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):
- Liberty Jane Hello Oscar
- Liberty Jane Opening Night
- Liberty Jane Abbey Road A-Line Dress
- Liberty Jane Cosplay Day Dress
- Liberty Jane Blossom Dress
- Liberty Jane Aspen Party Dress
- Liberty Jane Picture Day Skirt for WW
- Liberty Jane Woomera Dress
- Liberty Jane Killara Dress
- Liberty Jane Salina Dress AG
- Liberty Jane Picture Day Skirt Barbie
- Liberty Jane Picture Day Skirt AG
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
Where did you get the Triangular tailor chalk holder ?
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.
Is there a PDF with this class?
what is the name of the fabric book you recommended?
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!