Pantone picks Emerald as the 2013 Colour of the Year

Firstly, who is Pantone and why do they get to pick the colour of the year? Well, Pantone, is the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards to design industries around the world. They are, in other words, the colour-gods who devote a lot of time and effort to picking the Colour of the Year.

This is not a random process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for colour influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, travelling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and affects that impact colour, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

This year’s pick, Emerald, “is a vivid, verdant green, that enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony”.

What does this mean for you? Expect 2013 to be a non-alcoholic version St Patrick’s Day every day for the entire year. The colour is will explode onto catwalks and sidewalks in all shapes and sizes. From fashion to décor, make up and more, you’ll be seeing emerald here, there and everywhere.

Don’t get left behind! Start incorporating the green-hued gem into your life today. We’ve got a fab range of fabrics available in this delicious colour for you and your home. Just give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER is 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.

Adapted from the “Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2013″ Press Release available here.

Stake your claim with DIY cake flags

Even if you did buy the cake from Woolies, you can still leave your guests in awe of your mad skills with these adorable little flags. 

Click here to view the tutorial on Poppytalk, a fab little blog filled with inspiration and DIY guides. 

This tutorial is a great way to demolish that fabric scrap heap. If yours is, however, looking and little thread bare come on in. We offer great deals on off-cuts sold by weight. Call us on our GOLDEN NUMBER 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more about our latest deals. 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.

Wrap it up with a lace gift bow

This is another spectacular project from Cut out and Keep contributor Lauren.

You’ll need:

Lace

Tacky glue

Instructions:

Cut your lace to the following lengths:
3 pieces at 28 cm (11 inches)
3 pieces at 25.5 cm (10 inches)
2 pieces at 23 cm (9 inches)
1 at 9 cm (3.5 inches)

Pull one side of the lace into the centre and glue in place.

Repeat on the other side, forming an infinity shape. Repeat on all of the 28 cm, 25.5 cm and 23 cm pieces.

Glue your 9 cm piece into a simple loop.

Complete all of your infinity loops and leave to dry.

Glue all three of your 28 cm loops on top of each other, forming a six-point star shape.

Glue your three 25.5 cm loops on top of these, repeating the pattern inside.

Glue the two 23 cm loops inside of these.

Stick the 9 cm loop in the centre, completing your bow.

Optional: if your lace is very soft, consider using a stiffener to make sure that it holds its shape better.

We love lace! Which is why we have an absolutely massive amount of the stuff on our shelves. Choose from spandex ruffle, brushed cotton, nylon and more, all available in a fabulous range of colours too. FYI: nylon lace-trimmings are great for adding an extra bit of glam to a pair of old leggings. Get to know more about our collection when you 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 fabric news.

Great idea: Tagging your quilt

We love this idea by iCandy Handmade of tagging your handmade quilts with personalised messages. All you’ll need to create your own is some T-shirt transfer back and a couple of fabric scraps. Simply click here to see how it’s done. 

We’ve got a wide range of quilting goodies, from fabrics to pattern books and batting, available in store. So, be sure to stop on by and stock up on more than just inspiration. Loyalty card holders are also privy to a 2.5% DISCOUNT on ALL PURCHASES, so make sure to bring yours along. Don’t have one yet? Get yours in store today – it’s FREE!

For more information on what’s in stock and 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 fabric news.

DIY: Couch Slipcover

A good sofa can only go so far before it starts looking tattered and grubby. At times like those a simple slipcover can go a long way to rejuvenating a room. Check out this classic tutorial from the folks at Ideas. 

You’ll need:

• upholstery fabric

• matching upholstery thread

• pins

• scissors

• tape measure

• water-soluble marking pen

• paper

• ruler

• pencil

Instructions:

• Measure all the panels of the couch. Draw a layout plan to calculate the amount of fabric that you will need, adding 1,5cm allowances for seams and 5cm allowances for hems.
• It is a good idea to make a mock- up cover in a cheap fabric, such as calico, to first try out the pattern. Unpick the mock-up to use as a pattern if the slipcover fits properly. Alternatively, cut the upholstery fabric directly, adding extra width to the seam allowances to alter the fit, if necessary. Cut out the pieces of fabric and mark on the back which chair panel it is intended to cover, to keep track of the different panels.
• Sew the seams that will intersect with the corners, starting and stopping 1,5cm from the cut edge to allow pinning the seam around the corner. These seams should be overlocked individually and pressed open.
• The order in which the panels will be sewn will differ from sofa to sofa, but the following can be used as a general guide: first sew the inner, top and outer armrests, followed by the front and back armrest panels. Next, sew the front skirt, seat, backrest and back panels. Finally, sew these panels to the armrests.
• Hem the slipcover with a 2,5cm double-folded hem.

If you’re looking to more than just cover-up, you’ll be happy to know that we have a wide selection of upholstery available and at phenomenal prices too. Take our leather-look upholstery, for instance, 150cm wide and @ R39.99/m – what a bargain! Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and we’ll let you know what’s in stock and on special this summer. 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.

A simply delicious layer cake skirt tutorial

 Looking to add something tasty to your summer wardrobe? Then we recommend this scrumptious layer cake skirt from iCandy Handmade. Complete with scalloped edges, this skirt is an absolute delight.

Click here to view this incredibly easy tutorial.

Check out our collection of printed cotton knits. Very versatile and extremely trendy, they’re perfect for this and your other fashionable projects. Just give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX to find out more.

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

Cover it up with sequins – DIY elbow patches

Looking for a classy way to spruce up an old cardigan or tired shirt? Then, you’re going to just love this quick how-to from a pair and a spare, the ultimate blogging experience for any DIY diva. 

You’ll need:

• a jersey or long sleeved top of some king
• sequin fabric
• scissors
• a needle and thread
• craft paper and a pen

Instructions:

Using your hand as a guide, draw an oblong shape on the paper.

Cut the paper out and pin it to the back of the sequins.

Cut the shape out.

Do a second one the same.

Pin the patches in place, and then try on the sweater to make sure they are located in the right place. Then lightly stitch them on, using a longer stitch on the inside of the sweater and a shorter one on the front so that the stitches are less noticeable.

Stitch the other patch on, making sure to stitch in the right place so they look symmetrical.

And there you have it.

Come on in and peruse our fabric selection. We have a host of sequined fabrics for you to choose from. You can also 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.

DIY: Converting a plain old V-neck into an interesting cowl

This great little tutorial from Trash to Couture shows just how easy it is to transform an old v-neck shirt into something absolutely fabulous.

You’ll need:

• approx. ½ meter of fabric or scarf
• buttons

Instructions:

Make a tube of fabric by folding your fabric into a measuring 92 x 76cm (36 x 30 inches). Fold it in half long ways and sew right sides together, then flip it out. That way it will have a heavier texture and the edges won’t need to be finished. Remember that if making a deep v-neck you will need to measure it accordingly.

Gather folds, with one end of the neck panel starting at the point of the v-neck. Leave about 7.6cm (3 inches) from the shoulder for the panel to wrap around. Sew right sides together.

Pin the rest of the neck piece along the v-neck and back. Top stitch around or sew right sides together.

Add buttons... or not. Gather the rest on the collar, overlapping with the front gathers. Sew right sides together. Trim any excess.

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.

A not-so-frilly, but ever-so-classy bed frill

When your mother told you to make you bed, we doubt she had this project in mind, but it’s so classy we just had to share. Here’s another great tutorial from the folks at Ideas.

You’ll need:

• one 91 x 188cm piece of white fabric

• two 88 x 25cm pieces of white fabric

• two 185 x 25cm pieces of white fabric

• two 111 x 38cm pieces of checked fabric

• two 208 x 38cm pieces of checked fabric

• matching thread

• pins

• scissors

Instructions:

Note: All seam allowances are 1,5cm.

• Finish the side and bottom edges of the four white frill panels with an overlocked rolled hem.
• Sew the four vertical seams of the checked frill panels, starting 1,5cm from the top edge. Overlock each seam allowance separately and press the seams open. Overlock the bottom edge and finish with a 1,5cm wide hem.
• Pin an inverted box pleat at the four seams of the checked frill, with the seam at the centre of the pleat. Each side of the pleat should be 5cm deep. Pin the white panels on top of the corresponding checked panels.
• Pin, sew and overlock the frill panels to the 91 x 188cm piece of white fabric.

Love 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.

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

Why straighten up, when an asymmetrical hem will do?

Sometimes having things a little out of whack is so much more fun than having all your ducks in a row. Take this asymmetrical hem tutorial from the queen of DIY over at a pair and a spare, Geneva Vanderzeil. It’s completely off kilter, but oh so gorgeous!

You’ll need:

• An oversized skirt with a zip in the back (rather than the side) – look for one that is at least 1.5 times the size of your waist.
• Scissors
• A needle and thread (and sewing machine if you want to change the length of the hem).

Instructions:

First cut the skirt to mini length and hem it.

Now put the skirt on (In this example it has been hung on a hanger so you can see clearly) and wrap it around yourself like a kilt or a towel, doubling the excess fabric over at the front.

Pin the folded edge to the front of the skirt, but first put it on a diagonal angle so that the hem drops down to create the asymmetric shape.

Finally, iron and stitch the top edge of the folded section to the front of the skirt, leaving the side edge free to allow for movement. Just make sure to create a clean line along the waistband.

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.

Get printed 100% cottons @ just R19.99/m!

Highly versatile, lightweight and breathable our printed cottons are the must-have of the summer! They’re perfect for everything from summer frocks to sleep wear. And let’s not forget how chic you’ll look in a vibrant mini-skirt sporting the latest summer trend – prints!

Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX for more info on these and other fabrics available at Fabric and Textile Warehouse this summer. 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.

Tough Hertex Fabrics for the great outdoors

It’s not called Sunny South Africa for nothing! And by it looks like we’ve got plenty of blue skies and sunshine to look forward to this summer. This is great news for beach bums and ice cream lovers, but not so much for your outdoor furnishings. Harsh sunlight can damage fabrics, causing them to fade with time and you’re alfresco look to become dull and muted.

Hertex Fabrics, however, has come up with a solution to your summertime woes. ‘Hit the Deck’ is an exclusive range of outdoor jacquards that are not only stain and mildew resistant, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, but extremely high in light fastness. This makes the range perfect both indoor and outdoor use.

Remember, you don’t need to pay those hefty showroom prices. At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you get designer fabrics at wholesale prices! Take a trip to the designer’s showroom, make your selection & give us a call - we’ll get you a great price, guaranteed! Our Golden Number is 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.

Quilt your way to a new Laptop Sleeve

You’re back in the office, ready and eager get back to business and work yourself to the bone. Ok, so maybe not, but here’s a tid bit that is sure to put a smile on that dial come Monday morning. Not only will this little tutorial from Introvert's Introduction turn everyone in the office green with envy, but it’ll also keep your laptop safe and sound.

You’ll need:

• fabric cotton lining
• buttons
• scissors
• a needle and thread
• a sewing machine

Instructions:

Cut out shapes: You will need four pieces of fabric and four pieces of lining total. Just trace your laptop on the fabric, leaving about 2.5 to 4cm of extra fabric around the edges so that the fabric is slightly larger than the laptop.

Quilt pieces: Okay, it's not really quilting, but what you do next is you take two pieces of fabric and two pieces of lining, and lay the lining in the middle of the fabric, like a sandwich. Make sure the fabric is right side out, so that when you flip your "sandwich" you see the right side of both pieces of fabric.

Then you'll go to the sewing machine and attach everything together. Choosing a zigzag line will sort of mimic actual quilting, if you just sew rows along the fabric. Don't worry about back-stitching; the ends will end up getting sewed over in the next step.
Once you finish one "sandwich," just do the same thing to the remaining fabric and lining.

Piece together: Next you will lay the two sandwiches together with the sides that you want to be the outside touching each other (so the wrong sides are currently on the outside). Then you will stitch the bag together, sewing along the perimeter of three of the four sides.

Hem: Now that you've sewn the bag together, it's time to hem! With the last side that is going to be the mouth of the bag, fold over the edges and sew them together (Make sure you don't accidentally sew the mouth closed!). Alternatively, you can hand-stitch this part to avoid stitching on the outside of the laptop sleeve by not having the needle go through the outside piece of fabric.

Hem all the way around the edge. Then you can reach into your bag and pull it right side out!

Straps: Just cut out your desired length of straps that you want (you will hem them, so shoot for a little bigger than what you want), and hem up the edges. Fold the edge so that you see a little bit of the right side of the fabric and sew, so that you will have a nice clean line that won't fray.
Alternatively with the straps, you can cut two pieces, put the right sides together, sew both long edges and one short edge together, turn the fabric right side out, and hand stitch the last end for a cleaner look.

Add buttons! Mark the length of the button on your strap with a pencil (your line can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the size of your button and/or strap). After you cut along the line, make sure that the hole is big enough so that the button will go through, but small enough so that it can stay in place.

Then you'll have to hem the edges of the button hole.

Then on the front of your bag, you'll sew on the buttons and then button them to the straps.

On the back of your bag, you'll attach the other end of the strap with a decorative button.

Touch ups: Trim the edges to get rid of any extra material. You'll want to cut at an angle towards the inside of your bag so that no cotton lining (or very little) will show. (If you don't want any showing, when you are first making the sandwich, you can leave the lining out, put the right sides of the fabric together, sew three sides, turn it right side out, stuff the lining in, and hand-stitch the last side so that it will look even cleaner.)

At Fabric and Textile Warehouse we LOVE quilting. As such, we have a great selection of quilting fabrics, batting, patterns, etc. for you to choose from. Just give us a call for more info on what’s in stock and on special. Our Golden Number is 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.

Mosquito Netting @ R 25.99/m!!

Keep the mozzies at bay with mosquito netting at just R 25.99/m. And we not just talking about tulle folks – this stuff is the real deal! 250cm wide and guaranteed to protect you from the little suckers, this netting is an absolute necessity.

Get more info on this and other products when you 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 perfect blanket for your beautiful picnic

Summer is definitely here and the great outdoors are calling. This beautiful quilted picnic blanket is an absolute must for those looking to spend a lazy afternoon or two under the sun. The tutorial is another gem from Ideas, a local mag packed full of crafting gems and yummy treats.

You’ll need: 

• variety of cotton print-patterned quilting fabric (2,5m of 140cm- wide fabric)

• backing fabric (2,5m of 140cm-wide fabric)

• fusible batting (2,5m, depending on the width)

• fabric for binding, cut into 6cm-wide strips (0,5m of 140cm- wide fabric)

• matching coloured sewing thread

• sharp dressmaker’s scissors

• dressmaker’s pins

• clean, soft-bristle hairbrush (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the patterned fabric into 20 x 20cm squares. Our quilt is eight squares across and eight down, making 64 squares in total. The overall size of our quilt is about 1,5 x 1,5m. You can increase the number of squares, if you prefer.
• Cut the backing fabric into 20 x 20cm squares, cutting 64 squares in total.
• Cut the fusible batting into 18 x 18cm squares, cutting 64 squares in total.
• Sandwich a fusible batting square between a patterned fabric square and a backing fabric square, so the wrong sides of the fabric are positioned next to the batting. Iron the square to fuse the batting to the fabrics. Repeat for all the squares.
• Now stitch two diagonal rows across each square to form a cross, making sure that the lines reach all the way to the corners so the three layers are quilted together.
• Once finished, arrange the squares in eight rows of eight squares.
• Take the first two squares in the first row and lay them on top of each other with the wrong sides together (in other words, the backing sides) – the seam allowance needs to end up on the front of the quilt. Stitch together with a 1,5cm seam allowance.
• Stitch all your squares together, one row at a time, starting from the top row and working from left to right.
• Once your rows are complete, stitch them together in exactly the same way, taking care to line up the squares.
• When your quilt is complete, trim any excess fabric and make sure that the edges are straight and squared off. Measure the quilt around the edges and add 30cm to this measurement. This will be the length of your binding fabric.
• Join the pieces of binding fabric diagonally to avoid additional bulk. Once you have completed the length, fold the binding fabric in half lengthwise, iron, and zigzag stitch the open sides.
• Pin the binding with the zigzag stitch lining up with the edge of the quilt leaving an overlap. Once pinned, join and trim off the excess binding. Stitch the binding in place around the quilt.
• Turn the quilt over and fold the binding over towards the back of the quilt, pinning it in place (cover the stitch line underneath.)
• Turn the quilt back over and stitch close to the binding between the quilt and the binding – effectively hiding the stitch line. This will catch the binding at the back and will ensure a neat border. Remove the pins as you work.
• Once your binding is complete, snip the raw edges of the squares with scissors, taking care not to cut through the stitch line.
• There are two methods to create the soft frayed effect. First method: snip all the edges and corners and then wash and tumble dry the quilt two or three times. Second method: snip the edges then use a soft-bristle hairbrush to gently brush the edges to release the bits of fabric. It is a messy but effective process.

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.