt?? Oh gosh...Felt is not good for much unfortunately.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BattleHymn on April 06, 2013, 08:46:58 AM
Felt?? Oh gosh...Felt is not good for much unfortunately.

Make a reversible felt throw, and give it to someone you don't like.  :-)
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 07, 2013, 07:48:27 AM
Make a reversible felt throw, and give it to someone you don't like.  :-)

:lmao: donate it to the DNC?

BTW I got an awesome compliment yesterday on my sewing, my cousins wife whom we adore, she buys only items that are good so that they will last a long time, well I made a cool pillowcase for her 3 year old, she looked at it and said "you really sewed this" and I said yes, she inspected the whole thing then showed it to my cousin, he inspected the whole thing and they couldn't believe I sewed it, then she said she's having a hard time finding pillowcases for her new bedroom set and asked if I would make them for her, I told her to just buy the material you want to use and I'll gladly do it.

I also set up a nice organized sewing and craft area in my living room. I like things to look neat and organized so I was keeping the sewing machine in the case and had to keep lugging it out when I needed it and had to use the craft table as a sewing table, well I have a nice vanity table that wasn't getting much use so I decided to see if I could put it in my craft corner so I could keep the sewing machine up all the time instead of having to use the case, and it looks really good.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 07, 2013, 07:49:38 AM
I think I might keep the felt, I can always cut them out and use them as accents, I have fabric paint so I can make some nice designs.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 07, 2013, 07:54:40 AM
I think I might keep the felt, I can always cut them out and use them as accents, I have fabric paint so I can make some nice designs.
oh that would be cool!! Post pics??
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 07, 2013, 10:00:48 AM
oh that would be cool!! Post pics??

I'll post pics of some of the pillowcases, and I'll post pics of the sewing machine cover that I'm going to make where I'll add the felt embellishment.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 07, 2013, 01:45:57 PM
I'll post pics of some of the pillowcases, and I'll post pics of the sewing machine cover that I'm going to make where I'll add the felt embellishment.
That will be awesome!!
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: debk on April 07, 2013, 02:03:04 PM
Bally Girl, I have gone thru this company and never a problem!! Beautiful material, and lots to choose from....
Prices are pretty good!!
http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=flannel&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e

It takes you right to the flannel section of the website.
 I avoid fleece like the plague..it tends to catch in the gunnels...Also avoid cheap thread, like Coats and Clark and Dual Duty. They will do a number on a sewing machine.
I like and prefer Guterman thread myself.



I remember when Coats and Clark was considered really good thread. It's all my grandmother ever used for her embroidered quilts, piillowcases and aprons...


Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 07, 2013, 02:21:15 PM

I remember when Coats and Clark was considered really good thread. It's all my grandmother ever used for her embroidered quilts, piillowcases and aprons...



Yeah, I wouldn't use them now, except handsewing. When you have a 500 dollar sewing machine, like I do.. You should invest in good thread. I usially go to a specialty sewing store or Joanne's to get mine...
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 07, 2013, 05:27:04 PM
Here's some of the pillowcase pics.

This is the Queen size pillow I use when reading in bed, I'm a leaner so it's either leaning on my Husband's head to read or a pillow LOL, I used a soft flannel for this pillowcase:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/RepublicanandProud/Crafts009_zpsb4fd41b8.jpg)

Here's what the material looks like up close:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/RepublicanandProud/Crafts010_zpscd50f068.jpg)

Here's a couple of others:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/RepublicanandProud/Crafts008_zps9918fed7.jpg)

Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 07, 2013, 10:06:59 PM
Here's the sewing machine cover, I had to add fusible fleece to give it stability, the darn thread kept bunching at the bobbin, I googled and they said to use 100% polyester thread when using fusible fleece, I was using 100% cotton, switched thread and the stitches were perfect.

Here's the bare sewing machine:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/RepublicanandProud/Crafts011_zpse0fe664a.jpg)

And here's the cover, I didn't do a felt embellishment, I just added lace to the bottom:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/RepublicanandProud/Crafts012_zpsc6ee6464.jpg)
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BEG on April 09, 2013, 08:49:39 PM
Gutermann is the best thread, it's worth the extra cost.  I have bought fabric at Fsbric.com before (quilt fabric). Quilt fabric makes great pillow cases because it washes so well.

Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 09, 2013, 09:28:15 PM
@ Bally, I loved the sewing machine cover with the light houses!!
@ Beg, Guterman, is all I will buy, when sewing by macine.
I find with thread, is to buy it when you need it. Don't stock up on it!
It loses its elasticity(something to do with the strength of the thread) , i believe a sewing expert said, Have you heard that before?
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 09, 2013, 10:49:50 PM
Gutermann is the best thread, it's worth the extra cost.  I have bought fabric at Fsbric.com before (quilt fabric). Quilt fabric makes great pillow cases because it washes so well.

I actually ordered 2 in white from Amazon that should be delivered tomorrow, I got it for $7.06 each, it got great reviews.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 09, 2013, 10:55:17 PM
I never heard that sea about the thread, if anything, crafters and sewers always have tons on hand. I ordered this along with the gutermann just to have extra polyester thread on hand:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xl3CAggUL.jpg)
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 11, 2013, 07:35:49 AM
Just got some coupons from Joann's and some excerpts from their upcoming flyer, flannel is on sale $2.99 a yd. which is a great buy, even cheaper then Walmart.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Skul on April 12, 2013, 09:26:47 AM
We have a lot of fleece material.
It's used to make pouches, bags, toys and hammocks for our squirrels.
Pix, so you know I'm not kidding.

Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 12, 2013, 10:00:19 AM
We have a lot of fleece material.
It's used to make pouches, bags, toys and hammocks for our squirrels.
Pix, so you know I'm not kidding.



Those are so cute, what a nifty idea!!
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 12, 2013, 10:04:16 AM
Oh cool!
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Wineslob on April 12, 2013, 02:12:23 PM
Any of you ladies quilt? I have a Singer 221 Feather Weight I'd like to sell......
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 12, 2013, 11:34:47 PM
I thought about doing quilting but it's really time consuming, I'd rather just go out and buy 1.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Dori on April 12, 2013, 11:44:22 PM
I thought about doing quilting but it's really time consuming, I'd rather just go out and buy 1.

I've thought about it too.  Never really tried.  I would rather knit, crochet, embroider or do needlepoint. 
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BattleHymn on April 13, 2013, 01:21:20 PM
We have a lot of fleece material.
It's used to make pouches, bags, toys and hammocks for our squirrels.
Pix, so you know I'm not kidding.



Phew.

I was feeling kind of bad, since I thought I was the only guy getting updates about new replies on this thread.

Nice squirrels.  :-)
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 13, 2013, 07:09:18 PM
:lmao: BH!

I actually put this in The Spa because I figured it was a ladies topic, but someone moved it into this forum.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 13, 2013, 07:42:32 PM
:lmao: BH!

I actually put this in The Spa because I figured it was a ladies topic, but someone moved it into this forum.
I like when the guys make comments, I feel that real men that will comment on women topics, are the best ones of all.....
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 13, 2013, 09:20:31 PM
I like when the guys make comments, I feel that real men that will comment on women topics, are the best ones of all.....

I have no problem with the men making comments, it's kind of cute.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: seahorse513 on April 13, 2013, 09:38:04 PM
I have no problem with the men making comments, it's kind of cute.
I just like getting a man's point of view, on subjects that normally pertain to women.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 16, 2013, 12:55:49 PM
I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm going to try to do a quilted duvet cover, and I still have the fabric that I bought months ago to do roman shades in the bedroom. I'm doing the quilt 1st.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: BattleHymn on April 16, 2013, 05:38:22 PM
I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm going to try to do a quilted duvet cover, and I still have the fabric that I bought months ago to do roman shades in the bedroom. I'm doing the quilt 1st.

How were you planning on doing the hardware on those shades? 

I really like those, and never thought about having spousal unit make our own.  We haven't found any with fabric we like.
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Ballygrl on April 16, 2013, 09:06:40 PM
How were you planning on doing the hardware on those shades? 

I really like those, and never thought about having spousal unit make our own.  We haven't found any with fabric we like.

I found a great youtube on how to make it:

Part 1

[youtube=425,350]HJGdLU3v2cI[/youtube]

Part 2

[youtube=425,350]_q31f0TTP50[/youtube]

Part 3

[youtube=425,350]_OGs6uHoSz0[/youtube]

Part 4

[youtube=425,350]AGT2KXhWXPo[/youtube]
Title: Re: Fabric question
Post by: Skul on April 18, 2013, 08:17:49 AM
Had to watch one to find out what a Roman Shade was.
I'll stick to squirrel bags.