Several years ago I began writing a book about fabric. For a variety of reasons I never completed the project or published, but now I’m feeling an interest to pick it back up – at least the research part of the project.
As an incentive to keep that going, I’ve decided to start a new feature here at Stitching Times. Every Friday I’ll write a short piece about fabric – either something from that half finished book, or something new that I’ve learned in my research.
The following is from the preface for that long ago planned book…
sew [soh] –verb used with object, sewed, sewn or sewed,
sew·ing
1. to join or attach by stitches.
2. to make, repair, etc., (a garment) by such means.
3. to work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
[origin: before 900; Middle English sewen]
Sew·er [soh-er] –noun
1. a person or thing that sews.
What does it mean to you be a sewer? Whether you aspire to design and sew your own clothes, reupholster a special piece of furniture, or just be able to hem your own pants rather than resorting to that dubious shop with the “alterations” sign in the window, an understanding of some of the basics is necessary.
This book is all about the materials used in home sewing. It answers the questions of how fabric is made and what raw materials are used in these processes. It also explains how to select, prepare, and store fabrics. Most importantly, it demystifies the terms used to describe fabric and notions – terms which are often more confusing than helpful.
Even as experienced sewers we still have questions. Should I be using all cotton thread when I’m working with quilter’s cotton, or is it ok to use cotton wrapped polyester? And, what is the difference between cotton flannel and brushed cotton anyway?
I hope you will follow along and add your own observations and questions about fabric. Together we can learn about fabric new and old.
I would read it!
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