Fabric Sale
- Thread starter kyrsyan
- Start date
skwentnaflyer
Veteran Member
Thank you
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I wasn't going to shop today. But son really loved the stretch sleep sack. And for some reason I went by the site to look and found the sale. I can buy him more there than through the local sales. Fingers crossed that he likes the mix of textures and weights.
Their fabric quality is the best you'll find , and even non sale prices are comparable to the much crappies stuff at JoAnns, etc.
I'd better not look at the site... hubby will kill me if I bring one more yard of fabric in here!
I used a half yard of the nice, heavy 100% cotton denim to make a couple of pastry cloths... my previous duck pastry cloth vanished in the move. With such limited kitchen space, I need one to roll out pastries and cookies. It worked great. Total for each cloth... two bucks!
Summerthyme
I'd better not look at the site... hubby will kill me if I bring one more yard of fabric in here!
I used a half yard of the nice, heavy 100% cotton denim to make a couple of pastry cloths... my previous duck pastry cloth vanished in the move. With such limited kitchen space, I need one to roll out pastries and cookies. It worked great. Total for each cloth... two bucks!
Summerthyme
Www.connectingthreads.com also has 25% off site wide, and that's on top of any sale or clearance prices. They sell top quality quilting fabric, precuts, and really excellent thread.
They also have these wonderful thread organizers/storage cases... I paid ten bucks, but they're worth the $14 they are now! They keep thread clean, untangled and protected... very easy to select whatever color you need.
www.connectingthreads.com
Boy, am I grateful I stocked up on thread and fabric, though... prices are getting crazy!
Summerthyme
They also have these wonderful thread organizers/storage cases... I paid ten bucks, but they're worth the $14 they are now! They keep thread clean, untangled and protected... very easy to select whatever color you need.
Double-Sided Multi-Craft Carrier | ConnectingThreads.com
www.connectingthreads.com
Boy, am I grateful I stocked up on thread and fabric, though... prices are getting crazy!
Summerthyme
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I really, really debated the denim. But this is for projects for the son. Projects for me have to wait.
Well, no thanks to you, I've got 12 more yards of heavyweight sweatshirt fleece on the way! (Thank you, really! I doubt I'll ever see it for $4 a yard again!)
It reminds me of several years ago, when Connecting Threads had an amazing Black Friday sale... I got tons of precut strips, layer cakes and 5" squares, mostly hand dyed batiks, for under $3 a yard. I knew then it was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And it has proven to be exactly that.
Surprisingly, hubby was fine with it. Probably because his sweatshirts are starting to get thin, and I've been demonstrating to him how crappy the commercial ones are when we're out shopping.
But now, I'm DONE!
Summerthyme
It reminds me of several years ago, when Connecting Threads had an amazing Black Friday sale... I got tons of precut strips, layer cakes and 5" squares, mostly hand dyed batiks, for under $3 a yard. I knew then it was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And it has proven to be exactly that.
Surprisingly, hubby was fine with it. Probably because his sweatshirts are starting to get thin, and I've been demonstrating to him how crappy the commercial ones are when we're out shopping.
But now, I'm DONE!
Summerthyme
Meemur
Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I've learned to never say never when it comes to fabric, Summer.
You're spot-on about the thin commercial fabric, not to mention a lot of it is that itchy micro-fiber, most of which I moved out, once I determined that it was contributing to rashes.
Those crappy fabrics are starting to make it into the thrift stores, so my sewing machine has come back out, and once I'm finished with the outside work, I'll sit down and sew some new winter shirts.
And that's my other pet peeve: I live in freaking Iowa! How do the stores get away with selling such light-weight clothing when we get sub-zero temperatures? There's even far too much cotton and spandex in so-called "heavy" sweaters. No wool whatsoever.
You're spot-on about the thin commercial fabric, not to mention a lot of it is that itchy micro-fiber, most of which I moved out, once I determined that it was contributing to rashes.
Those crappy fabrics are starting to make it into the thrift stores, so my sewing machine has come back out, and once I'm finished with the outside work, I'll sit down and sew some new winter shirts.
And that's my other pet peeve: I live in freaking Iowa! How do the stores get away with selling such light-weight clothing when we get sub-zero temperatures? There's even far too much cotton and spandex in so-called "heavy" sweaters. No wool whatsoever.
Wool isn't available around here, either... just west of the Adirondacks! It's a price thing... people simply won't pay $60 or more for a sweater. I can't, either... but might consider it if I found a great deal in a style and color I loved. Because I wear them for decades! I'm currently wearing an Angora/wool blend turtleneck sweater I made on my knitting machine over 30 years ago. It's warm and still pretty, although there is some pilling on the wear spots on the sleeves.
The "microfiber" blitz is mostly due to the ridiculous price increases in cotton. If you don't react to it, it can be very comfortable, but none of it is sturdy enough to last long, at least the stuff I've seen.
I really thought I was set for life for fabric, but the advent of the new styles that require extensive 4 way stretch changed that. And, of course, there's always something pretty one of the girls falls in love with. I never would have bought stretch sequined purple if I wasn't making mermaid tails!
And I could have made sweatshirts from polar fleece, but it just doesn't stand up to the work my men folk do. And it's dangerous if you're working around open flames or welding. So... 12 more yards on the way!
Summerthyme
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kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
A nephew has discovered that Northern NY and New England are cold. He wants warm winter shirts and pants. But I can't find anything that would realistically be warm enough for up there. (If anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears.) I am likely going to get some thermal knits to make some things for me.
And, unfortunately, I don't have time to add another sewing project before Christmas. But since he's going to be there for at leaat 4 years, I'll get some sewn through the year.
I did go pickup 8 pairs of jeans that someone was giving away. That was a surprise. Levi jeans in really good condition. They will becoming at least one tiered skirt in the spring. Going to try some custom cutting to keep the pockets as they are styled. Those skirts should last a good long time.
And, unfortunately, I don't have time to add another sewing project before Christmas. But since he's going to be there for at leaat 4 years, I'll get some sewn through the year.
I did go pickup 8 pairs of jeans that someone was giving away. That was a surprise. Levi jeans in really good condition. They will becoming at least one tiered skirt in the spring. Going to try some custom cutting to keep the pockets as they are styled. Those skirts should last a good long time.
GrewUpErie
Quilter
Thanks ladies for the heads up. I now have 36 yards of shirting heading my way for less than $90. For quilters ineedfabric.com is another resource that is having a great sale. I love my fabric stash!
Displaced hillbilly
Veteran Member
I just ordered from connecting threads. I just got a new machine. Trying to learn to sew and quilt. I’m taking a beginners quilting class in January. I guess I’ll see if this 52 yr old Grammy can learn a new skill.
I bought a sewing machine about 5 years ago with the intent to learn to sew. Never happened. I can't figure out how to thread the damn thing. It sits on a tall shelf in my shop. Sad.
My grandmother used to be a great seamstress. I remember as a teenager helping her to thread the needles when she could no longer see to do it. And, She made so many beautiful quilts. I sure wish she were here today to help me learn.
Good luck to you! Hope it goes well.
Go to YouTube! They've got instructions for almost everything! Modern machines are generally simple to thread and operate ( except sergers!) buy some cheap fabric or large clothing items at a thrift store, and practice! Basic sewing 8snt difficult.
I'm so grateful my vision has cleared enough for me to be able to thread my machines! Hubby or son were always willing to help, but not always available, and I hated to bother them. My oldest son bought me one of these, and OMG!, is it useful!
I was making a dress for DGDs 4th birthday... last minute, as usual! And I goofed on some topstitching on the neckline. Ripping out matching light blue thread from the light blue fabric wasn't happening... until I put it under the magnifier! Magic...
Summerthyme
I'm so grateful my vision has cleared enough for me to be able to thread my machines! Hubby or son were always willing to help, but not always available, and I hated to bother them. My oldest son bought me one of these, and OMG!, is it useful!
I was making a dress for DGDs 4th birthday... last minute, as usual! And I goofed on some topstitching on the neckline. Ripping out matching light blue thread from the light blue fabric wasn't happening... until I put it under the magnifier! Magic...
Summerthyme
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kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
There are good online sewing courses. Right now, I'm working my way through some vids that are not good for those without experience. But definitely interesting for learning how to create things from scratch, including creating your own pattern. Or marking to cut directly on fabric. I haven't done that in a long, long time.
But over COVID, some people put up some very basic instructional videos on how to use your sewing machines and do some basic projects. The bonus is that you can watch multiple different people do it, stop, re-watch sections, search for material specific to your machine or what you are trying to make.
One thing I have learned very thoroughly. If the machine starts acting up in the middle of a job, replace the needle. And toss the old one so that you don't accidentally try to use it again.
If I could only find a video on how to resharpen sewing machine needles...
But over COVID, some people put up some very basic instructional videos on how to use your sewing machines and do some basic projects. The bonus is that you can watch multiple different people do it, stop, re-watch sections, search for material specific to your machine or what you are trying to make.
One thing I have learned very thoroughly. If the machine starts acting up in the middle of a job, replace the needle. And toss the old one so that you don't accidentally try to use it again.
If I could only find a video on how to resharpen sewing machine needles...
There ARE needle sharpening gadgets... and if your needle simply has a small burr on the end, they work well. But most times, if you hit a pin or something, it also tweaks the shaft of the needle enough that it's not worth trying to fix.
I stocked up on machine needles when I was prepping everything else, plus inherited my Mom's collection. I eventually learned to NOT try to sew over pins, no matter how much of a hurry I'm in. Sure, you can manage to miss 100 of them... but the 101st will force you to stop and replace the needle, rethread and start over!
One thing most people don't realize... skipped stitches are *almost always* caused by a dull or damaged needle. So is thread breaking...
Summerthyme
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My machine is a singer heavy duty. There is about 15 things you have to do before you even put your foot on the petal to start sewing. Maybe I should get an easier machine. I'll check out some YouTube basic videos.
I have a ton of clothing and outdoor fabric that my grandmother left in one of the barns. Plenty of stuff to practice on if I could just get it threaded.
I have a ton of clothing and outdoor fabric that my grandmother left in one of the barns. Plenty of stuff to practice on if I could just get it threaded.
One gadget..
Although, I've got to say, looking at the prices for machine needles on Amazon... spend $10-12 and get a hundred of them... probably a lifetime supply for most of us!
Summerthyme
Although, I've got to say, looking at the prices for machine needles on Amazon... spend $10-12 and get a hundred of them... probably a lifetime supply for most of us!
Summerthyme
Displaced hillbilly
Veteran Member
My grandmother was also a great seamstress and made so many beautiful quilts. Also crocheted tablecloths, doilies etc.. had her own sewing shop way back in the day. I’m taking a “ know your machine” class the quilting place is offering on Wednesday. Hoping this will help.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Um... at some point I tripped across someone selling Kevlar material. But that was a while back. I do know of vendors selling Kevlar thread. I was repairing a trampoline and trying to decide which materials would work best. Kevlar thread got ruled out because it has little to no flex and would have ended up acting as a micro saw in an already damaged area. But it's got great UV resistance.
I guess, with a loom, you could buy enough to make your own fabric.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
I've got a peg loom - might take a decade or so to weave enough for a jacket - not sure I've got the time
thompson
Certa Bonum Certamen
I highly recommend a light/magnifier like this one! Hubby got me an Ott brand like this one many years ago when I was making a lot of quilts and specialty sewing. I use mine now more for detailed close-up work on my drawings and paintings. It's an invaluable piece of gear for me and would hate to be without it.
thompson
Certa Bonum Certamen
Absolutely agree with you. I resisted the urge for many years because I'm
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh, I still use pins. I recently had to order long quilt pins. But the clips are very handy for a lot of things as well.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
A few years ago, I did that on eBay. I actually have a really good stash of machine needles. I just hate having to toss needles that are fully fuctional, just dull. I will admit it took some time to figure out the Organ needles online. But once I had them in hand, the package marking is pretty clear.
The thing I love most is that they aren't all purpose needles, which can give me the worst fits.
Anyways, the box arrived today. Son liked but is confused by the tube knit. But that's okay. It all needed a wash first. It has that stiff feel at the moment. One piece has some type of gray marks on it along one side. But from scritching it with a fingernail, it looks like it will wash out.
Really funny thing was my son trying to convince me that he should be allowed to wear the sleep sack instead of clothes when we went out yesterday. It was so cute.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Gave my son the burgundy tube knit, after washing. He loves it. It was cut more like 2.5 yards. So way too long. I'll shorten it later to make an upper body hug tube.
The one with markings cleaned up just fine. That one will make another sleep sacks. And there is a blue velveteen that is a toss up for another sleep sack or just a tube.
The one with markings cleaned up just fine. That one will make another sleep sacks. And there is a blue velveteen that is a toss up for another sleep sack or just a tube.
My order for sweatshirt fabric came yesterday. One length of the super heavyweight stuff (decided to make one for each of the men folk for Christmas), and 2 lighter weight (but still firmly woven knit and solid) in brighter colors for me and the girls.
Fleece has almost completely supplanted sweatshirt fabric for casual pants and shirts, BUT!! Fleece collects every dog hair, bit of sawdust, crumb and thread in the local area! It's unsafe for working around welders or open fires (sparks will melt it), and it doesn't hold up at all as work clothing. I'm just thrilled to find this stuff.
Now, if I could only find some heavy weight chamois cotton flannel... it seems to be extinct, and the stuff they call flannel these days is garbage.
I'm so glad their stuff is working out for your son! I'm a bit confused how it works... do you cut armholes, or is he snuggled into the tube, hands, arms, and all?
My oldest grandson has issues with texture (both clothes and food) I've been leery about sewing anything for him, simply because adolescent boys can be so picky about colors, style, etc. I've sewn Fleece lounge pants for our family for years... it started as a joke present when the kids were young teens. I made them each a pair in the wildest prints I could find, and was shocked when they loved them and wore them for years! It turns out Carson also likes the wild prints... this year's pair are made from a print of galaxies that look like photos taken by the Hubble telescope.
But I've got a length of Fleece that is super furry and ultra soft... I swear it's even softer than Minky. But it's also rainbow striped in primary colors! I think I'll make him a pair of pants from it for his February birthday ( along with some Legos or something, so if he hates them, he'll still have something for a gift) But I'm thinking he might like them...
I made him a set of sheets a few years back... fitted bottom sheet of Fleece ( the good stuff from when Malden Mills was still knitting in the US... even PolarFleece quality has gone down, sadly, as the older stuff Does Not pill) and a matching top sheet with binding in flannel in a super hero print.
It's been 4 years, and he still insists on them being put on his bed as soon as the weather turns chilly!
Last week's plans changed when DS announced he couldn't find a single decent dress for the oldest girl in her size... she's 5, and grew 8" since February! I immediately got a simple pattern out... just a long sleeved pullover style with a scooped neck and flared skirt.
I made one out of a pastel flowered ribbed knit top, with a lavender "athletic mesh"(Nick Of Times mystery bundle fabric) skirt. I had to add elastic in the waist, as she needs a size 7 for length, but her waist and hips are size 3! It turned out well, so I then made one from a red Fleece with embossed hearts for the bodice, and a red plaid skirt. I banded the neck and sleeves with the plaid. I've got one more planned, and a couple of "skorts" (skirts with shorts sewn in... n8cely modest for girls who spend half their time doing cartwheels and hanging off monkeybars!) and she should be set forbschool for winter, anyway.
It all takes longer because I trace each pattern off... with three girls, the multisize patterns save a lot of money- as long as you don't cut them out! But once I find a pattern that fits well, I'll reuse it multiple times... it's amazing how different you can make the same dress look with different types of fabric and colors.
Once I get the sweatshirts made (5 of them! What have I gotten myself into?!), I'll get back to sewing for the girls... they each are getting Fleece nightgowns for Christmas.
I'd better service my machine before I start!
Summerthyme
Fleece has almost completely supplanted sweatshirt fabric for casual pants and shirts, BUT!! Fleece collects every dog hair, bit of sawdust, crumb and thread in the local area! It's unsafe for working around welders or open fires (sparks will melt it), and it doesn't hold up at all as work clothing. I'm just thrilled to find this stuff.
Now, if I could only find some heavy weight chamois cotton flannel... it seems to be extinct, and the stuff they call flannel these days is garbage.
I'm so glad their stuff is working out for your son! I'm a bit confused how it works... do you cut armholes, or is he snuggled into the tube, hands, arms, and all?
My oldest grandson has issues with texture (both clothes and food) I've been leery about sewing anything for him, simply because adolescent boys can be so picky about colors, style, etc. I've sewn Fleece lounge pants for our family for years... it started as a joke present when the kids were young teens. I made them each a pair in the wildest prints I could find, and was shocked when they loved them and wore them for years! It turns out Carson also likes the wild prints... this year's pair are made from a print of galaxies that look like photos taken by the Hubble telescope.
But I've got a length of Fleece that is super furry and ultra soft... I swear it's even softer than Minky. But it's also rainbow striped in primary colors! I think I'll make him a pair of pants from it for his February birthday ( along with some Legos or something, so if he hates them, he'll still have something for a gift) But I'm thinking he might like them...
I made him a set of sheets a few years back... fitted bottom sheet of Fleece ( the good stuff from when Malden Mills was still knitting in the US... even PolarFleece quality has gone down, sadly, as the older stuff Does Not pill) and a matching top sheet with binding in flannel in a super hero print.
It's been 4 years, and he still insists on them being put on his bed as soon as the weather turns chilly!
Last week's plans changed when DS announced he couldn't find a single decent dress for the oldest girl in her size... she's 5, and grew 8" since February! I immediately got a simple pattern out... just a long sleeved pullover style with a scooped neck and flared skirt.
I made one out of a pastel flowered ribbed knit top, with a lavender "athletic mesh"(Nick Of Times mystery bundle fabric) skirt. I had to add elastic in the waist, as she needs a size 7 for length, but her waist and hips are size 3! It turned out well, so I then made one from a red Fleece with embossed hearts for the bodice, and a red plaid skirt. I banded the neck and sleeves with the plaid. I've got one more planned, and a couple of "skorts" (skirts with shorts sewn in... n8cely modest for girls who spend half their time doing cartwheels and hanging off monkeybars!) and she should be set forbschool for winter, anyway.
It all takes longer because I trace each pattern off... with three girls, the multisize patterns save a lot of money- as long as you don't cut them out! But once I find a pattern that fits well, I'll reuse it multiple times... it's amazing how different you can make the same dress look with different types of fabric and colors.
Once I get the sweatshirts made (5 of them! What have I gotten myself into?!), I'll get back to sewing for the girls... they each are getting Fleece nightgowns for Christmas.
I'd better service my machine before I start!
Summerthyme
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
No armholes. Just a tube. The burgundy has a loose knit and a lot of stretch. So it doesn't feel as heavy as it is, he likes it. It has really good stretch. But cotton and not very warm. But again, he needs these for other seasons as well.
Sleep sacks narrow as they come to the feet. Sensory tubes are just an even tube all the way down. I got two tubular knits because then no seams to get ripped out when he stretches it.
I did two super soft fleece sheets for him this past year. He adores them. I have a disney print to make him a cotton sheet set. I debated a compression top sheet but I think he'd find it too restrictive.
My son will only wear specific clothing items. I'm hoping to get draft a few patterns this summer to see if I can fix what he sees as wrong and maybe get him wearing a wider assortment. But first comes drafting a patchwork tiered skirt from old Levi jeans.
Sleep sacks narrow as they come to the feet. Sensory tubes are just an even tube all the way down. I got two tubular knits because then no seams to get ripped out when he stretches it.
I did two super soft fleece sheets for him this past year. He adores them. I have a disney print to make him a cotton sheet set. I debated a compression top sheet but I think he'd find it too restrictive.
My son will only wear specific clothing items. I'm hoping to get draft a few patterns this summer to see if I can fix what he sees as wrong and maybe get him wearing a wider assortment. But first comes drafting a patchwork tiered skirt from old Levi jeans.
Josie
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank the heavens that I missed those sales! I don't think my credit card could have taken the wear and tear!
My dad was always complaining of the cold after his heart surgery. The highlight of his day was a hot shower. So for Christmas, I got him some flannel lined jeans from Land's End. I got them unhemmed since I wasn't sure of his inseam and if he didn't like them, they were going back (They're not cheap.) Well, they didn't get hemmed (just rolled up) until another pair could be gotten for him, since he wore them all the time. He loved them.
Men's Tall Stretch Traditional Fit Flannel Lined Jeans
Shop our Men's Tall Stretch Traditional Fit Flannel Lined Jeans at Lands' End. We fit every body
I think Duluth Trading has them also.