Getting your panels in a twist!

The Aussie blog Shocking Hocking offered up a twisted tutorial that we thought was too good not to share.

You will need:

·                     heavy duty interfacing (1 piece, 17.8cm x 30.5cm)

·                     ruler

·                     pencil

·                     main fabric

·                     colourful scraps of fabric for the twists at least 3.8cm wide and 12.7cm

NOTE: Starch your fabric - it helps when cutting and piecing

Instructions:

1.       Cut your main fabric into the following pieces:

·         5 pieces, 3.8cm x 12.7cm

·         4 pieces, 3.2cm x 12.7cm  (the spacers)

·         1 piece, 12.7cm x 8.9cm (this will be trimmed later)

·         1 piece, 12.7cm x 16.5cm (this will be trimmed later)

·         2 pieces, 6.4cm x 30.5cm (these will be trimmed later)

2.       Mark up the interfacing with your pencil and ruler:

·         Measure in 3.8cm from each long side and draw a line

·         Measure in 7.6cm from one short side and draw a line

·         From the  7.6cm line, measure and mark a further 4 lines, 2cm apart

·         Set aside for later

3.       Sew your twists:

·         Using all the fabric pieces sized  3.8cm x 12.7cm, sew each of the scrap pieces to a main Fabric piece down one long side and with a 0.6cm seam

·         Press open the seams (this makes it easier to get a good edge), then finger press the twists closed along the seam line, wrong sides together and press again

·         Trim the twists so they are 2.5cm wide and 12.7cm long

4.       Piece the panel:

·         Lay the 12.7cm x 8.9cm on top of the interfacing, right side uppermost and centred between the top and bottom lines, carefully matching the 7.6cm line and edge stitch to hold

·         Lay your first twist along this line, carefully matching the long raw edges and edge stitch to hold

·         Lay one 3.2cm x 12.7cm spacer on top of the twist, matching raw edges and sew through all thicknesses with a 0.6cm seam where you just edge stitched

·         Turn main fabric over to the right and press (the long edge of the folded out spacer should be aligned with the next 2cm line drawn on the interfacing)

·         Edge stitch the raw edge

·         Continue adding the twists in this manner until you have stitched down the last one. 

·         You will not have any spacers left, but that's ok, because now you'll use the 12.7cm x 16.5cm piece to complete the width of the panel

5.       Create the twist:

·         From the back of the piece, sew along one of the 3.8cm lines to hold your twists in place

·         Fold the other end of each twist to the opposite side and pin to hold

·         Stay stitch along the 3.8cm line at the bottom to hold

6.       Complete the panel:

·         Sew the remaining main fabric pieces (30.5cm x 5.1cm) to the top and bottom of the panel and press open

·         Trim the panel and use as you please.

Get everything you need for this project and more at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse. We also offer great deals on offcuts sold by weight. 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. You can also ‘friend us’ on Facebook and ‘follow us’ on Twitter.

Home grown and handmade: shweshwe pumps

There are few things that say “Made in Africa” quite like shweshwe fabric. Its vibrant colours and traditional designs are synonymous with Table Mountain, Nelson Mandela and lions in the backyard. With it being National Women’s Day we decided we’d celebrate by giving you a tutorial that brings together a national treasure and the things most women treasure – their shoes.

You will need

• pair of pumps
• two pieces of shwe-shwe cotton fabric that contrast well
• brown paper for pattern
• pencil
• leather
• insoles
• Supawood
• contact adhesive
• masking tape
• dressmaker‘s pencil
• matching coloured sewing thread
• appliqué paper
• clamp
• clingwrap
• felt
• spray starch
• waterproof glue

Before you begin

You will need to use both craft and stitchcraft skills to make a pair of shoes. It is time consuming as they are made in stages, and the glue must dry thoroughly between each stage. Read the instructions first and if necessary make a mock shoe out of a piece of denim before you start cutting and sewing the printed fabric.

To make

1. Choose either the left or right pump for making up the pattern and put the other aside. Place the shoe on the brown paper and neatly trace around the sole. Cut out the pattern and trace it onto a piece of leather. Cut the leather sole out around the outline. in the same way, cut out the identical shape on an insole. It is advisable to purchase insoles larger than your shoe size so you can cut the correct shape out accurately. Now, in exactly the same way, cut a sole out of a piece of supawood – this will be used as a last when gluing and clamping the pattern pieces together. 
2. Place the sole pattern piece onto the fabric with the fabric wrong side uppermost and trace the sole onto the fabric using a dressmaker’s pencil. Cut out the pattern piece adding a 1cm seam allowance around the entire shape. 
3. Take the shoe that you used for the sole pattern and, using masking tape, cover the front of the shoe. As you work, stick the masking tape in strips over the shoe, overlapping each strip by half every time. This will give you a firmer pattern piece as it will be a double layer. Cut away the excess tape at the edges if necessary. 
4. When the shoe is completely covered with masking tape, cut it away from the shoe at the back of the heel. Carefully pull the masking tape away from the shoe and stick it onto the brown paper. You will need to snip around the toe section of the masking tape so the pattern is flat. This section of the toe is gathered in the sewing process.
5. Draw around the masking tape to produce a pattern piece. With the wrong side of the fabric uppermost, cut the pattern piece out adding a 1cm seam allowance around the heel and outer section edge. The inner edge is bound and it is not necessary to add a seam allowance to this section of the pattern piece. 
6. Place your foot on the fabric and, using the dressmaker’s pencil, indicate the position of the big toe and little toe. 
7. Cut a pattern piece accordingly for the lining from the contrast fabric. Apply appliqué paper to the wrong side of the fabric. This will reinforce the fabric. 
8. Cut diagonal strips of fabric to fit the inner edge of the shoe from either the main or contrast fabric for the binding. The strips must be 3cm wide, including the seam allowance. If you need to join pieces together to obtain the correct length, remember these must be joined on the bias. Bind the inner edge of the fabrics together using a matching coloured sewing thread. 
9. With the right sides of the fabric facing, close the seam at the heel. Note If required, this seam can be bound, which will produce a neater seam on the finished shoe. Work a row of ease stitches along the toe section as indicated with the markers. Pull in the ease stitches until the shoe fits the shape of the toe section of the sole. 
10. Sew the shoe section to the sole piece. Snip the seam allowance frequently around the outer edges when completed, taking care not to cut into the seam. 
11. Using contact adhesive, glue the leather sole to the fabric sole. Place the Supawood last into the shoe and clamp together. Leave the last clamped in position until the glue is completely dry. Unclamp and remove the last. 
12. Cut out a piece of lining fabric with a 1cm seam allowance so it will cover the insole. Using contact adhesive, glue the fabric to the insole, snipping the seam allowance around the curved edge and sticking the allowance to the back of the insole. Leave to dry thoroughly. 
13. At this stage the fabric shoe is completed, but it is floppy and has no form. You will need to reinforce it with felt to produce the actual shoe. To do this, place clingwrap on the front toe section of the original shoe. Remove the clingwrap and cut out from felt. Fit the felt over the shoe and spray starch it. Leave the starch to dry and spray a second layer. Now paint the shoe with waterproof glue. Leave to dry. 
14. Carefully remove the felt from the shoe and using contact adhesive fit it to the inside of the shoe so it fits firmly. Leave to dry. 
15. Repeat for the other foot, reversing the pattern pieces and using the second pump to shape the fabric sections

Tips

Once you have made the pattern pieces for one foot, turn them over to the wrong side for the pattern pieces for the other foot. Decide which fabric you wish to use as the main fabric before cutting out.

Visit Ideas for this and other fabulous fabric tutorials with a home grown twist.

Get your shweshwe fabric at Fabric and Textile Warehouse, stockists of Da Gama Textiles, the home of the original shweshwe. Call us on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX), ‘Friend us’ on Facebook or ‘Follow us’ on Twitter for more information on what’s in stock and on special. 

Decoupage fabric onto tiles

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Whilst researching our previous post on decoupaging fabrics onto furniture, we stumbled across this wonderful tutorial by Ideas. Enjoy!

You will need
• undecorated tiles
• remnants of fabric (preferably cotton)
• modge podge
• sharp craft knife and cutting mat
• scissors
• resin
• electric kitchen scale and disposable measuring cups
• paper cups
• tongue depressor or ice-cream stick

1 Cut the fabric slightly larger than the tile you want to decorate.

2 Paint the tile with a coat of modge podge and leave to dry completely.

3 Paint the tile with another coat of modge podge. Also apply a coat to the wrong side of the fabric.

4 Place the fabric on the tile while the modge podge is still wet. Smooth out any bubbles. Paint a coat of modge podge over the fabric and leave to dry.

5 Turn over the tile and neatly trim the excess fabric around the edges with a craft knife.

6 Seal the fabric-covered tile with a final coat of modge podge, then leave to dry completely.

7 Mix the resin in paper cups, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Weigh or measure the quantities precisely. Pour a little of the mixture onto the tile and spread it out over the top of the tile using a tongue depressor or ice-cream stick. Leave to dry and harden in a dust and draught-free area.

TIP We mixed our resin by combining one part Araldite HY 2963 with two parts Pacote 600. We used 60g and 30g respectively, which was enough for 16 tiles of 107 x 107mm each. You can also use Pratley Kraftex PratleyGlo, but it’s a ‘softer’ type of resin.

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How to make a sleeper couch

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Learn how to create a sleeper couch that is as easy to assemble as it is to wash with this helpful tutorial*.

You will need:

High-density foam cut to the following sizes:
        2 x 900 x 960 x 250mm blocks 
        1 x 900 x 250 tapered to 150mm block
Sewing machine and accessories
5 metres cotton or washable fabric
Velcro tape

Instructions:

1. Wrap the blocks of foam in the fabric so that one long side remains open. On this side you will fold the fabric in the same way that you would wrap a present, so that Velcro can be stitched onto the last flap to allow for removal of the covers for washing. 


2.  For a neat finish on the other long side, sew along the full length of the short sides. You will be left with a triangular. Tuck this inside; sew this closed by hand. 


3. To achieve a really snug, tight fit, sew the fabric to fit each block of foam, and then remove the fabric; sew small seams on the outside. This will create a strong edge and allow for easy lining up when refitting the covers after washing.


4.  Sew a strip of fabric that can be used to join to two large blocks together. This serves to hold the blocks together and prevent them from slipping apart when the sofa is used as a bed. 

Find the perfect fabric for this and your other DIY projects at your nearest Fabric and Textile Warehouse. 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

*This tutorial originally appeared on the women24 website.

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Get scrap happy with this DIY guide to making a bag from scrap strips.

So, you’ve been a busy bee lately… sewing and crafting you’re way to creative genius, but now you’re in a bit of a bind. You’ve got a house full of fabric scraps and no idea what to do with it all. Well, we’re here to help you out. This downloadable tutorial from Sewchristine will leave you scrap happy and your house scrap free.

Decidedly low on scraps, but interested in the project? At Fabric and Textile Warehouse we offer great deals on off-cuts sold by weight. Give us a call on our Golden Number to find out more:  0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

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Coral Tree Fabrics: Made in SA and sold at Fabric and Textile Warehouse

With the International Quilt Convention Africa just days away we thought we’d use the opportunity to remind you about Da Gama’s exciting range of Coral Tree Fabrics. Printed on premium 100% combed cotton fabric with a soft finish, this is a collection of traditional and contemporary quilting material that is uniquely South African.  Fresh, innovative and relevant these fabrics have taken the international quilting market by storm and will be on proud display at Emperors Palace this weekend. If, however, you can’t make the trip to Jo’burg don’t despair, head on over to you local Fabric and Textile Warehouse where you’ll find these fabulous fabrics and more at wholesale prices. Give us a call on our Golden Number for more info: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

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Loyalty card holders get 7.5% OFF ALL PURCHASES until end July 2012.

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Yes, you read right folks - we’re offering all our Loyalty Card holders an extra 5% OFF*! That means that until the end of July you will get a staggering 7.5% off all your purchase at Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Fabulous, isn’t it?

To qualify for the discount simply print the voucher below and bring it along with your loyalty card on your next visit to Fabric and Textile Warehouse. Don’t have a loyalty card? Get yours in store today – it’s FREE! Still have some questions? Call us on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) – we’re here to help. 

* T's and C's apply.

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Something to inspire… NEW Jacquard fabrics in store for you

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With a wide range of new Jacquard fabrics expected to burst through our doors any day now we thought we’d give you some ideas on what to do with these luxurious textiles.

Firstly, it is important to note that the term Jacquard does not refer to a particular fabric, but rather a type weaving that creates a pattern or design onto a fabric. Used extensively in upholstery, Jacquard fabrics are also great for curtaining, bedspreads and clothing.

Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what’s on the shelves at your local Fabric and Textile Warehouse.


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We’re open on Sundays!

Well most of us are at least.

For more information about our operating hours give us a call on our Golden Number: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

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The home of BIG savings

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Not only do we put the fab in fabric, but at Fabric and Textile Warehouse we do it without costing you a fortune. We’ve scoured the globe for the best of the best and now it’s headed to our floors. Expect to be flooded with fine fabrics for the home in July as we unload new shipments of embroidered silks, natural hemp curtaining, luxury draping and more.

We are also offering a massive discount on organic bamboo mattress ticking, now available at R30/m.

And let’s not forget about our Loyalty Card, which entitles its holder to a 2.5% DISCOUNT on ALL PURCHASES plus a variety of very special and highly exclusive offers. Get yours in-store today – it’s FREE!

Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) to find out more about what we have in store for you this month.

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Get comfy with low prices and great tutorials

If you haven’t already heard, then where have you been? We are selling our scatter cushions at some incredibly low prices. Starting from R 16.99 - this is a deal not to be missed.

If it’s a lack of covers that has you down then don’t despair – here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a cover in which to stuff your cushion.

1. Place your tape measure from seam to seam, measure the size of your cushion inner.
2. Adding a 2cm seam allowance to your measurement cut 2 pieces of fabric to size.
3. Overlock
4. Place the right sides of your fabric together and stitch along the 3 sides and around all 4 corners leaving a gap in the fourth side large enough to slip the cushion inner in.
5. Turn the cover right side out and insert the inner.
6. Turn under the raw edges of the opening and slip stitch closed.

We know this sounds incredibly simple to make (which is why we love it), but this is just a canvas on which you can express yourself. We have a wide range of vibrant fabrics that are perfect for this project or visit our haberdashery and stock up on some embellishments.

Want to know what’s in stock? Give us a call on our Golden Number 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

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These boots were made for crawling – DIY booties for rockin’ babies

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If you’ve popped in for a visit recently you’ll have noted the bold colours and vibrant patterns that make our fabrics so perfect for the kids. This could also mean that, like us, you've been hunting around for creative ways to put said fabric to good use. Well, have we found a winner for you - these adorable little booties are so cute and wonderfully easy to make.  

1. Click here to download the pattern and cut 4 tops and 4 soles out of your chosen fabric.
2. Sew the right sides of 2 top pieces together, but remember not to sew along the outside line. Turn it right side out and top stitch along the edge.
3. If you’re looking to add a design or appliqué to the shoe, now is the time to do it.
4. With the right sides together, pin the top to 2 pieces of the sole. The buckle piece should be against the sole, allowing the toe of the shoe to overlap the buckle.
5. Sew around the edge of the shoe and trim off any excess fabric.
6. Turn the shoe right side out and sew a snap on the flap and the side of the shoe so as to hold the buckle in place.
7. Repeat steps 2 – 6 to create the other shoe.

And there you have it, a simple yet stylish pair of booties for your little one. For this and other fabulous things to do with fabric visit http://shwinandshwin.blogspot.com/. 

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials. Alternatively, give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and have a chat with one of our sales representatives.