DIY Lace Denim Cut-offs

As you may already know We LOVE Lace! It’s girly and romantic and just so blooming wonderful, which is probably why we’re so smitten with these DIY Lace Denim Cut-offs from Rebecca Minkoff of Minkettes. Oh so easy and adorable, they’re perfect for summer. 

You’ll need:

• a pair of denim cut-offs
• approx. 60 cm of lace or crochet trim
• pins
• a needle
• white thread
• scissors

Instructions:

• Cut a triangle out of your shorts that is roughly the shape of the lace. Make sure that you cut the triangle on the side seam.
• Cut out a piece of lace. You don’t have to use all of the trim – feel free to cut off the edges to get the right shape. Then pin the lace in place on top of the shorts.
• Thread your needle, tie a knot at the end of the thread, and start sewing the lace to your shorts, pulling the needle in and out. Make sure you sew both the inner and outer edges. Once you have sewn it all down, tie a few knots where you finish, cut off the rest of the thread, and you’re all set.

On the hunt for lace trim? You don’t have to go far. Just pop on in to your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more on what’s in stock and on special.  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.

DIY fashion accessories that are bright as a button.

Are you a member of the button brigade? If you’re bonkers about buttons like us, you’ll love the DIY button accessories from Morning Creativity. There’s everything from Button Earrings to Button Bobby Pins, Button Rings and Clothespins. And best of all they’re super easy to make! Just click here for a creative start to your day.

Our haberdashery has a bottomless button collection just waiting to be raided. There’s plenty buttons for everyone, as well as a remarkable collection of ribbons, lace and feathers too. So, make sure to visit us when you’re accessorising for summer.

For more info on what’s in stock & on special, give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX. 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.

On Trend: DIY Colour Block Tank Dress

Have a bright and colourful summer in this easy to create Colour Block Tank Dress from Sweet Verbena, a blog filled with fashion how-to’s and creative guides.

You’ll need:

• A tank top/t-shirt in your size
• 3/4" Clear Elastic (about a yard give or take)
• Lightweight Cotton Fabric (1 yard -give or take- of each color)
• Optional 1 yard Muslin (for lining)
• Thread to match your trim fabric.

Instructions:

Begin by trying on your tank/tee. Make a mark about 3/4 an inch below your natural waist.

Cut straight across where you just made the mark. You can save the bottom portion of the tee as a guide for making more dresses.

To determine how much elastic you'll need, measure the width of the bottom of the tank. Take this number, multiply by 2 and add 0.5.

Stretch the elastic out a little bit and then lay the two ends on top of each other with about an inch of overlap. Sew so that you have a loop of elastic.

Lay your elastic loop on the right side of the tank. Pin in place. The loop should be just a tad smaller than the tank.

Sew with a stretch or zig-zag stitch, pulling the elastic lightly as you go.

You want the (two) panels of your skirt to be 30.5 cm (12") wider than the width of your tank. Cut as shown below. Cut along the fold so that you have two panels of fabric.

The length of the dress will also depend on your body type and preference. For Katy, who's 5'9" and whose dress came to just right above the knee, the measurements were as follows: 53.5 cm (21") of the main fabric colour (red/navy) and 20.5 cm (8") of the trim (mint).

Finish the edges of the strips if you'd like. Pin and sew.

If you don't care about having pockets, go ahead and skip the next few steps. But bear in mind that they're really not too much extra work, and worth it to have a place to put your hands, phone, etc.

Fold your remaining trim fabric so that you have four layers of fabric on top of one another. Lay your hand down and free hand a pocket pattern. One side of the pocket should be a straight line. The rest doesn't really matter too much, kind of a slanty oval works best.

Or you know, cut a heart valentine style and cut along the fold.

Right sides together, pin the pockets about 8 cm (3 inches) down from the top of each panel. You'll want to be as exact as possible so that everything lines up properly.

Sew with a 0.635 cm (1/4") inseam. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Iron the seams open.

Now lay the panels, with pockets outstretched, right sides together. Take care to line up the trim at the bottom and everything else accordingly. Sew as shown.

Use the iron to shape, and hey look, you just made pockets.

Depending on your fabric, you might want to line the skirt. You can get away without on darker fabrics, but lighter fabrics are usually more transparent. Cut two panels of muslin to the same dimensions as your panels. Sew together opposite sides with the same inseam as you did your skirt.

Sew or serge the muslin layer and the skirt together as shown. They are only joined together by that top stitch.

Set your straight stitch to the longest length setting and sew two gathering stitches (about 1/4" apart).

Pull the top threads to create a nice, uniform gather.

Now with the tank/tee right side out and the skirt wrong side out, insert the tank as shown.

Pin the bottom of the tank to the top of the skirt.

Sew (with a stretch or zig zag stitch) very carefully and slowly with a half inch inseam. Once you've gone full circle, go around once more for good measure.

Finally hem the bottom and finish the lining. You may need to cut it about an inch shorter than the rest of the skirt so that it doesn't peek out.

We may not be able to supply the tank top, but we’ve got a fabulous selection of cotton dress fabric perfect for this project and others. Just give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for what’s in stock and on special.  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.

Have a Fab Festive Season!

Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX), or send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and we'll keep you up to date with the latest news and specials.

Celebrate and Create a Sequin Bird Dress

WE’RE ALIVE! So, the world didn’t end yesterday and you’re at a bit of a loss at what to do now. Why not celebrate the Mayan’s mistake with this sparkly tutorial from All the Good Girls Go to Haven Blog.

You'll need:

• a Little Black Dress
• 20 yards of sequin trim
• fabric glue
• scissors
• paper
• a pencil

Instructions:

Create your bird stencil using your pencil, paper and drawing skills (You can also always just using an image you found online).

Place the stencil on your dress and trace around it using your pencil or a fabric marker.

Cover the pencil line and fill in the shape with the glue. FYI: tacky craft glue is great because it's sticky and helps keep the sequins in place as you go. Apply your trim, starting from the edge and working your way in. Leave to dry then party on!

Viola!

NOTE: Bear in mind that, thanks to the sequins and craft glue, your outfit will probably not be washing machine friendly once complete.

Looking for something specific 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. While you are at it send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Inspiring superheroes and princesses with creative crafts

In the land of make believe nothing is more fun than school holidays - a time of year when your adventures are not limited by break times and alarm clocks. Join in and inspire this festive season with these great kiddie necessities from Cutesy Crafts. There’re crowns for your princess and masks for your superhero. Just click here and here and take a journey you’re sure to enjoy and never forget.

Felt is just one of many fabulous fabrics you’ll find at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. . For more info on what else is in stock & on special, give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX. 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.

The oh-so-easy, I must be dreaming, DIY Shirred Pillow Case

Hoping for a little rest and relaxation these holidays? Enjoy some restful nights and lazy mornings in bed when you rest your head on this stylish DIY shirred pillow case.

You’ll need:

• one piece of fabric, 53 x 88,5cm
• one piece of fabric, 53 x 23,5cm
• one piece of fabric, 103 x 93cm
• water-soluble fabric marking pen
• 6-cord elastic: 5 x 50cm pieces
• matching thread
• pillow, 50 x 90cm

NOTE: All seam allowances are 1.5cm.

Instructions:

1. Hem one 53cm edge of each of the two smaller pieces of fabric with a 1cm double hem. With wrong sides facing up, pin the hemmed edge of the smaller pieces overlapping the hemmed edge of the larger piece by 15cm.
2. Mark the vertical seam allowances (103cm edges) on the 103 x 93cm piece of fabric. Divide and mark the 90cm-wide area in between the seam allowances into six 15cm- wide sections. Mark the centre of each of the five dividing lines.
3. Mark the centre of each piece of elastic. Pin the corresponding centre point of one piece of elastic to a centre point of a line on the fabric. Pin the ends of the elastic to the ends of the lines.
4. Set the stitch length to 3mm. Sew a few stitches at the beginning of the first elastic. Take hold of the elastic and fabric at the centre point and stretch the elastic to the same length as the fabric. Sew the elastic on top of the guideline. At the centre, take hold of the end of the elastic, stretch and sew the second half.
5. Sew the remaining four pieces of elastic in the same manner.
6. Sew a row of stitches on both sides of the marked vertical seam allowances. Pin the front panel to the two back panels with the right sides together. Gather the two vertical seam allowances to the same length as the back panels and pin in place. Sew and overlock the pillowcase.

This was just another great tutorial from the guys and gals at ideas - the ultimate guide to modern living for those with creative flair. 

Loved the idea of sprucing up the bedroom, but not too keen on making your own bedding? Don’t worry; we have a fabulous selection of bedding available in store. Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and discover what’s in stock and on special this festive season. 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.

Full dance card? Then you need a DIY Infinity Dress!

It’s party season, with festive celebrations popping up left right and centre. All this holiday hoopla can sure take a toll on one’s budget. If you’ve found you’re calendar full and your wardrobe empty this December then we highly recommend you head on over to Sew like my mom. Here you’ll find the Little Red Infinity Dress tutorial. One Dress… so many ways to wear it! 

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

The Great Geek Gift: A Tiny Yoda Keyring

Thanks to TV shows like The Big Bang Theory peeps around the world are letting their geek flag fly. Why not give the geek in your life something homemade and extra special this Christmas, a tiny Yoda keyring.

This tutorial was posted on Cut Out + Keep by Lauren of Port Elizabeth (Click here to view the tutorial). Unfortunately you are going to have to sign up to Cut Out + Keep to get a hold of the pattern. What are we saying? Unfortunately – bah! You crazy crafters are going to love this site. It’s filled with great tutorials and interesting ideas. If you find anything particularly amazing share it with us. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter, or just leave us a comment below.

Need felt? Thread? A needle? Get them and more at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more 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.

More Christmas Décor Ideas for the Serious Stitcher

Using iron-on-vinyl, turn paper patterns into durable fabric for stockings. Measuring tape also makes for great tabs to hang them by. http://bit.ly/U44YHV 

We’ve brought you the fabric wreath, then the cotton-reel wreath, now it’s time for the button wreath. Click here for the tutorial. 

Spread the festive spirit throughout the house with these Ribbon Christmas trees from Be a Fun Mum. Click here for the tutorial.

Don’t forget to stop by our Haberdashery where you’ll find buttons and ribbons galore. 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. 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.

It’s a long weekend and WE’RE OPEN!

Enjoy the start of the celebrations this holiday season with some fabric shopping. We’re OPEN Sunday, 16 December AND Monday, 17 December. Keep reading for when and where: 

As for Christmas, we’ll be celebrating with our family and friends will therefore be closed on Tuesday the 25^th and Wednesday the 26^th of December. We will, however, be open for business from the 27^th.

Then there is the New Year to look forward too. Realizing that we’ll probably be recovering from some awesome parties we’ve decided to close our doors on Tuesday the 1^st and Wednesday the 2^nd of January 2013, but will open them again on the 3^rd.

For more info on what’s on the go this festive season give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX. 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.

Summer Love: Creating a Lace Heart Cardigan

We realise that a cardigan in summer might come as a bit of a shock, but rainy days are just as common as sunshine in South Africa at this time of year. That is why we thought you might want a little more sweater protection. Well, that and this Lace Heart Cardigan tutorial from Sincerely Kinsey is too gorgeous not to share. 

You’ll need

• A cardigan
• Some Lace
• Scissors
• Paper
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions

1. Take your cardigan and lay it out on the table with the back facing down. Place the lace down on the inside, making sure it is smooth with no wrinkles and pin it in place.

2. Turn your cardigan over so that the lace is now facing down. Take a piece of paper and cut out the size of heart you want and place it on your cardigan.

3. Take sewing pins and pin all the way around the heart. Be sure the pin goes through the lace as well.

4. Sew right on the inside of the pins to make your heart.

5. CAREFULLY cut out the heart on the inside of the stitching. Don't cut the lace underneath!

6. You're finished! Remove all the pins and enjoy.

Looking to start your holiday romance with lace? We’ve got a great selection available in store. Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we’ll let you know what’s what and how much.

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

Making a Statement with Trendsetting Toddler Accessories

Dinner parties and glamorous get-togethers are just another reason why we love the festive season. Black ties, long dress and high heels - what fun! But, why should grown-ups be the only ones to enjoy this game of dress up? Have your little rascals looking snazzy with these Little Boy Ties and Cute Clip On Bows from Madelyn Wayment of Mommy Minutes.

Click here and here and be transported to step-by-step tutorials that show you just how easy it is to transform your toddlers into trendsetting rouges.

If you haven’t already heard, we’ve got a great selection of printed cottons in stock that are perfect for these ties. And at less than R 20 / m they’re a bargain not to be missed! 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.

A Creative Christmas & Buttoned Up Baubles

As you may have noticed we’re all about flaunting our love of sewing this christmas, what with a Cotton-reel Wreath on our door and the Country Stitcher’s Christmas Ornament  on our tree and all. Not one’s to prescribe to the ‘less is more’ philosophy, we’ve decided to keep going and bring you ideas' latest ornamental tutorial – the Buttoned Bauble!

You’ll need:

• Polystyrene balls
• Tons of buttons
• Ribbon
• A glue gun or pins

Instructions:

• Stick a variety of buttons all over the balls and attach a ribbon loop under one of the buttons so you can hang the bauble. We used a glue gun to do the sticking, but pins will also work.

Visit our in-store Haberdashery and stock up on buttons, ribbons and whatever else you may need for you crafting adventures this Christmas. You can also 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.

DIY Tiered Ombre Necklace

Be fabulously fashionable this summer with this do-it-yourself tiered ombre necklace from our favs at Brit + Co.

You’ll need:

-          chain

-          wire cutters

-          needle nose pliers

-          spandex strips

-          gold jewelry loops

-          scissors

-          tape

Instructions:

You'll be cutting 6 different lengths of chain for this so make sure you've got a good set of wire cutters. Cut the first length of chain to size. This will be the piece that goes around your whole neck so it should be around 60cm (24 inches).

Now get your spandex prepped. Cut strips about 1.5cm (0.5 inches) wide and plenty long, and stretch.

To thread the spandex through the chain, use a piece of tape to create a needle at one end of the spandex, kind of like the end of a shoelace. Tie one end of the spandex as far down as you want the color to start. Thread through as long as you'd like for the first tier. We went with 11 inches centered at the bottom of the necklace.

Cut the next length of chain 2.5 – 5cm (1-2 inches) shorter than the colored portion of the first chain. Thread through. Repeat so you have 3 lines of the first color.

Then 2 with the next color. And just 1 with the last color.

Now time to attach! Use gold jewelry loops to attach each level to the level above it.

Use needle nose pliers to fasten everything.

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. 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.