Question for people who sew/craft

neverthere

Ok, it has been a long time since I sewed anything. Do I wash my fabric first? I can't remember and the pattern instructions don't say.

Diana

Lady Lee

I never do and if the pattern speciies Don't then don't.

The only time I think I might make an exception to this if I wa working with a 100$ natural fiber - wool or cotton

I have never washed the fabric first. I do make it a point though, that if the fabric is cotton, to use a cotton thread, and if you are working with a synthetic fibre fabric, use a corresponding thread. That way, when you do wash the fabric, you will not have as many little tiny bunched up areas along the thread. Also, if you are using a sewing machine, make sure the tension is not too high, or you will end up with the same problem.

blondie

ohiocowboy, good advice about the thread.

When I am quilting I wash it, but other projects, I don't bother. Also, if you aren't going to use the fabric right away, don't wash and store it. The fabric is treated to prevent mildewing.

It is best to ask the people at the store where you are purchasing it what they think.

Blondie

Lehaa

I always wash fabric according to the washing directions fof that type of fabric. If you can I always dry it in the drier too. I use my drier a lot. I like to be safe, i figue if i'm going to go to all that effort to make something then I don't want it to shrink the first time I wash it.

I mostly do sewing for my kids so all the material for them needs to be pre shrunk first. I always buy a bit more than the pattern recomends to allow for shrinkage, it's amazing how much some fabrics shrink.

Ohio: you sew, amazing I'm tottaly in love. LOL.

ohiocowboy

Lehaa,

I bought my first antique Singer treadle-machine when I was 14, and learned to sew with that, much to the Chagrin of my parents.......Then I bought a regular Electric a few years later. Now I still have an old treadle machine, and a Singer feather weight. I have done a little machine quilting, but would love to someday make a quilt completely from scratch, all hand-stitched. It really saves a lot of money being able to sew, as I have made my own drapes, etc. instead of paying gobs of money to have someone else do it....

Lehaa

I bought my first antique Singer treadle-machine when I was 14, and learned to sew with that, much to the Chagrin of my parents.......Then I bought a regular Electric a few years later. Now I still have an old treadle machine, and a Singer feather weight.

Ok I'm Jealous, would love one of those antique machines. Would look great in my house too, Old cottagy weatherboard place.

I have done a little machine quilting, but would love to someday make a quilt completely from scratch, all hand-stitched.

Would love to make a quilt too, will machine stitch it though, dont have the patience for hand stitching. Never had the time though. Now I no longer waste my time at meetings etc. will have the time now. Will definately have to get my sewing room organised again.

Would love to see some of your quilts.

Any body else done any quilting, would love to see them.

neverthere

Thanks for all the wonderful advice! You are all so great!

I am going to attempt making a cloak for my daughter from some fabric I have had in storage for years (keep your fingers crossed) with the same pattern my mother used for mine. I am going to give it to her as a fall solstice present.

Her Vovo (portuguese for grandmother) makes wonderful quilts and machine sews them. She often sews alot of the fabric together THEN does the cutting into strips etc. Works well for her. For my daughter's 3rd birthday she gave her a new quilt, a toddler bed sized one instead of a baby sized one that she gave for a shower present. The new one is in pink fabric that my daughter loved when she saw it at Vovo's house, now she will sleep with nothing else since she got it a week ago. (BTW my daughter turns 3 on tuesday, I can hardly believe it!!!)

Ohio, gotta agree, I am so jealous about that machine, never mind I would have to get rid of something in my house to have it, I would do it! LOL Lucky you!

Thanks again you have all been great, I think I will not wash the fabric, I have LOTS of it (got it when fabric was buy one yard get 2 free and I didn't know it so I asked for 3 yards ended up with 9 when I really ended up using just under 2)

Diana

Lady Lee

I didn't think there were any people left who knew how to make one of those treadle machines work. That is what I learned on. I've been sewing for years and have made everything from curtains to wedding gowns. My latest project is a white mini tux for my new grandson's baptism.

It is definitely a $$$ saver. Why pay someone else for it when I can make exactly what I want for so much less?

Lehaa

I am going to attempt making a cloak for my daughter from some fabric I have had in storage for years (keep your fingers crossed) with the same pattern my mother used for mine. I am going to give it to her as a fall solstice present.

Diana.

Cloak sound great. I agree you should not need to wash the fabric for that.

You making a cloak reminds me of the movie Step Mom when the mother makes a Magicians cloak for her son, and a quilt for her daughter, with photos quilted into it. I love that movie always planned on making quilts like that for my kids.

Question for people who sew/craft

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