Lace Sensation – The DIY Lace Skirt

This ever-so-easy tutorials comes to you from the pages of the oh-so-trendy A Matter of Style blog, our favourite new fashion forward hot spot.

You’ll need:

-          A skirt

-          Lace trim (choose a wide trim with a repeated design)

Instructions:

Cut the lace into bands. 

Pin a band to the skirt and, using a straight seam sew in place.

Repeat the process until the skirt is fully covered.

Whilst we can’t supply you with the completed skirt we do have a variety of patterns and fabrics in store for you to make your own, as well as an awesome collection of lace. Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more info on what’s in stock and on special this festive season.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Our NEW STOCK will get you in the Christmas spirit.

What are stocking fillers without the stocking? Make you own this year - it’s easier than you think thanks to our cut & stitch Christmas Stocking Panels. We've also got some fabulously festive table cloth panels that are the perfect accessory to your Christmas feast.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! We’ve got a host of merry fabrics flooding our shelves.

Did you know that fabric makes great gift wrapping? Stitch gift bags or simply wrap around and tie with ribbon, either or you’re sure to have a winner. It’s also a much greener option than using wrapping paper because you’re more likely to reuse/recycle the fabric than the paper.

Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more about what’s in stock and on special this festive season.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

A Midsummer’s Dress Tutorial

Thinking of making something precious for your little princess? Well, then have we found something for you. From the Charm Stitch Blog comes a Midsummer’s Dress tutorial that is charming in more ways than one – it offers three different back closure methods (button, ribbon and long sash). Click here to download the PDF instructions. 

P.S. Laura (the creative genius behind Charm Stitch) recommends using voile for the bodice and skirt, although she does admit that light weight quilting cottons and double gauze would be cool too. Come on in and have a look at what we’ve got in store. With over 1000 fabric prints and styles you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more about what’s in stock and on special. You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Funky Fashionable Stockings

It is unlikely that a fire will be roaring in that fireplace, unless, of course, you’re having a braai. So why stick with the traditional? Check out the super stockings that the elves over at spoonful.com are creating to spice things their Christmas.

You’ll need

• Scissors
• 2 pieces of purple felt, each 60 x 38 cm (24 x 15 inches)
• 2 pieces of black faux fur, each 60 x 38 cm (24 x 15 inches)
• Long sewing pins
• Large-eye sewing needle
• Purple embroidery floss
• Costume jewelry buttons and chains
• Clear tape
• 9 inches of black twist cord

Instructions

1. The Basic Stocking: Click here to download the fancy boot stocking pattern.

2. Cut 1 boot shape from each piece of the purple felt and 1 from each piece of the black fur. Be sure to cut the fur boots so that the toes point in opposite directions with the fur sides up.

3. Pin together the boots with the furry sides in and the purple boots on the outside.

4. Using the floss, whipstitch around the edges, sewing the boots together. Leave the top edges unsewn.

5. At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2.

6. Fold down the top to make a cuff.

7. The Trimmings: Use floss to sew the buttons and chains to the boot.

8. Tape the ends of the cord to keep them from fraying, and then sew the cord to the stocking for hanging.

You’ll need:

• Scissors
• 4 pieces of gold felt, each 21 by 20 inches
• Red felt and red embroidery floss
• Green felt and green embroidery floss
• Purple felt and purple embroidery floss
• Long sewing pins
• Large-eye sewing needle
• Gold embroidery floss
• Pony beads
• Clear tape
• 9 inches of red twist cord

Instructions

1. The Basic Stocking: Click here to download the bare foot stocking pattern.

2. Cut 1 bare foot shape from each piece of the gold felt.

3. Cut 5 circles from the colored felts for the toenails.

4. Place one foot on top of another and pin the toenails in place.

5. Using the matching floss, whipstitch (see page 131) around the edges of each toenail, sewing through both feet.

6. Pin all 4 feet together and use the gold floss to whipstitch around the edges, sewing the feet together. Leave the top edges unsewn.

7. At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2.

8. Fold down the top to make a cuff.

9. The Trimmings: Thread pony beads onto a 24-inch piece of colored floss, wrap it around the ankle, and tie together the ends.

10. Tape the ends of the cord to keep it from fraying, and then sew it to the stocking for hanging.

Click here for more great stocking ideas.

Looking for some specific fabric for this project or the next? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we’ll help you find what you need. Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

A stitch in time… from an embroidery hoop to a clock

Trouble keeping track of the time? This DIY embroidery hoop wall clock is a must have for every sewing enthusiast.

You’ll need:

• scrap fabric about 2.5 cm wider on all sides than your embroidery hoop
• embroidery hoops  (the pink one is 17.8cm (7 inches) wide and the small wooden one is 7.7cm (3 inches) wide – it was a tight squeeze)
• foam core scrap
• craft knife
• rotary cutter or sharp scissors for trimming fabric
• writing instrument
• cutting mat
• spray adhesive
• clock kit
• chopstick

Instructions:

Begin by tracing the inner loop of your embroidery hoop on foam core. Trim circle with craft knife. Verify circle fits in inner hoop snuggly - a little loose is fine too.

Apply spray adhesive to the back of the scrap fabric and center the disc-shaped foam core on the sticky side.

Identify center point of foam core/fabric piece, poke hole with the scissors or knife - You will be inserting the clock pieces through this hole, so compare size of clock kit post with your hole, enlarge hole until the clock post easily goes through. The chopstick works very well to create a gradual increase in size so that you don’t offshoot your mark.

On the backside of the fabric/foam core piece, place the inner embroidery hoop and mark the circular edge from where you will trim the excess fabric (while manhandling, be considerate of your time pieces as they bend easily).

Load clock components as pictured on package and add the battery.

Trim fabric with a rotary cutter or scissors and tighten the embroidery hoop.

Hang and admire

Note: The clock components will protrude from the back of the embroidery hoop. Your clock will therefore hang from the clock kit, not the top of the embroidery hoop, so you should take care to line up the clock-kit when mounting to fabric.

Visit the Charm Stitch Blog and your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse for more for more creative craft ideas.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

A stitch in time… from an embroidery hoop to a clock

Trouble keeping track of the time? This DIY embroidery hoop wall clock is a must have for every sewing enthusiast.

You’ll need:

• scrap fabric about 2.5 cm wider on all sides than your embroidery hoop
• embroidery hoops  (the pink one is 17.8cm (7 inches) wide and the small wooden one is 7.7cm (3 inches) wide – it was a tight squeeze)
• foam core scrap
• craft knife
• rotary cutter or sharp scissors for trimming fabric
• writing instrument
• cutting mat
• spray adhesive
• clock kit
• chopstick

Instructions:

Begin by tracing the inner loop of your embroidery hoop on foam core. Trim circle with craft knife. Verify circle fits in inner hoop snuggly - a little loose is fine too.

Apply spray adhesive to the back of the scrap fabric and center the disc-shaped foam core on the sticky side.

Identify center point of foam core/fabric piece, poke hole with the scissors or knife - You will be inserting the clock pieces through this hole, so compare size of clock kit post with your hole, enlarge hole until the clock post easily goes through. The chopstick works very well to create a gradual increase in size so that you don’t offshoot your mark.

On the backside of the fabric/foam core piece, place the inner embroidery hoop and mark the circular edge from where you will trim the excess fabric (while manhandling, be considerate of your time pieces as they bend easily).

Load clock components as pictured on package and add the battery.

Trim fabric with a rotary cutter or scissors and tighten the embroidery hoop.

Hang and admire

Note: The clock components will protrude from the back of the embroidery hoop. Your clock will therefore hang from the clock kit, not the top of the embroidery hoop, so you should take care to line up the clock-kit when mounting to fabric.

Visit the Charm Stitch Blog and your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse for more for more creative craft ideas.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

The Country Stitcher’s Christmas Ornament

From the pages of the Styrofoam brand foam Crafts Blog comes a Christmas ornament that is just so us, it’s unbelievable! And because we know you love sewing just as much as we do, we had to share it with you.

Click here to view the tutorial.

This project is an excellent excuse to go rummaging around our Haberdashery. Choc-a-block with buttons, ribbons, zips and more, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more about what’s in stock and on special. 

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Adding a bit of peplum to your skirt – A DIY guide

Sometimes a little goes a long way. Update a classic pencil skirt by adding a little peplum (see how below) and you’ll accentuate your curves by creating the illusion of a smaller waist and wider hips.

The cut at the back of circle is there because the zipper was there, you can cut it at one side if your zipper is there.

Starting from the center pin the circle on the skirt. Make sure the open side goes close to the zipper so you can still use it. When everything is ok sew the peplum onto the skirt.

This tutorial is the brainchild of A Matter of Style, a blog brimming with DIY guides and stylish ideas for fashionistas everywhere.

Looking for some specific fabric for this project or the next? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we’ll help you find what you need.

 

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Be your own decorator!

There are few things more intimidating than redecorating your home. You so want your lounge to look like it has fallen out of the pages of a magazine, but you doubt that you can ever get that level of elegance without hiring a professional and that costs more than you can afford. Well, we’re here to tell you that you can create that stylish coordinated look by yourself for less.

At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you’ll find a wide range of double-sided jacquard curtaining. The beauty of these fabrics is that they allow you to instill a sense harmony in your design. Use one side of the fabric for the curtaining and the other to create coordinated scatter cushions or to upholster an ottoman. This wide-width fabric is available in an incredible range of colours, textures and designs and allows for you to become your own decorator.

If you’d like to find out more about our curtaining and upholstery then give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Set the mood with this Festive Fabric Wreath.

With the Festive Season just around the corner it’s time for you crafty gift givers to get cracking. In an effort to help spread the joy, we've put together a few Christmas themed tutorials for you to enjoy.

To start you off here is a DIY fabric wreath from the geniuses behind Quilt Inspirations. Why geniuses you ask? Well, they’ve put together an easy to follow pattern that won’t have to tying fabric strips for days or leave you with blisters on your fingers. Now if that isn't a great gift this Christmas, then we don’t know what is.

You’ll need:

• One 30.5cm floral styro-foam wreath (if you choose to go with another thickness remember to adjust you measurements accordingly)
• Dark green fabric for backbone strips (approx. 1 fat quarter)
• Fabric or ribbon for bow (we used a 26cm x 54cm piece from 1 fat quarter)
• Assorted fabrics for cross-strips approx. 1.6 to 1.8 meters (7-8 fat quarters)
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat; 15 x 61cm (6" x 24") quilting ruler
• T-pins to attach the strips to the wreath 

Instructions

Backbone strips: Cut the dark green fat quarter into 4cm (1.5") wide strips. You will need 9 -10 strips that are approx. 54cm (21") long.

Cross-strips: Cut the assorted fabrics into 4cm (1.5") wide strips, then cross-cut so the strips are 9cm (3.5") long. To save time, you can cut a stack of 3-4 fabrics as long as your rotary blade is sharp. We first cut the 4cm wide strips without separating them, then simply rotated the cutting mat and made a second set of cuts every 9cm.

Stitch the cross strips to the backbones: Place one dark green backbone strip in the sewing machine and take a few stitches down the middle of the strip to hold it in place (see second photo below). Start adding cross strips as follows: fold one cross-strip in half lengthwise to make a 2cm (3/4") wide strip and pinch it in the middle. Then layer another cross-strip on top and fold it in half lengthwise. We found it easiest to fold and stack the strips flat on the table and then pinch them together as shown above.

Center the stacked cross strips on the backbone and take a few stitches down the middle.

Continue folding and adding cross-strips to the backbone strip, one right after another, as shown in the photos above. You should not need to raise and lower the presser foot as long as you take only a few stitches before you add the next set of strips.

You can use chain piecing if you wish by starting on the next backbone without lifting the needle. Each backbone will hold about 26 stacked cross strips. It will take a little time to sew the strips - but not days! It goes fairly quickly, and soon you will have a tantalizing collection of fluffy strips.

Make the bow: Before you finish stitching all the strips, attach the bow "strings" and bow to one of the backbone strips, about 15cm (6") from the end. First, cut the bow fabric into one 20 x 54cm (8" x 21") strip and one 5 x 54cm (2" x 21") strip. Fold the 20cm (8") wide strip in fourths, lengthwise, making an accordion fold as shown above (first fold the strip in half lengthwise with right sides together; then fold back the raw edges.) This will become the "strings" for the bow.

Then fold the 5cm (2") wide strip to make a flat bow. We've provided a free bow template in a pdf file (download here).

Attach the bow "strings" and bow to one of the backbone strips, about 15cm (6") from the end. First, center the bow strings on the backbone and then layer the flat bow on top of the strings and stitch down the middle, stitching through all layers. When you are done stitching the bow, continue stitching cross pieces onto the backbone.

Assemble the wreath: Start with the strip that has the bow. Center the bow on the front of the wreath form and pin it in place temporarily with a t-pin.

Then start wrapping the strip around the wreath, pushing the bow and cross-strips to the left as you wrap the strip to the right. When have finished wrapping this strip, secure the end with a t-pin (you can tuck the t-pin underneath a cross strip so that it does not show). Also wrap and pin the left end of the strip behind the bow (once both ends are secured, you can remove the pin from the bow.) Keep pinning and wrapping strips around the wreath, one after another, until the entire form is covered. Hint: If you wrap slowly, an inch or two at a time, it will be easy to push aside the cross strips so they do not get caught underneath the strip you are wrapping. When you have gone all the way around the wreath cut off any extra strips. We used about 9.5 strips for our finished wreath. Fluff the wreath with your fingers, straightening out any crumpled strips.

This is a great project to use up all your leftovers and scraps. Don’t forget we also offer GREAT DEALS on off-cuts sold by weight! Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more info. You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Transform your Zippers into Rocking Accessories

One of the reasons we love Brit + Co so much is their talent for turning unconventional items into wearable accessories. Take this tutorial for instance, which shows you how to transform everyday zippers into awesome arm candy:

You’ll need:

• Zippers
• Quick hold contact adhesive
• Leather crimps and clasps
• Needle nose pliers
• Sharp scissors

Instructions

Zipper Bangles

Cut close to the zip so that there’s almost no fabric on the sides and measure around your wrist. Cut any excess zipper but make sure it can still zip! Attach cord ends so that you can add a clasp and loop.

Braided Cuff

For this one, you’ll want a zipper with some contrast. We chose a black zipper with gold teeth. Cut it in half and then unzip so you have four pieces. Discard one. Clamp three with a leather crimp and braid! Add a crimp to the other end, clasp, and done.

Blinged Out Cuff

Take a long zipper and cut it in half (Make sure it fits around your wrist twice!). Glue the two halves together. Add velcro or snap buttons on either end to fasten it around your wrist.

Now, get some more zippers (preferably the same color) and cut them down to the teeth. Using glue to attach them and start making a spiral design. Keep gluing along the way (use a toothpick to tidy up glue that squeezes out). Leave to dry and then accessorize!

Click here for some more great zipper accessories from Brit + Co.

Please Note: We know these bangles are awesome, but don’t go ripping up all your clothes just to get at their zips. We’ve got plenty available in our Haberdashery for you to choose from. 

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials. You can also call us on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.