So Many Fabrics to Choose From!

No matter if you consider yourself a sewer or a quilter, the best item we have to work with are our fabric choices!  The availability and types have grown SOOOOO much over time it cannot even be explained in words.  For a time it was the sewers used the different or exotic type of fabrics where quilters ONLY ever touched the cotton variations.  There was no crossing over to the other side of the spectrum.

However today there is no difference between the two groups now and it is awesome!  We talk with each other now and have learned much.  We have even figured out that if we understand how the fabric functions we can use it for anything!

So lets start looking at the types of fabrics that are out there and available to give our creations life and personality.

Cottons:  Of course the mother of all fabrics and the most versatile.  Comes in a variety of colors, prints, weights and textures.

Brocades:  A heavier weight in fabric and usually considered a jacquard-type of fabric with a raised print, usually formed in a floral design.

Batiks:  This I have to say is my MOST FAVORITE out of all the fabrics (just saying)...  This is a cotton base that is dyed multiple times to get the mottled effect it does.  To get the design to appear one uses a wax or paste/starch component on the fabric prior to dying.

Faux Fur:  This is a synthetic type of fabric formed into an artificial fur.  Great to work with for the holiday as an embellishment for our Holiday Stockings.

Leather and Suede:  One of the top luxurious of the fabrics to use whether for clothing or making a handbag.  This is a fabric made out of animal skin. - and no not just from cows...MOOOOOOO

Linen:  This fabric has a loose weave and YES wrinkles very easily but a wonderful and look to any garment you are designing. 

Rayon:  Rayon is a fabric very similar with how cotton can be.  It comes in multiple textures, sheen and colors.  This resembles silk so it perfect for creating Bridal accessories for her special day.

Tapestry:  This is becoming my second favorite fabric to work with in my designs.  Comes in great textures and weights and adds great personality to any item.

Lining Fabrics:  Very important when designing handbags.  but keep in mind ANY fabric can be used for a lining, you just want to ensure it stable enough to handle the traffic it will encounter inside the design.

These are just my top choices that are available whether you are a sewer or a quilter.  For me it is very dangerous to go into a fabric store, and my husband gets scared I will never come back out! Hey everyone has their vices and yes this one is mine.

When I look back on the items I have made and designed over the years, you can definitely see the change over to more exotic prints and the ways I fit them into my products. 

I encourage EVERYONE to take the time to slowly walk around a fabric shop and see what comes to mind when you look over a fabric you would never think to purchase, TAKE THAT CHANCE!!!

I hope this list helps in your next projects and the fabrics you choose.  And if you do take hat slow walk through a fabric shop, take a picture and let me see what you bought and what you are going to create!

Cover your World in Fabric Everyone!!!

~ Desiree