Malaysian Fabric Heritage

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of “Wardrobe Magic,” an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com.

It is relatively common to use wool in quilts. These quilts are outstanding for cold weather.

Wool retains heat extremely well. Wool probably retains heat better than cotton, and has the same wicking properties (they draw moisture away from your body and allows it to evaporate.) Wool quilts were very common during the Civil War, and were credited with saving many lives during the harsh winters.

Wool is a little more difficult to work with than cotton. Because it is generally thicker (each thread of wool is thicker than each thread of cotton), the seam allowances don’t finger press well, and will require pins to keep them in place.

Because of the thickness, the quilt will be bulkier, and it may require a stronger sewing machine needle to sew through all of the layers.

Hand quilting is different because of the thickness of the fabric and also the weave. Some wools have fewer threads per inch than cotton, so your quilting stitches should be longer, and you may want to use a thicker thread.

Until recently, wool was mostly “Dry Clean Only.” Each strand of wool has little barbs on it. When they become wet and agitated (as in a washing machine), the barbs join together, never to be separated. This is called “felting,” and creates a piece of fabric or quilt that is about 1/3 its original size. very disappointing if you have spent hours on the project and were hoping to would remain the same size.

New wool is on the market that they say is washable and will not shrink. Using a new biotech process, wool can be treated so it is washable in your home washing machine and will not shrink. This is a great benefit, and will require quilters to know the difference and which wool they have, so a tragic mistake is not made.

Wools tend to be more expensive than cotton, and the variety of colors and patterns available is somewhat limited. As quilters venture into other types of fabric, the selection is increasing, so look for a wider variety of wool in the future – including hand-dyed wools.

Final thoughts. With all of its challenges, wool makes great quilts. They are cuddly and warm, and drape very nicely. Try wool batting in the quilt for a 100% wool quilt.

Ladies,

Spring has come for some of us and will happen soon for others. Here
are some tips for creating a new spring/summer fashion to your wardrobe.
Go to your favorite fabric store and purchase a 1/2 yard ( 18″ by
54 to 60″ wide) of stretch fabric.

This will be enough to make a tube top and cover a pair of thong
sandals. If you have three or four pairs, pruce them up by covering
them up with other different types of print stretch fabrics.
Now make the tube tops to match them and you have a new
spring and summer look. Take those old flip flops sandals out of
the closet.

1. You start by covering the sides with your new
fabric (the stretch fabric), you can use a spray adhesive (3M
Supper adhesive) you can purchase at a hardware store. Cover the
top and bottom part of the sandals so you don’t get any adhesive on
those areas.

Cut a wide strip of fabric that will wrap around the sides of the
body of the sandal and cut away the excess hanging over the top edge
and bottom edge.

2. Now cut a strip to cover the top part of the thong.
Make sure you protect the area where you feet sits onto the sandal
by covering the part where your feet rest on the insole. Use
brown paper bag with masking tape. Spray the thong and spray the
inside or wrong side of the fabric and press it onto the thong material
part of the shoe. Have a new sole put on those that need it.

3. Tube top blouse are very simple to make. Just cut the fabric 3″
less than the size of the width of your waist. Example, if your
waist is 28 inches cut the fabric 25 inches wide,
fold and sew edges together, 1/2 inch on the seam.

A good stretchy fabric that stretches both direction is what you look
for in a good stretch fabric. It will fit comfortably on
your bust size as well.

Enjoy your new fashion. Also suitable for young teens and little girls.
For a step by step illustration go to: http://www.deyostudios.com
You’ll see swatches of new spring stretch fabrics we sell. We also
sell cement adhesive kit with brushes. This cement gives a better and
tigher final attachment. It’s sold by the ounce (2 1/2 oz).
You can also see other creations and designs that may be of interest.

Do you have a yen to wear vintage clothing but aren’t sure how to begin?  Or perhaps you’d like to update your look without breaking the bank.  Vintage scarves are the answer.  They are easy to find, easy to wear and affordable.  Here’s three reasons you’ll want to add a versatile vintage scarf to your fashion repertoire.

1. Vintage scarves are a classic style that can be made fresh and new.

Scarves have been worn since ancient Rome.  They’ve been used as neck wraps and belts and for warmth and for beauty in every fabric from wool to cotton to silk.  Fashion trends may come and go but the scarf is always in style and can be worn on the wrist, neck, head, hand bag and even as a light wrap or shawl.  Try twisting several sheer scarves in complimentary colors to get a swirl of color or make a halter top from a larger scarf.

2. A stylish scarf is a small investment that can perk up any outfit.

Does your wardrobe need a lift?  Then add a colorful vintage scarf in silk or rayon to a jacket, dress or handbag.  Scarves can be mixed and matched to your own wardrobe and come in all price ranges depending on the label, age and fabric.  Designer labels and scarves printed with a maker mark usually command a higher price. If you want an affordable collectible look for the “Vera” label or logo printed on the scarf.  It’s a quality brand that is still being made.   There are also plenty of vintage scarves without labels that are made using quality fabrics and can still be found for a modest sum.  After all, pay less and you may be able to buy two!

3. A scarf is uniquely yours.

Why buy new mass produced goods when each vintage scarf is its own unique treasure in a rainbow of colors and designs. The chances are very slim that you’ll find a duplicate style or color in vintage. Create your own flair or statement with a neck wrap or shawl and make it your signature look. Check pictures online to get inspired then let the scarf flow as a neck wrap, hair tie or wrap turban.  You can tuck it in a jacket pocket or tie it at the waist for a splash of color. Add a pin or a second sheer scarf as an accent. With experimentation one scarf can become a dozen looks.

Check flea markets, your neighborhood boutique and online sites to see prices and availability of vintage scarves.  Watch for quality fabrics like silk and rayon or choose cotton or polyester for durability and bright colors. Always check the scarf tags for maker and washing instructions.  If there is no label assume it should be hand washed.   Be sure to experiment with different size scarves and unleash your creativity.  Enjoy the hunt for the perfect vintage scarf and your lucky find will never go out of style.

Fun Fact: Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, both fashion icons, were know for their distinctive way with a scarf.  Hepburn often wore a head scarf to frame her heart shaped face and highlight her luminous eyes. Grace Kelly wore her scarf  as a way to protect her hairstyle and still look glamorous while traveling.  This style with the scarf over the head, wrapped around and tied at the throat is known as the “Grace Kelly.”

The most durable of fabrics used for clothing is used to make jeans. Jeans should be the most durable item of clothing in your closet. Ripped jeans were more expensive when they were in style. The trend now is to have your jeans look like your have worn them for months. Here are some tips on how to rip them to look trendy.

You will need the following materials:
- New jeans
- Pair of scissors
- File and sandpaper
- Large safety pin
- Bleach (optional)

The jeans should be washed. If you are able you should start with slightly worn jeans. You should wash newly purchased jeans three or four times before wearing them. Choose where to locate the rip. Jeans should only be ripped at places where pressure will be applied, like the hips, pockets, buttocks, and knees. While you go about your normal daily routine, these areas often come into contact with the ground. A small slit should be cut. Make a tiny cut with scissors where you want to rip to appear.

Sand the fabric with a nail file or sandpaper. Select hardest file or roughest sandpaper possible. Scrub over the desired area to be ripped.

Make a rip using a pin. If you want to make a small hole instead of a cut use a safety pin to pull out some threads. Put the pin point in between the threads and pull out just one thread then rip the thread from the jeans. Keep doing this until you have a hole.

Scrub the denim once more. Using the sandpaper or file rough up the edges of the rips you have just made. Have some frayed ends too if that is the look you want.

The jeans should be washed. When the ripping is done, wash them twice at least. Try putting about one teaspoon of beach in the wash water to lighten the color and the fraying.
Wear them. Now you can show off your creation – don’t forget they will rip more as you wear them. The jeans will soon look old and daggy.

It is going to take some practice to rub your jeans down to the perfect looking rips and holes. Begin with just small damage and your jeans will look ‘designer’ shabby.

Jacquie Generra writes about Teenagers and Fashion & Personal Care as Cassandra Seveny for HowToDoThings.com.