Monday 31 October 2011

New furniture from old


Last week we mentioned that slipcovers were a good alternative to buying a new piece of furniture. Reupholstering is also a great way to avoid spending huge amounts on new furniture for your dining room, living room, or bedroom. You can reupholster almost any type of furniture that has been covered in fabric, and, if you are up to the challenge, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. Many people decide to take up the challenge of reupholstering because it:
  • saves time spent on ordering custom furniture
  • allows you to choose the exact type of fabric and cushioning you want in your piece
  • allows you to salvage antique furniture or furniture that has sentimental value


Choosing a Fabric

Before you can take on the task of reupholstering, you will first need to decide on the type of fabric you want your chair, cushion, or sofa to have. It is important that you choose upholstery-quality fabric, and not regular fabric. Upholstery fabric is much more durable and will stand up to the test of time, unlike regular fabric. Most upholstery fabrics are stain-resistant too, which means that you don’t have to worry too much if you spill that cup of coffee!

Be sure to choose a fabric that you like and that will match the other furniture in the room. However, the thicker and stiffer the fabric is that you select, the more difficult the reupholstery process will be. It is typically not recommended that amateur upholsters try to reupholster leather or suede furniture.

Necessary Tools
In order to begin your reupholstery project, you will need to collect a few reupholstery supplies. It is important that you have:

  • a pair of needle nose pliers
  • a staple gun (with staples) or upholstery tacks
  • a rubber mallet
  • a pair of sharp scissors
  • welting (cloth used to trim along the edges of furniture)
  • glue gun
  • cotton batting (to make the furniture soft to sit on)
Depending upon the piece of furniture that you are reupholstering, you may also want to find a friend to help you out. It can sometimes be tricky to tackle reupholstering on your own.

At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you can get not only all the tools that you need and the best-quality  upholstery fabrics from major fabric books, but also all the advice and assistance you require from our well-trained and knowledgeable staff. Email us or call 0861 322 839 (0861 Fab Tex) to find all that you'll need!





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Friday 28 October 2011

Loyalty cards in store now!

You really don't want to miss out: our loyalty cards are flying off the counters at an unbelievable rate! The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and many people have taken advantage of their discounts already, so make sure you get yours, too.

Call our hotline on 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more, or visit your nearest store:

Find us:

DurbanCape TownPietermaritzburgRichards Bay
870 Umgeni Rd16 Northumberland Rd288 Victoria RdBullion Blvd
DurbanBelvillePietermaritzburgRichards Bay
031 303 8268021 948 8447033 342 6605035 789 7336

Our goal is to bring you the best information and products for your sewing, curtaining, decorating and upholstery needs, so if you want to know more about anything to do with fabric and textiles, email us or visit one of our well-stocked stores. Our friendly staff are very knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions.


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Tuesday 25 October 2011

Lounge suite getting tired?

Your couch is ugly and out-dated. Your loveseat looks raggedy, with threads hanging in spots. Just the sight of your old-fashioned living room makes you depressed. You've already been to the furniture store and there is no way you can afford a new set. What on earth should you do? You could consider slipcovers.

Slipcovers are an inexpensive way of giving your furniture - and your room - a makeover. A slipcover is a piece of fabric, specially made to fit a particular type of furniture. You simply place it over your existing couch, loveseat, chair, or whatever, and instantly, you have a whole new look.

Slipcovers can be made of most any fabric. Though you can use any fabric you want, it is best to pick a sturdy fabric that can withstand regular use. Good, strong fabrics include canvas, denim, linen, chintz, and ticking. Fabric and Textile's beautiful range of chenille and jacquard chenille fabrics are hard-waring, pleasing to touch and durable. (Not to mention only R39.99/m!). Any one of those fabrics could create a slipcover able to handle even the most rambunctious children.

Slipcovers can be elegant or whimsical, elaborate or simple, flashy or understated - all depending on the materials used. Whatever your decorating goals, they can be accomplished with the right slipcover.

Slipcovers are available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Florals, stripes, checks, solids, and plaids are always popular choices. If you have a particular fabric you are trying to match, such as a tablecloth or curtain, you could even have the slipcover custom made.

You could even make it yourself. If you have some basic sewing skills, slipcovers are a relatively easy project.

Slipcovers are inexpensive enough to be changed regularly. You can change them as the season - or your mood - changes. With a little bit of cash and decorating savvy, you can make over your entire home. A carefully chosen and well-cared for slipcover can offer you years of enjoyment.


And remember, everything you need to give your home a new lease of life can be found at Fabric & Textile Warehouse - from idea to execution. We're happy to make up slip covers to your specifications, too! Email fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com, or call 0861 FabTex (0861 322 839) and speak to one of our helpful consultants.




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Monday 24 October 2011

Quilting Project

Ready to be inspired? Kensington Studio's Sienna collection from Quilting Treasures captures the warmth of autumn and the charm and ambiance of the Tuscan province, Siena. Beautifully detailed paisleys and florals coordinate with ornate medallions and a border stripe in this 14-piece collection of reds, oranges, golds, and creams. Liven up quilts and coordinates with bright modern colors and simply stunning old-world designs. This exciting collection will be available late September 2011. 



Skill level:
Intermediate

Finished quilt size:
1.3m x 1.6m

Finished block size:
20cm square

Number of blocks:
18  

Download Instructions
(PDF, 2.6 MB)


Don't forget: your nearest Fabric & Textile Warehouse has everything you need to achieve quilting success. Visit us for tools, notions, fabrics, patterns and good advice. Email fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com or call 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX).





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Saturday 22 October 2011

Handmade = heartfelt

Why not bless a friend with a beautiful cushion for their home?

SA's own Ideas Mag has an informative craft section, which includes a step-by-step guide on how to make these attractive and easy-to-use envelope cushions. With the wide range of stunning fabrics available at Fabric & Textile Warehouse, you're sure to find the perfect piece to appeal to any taste.

Cotton fabrics and cushion inners at Fabric & Textile Warehouse | 0861 322 839.

Get great pattern ideas at Ideas Magazine.


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Thursday 20 October 2011

Road to Oxiana Launch - St Leger & Viney

St Leger & Viney are launching a stunning range of Eastern-inspired fabrics at a series of three events, one each in Jo'Burg, Cape Town and Durban. The Jo'Burg launch on Tuesday, 18 October was held at Con Amore in Kramerville. On Friday 21 October, the line will be launched in Kwazulu Natal at the Fairmont Zimbali in Ballito, and on Tuesday 25 October the show will reach Cape Town at the Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Each event has been designed to entice the senses, with a selection of wines and foods that enhance and complement the atmosphere created by the fabrics.

More information is available at www.stleger.co.za.

Fabric and Textile Warehouse stocks a wide range of fabrics from all major fabric books, including St Leger & Viney, at wholesale prices. Visit ones of our branches nationwide, or call us on 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX) to speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants.


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Wednesday 19 October 2011

Drapery

The right curtains turn any room into an elegant oasis. Visit Fabric & Textile Warehouse for inspiration and advice. With the widest range of curtaining, curtain accessories, rods and poles, you can't go wrong. We make curtaining up to your specifications. Call 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX) for your nearest branch.

For some original and innovative ideas on window treatments, visit InteriorDezine and browse their gallery  for tips and inspiration. We love Taunton Home Ideas Book's Window Treatments, filled with great photos and expert advice.

Get to Fabric and Textile Warehouse for the best quality curtaining, curtain accessories, rods and poles. And remember, we'll make up whatever you require for your window treatments, to your specifications. Visit one of our branches or call us.



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Sunday 16 October 2011

Apples and Pears

Romantic, flowing skirts like this
one flatter any figure.
Identifying your body shape is the first step to achieving style success. Wearing clothes that flatter your natural assets will imbue you with confidence and allow your natural beauty to radiate through.

Once you know your shape, it's important to choose clothing that works with rather than against you. The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to make your own clothes. 

At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you will find a wide range of patterns to suit every body shape. Our beautiful fabrics will compliment any style and ad the perfect touch to your garment. Visit one of our branches, listed below, or call our golden number, 0861 FAB TEX (0861 322 839).

Not sure what shape you're in? Click here to find out.



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Saturday 15 October 2011

Quilting How To's - #1

Whether you're an old hand at quilting, or just finding your feet, it's always fun to learn a new skill. That's why we love this great little gem we've found online: Quilting How-To's.

With a wide range of step-by-step techniques, tips, tricks and ideas, this site's simple layout belies a treasure trove of quilting information.

Below we've included the first lesson from this handy site:


 Foundation Block Piecing


Foundation block piecing consists of sewing pieces of fabric on to a paper or a muslin foundation to form a quilt block. While this technique is most often used for miniature blocks, foundation piecing can be used for creating full sized quilt blocks as well. Using the foundation piecing technique to piece blocks allows a quilter to construct complicated patterns easily and accurately and is a very good way to use up small scraps of fabric.

Foundation Blocks

 Patterns for foundation blocks vary from a normal quilt block pattern in that each new piece must be able to be joined to the foundation with a single, straight seam. Each portion of the block is numbered to indicate the order in which the pieces are to be joined to the foundation block. For machine piecing, paper is used for the foundation block. For hand piecing, foundations must be transferred to a cloth backing such as muslin. There are several sources for foundation paper blocks. They may be purchased already printed, they may be photocopied from several books currently available on foundation paper piecing, or they can be drawn by hand or by using a computer drawing program. For foundation piecing by hand, the pattern must be transferred to the backing fabric. Muslin with freezer paper ironed on to the back can be fed through many computer printers. The quilter is advised to check his/her printer manual to see if this option is possible. 

Foundation Paper Piecing Background Information

 When performing foundation paper piecing, remember that the block will be created on the unprinted side, the back, of the foundation paper. Any directional block design must take into account this factor. The grain of the fabric used to create the foundation pieced block should follow normal piecing guidelines. That is, try to have the straight grain of the fabric on the edge of the block. Having the grain slightly off in the pieces will not effect the block piecing as much as in non paper piecing due to the stability added by the foundation paper. To make the removal of the foundation paper easier, follow the following guide lines:
  1. Use a large needle in the sewing machine, a size 14 should work.
  2. Use a small stitch size, at least 14 stitches to the inch.
  3. After sewing a piece of fabric to the foundation, fold the foundation paper on the just sewn line when trimming the seam allowance. Unfold the paper before pressing the newly attached piece of fabric into place.

Step by Step Guideline for Foundation Paper Piecing

  1.   Select the foundation paper pattern and the fabrics desired to create the block. The block pieces must be attached in the numeric order indicated on the foundation block paper. 
  2.   Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the piece #1 plus at least a quarter inch seam allowance. Place the piece of fabric on the back of the foundation paper with the wrong side of the fabric facing the back of the foundation paper taking care to watch the grain line of the fabric. Hold the paper up to a light source to make sure that the piece of fabric is covering foundation piece #1 with at least a quarter of an inch overhang on all sides. If desired, hold this first piece of fabric in place with a dab of glue from a glue stick. 
  3.   Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover piece #2, again with at least a quarter of an inch seam allowance all around. Place this piece of fabric on the wrong side of the foundation square with the right side of this new fabric piece on top of the right side of fabric piece #1. There should be at least a quarter of an inch seam allowance extending into foundation piece #2. 
  4.  Carefully turn the foundation paper over so the marked side of the paper is facing you taking care not to disturb either fabric piece that has just been placed. Sew on the line of the foundation which divides piece #1 and piece #2. 
  5.   Fold fabric piece #2 over the seam just sewn and perform a quick check that this piece has been properly placed by holding the foundation paper up to light source. Foundation piece #2 should be totally covered by this new piece of fabric with at least a quarter of an inch extra on all sides. If it doesn't, remove the stitching and reposition the fabric,then resew the seam. 
  6.   When fabric piece #2 has been correctly positioned and sewn, place the block on a rotaty cutting mat with the printed side of the foundation block facing upwards. Fold the foundation paper on the seam line just sewn so that the printed sides of that paper are facing each other and the seam allowance of fabric piece #1 and fabric piece #2 is exposed. Trim the seam allowance to one quarter of an inch. A rotary cutter will make this step much easier. Note: When piecing small miniature blocks, a one eighth of an inch seam allowance should be used. 
  7.   Unfold the foundation paper and press fabric piece #2 into position. While finger pressing will work, pressing with an iron will produce a more accurate block and also flattens the fold line foundation paper out. 
  8. Repeat steps 3 and 7 to attach the remaining fabric pieces to the foundation paper.
  9. When all of the pieces of fabric have been attached to the foundation paper, give the block a final pressing. Next, trim the edges of the block making sure to leave a quarter of an inch seam allowance on all sides of the block. The foundation paper can be removed at this point or the paper can be left in the blocks until the blocks have been set together.

Further Information on Foundation Paper Piecing

 To allow for more patterns to be done by foundation piecing some foundation blocks require two pieces of fabric being joined BEFORE being sewn the the foundation paper. This prior sewn seam is indicated by a line slashed by two smaller lines. To perform this type of piecing, sew the two desired pieces of fabric together and press the seam allowance to one side. When placing the previously joined fabrics to the foundation paper, be sure the seam will match the double slashed line. Proceed normally with the remainder of the block piecing. Be sure to be generous when cutting the fabric pieces to be sewn to the foundation. Excess fabric can always be trimmed. Undoing seams in foundation paper piecing is not easy and the foundation paper can become torn. Also be careful when trimming the excess fabric from the seam allowance. If the piece of fabric just attached to the foundation is folded prior to trimming the seam allowance, it is possible to cut the just placed piece of fabric off instead of the excess fabric. Several good books on foundation paper piecing are currently available for further reference. Check with local book stores or quilting stores for titles. 

For a bumper load of tutorials, head over to the World Wide Quilting Site's How To section.
For advice, patterns, fabric, accessories and everything else that goes with quilting, visit your nearest Fabric & Texttile Warehouse or call 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX).


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Thursday 13 October 2011

Quick Quilts


If you're a quilting beginner and you haven't stumbled across "Quick Quilts to make in a Weekend", we've got a treat for you. For anyone who wants to make their own patchwork quilts but doesn't have the time to invest in traditional quilting techniques, Quick Quilts presents twenty-six beautiful projects of traditional and modern design, any one of which can be completed in a weekend.

Click on the book to the left to read more about the projects, or to order it online. Visit your nearest Fabric & Textile Warehouse store or call 0861 322 839 for fabric, accessories and patterns.



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Merry Holidays

We know how much you love to whip up masterpieces, and with the holidays just around the corner, handmade gifts speak volumes. Why not make a beautiful table cloth and matching napkin set for someone special to you? 
We're really enjoying the printed panels available now, read to cut, fill and sew into attractive placemats table cloths and runners. It's the perfect way to set the tone for your party, and they make great gifts, too.

Get your tabling panels at Fabric & Textile Warehouse | Call 0861 322 839 to find out more.


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Wednesday 12 October 2011

Stuart Graham

There's a feeling of timeless elegance about the Stuart Graham range of fabrics that we just love. Even though the wide range covers everything from formal lounges to funky kids' rooms, each piece of fabric is imbued with quality and a sense of now.

We know you'll love these beautiful fabrics as much as we do, which is why we're so pleased to stock Stuart Graham fabrics at wholesale prices. We have a wide range in store, and whatever we don't have is easily ordered from our fabric books. Just drop by any time and have a look.

Visit our branches (listed below), call our GOLDEN NUMBER, 0861 FAB TEX (0861 322 829) or email us to find out more.

DurbanCape TownPietermaritzburgRichards Bay
870 Umgeni Rd16 Northumberland Rd288 Victoria RdBullion Blvd
DurbanBelvillePietermaritzburgRichards Bay
031 303 8268021 948 8447033 342 6605035 789 7336


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Monday 10 October 2011

Far out fabrics.

Choose from our range of tie-dye
quilters' fabrics to make your own
70's style quilt.
Originally, the idea behind crafting quilts was to use up all the little bits and pieces of scrap fabric that were the natural result of making all your own clothes and soft furnishings. Little pieces of fabric accumulated into a lot of waste, and it seemed a shame to throw that all away. 

Some clever soul realised that all those little bits could be sewn together into something practical, like a blanket. It didn't take long for people to work out that with a small amount of planning, the result could be rather beautiful.

Today, quilting has developed into an art form, with quilting fabric often costing more than dress material. Fabric patterns common to quilts have all but disappeared from other fabric uses, so that nowadays the various pieces are custom bought for the purpose of quilting, rather than recycled from somewhere else.

This has a number of benefits. For one thing, the material used for modern quilting tends to be brand new, and so has a longer lifespan. For another thing, fabrics can be custom-built and coloured for this purpose. Right now, we're loving the range of 100% cotton tie-dyed quilting fabrics we've just brought in. Some of the creations people come up with using these psychedelic colours are extraordinary, bringing joy to the recipient and the quilter alike.

With pure cotton fabrics at just R59.99, why not pop into Fabric & Textile Warehouse and pick up a few for yourself? You could make your very own retro quilt today.


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Sunday 9 October 2011

Book of the week

Dragon Threads publishes a beautiful range of full-colour illustrated books on everything to do with thread. This week's focus is the enticing quilting book, Limelight.

According to the website, 
Quilting in the Limelight | The Life, Art & Techniques of an Award Winning Quilter
Internationally-known, award-winning quilter Philippa Naylor has penned an autobiographical book detailing her extraordinary career as a quilt artist and teacher. Philippa is known for her intricately designed quilts and her fans will find that same kind of meticulous detail in Quilting in the Limelight! Inside the pages of this vibrant, full-color book she shares all her secrets that will inform, inspire and instruct quilters.
The personal history Philippa recounts provides great insight into her development as a quilt artist. As a child in England fascinated with sewing clothes for her dolls, Philippa grew up to enter the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fashion design. When she took quilting class on the suggestion of a friend, she never looked back.
The author chronicles her journey from making quilts for fun, for herself, to making larger, more labor-intensive pieces to be exhibited. As she explains, it all evolved organically. From using someone else's traditional patterns to creating her own unique patterns, she moved on to creating templates for each pieced section of her quilts.
Philippa's strong, dramatic quilt designs attract attention from a distance but also draw viewers in to see the fine work involved. As the bright detail photos in the book show, get up close to one of Philippa's quilts and you'll see that she changes the color of thread as many times as is necessary so the thread and fabric always match.
Philippa leaves nothing out of her rich, personal narrative, even sharing with readers her preference in products—from sewing machines to needles, pins to scissors, rotary cutters to batting. The master quilter also shares her techniques of hand dying fabrics, complicated piecing, sculptural stitch work, trapunto and appliqué. In her very precise way, Philippa also explains the five most important elements of her quilts—drama, contrast, movement, balance, depth and layering.
As a quilt instructor, she stresses the importance of confidence, enthusiasm and persistence—qualities she exemplifies and that shine through in her stories and teachings. Admirers of Philippa's work will be thrilled to get the chance to pour over this book and get a glimpse inside the mind of this most unique and original quilter. Just as Philippa revels in the intricacies of her amazing quilts, so will readers delight in the details revealed in Quilting in the Limelight!



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Saturday 8 October 2011

Living Room Makeover time

Beautiful upholstery transforms a room.
Sometimes, enough is enough and it's time for a change. Perhaps you're sitting in your living room right now, looking at your couches and thinking, "what was I thinking?" Maybe years of children and pets have taken their toll, and no amount of steam cleaning will turn back the hands of time. Possibly Aunt Jemima's circa 1984 lounge suite has managed to lose some of it's bodaciousness.

Maybe you don't know what the problem is, but you know it's time for an update. Nothing transforms a room more quickly or effectively than a sofa overhaul. The great news is that you don't have to head out and buy a completely new lounge suite. Simply reupholstering what you've got will transform your room right in front of your eyes!

Best of all, you can get Great quality Jacquard and Chenille upholstery fabric at R39.99/m from Fabric & Textile Warehouse. Call 0861 FAB TEX (0861 322 839) to order. And visit our blog again soon for practical How-To's when it comes to reupholstery.


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Friday 7 October 2011

Quilting News Flash



Dear Quilters

R59.99/metre - unbeatableFabrics are our passion at Fabric & Textile Warehouse. That’s why we take the time to find out what makes them so special to people who share that passion. People like you. When you’re crafting a quilt of intricacy and perfection, an artistic legacy that you plan to leave to future generations, we know what matters to you. Like great tools, perfect for the cleanest cuts; thread that won’t give out in the middle of a complex corner; and, of course, the finest quality fabric. We know that nothing but the best is good enough when your goal is making the perfect quilt.
That’s why we’re so excited about our new range of quilters’ fabrics. We’ve just unpacked the boxes and already these beautiful, 100% cotton textiles are flying off the shelves. Frankly, at R59.99/m, we’re not surprised.
So hurry down to your nearest Fabric and Textile Warehouse and snap up the latest quilting styles at unbelievable prices. You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity.
Yours in stitches,
Megs
0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX)| fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com
*Fabric & Textile Warehouse sources the best fabrics at the most competitive prices from around the world - perfect for the most original quilts and wall hangings.