Magical DIY Dragon Hot Packs

We’re still prepping for winter and it’s a good thing too otherwise we wouldn’t be able to share with you this fabulous Dragon Hot Pack tutorial from the folks at Urban Threads. Looks like it’s up to Smaug and his fire filled belly to defend you and the kids against the approaching chill. Wait! If you’re not too keen on fantasy there is a little number for you too. Just click here for the tutorial, scroll down and you’ll find a foxy version that’s just as adorable. 

This tutorial obviously requires some brightly coloured fleece and you’re in luck. We’ve got a great selection available in store. Some patterned, some plain, but all perfect to bring your scaly new friend to life. To find out more about our stock just give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FABTEX). You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with our latest news and hottest specials.

Creative Chair Bag Flair – a tutorial

Cleaning up the kids’ room couldn’t be easier. Use these crafty little chair covers from ideas to store books and toys and give the room a little more joy.

You ‘ll need:

• the pattern (available here)

• ruler and pencil

• metric graph paper

• two contrasting cotton fabrics

• lightweight iron-on interfacing

• matching coloured sewing thread

Instructions:

Note: All seam allowances and hems are 1,5cm wide.

• The pattern pieces are given on the grid. Each square on the grid represents 1 x 1cm. You will first need to draw the pattern pieces to size on metric graph paper. Cut out the fabric pieces.
• Iron 3cm-wide interfacing strips to the wrong side of the top edge of the bag section. Overlock the edge, press to the back and sew in place. Press the remaining seam allowances to the back of the bag. Pin and sew the bag to the back section of the slipcover.
• Sew each dart closed on the front section of the slipcover. Press the fullness of the darts downwards. Now overlock and hem the bottom edge.
• Sew the front section to the back section of the slipcover.
• Make cuts from the raw edge to 2mm from the stitching line in the side seam allowances of the back section, 1,5cm up from the hem of the front section. Hem the side hems below these cuts, and the bottom of the back section, with a 6mm double-folded hem.
• Overlock the remaining seam allowances inside the slipcover. Turn through to the right side and press.

We love the idea of using of vibrant and colourful prints to make these colours. If you do too then you’d better head on over to your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. We have a MASSIVE range of printed cottons available, perfect for this and other projects. See you soon!

For more info on what’s in stock and on special give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX). 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 from the fabric world. 

Easter garlands and embroidery floss eggs

Alissa of Crafty Endeavor put together a delicious Easter themed tutorial that we just had to share.

You’ll need:

1 Cup liquid starch

½ Cup flour

Embroidery Floss

Balloons

Instructions:

Blend together the liquid starch and flour. Coil your embroidery floss into a bowl of your starch/flour mix and gently press it into the “goo”

Blow up a couple of balloons to whatever size you desire and wrap the goo laden floss around it. Alissa says to make sure that you wipe off and excess goo and let it fall back into the bowl.

Leave to dry for several hours and, once dried, pop the balloon. If there is any crusty stuff in between the floss you can always just scrape it away using a pin like Alissa did. Thread the eggs onto a clean piece of floss to make your garland.

For more of Alissa’s creativity visit her blog here.

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.

Tutorial: Keep toes toasty in these superb sweater boots

Keep your toes warm and snug in an absolutely rocking pair of DIY sweater boots from the folks at Urban Threads. If you’re an embroidery fanatic make sure that you explore a little further. They have a fabulous imagination and some incredible designs available, but to get there you’re going to have to click here first. 

 

Stock up on needles, thread and other necessities at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FABTEX) to find out 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 from your favourite fabric warehouse.

It’s Easter and WE’RE OPEN!

Planning on getting a little shopping done this weekend? While you won’t be able to get much done on Good Friday (29 March) because we’re closed, you will be happy to know that we’re open Easter Sunday and Monday. Check out when and where below:

For more info on what’s on the go this long weekend, 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.

Holiday craft: The DIY Rocket Powered Jet-Pack

Want an Easter break packed full of rocket fuelled fun? Then click here! Doodlecraft’s DIY Rocket Power Jet-Pack is quick and easy playtime charm that’ll entertain your space cowboys for hours. 

If you’re looking to stoke the flames then you’d better visit our felt collection.  And while you are at it why not pick up a few pieces for your little girl and this fab peacock tutu.

Give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more on what’s in stock and on special this holiday season. You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Great party idea and creative balloon love

Bespoke Balloonery may be an Australian based company, but we’re absolutely gaga over their “upholstered” balloons. Decorated with tulle, organza, tassles, fringes and pom poms, they certainly make a statement and would make the perfect décor to a whimsical South African wedding.

If you’re feeling a little more than inspired, pop on down to your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. We have an awesome range of bridal fabrics available, including tulle and organza (hint, hint… nudge, nudge). Just 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 and follow us on Twitter.

One for the kids: DIY A-Frame Tent

Make playtime a whole lot more interesting with this DIY A-Frame Tent from the peeps at A Beautiful Mess. Follow the link to start your new adventure:  http://bit.ly/Nso9fT  

A large part of why we love this project is the use of lace and printed fabrics, two of our BIG loves. You can find a large selection of these and other gems at your local store today. Hey, here’s a great idea – why not try out our new range of outdoor fabrics? They’re Teflon coated, UV protected, water resistant and perfect for an exotic expedition into your garden. Give us a call on GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more info. While you’re at it, send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with our latest news and specials.

New fabric collections from Hertex

Hertex Fabrics has recently launched not one, but two new décor fabric collections: Slow Living and Age of Empires. The first, with its rich patterns and turquoise, indigo and sunshine yellow shading, arouses the taste buds, evoking images of olive groves and the salty blue waters of the Mediterranean. The second offers a much more worldly experience, with prints available in a variety of styles “From the block print tie dye look of Melaya, the staid hunting scene of Hewitt and the exotic eastern appearance of Bexley.” 

Why pay more when you don’t have to? Designer fabrics like these are beautiful and supremely desirable, but oh, the price! At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you get designer fabrics at wholesale prices. This means that you can get the best fabrics from SA’s top design houses for less. For more info contact us 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 our latest news and specials.

It’s a Public Holiday, but WE’RE OPEN!

It’s Human Rights Day on Thursday and we’re endorsing your right to fabulous fabrics by opening our doors to you on this public holiday.

Looking to find out more about what’s on offer? Then give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX and chat to one of our friendly sales assistants. 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.

How to transfer a photo to fabric

Want to transfer images to fabric without having to bother with iron-on sheets or digital printers? Then you’d better click here! Elsie & Emma of A Beautiful Mess fame will show you just how easy it is to leave your mark on a boring swatch of fabric. FYI you’ll need to take more than just a trip to Fabric and Textile Warehouse for this one. Try your local craft shop for the Gel Medium and Paint Brush.

Don’t forget that you can always 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 stay up to date with our latest news and specials.

Making your own colourful cloth napkins

Ok, so we have a massive range of printed cotton fabrics available in our stores that are perfect for just about anything. Don’t believe us? How about testing our theory with this fab tutorial from Skip to my Lou? Find out just how easy it is to make your own creative and colourful cloth napkins here and share your creations with us here. We’d love to see your crafty hands at work.

Prints aren’t the only fabrics great for napkins! Jacquards are a great option for when you need to class things up a bit. Find out more about our fabric collections 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 our latest news and specials.

Expect candy treats & bunny pouches this Easter

Fun for young and old, hunting for chocolate coated goodies is a welcome tradition at this time of year. And here’s our little gift to you; an oh-so-easy and absolutely delightful tutorial from Mer Mag that’ll help make this year’s adventure even more exciting.

The Easy Bunny Candy Pouch

You’ll need:

The bunny template (click here)

Two pieces of white felt

Needle and thread or embroidery floss

Instructions:

• Using the template, cut out two pieces of felt in the shape of the bunny.
• Take one of the pieces of felt and embroider a simple bunny face on it.
• Once the face in on, place the two pieces of felt together (with the piece with the face on it facing up and out). Pin and sew them together from ear to ear, being careful to leave an opening at the top to insert treats and treasures.

• And now the fun part! Fill up your bunny with candy or little gifts. If using candy that’s not pre-packaged, Merrilee suggests placing it inside of a little plastic bag before inserting into the felt bunny.
• Once your bunny is full, pull together the ears and tie them together with a little yarn or ribbon. This keeps the candy tucked inside.

Looking for more Easter inspired fun? Click here and be transported to Merrilee’s wonderland of creativity, Mer Mag.

Stay in the loop these holidays by giving us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX). You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

More creative chair décor for your wedding

Here’s another gem from Wedding Chicks’ Creative Chair Décor collection: The Woven Chair.

You’ll need:

10 different ribbon types

50 yards of ribbon

3 foot ribbon strips

5 strips of each color for a total of 50 strips

23 ribbons across

27 ribbons down

Instructions:

• Working with 23 of your ribbon strips; tie them horizontally across the back of your chair.
• Now weave the 27 vertical strips down through the horizontal ribbons. After you tie these ribbons, tuck the excess between the two woven sections from the bottom.

Get everything you need for your big day without breaking your budget at Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Just 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 stay up to date with our latest news and specials.

Tutorial: the picnic blanket that won’t blow away

Sick and tired of flapping picnic blankets? Well then this tutorial is for you! Click here and let Sew, Mama, Sew! show you just how to create a gorgeous picnic blanket complete with rock pockets. Yes, we said rock pockets – a delightful solution to an annoying problem.

For more 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.

A DIY Shamrock Barrette for St Paddy’s Day

Whether you’re Irish or not, St Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to have a party. Go green this Sunday and join in the fun with this lucky little DIY from Paper and Ink. 

You’ll need:

Green felt

Needle and thread

Blank barrette

A modified version of this template from Martha Stewart (Brenna, the genius behind Paper and Ink, changed the shape of the petals, giving them 2 lobes each and flipped them, preferring the shape of the bottom of the flower for the clover).

Instructions:

• Cut 4 leaves in the shape shown above. Brenna’s were about 2 cm (3/4 of an inch) tall and nearly an inch wide. 
• Sew the leaves together as shown above, and tie the threads together tightly at the ends. 
• Sew to a barrette, and clip on your little lucky charm.

The 17^th of March may only come around once a year, but Fabric and Textile Warehouse is open 7 days a week. Don’t forget about us when it comes to planning your next big bash. We’ve got a lot more than just felt to help you out. Get easy-to-clean tabling, elegant jacquards, playful ribbons and more in store today.

For more 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 our latest news and specials.

Creative chair decor for your wedding

Here's another gem from the peeps at Wedding Chicks: Creative Chair Decor! All you need is a little time on your hands and a trip to our haberdashery - you'll need a full stock of ribbons for this one.

For the Ombre Chairs you'll need:

9 different ribbon types (They used nine ombre shades of ribbon ranging from 0.3cm to 1cm.)

55m of ribbon

1.2m ribbon strips

5 strips of each color for a total of 45 strips 

Simply tie the strips sideways, against the side of the chair, then rotate the ribbon so the excess is in the middle creating the fringe effect down the centre. It’s really that simple and how beautiful does it look? This is the perfect chair for the bride at her wedding or her bridal shower.

Don’t forget that you can always 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 stay up to date with our latest news and specials.