Lace it up: a simple scarf DIY.

Look fabulous this winter all wrapped up in this DIY lace-trimmed scarf from the girls at A Beautiful Mess. Click here for the easy-peasy, lightning-fast tutorial. 

Looking for fab fabrics for this project or the next? Well, you’re in luck! At Fabric and Textile Warehouse you’ll find a wide range of fabrics, lace, and more. Just pop on down to your local store. Feeling a tad lazy? Then, just give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what’s in stock and on special. You can also take a sneak peek at our ONLINE CATALOGOUE when you click here.

Hey, while you’re at it why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest. 

A no-sew way to a new look: the DIY hair comb

With just a touch of floss and a splash of colour you’re on your way to a new do. Just check out this terrific little tutorial from the very crafty blog Lemon Jitters. All it took to get the look was to wrap the floss in a V-shape pattern along the spine of the comb. You can just tuck the ends of each threat under that of the next colour and when it comes to the end, just tie it off. Easy peasy.

Hover over to our haberdashery and stock up on embellishments, threads and other odds and sods.

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, like a roll of printed cotton, give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and we’ll share more about what’s in stock and on special with you. FYI it’s always a good idea to take a peek at our ONLINE CATALOGOUE before you give us a call. Hey, while you’re at it why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest. 

Adding fabric touch-ups to doorknobs.

Looking to create a seamless décor experience? What about highlighting your colour scheme by extending your favourite fabrics to more than just the curtains or upholstery? With just a little bit of effort and a splodge or two of glue, you can cover your “knobs” with fabric. Click here for more of the “how to” from Olivia Kanaley, of A Field Journal. 

Whether you’re in to vibrant patterns, or subtle pastels, you’re sure to find the fabric of your dreams at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what’s in stock and on special or take a sneak peek at our ONLINE CATALOGOUE when you click here. Hey, while you’re at it why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest. 

The healing arts: DIY fabric and ribbon band-aids

Took a tumble? Celebrate your misadventure and learn from your mistake with these creative DIY fabric and ribbon band-aids from The Pink Couch, a little place filled with art, photos, recipes and inspiration.

You’ll need:

Glue dots
Fabric adhesive band-aids
Ribbon or fabric scraps

Instructions:

Unwrap the band-aids from package and place 3 glue dots on the top of the band-aid.

Add a small piece of fabric or ribbon on top. Trim the excess fabric off from around the edges of the band-aid and let the healing begin.

Scrap-heap not up to scratch? Not to worry, we offer great deals on scraps sold by weight. Just give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more.

Here’s an idea for now, later or whenever… click here and take a gander at our online catalogue. It’s choc-a-block with fab fabrics. And while you’re at it, why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest.

Fabulous and loving it… a DIY yarn and leather scarf

Why so fabulous? Well, apart from being incredibly unique, this scarf needs no knitting or stitching. All you need is a few scraps of leather, some gloriously soft yarn and a chair. A chair? Find out what we’re talking about here at Honestly WTF’s guide to making this distinctive scarf. 

Ok, so we’re not big on wool, but we do have some exciting leather and leather-like fabrics in store that would do really well in this project. Check out our collection here, or give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what’s in stock and on special. 

Hey, while you’re at it why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest. 

How to reupholster a chair

We’ve just received a shipment of gorgeous upholstery fabric and have been thinking of ways to induce you to buy it. Our prices are already so low that they’re almost unbelievable and the quality so superb it’s remarkable, so we’ve decided you just how easy it is to reupholster your favourite piece of furniture.

Below you’ll find the most common techniques used to reupholster a chair, as described by Tiffer’s Upholstery LLC. 

Before: A clunky, outdated chair desperately cries for a fabric makeover.

Strip fabric. The chair is stripped of its original fabric and the pieces saved and labelled. If needed, an additional layer of batting is stapled to the frame.

Make a pattern. The old fabric pieces are used to create the pattern for the new upholstery. They are laid right sides down on the new fabric and cut out.

Pin to the chair. The pieces are pinned wrong sides out onto the chair. The pinned cover is removed and sewn together, with welting reinforcing the seams. The sewn cover can then put back on the chair.

Create pleats. Pleats are often used to ease fabric around curves. Gluing on a covered button hides the staples that hold the pleats in place.

Attach the back. To attach a back panel, tack strips are stuck through the wrong side of the fabric at both long edges, about an inch in.

Tack the fabric on. The tack strips are then flipped over to pull the back panel taut and make clean, straight edges. The tacks are hammered into the frame with a hammer that has a piece of batting secured around the head.

Attach the sleeves. A sleeve of fabric is sewn for the chair seat and pulled on. The back edge of the cover is pulled through the opening between the seat and back and stapled to the frame.

Cover the seat. The seat cover is also pulled tight and tacked to the bottom of the chair frame on the front and sides.

Skirt the bottom. A lined, box-pleated skirt with welting is sewn. To assemble the skirt, layers are arranged on the chair, pinned in place, and sewn together at the top.

Staple the skirt on. The skirt is stapled to the frame on the wrong side of the fabric, just below the seam.

After

Now that you’ve seen just how easy it is, you’ll be wanting to find out more about our NEW STOCK. Just give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more info. You could also check out our online catalogue here. 

Before you get lost in cyber space, make sure to send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can now also FIND US on Pinterest. 

A lazy girl’s quilt

So, who’s the lazy girl? Well, that would be Disney of Ruffles & Stuff, a great little blog for crafts and inspiration. Her lazy girl quilt is perfect for those looking for a short cut to quilted perfection. Check it out here. 

Interested in something a little more difficult? Check out our collection of quilting books and patterns. Perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. We’ve also got a host of quilting cottons and batting available. Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more info.

Send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and hottest specials. While you are at it, go FIND US on Pinterest.

Vintage fashion DIY: the lace and ribbon bodice

A classy combination of Hollywood glamour and old world charm, with just a splash of provocative thinking, this tutorial from Love Maegan is an absolute favourite. Plus there’s all that lace and you know how much WE LOVE LACE! 

You’ll need:

Black Bustier
Black Lace
Black Satin Ribbon
Needle/Thread/Scissors

Instructions:

Line your lace up with your bustier cups, making sure that the pretty edge of the lace faces outwards and is closest to where your arms would be. Decide how much lace you need by measuring or just eye-balling it and make sure to leave a little extra so the panels can overlap in the centre.

Cut two pieces of lace at least 30cm long to be safe.

Flip your bustier inside out. Lay your lace in one of the cups at an angle, lining up the pretty edge with the edge of your bustier.

Carefully hand-stitch the lace to the inside of your bustier cup, right below the seamed edge. Just make sure not to let your needle pierce the front of the bustier.

Try your garment on. Cross one panel of lace over the other and taking your ribbon, mark with a safety pin where your neck is or where you want your ribbon to tie. Cut your ribbon extra-long to give you the option of tying it in the back or crossing it back around to the front as pictured.

Readjust your lace to make sure it's crossed over neatly and with your needle and thread carefully hand-stitch the edges of your ribbon to your lace. You only need to stitch down the front -or from side to side. In my case, it was about 6 inches.

Trim off the extra lace at the top.

Stitch your two panels together, but only at the centre and not all the way up

Trim the excess lace in the cups.

While we can’t supply you with a bustier, our haberdashery is overflowing with lace, ribbons and other goodies. Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what’s in stock and on special at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse.

Don’t forget to send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news from the fabric world. While you are at it, go FIND US on Pinterest. 

Keep it cosy with this easy DIY firewood tote

Ok, so we realise that this is sunny South Africa, but we’ve also heard tell of those lucky few who get to snuggle up next to a warm fire on chilly winter evenings. Rather than let jealousy get the better of us, we’ve decided to share this Firewood Tote tutorial with them.

Whip Up and Laura Wilson offers you the chance to save your toes from falling logs with this stylish tote. Click here for the seriously easy tutorial or here to find out what else Whip Up has to teach you.

Looking for fab fabrics for this project or the next? Then check out our stock online here.  You could 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.

Hey, while you’re at it why not send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. You can also FIND US on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/fabrictextile/pins/

Get comfy and crazy with JUMBO floor pillows

As things get colder, our need for comfort gets greater and these crazy huge floor pillows just look so darn comfy. Another great tutorial from Brit + Co., these pillows are great for the indoors and outdoors, the home or the office. We especially love the vibrant fabrics and the mix-and-match effect.

You’ll need:

11 m of fabric (2 m of each type if you’re going for mix-and-match look)

polyester fiberfill for stuffing

fabric scissors

needle and thread

sewing machine

Instructions:

The first thing to do is cut your fabric. Cut 2 squares that are 92 x 92 cm (36 x 36 inches). Then, with a complimentary or matching fabric, cut 4 pieces that are 92 cm x 19 cm (36 x 7 inches). Lay everything out before you get on the sewing machine to make sure all your pieces fit together.

Start with the top of your pillow. Place the two “right” sides of the fabric facing each other and sew with a 2.5cm (1 inch) seam allowance. Repeat on for all 4 side panels.

Attaching the bottom of the pillow is the same as the top, but you want to leave one side panel open – this is where you’ll put the stuffing in. Remember, your pillow should look like it’s inside out while you sew.

Sew each of the corners (still inside out) and then turn your pillow case right side out.

Fill with stuffing and pin with the same 2.5 cm (1 inch) seam allowance.

Hand-stitch to secure, and you’re done!

Top tip: While we have plenty of colour printed cottons in stock that would make perfect cushions, we suggest that if you’re looking to add a few to the veranda you check out our range of outdoor fabrics. They’re Teflon coated, UV protected and water resistant, making them perfect for even the harshest of climates. Give us a call on GOLDEN NUMBER (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more info. 

Looking to keep up-to-date with our latest news and hottest specials? Then send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter. While you are at it, go FIND US on Pinterest.