Pillow Pets

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1. Find a good, clear photo of your furry friend and print a test image on a piece of paper (this way you can be sure that you are happy with you selection). Once you are happy print the image onto the transfer paper, making sure that you have loaded the paper correctly and are printing on the right side – your printer and the paper should be able to tell you what’s what. 
2. Cut out two pieces of fabric of equal size, but slightly larger than the transfer paper. Lay one of the pieces on a flat, heat resistant surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Place the transfer paper image-side down on the fabric and iron. Take note of any instructions that appear on the transfer paper, i.e. should you iron be set to a specific temperature. When completely cool gently peel back the transfer to reveal the image.
3. Pin both pieces of fabric together and trim approximately 25cm away from the edge of the image. Place the right sides together and sew around the edge, leaving a narrow seam and a gap at the base.
4. Trim and finish the seams.
5. Cut little slits along the seam, being careful not to cut the stitches. 
6. Carefully turn your pillow inside out and stuff it.
7. Sew the seam using a slip-stitch. 

For this and other exquisite items to make with the fabric you buy in our stores visit http://bit.ly/GZx6cV.

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An African Story – A Da Gama Collection

Da Gama Textiles has added a new tale to their ever so popular Placemat Collection. An African Story “features the widely recognized beauty of our big fauna in South Africa”. Coloured with earthy tones and framed in ethnic borders, the fabric features portraits of lion, elephant, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and zebra. 100% cotton, the fabric comes in 3 designs including those for placemats, an apron, tea towel and 2 pot holders.

Looking to add a touch of the wild to your kitchen? Fabric and Textile Warehouse stocks Da Gama Textiles and a host of other designer fabrics, all of which are available to you at wholesale prices. Loyalty card holders get a further 2.5% discount on all purchases. Get yours today – it’s FREE!

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Calculating the correct amount of fabric for a pair of curtains

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Having recently stocked our shelves with some stunning curtaining, we thought we offer you some helpful assistance on how to calculate how much fabric you will need to create your new pair.

• Make the right choice
Start by selecting your fabric. Your choice will not only have a dramatic impact on your view, but it will also affect the amount of fabric you will need to purchase. Make a note of the width of the fabric and, if present, the width of the repeated pattern (this should be stated on the fabric) as these are important to your calculations. Now is also the time to choose your heading tape. The type of pleat you choose will influence later calculations. Standard heading tape will give your curtains shallow pleats, whilst pencil pleat tape will garner deep pleats.

• Calculating the number of fabric widths
Now that you have selected your fabric, you will need to calculate how many lengths you will need to cover to width of the window.
Start by measuring the length of the curtain track or pole you will be using.
Multiply this length by either 1.5 if you have chosen to use standard heading tape, or 2.5 for pencil pleat tape.
Add 20cm for the side hems.
Divide by the width of the fabric and round up to the nearest whole number (This will give you the number of widths of fabric you will need to cover the whole window).
Divide by 2 (This is how many widths of fabric you will need for each curtain).

• Calculating the cutting length
If you are using a curtain pole start measuring from the base of the rings from which the curtains will hang.
If you are using curtain tracks measure from 1cm above the top edge of the track. This will ensure that when hanging the curtains will hide the track from view.
For floor-length curtains allow a 1.5cm clearance between the lower edge of the curtain and the floor. If you, however, would like them to touch the floor add an extra 5cm and if you are looking to be a little more dramatic and would like your curtains to pool on the floor add 51cm to the length.

• Calculating the total amount of fabric you need to buy
For plain fabric:
No. of Widths x Cutting Length = Amt of Fabric

For patterned fabric with an obvious design:
In this case you will need to purchase extra fabric, as the length must be cut at the same point in the design to ensure its continuity when the curtains are drawn.
No. of Widths x (Length of Pattern Repeat + Cutting Length) + 10cm per curtain = Amt of Fabric

• Calculating how much lining you’ll need
For plain fabric:
The amount of lining is equal to the amount of curtaining fabric.

For patterned fabric:
The amount of lining is equal to the amount of curtaining fabric minus any extra lengths that were added for the design repeats.

• Calculating how much heading tape to buy
Lastly, take the measurement you made in the beginning of your curtain track or pole and add another 10cm.

You are now ready to purchase your fabric. Remember that at Fabric and Textile Warehouse you can get fabulous fabrics at wholesale prices. Loyalty card holders get a further 2.5% discount on all purchases. Get yours today at your local branch.

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Hertex Fabrics: adding a touch of drama

Drama is the new line of polycotton backed velvet fabric from the Hertex Fabrics design house that is sure to add some, well, drama to your collection. The range is durable and washable and available in a dozen sensual colours.

Hertex Fabrics is just one of the many magnificent designers in our collection. Remember we sell all our designer fabrics at wholesale prices. Loyalty card holders get the added benefit of a 2.5% discount on all purchases. Haven’t got a loyalty card yet? Get yours in store today!

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Make your own Fabric Fortune Cookies.

What does the future hold for you? Shape your own destiny when you create these ever so easy fabric fortune cookies. We think that they are a marvellous way to deliver messages, share secrets and reveal truths.

Supplies:
fabric
fusible fleece
fabric marker
scissors
wire
wire cutters
coordinating ribbon
craft glue
iron
paper word strips
circle pattern - approx. 4-5 inches in diameter

Instructions
1. Using an iron apply the fusible fleece to the wrong side of your fabric.
2. Create a simple circle template. Remember the bigger the circle the bigger the fortune cookie.
3. Trace your pattern on the wrong side of your fused fabric using a fabric marker and cut out your circles.
4. Cut a piece of wire that is slightly shorter in length than the width of your circle. Leaving a small margin of space at each end, glue the wire in place
5. Cut a piece of ribbon to match the color of the inside of your cookie and glue it over the top of the wire. Let dry flat for 10 - 30 mins.
6. Create your own fortune by writing it on a strip of coloured paper approximately the same size as the ribbon.
7. Once the glue is dry it's time to fold! Place your word strip in the middle of the cookie on top of the ribbon and fold the two top ends of the circle together.
8. Bending the wire, fold the corners of the cookie towards each other. This will give you the quintessential fortune cookie shape.
9. To help your fortune cookie attain a natural "round" shape, slip your finger in the middle and push out the sides. Make sure there is a good crease down the middle as this will help secure the shape and secure your fortune.

For this and other fun crafty things to do with the fabric you buy at our stores visit http://bit.ly/7HnE8.

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Is something missing?

You’ve read all the books and scoured the shelves, but can’t find what you’re looking for - that special something that will shine the spotlight on your design. Have you tried the haberdashery?

We know that it may sound strange, but lying amongst all those bits and bobs just may be the inspiration that you are looking for. Buttons and buckles can change the focal point of a design, whilst lace can add a touch of elegance and ribbons bring with them their own whimsical charm. Personalise and accessorize – that’s our advice to you.

Loyalty Card holders looking to embellish their wardrobe get a 2.5% discount all day, every day.  Don’t have a card? Get yours today – it’s FREE!

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Make a statement with printed viscose fabrics – just unpacked!

We’ve just unpacked another container filled with fabulous fashion fabrics for you. From printed viscose to stretch lace our store is chock-a-block with dress fabrics for every occasion. We also have a wide selection of patterns available to suit everyone’s taste. Loyalty card holders get a 2.5% discount on all purchases in store. Get yours today – it’s Free.

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Da Gama Textiles launches limited edition Albertina Sisulu Shweshwe design

The anti-apartheid activist Albertina Sisulu, or MaSisulu as she was affectionately known by the nation, passed away in June of last year. In honour of her bravery in the fight for human rights and dignity Da Gama Textiles has launched a commemorative Original Shweshwe skirt panel. One of South Africa’s oldest and leading textile producers Da Gama Textiles has been manufacturing Original Shweshwe since 1948. “It was felt fitting that this iconic fabric, graced by this icon of the nation, be worn by the women of South Africa, whose largely liberated status has much to do with the ideals struggles and successes of MaSisulu”.

For more information on Da Gama Textiles or any of the other designers in our collection give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX. Remember, loyalty card holders receive a 2.5% on all purchases. Get yours today – it’s Free!

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Reduce, Reuse, Reupholster

Today is Earth Day.  How are you going to change the world for the better? Nothing planned? Can we help? Whilst big plans and grand gestures are all very well, can we recommend a few things closer to home?

1. If your couch is looking a little tired and thread bear, don’t send it to the local dump. There it will sit, unused and unloved, for many years. Save the environment and your wallet by choosing to reupholster it instead. We have a wide range of designer fabrics available in store for you to choose from.
2. With a little bit of ingenuity, and sometimes a glue gun, stray pieces of fabric and old clothing can be converted into quilts, brooches, shoe clips and more. Head on down to your local store for patterns, tips and inspiration.
3. For the environmentally aware and technologically savvy sewer we would like to suggest converting that old t-shirt into a laptop sleeve. Simply by folding the shirt in half and stitching up the sides you’ll be creating a great way to protect your laptop from damage.

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No-Sew Tutu

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This no-sew tulle tutu is perfect for your budding ballerina and oh so easy to make.

Supplies
Piece of elastic cut to fit your child’s waist, with ends tied together
2 sections of different colour tulle
A wide book
Scissors

Instructions
1. Stretch the elastic band around the book. Cut two 36cm strips of tulle (one of each colour) and layer one over the other. Tie the strips to the elastic band. Continue adding strips in this manner until the elastic band is covered.
2. Have your little princess try on the tutu and, if necessary, add some more tulle strips and even out the ends with a pair of scissors.

For this and other fun no-sew things to do with the fabric you buy at our stores visit http://bit.ly/aVTf0k.

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Step on to the podium with Birdseye Moisture Management Fabric

We've gone sports mad. We just love the camaraderie and confidence they build. Having said that, we also recognise how uncomfortable they can be, sometimes demanding our blood, sweat and tears, which is why we are proud to join your team as your number one fabric suppliers.


Developed with athletes in mind, Birdseye Moisture Management Fabric transports perspiration to the surface of the garment and away from the body. It is this little feature that makes clothing made from moisture management fabric such an essential part of any sportsperson’s kit. Sweat trapped between fabric and the skin can, in hot conditions, heat up, leading to heat stress, fatigue or diminished performance. In cold conditions the reverse is true, with trapped moisture resulting in hypothermia. Then there is the added weight a player must carry when his / her shirt becomes drenched or the chafing a rider suffers after a course on the bike.

So, whether you are on the field, on the road or in the gym you can rest assured that your performance won’t be hampered by the make-up of your jeans.

This lightweight, breathable and fast drying fabric is available from Fabric and Textile Warehouse.


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Suit up!

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Just as there is the perfect suit for every career woman, professional man and Barney Stinson out there, there is also the perfect fabric for every tailor and every season. On that note, some rather dashing twill has just made its way onto the Fabric and Textile Warehouse shelves. This high quality weave fabric is perfect for your new autumn suits. Pop on into your local Fabric & Textile Warehouse, where you’ll not only find the fabric you need at the price you want, but also some helpful advice and plenty of inspiration.

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A special message to all blushing brides-to-be

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At Fabric and Textile Warehouse we have everything you need to make a dress to remember for a day you’ll never forget and at wholesale prices too! So, head on over to your local store today for a wide variety of beautiful bridal satins, luxurious silk chiffons and elegant stretch lace - may we suggest you choose something in blue?

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The Quick, easy, & cheap way to spruce up you shoe cupboard – our little gift to you.

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Supplies:

Three scraps of fabrics of various colours and designs

Good quality craft glue

Two buttons roughly 2cm in diameter

Two clips – the backings of an old pair of clip on earrings will do nicely

Instructions:

1. Cut the first strip of fabric into a 3.5 x 40.5cm strip, the second into a 2.5 x 40.5cm strip and the third into a circle approximately 4cm in diameter.
2. Using a running stitch, gather one long edge of strip 1 into a circle with the centre as tight as possible and knot off to make a large ruffle. Turn under the overlapping short ends and secure in place on the wrong side of the ruffle then knot off. Repeat this ends with strip 2 to make a smaller ruffle.
3. Dab a little bit of glue at the centre of the large ruffle. Centre the small ruffle over the glue (and therefore the large ruffle) and press into place. Put aside and wait for the glue to dry.
4. Cover the button using the third piece of fabric and glue into place at the centre of the small ruffle. Apply a little pressure and then set aside until the glue has dried.
5. Once dry, glue your flower to the clip and again wait for it to dry. (On reflection this is perhaps not the best activity to do on a rainy day). Voila! Your shoe clip is complete and your wardrobe rejuvenated.

For this and other fun crafty things to do with the fabric you buy at our stores click here.  
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Not too cool for school and proud of it.

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We know it’s only April, but kids grow up so fast. If ankles and belly buttons are starting to make an appearance, stop on by. We have top quality School Textiles for pants, skirts, shirts and blazers available at unbelievable prices. Our shelves are also stocked with a variety of heavy duty fabrics that would are perfect for school bags. Expand your child’s horizons with School Tex from Fabric and Textile Warehouse. 

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Who’s ready to go bowling for bunnies?

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Whilst on the hunt for something fun for Easter, we found, and were bowled over by, these little gems from The Long Thread. Once you’ve finished adding these little critters to your collection hop on over to thelongthread.com and click here to check out their bunny round up: a list of adorable and easy-to-make Easter bunnies.

Supplies:

Cotton, twill or canvas, 27.9 x 27.9cm per bunny

Contrasting fabric for ears

Fusible interfacing, 23cm

Fabric Marker

Matching thread

Embroidery hoop (12.7cm or smaller)

Embroidery thread

Embroidery needle

Polyfill or other stuffing material

Funnel

Rice, 1/2 cup per bunny

Instructions:

1. Prep the fabrics – wash, dry and press all fabric.
2. Make your bunny smile – Cut one 14cm x 27.9cm piece of fabric for each bunny you are making. Mark 22.9cm up from the bottom in the centre of the fabric and use a fabric marker to draw the face. Place the fabric in a small embroidery hoop and sew the face.
3. Snip, Snip – Cut out the paper templates. Fold over the fabric front with your bunny’s face lengthwise, aligning the bowling pin template with the bottom edge of the fabric. Be sure to place the face in the desired spot and cut out the shape. Cut the back of the bunny from the remaining fabric, cutting along the fold again. Cut the ear fronts from contrasting fabric and ear backs from solid fabric.
4. Sew bunny’s ears – Iron fusible interfacing onto the back side of the bunny ear. Place the ear pieces right side out using a blunt tool. Fold the corners over towards the contrasting fabric and sew 0.6cm from the bottom to create a crease in the ears. Press flat.
5. Sew your bunny– Place the ears upside down and rights sides facing up on the right side of the bunny back side (You may want to take another look at the diagram quickly). Fold ears and pin them in place, making sure that they are pinned out of the way of the seam allowance. Pin your bunny back to front, right sides together. With a 0.6cm seam allowance, sew along the outside edges and 2.5cm into either side along the bottom. Reinforce with an overcastting stitch, making sure all seams are secure.
6. Make pleats in bottom – Pull the fabric at the corners to form a right angle in the opposite direction of the stitching. Press flat. Mark a line 1.9cm from the tip of the seam and sew along this line. Trim off excess fabric and reinforce with an overcastting stitch.  Turn the bunny right side out.
7. Stuff bunny – Using a funnel, stuff the bunny until it is ¾ full with polyfill or other stuffing. Make sure to pack the stuffing in tightly. Using the funnel, fill the remaining space with approximately ½ cup of rice. 

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