Specialty Fabrics - Topic Overview and Fabric Details

Hi Everyone! Let's talk about - Specialty Fabrics!  Red carpet dresses, princess costumes, tutus, tuxedos, and whimsical styles are all on the agenda for this topic! Silk Dupioni, Shantung, Chiffon, and Challis.... I love working with these types of fabrics, they bring such an authentic look and feel to the garments. Each piece truly becomes "Fashion in Miniature"! Working with these delicate, slippery fabrics may be intimidating for some, but the results are so breathtaking, I urge you to take that daring step and try something new!

My hope is that after this course, you will no longer fear these delicate fabrics and have the confidence to choose a beautiful piece of fabric for your doll garment when desired!

Are you ready? Let's go...

In the videos posted below, I share with you an overview of the month-long topic, a detailed look at recommended tools, share fabric and pattern cutting tips, and then take a deep dive into different fabrics, and share some examples. I hope this will encourage and inspire you to break out of your comfort zone and sew with these beautiful fabrics!

 

 

Pattern Overview (designs with invisible zippers):

    Resources:

    Depending on where you live, some types of fabrics may be easier to find than others. For doll size projects you can also check discount stores for dresses or tops that can work well for your projects too! The nice thing about these finds is that they usually have coordinating linings and trims included! If you like to shop online, check out these sources for specialty fabrics and the tools I recommend:

    • Britex Fabrics in SanFrancisco is my favorite place to shop - if you're ever in the area be sure to check it out!
    • Pacific Fabrics (Northgate store in the Seattle area has a great selection of bridal and formal dress fabrics!) 
    • Fabric Depot (there's a better selection in store but they do have some items online)
    • Schmetz Microtex Sharp Needles - Amazon
    • Dritz Extra Fine Glass Head Pins - Amazon
    • Clover Triangular Tailors Chalk - Amazon
    • Acrylic Ruler -  Amazon
    • 28mm Rotary Cutter - Amazon
    • Freezer Paper -  Amazon
    • Fabrics A to Z by Dana Willard

    Week One task:

    • This first video is pretty long :) After you watch it, be sure to let me know if you have specific questions related to this topic. I'll try my best to add content to address those issues over the next few weeks!

    Next Tuesday - Week 2: Delicate Fabrics, interior finishes, and working with linings...


    7 Comments

    Feriba
    Feriba

    February 10, 2018

    Where did you get the Triangular tailor chalk holder ?

    Shelley
    Shelley

    January 01, 2018

    Don’t forget Value Village as a great resource for fabrics! Doll clothes are small enough that they frequently can be cut from a size large blouse, skirt, etc.

    Sandra
    Sandra

    December 29, 2017

    Is there a PDF with this class?

    Junie Born
    Junie Born

    December 29, 2017

    what is the name of the fabric book you recommended?

    Karen L
    Karen L

    December 08, 2017

    Sewer’s Aide is a clear liquid that you apply to the spool of thread and it helps a lot when working with the sequin fabrics. The bottle looks very similar to Fray Check, so don’t get them mixed up! I buy it at Joann Fabrics, but I think Walmart might carry it, too. It’s a life saver!

    Amy Walker
    Amy Walker

    December 06, 2017

    I’m excited about this. Perfect timing for me yet again! :) I was wondering if it is possible to change the Facebook account that I use for this group? I would like to be able to participate in my PF groups without getting sucked in the black hole of my personal Facebook, so I started a new account that I plan to use only for sewing related groups. I wasn’t sure who to contact about it or how so I decided to ask here! :)

    Cherri
    Cherri

    December 05, 2017

    I have worked with sequin fabric in the past and had alot of trouble with the glue that is used to adhere the sequins gumming up on my needle and thus would cause the thread to constantly keep breaking. Is there anything I should do to prep so the glue does not gum needle?

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