Saturday 30 June 2012

We’re open on Sundays!

Well most of us are at least.



For more information about our operating hours give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.


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Friday 29 June 2012

The home of BIG savings



Not only do we put the fab in fabric, but at Fabric and Textile Warehouse we do it without costing you a fortune. We’ve scoured the globe for the best of the best and now it’s headed to our floors. Expect to be flooded with fine fabrics for the home in July as we unload new shipments of embroidered silks, natural hemp curtaining, luxury draping and more.

We are also offering a massive discount on organic bamboo mattress ticking, now available at R30/m.

And let’s not forget about our Loyalty Card, which entitles its holder to a 2.5% DISCOUNT on ALL PURCHASES plus a variety of very special and highly exclusive offers. Get yours in-store today – it’s FREE!

Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what we have in store for you this month.

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Thursday 28 June 2012

International Quilt Convention Africa: 27 - 29 July 2012



Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials. Alternatively, give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and have a chat with one of our sales representatives.

Monday 25 June 2012

Kaleidoscope 2013 – The 17th National Quilt Festival


The 17th National Quilt Festival (01 – 07 July 2013) is to be hosted by the Oranje Quilters’ Guild at Eunice High School in Bloemfontein. Tickets to the festival are available from Computicket, but make sure to visit the guild’s blog http://oranjequilters.blogspot.com/ for more information, competition details and entry forms. 

Looking for fabrics or other quilting essentials - give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we'll help you find what you need. 



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Sunday 24 June 2012

Get set for a spin with this spiral fleece scarf.



  1. To start with, you’ll first need to create the pattern. Fold a sheet of paper into quarters. Using a compass or ruler draw a large outer circle (with a 5” / 12.7cm radius) and a smaller inner circle (1.5” / 3.8cm radius). Cut along the edges of both circles to get your pattern.
  2. Using the pattern cut a series of fleece fabric circles. How many is up to you – four were used to create the scarf in the image, but you can add more for a longer version.
  3. Connect the fleece circles by butting the edges together and zigzagging to create a smooth, flat seam.
  4. Shape the open ends by trimming to form a point – And there you have it a spiral fleece scarf to chase the winter blues away. Take it up a notch by embellishing with embroidery our doubling up with another colour. Let your creativity run wild.



For more ideas like this one on what to do with the fabrics you buy in our stores visit http://bit.ly/M3Twv1 or give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.


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Friday 22 June 2012

Get comfy with low prices and great tutorials



If you haven’t already heard, then where have you been? We are selling our scatter cushions at some incredibly low prices. Starting from R 16.99 - this is a deal not to be missed.

If it’s a lack of covers that has you down then don’t despair – here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a cover in which to stuff your cushion.

  1. Place your tape measure from seam to seam, measure the size of your cushion inner.
  2. Adding a 2cm seam allowance to your measurement cut 2 pieces of fabric to size.
  3. Overlock
  4. Place the right sides of your fabric together and stitch along the 3 sides and around all 4 corners leaving a gap in the fourth side large enough to slip the cushion inner in.
  5. Turn the cover right side out and insert the inner.
  6. Turn under the raw edges of the opening and slip stitch closed.

We know this sounds incredibly simple to make (which is why we love it), but this is just a canvas on which you can express yourself. We have a wide range of vibrant fabrics that are perfect for this project or visit our haberdashery and stock up on some embellishments.

Want to know what’s in stock? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.


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Thursday 21 June 2012

These boots were made for crawling – DIY booties for rockin’ babies



If you’ve popped in for a visit recently you’ll have noted the bold colours and vibrant patterns that make our fabrics so perfect for the kids. This could also mean that, like us, you've been hunting around for creative ways to put said fabric to good use. Well, have we found a winner for you - these adorable little booties are so cute and wonderfully easy to make.  


  1. Click here to download the pattern and cut 4 tops and 4 soles out of your chosen fabric.
  2. Sew the right sides of 2 top pieces together, but remember not to sew along the outside line. Turn it right side out and top stitch along the edge.
  3. If you’re looking to add a design or appliqué to the shoe, now is the time to do it.
  4. With the right sides together, pin the top to 2 pieces of the sole. The buckle piece should be against the sole, allowing the toe of the shoe to overlap the buckle.
  5. Sew around the edge of the shoe and trim off any excess fabric.
  6. Turn the shoe right side out and sew a snap on the flap and the side of the shoe so as to hold the buckle in place.
  7. Repeat steps 2 – 6 to create the other shoe.

And there you have it, a simple yet stylish pair of booties for your little one. For this and other fabulous things to do with fabric visit http://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/


Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials. Alternatively, give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and have a chat with one of our sales representatives.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Re-Garding quilting in KZN - Quilt Indaba 2012 @ Highbury


Held every two years by Grassroots Quilters’ Guild, the Quilt Indaba is an opportunity for quilters young and old to expand their knowledge. This year the event is being held at Highbury Preparatory School in Hillcrest, KZN from 29 June to 2 July and coincides with the KwaZulu Natal Quilters’ Guild quilt show ‘Re-Cycle, Re-Vamp, Re-Work’, which is being held on the Saturday and Sunday at the school. Use the opportunity to browse the stalls of the show, to learn from more experienced teachers and to help others by sharing your own tips for quilting success.

Visit http://bookwhen.com/quiltindaba2012 to find out more and book your spot


Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials. Alternatively, give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and have a chat with one of our sales representatives.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Positive reinforcement – preventing and repairing knee patches



There’s no doubting that kids lead a rough and tumble lifestyle. Tearing through shrubbery and falling down rabbit holes just goes with the territory, but constantly replacing torn and worn-out clothing can take its toll on your bank balance. That is why we recommend taking the traditional route – patch wherever and whenever necessary.

Creative patching is a great way to spice up old clothes and generate interest in forgotten garments. Try adding teddy bears and butterflies or spiders and soccer balls to missing knees and elbows. Even a simple zigzag stitch can liven things up. Just make sure that that patch is slightly larger than the worn out section – at least 2.5cm all round should do the trick.

If you want to nip the problem in the bud before it starts, then opt for reinforced knees and elbows (we’re talking about the clothes here and not your kids). When putting together a new pair of pants consider working some knee patches into the design. Whether hidden on the inside or boldly displayed on the outside, these will help prolong the life of your child’s wardrobe and your wallet.

We have a great variety of vibrant fabrics in stock that are perfect for children’s clothing. Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more or visit us in-store today.


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Tuesday 12 June 2012

Build your own fabric headboard



Before you start there are just a few things we need to get out of the way. Firstly, you are going to need to measure the width of your bed. A headboard should be at least 5cm wider than the bed. Then you’ll need to determine the height of your head board. Whilst some might look to the style of the bedroom as a reference point, we’d like to ask the more practical question – do you read in bed? If you don’t then style away, but if you do then a taller headboard would be better.

Speaking of styling, it’s time to decide on your headboard’s shape. Rectangular boards are best if you’re new to the DIY game, but curved edges can add an elegant touch. Sketch out your designs on a scrap piece of paper and tape to the wall above your bed. Take the time to consider your choices carefully; you’ll be waking up next to this headboard every morning after all. This goes for the fabric too! Pick something that goes with the rest of the room, an upholstery that covers the ottoman in the corner perhaps?

Now that that is out of the way it is down to business.

Supplies

Jigsaw
Pencil
Permanent marker
Scissors
Staple gun with ¼ inch staples
Tape measure
Stanley knife
Medium sandpaper
1.6cm plywood large enough to meet your design specifications
Enough 5cm – 7.5cm thick medium density foam to cover your headboard
Enough good quality fabric and batting to cover the board, wrap around the foam and secure on the other side (@ least 30cm wider than the board should cut it).
Flush mounting / D-hook hanging brackets (@ least 2)

Instructions

  • If you’ve decided on a stylised headboard, mark your template on your plywood and cut out the design using a jigsaw. Smooth off any rough edges with come sandpaper.
  • Cut your foam to shape with by laying it flat on the ground, with your plywood board placed directly on top. Use the Stanley knife for this step, making sure to follow the edge of the wood closely.
  • Check your chosen fabric for any creases and iron if necessary.
  • Lay the fabric right side down on a clean section of your floor. Lay the batting over the fabric – these two should be the same size. Taking care to make sure that it is centred, lay the cut foam on top of the batting. Add the final layer to the sandwich by placing the plywood on top of the foam.
  • Using your staple gun attach the fabric and batting to the plywood. Space the stapled roughly 5cm apart and pull the fabric tight enough so that you get a smooth, upholstered look, but not so tight that any designs are stretched or warped. When it comes to the corners create an attractive edge by pinching and overlapping the fabric before stapling. If your corners are curved, it’s best to start stapling in the centre and slowing work your way out.
  • Neaten up the edges by trimming off any excess fabric and batting.
  • All that is left now is to mount the headboard on the wall. Using flush mounted or D-hook hanging brackets will ensure that the board hangs flat against the wall. Attach at least 2 of these brackets to the back of the board. Carefully measure and mark the position of your screws on the wall. Drill your holes, place a plug inside the holes and screw in the screws so that only 3mm extends from the wall. Finally hang your new headboard and enjoy a stylish night’s sleep.

Sprucing up your room on a budget? Get top quality designer upholstery at wholesale prices from Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Call us on 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more info. 


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Saturday 9 June 2012

Scatter cushion inners from R16.99 and bolster inners from R19.50!


Feeling a little scatter brained? Then do we have something for you.

Scatters
45cm x 45cm = R 16.99
30cm x 60cm = R 17.99
50cm x 50cm = R 19.99

Bolsters
18cm x 50cm = R 19.50

Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more about our latest exclusive offers.


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Friday 8 June 2012

Time for a cuppa? Make your own tea cosy.



There is nothing better on a cold winter's afternoon than a warm spot, good book and a cup of tea. Here's a useful little project that will keep your pot hot and your winter warm. 

We’ll start off by creating a pattern for your tea cosy – this pattern is made to fit the average 4-6 cup tea pot, but can be easily altered should your pot be larger.

  • Draw a rectangle 17cm x 28cm in size.
  • Grab a dinner plate (You’ll be using this to create the rounded corners at the top of your cosy). Fold your rectangle in half along the 17cm line. Place the plate on the top corner, aligning its outer edge with the rectangle and trace a curve between the two lines (See below)
  • Cut out and unfold patterns          






         



Having made your pattern it’s time to start sewing.
  • Cut your fabric – you’ll need 2 pieces of your main fabric, 2 pieces of the lining fabric and two pieces of batting or filler.
  • Pin a piece of your main fabric to your filler (Wrong side facing the filler) and stitch around the edge, securing the filler to the fabric. Repeat with the second piece of main fabric and the other cut of filler.
  • Pin a main/filling piece to one of the lining cuts, with the right sides of the fabrics facing one another and sew together along the base. Leave a 1.5cm seam allowance. Do the same for the other pieces of fabrics and filling.
  • Open each piece out so that the seam is facing towards the lining fabric and carefully iron. Remember not to use the iron directly on the filling or the whole venture will go up in smoke.







  • Put the two halves of the cosy together and pin, matching the seams where the main and lining fabric meet. Leave a gap of about 10cm in the seam of the lining when pinning so that you can turn the tea cosy right side out later.  Sew around the edges of the cosy leaving a 1.5cm seam allowance, but remember to MIND THE GAP, when it comes to the lining.
  • Turn the tea cosy right side out and close the gap in the lining.
  • Turn the lining into the main body of the cosy and, matching the main side seam and the lining side seam on each side, pin.
  • Stitch around the base of the cosy, just below where the main and lining fabric meet, to strengthen the base.







And there you have it. Now go put the kettle on and make yourself a cuppa. Alternatively you can visit http://bit.ly/KwBPE7 where you’ll find this and other crafty goodies to tantalise your brain. 



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Thursday 7 June 2012

Rub-a-dub-dub… SALE on bathroom necessities!


We’re at it again! Bringing you the best quality at the lowest prices and this time we’re stocking your linen cupboard with 100% cotton luxuries.

Get:

Bath mats @ R 45.00 each
Hand towels @ R 24.99 each
Face cloths @ R 4.99 each

Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more about our latest offers. 


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Wednesday 6 June 2012

Getting creative in the haberdashery


Sometimes we get so lost in the beauty of fabrics, their complex designs, elegant patterns and vibrant colours, that we forget about the little things. The bits and bobs that help bring an outfit together, hide its flaws and complete the picture. We’re talking about the haberdashery folks and all the little marvels you’ll find there in. And to show just how versatile these gems can be, we’ve put together a gallery of the best and most creative images we can find online. Enjoy!


Ribbon pony sculpture by Japanese artisit Maeda Baku .

Buttons and pins take flight in artwork by Ran Hwang 
LAMDesigns have created the perfect  clock to time those stiches

Even zips can take on a new life with  Indigo Blue
Turn your haberdashery into a gallery like Living with Punks 





Tuesday 5 June 2012

To line or not to line? That is the curtaining question.


When redoing your window treatment, you’ll be faced with a lot of questions – what colour do I choose? What style? What fabric? Some may be easily answered, others not so much. One of the most important questions, however, will be to line or not to line?

Curtains, in general, are excellent insulators, capable of keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter. Lined curtains are, however, much better at this than unlined ones. Curtains with light colour lining can stop heat from entering a room and making life unbearably hot and sticky during summer. In winter, drawing your lined curtains immediately after the sun has set will trap in all the natural heat that accumulated in the room during the day. This will help reduce your need for added heating, decreasing your electricity consumption and saving you money. In some cases proper curtaining can decrease energy consumption by up to 10%.

Curtains with a tightly woven material lining are often referred to as blackout curtains. Hung to cover all parts of a window, these curtains block out most of the light, which was extremely beneficial during wartime Europe, when they were developed to hide the lights of the city houses from approaching bombers. Nowadays, with the Blitz far behind us, you may not think blackout curtains a likely option, but these versatile little numbers still have a lot to offer, especially if you work the night shift.

Lined curtains are also highly effective at reducing noise pollution. So, if you’re living near a busy road or next door to a late-night drummer, you may want to choose lined over sheer. You’ll have a quieter night without having to waste money on ear plugs or prescription drugs.

Looking for some more curtain-related advice? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX – we’re always happy to help.


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