Barb's Fabric Blog

Fabric Stash Encore

I've written about the "stash" before, but I thought it was worth re-visiting just to quote another person on the subject.

In addition to sewing, I love to cross-stitch.  It's a comfortable craft that requires less of me, especially if I use a chart designed by someone else and don't change the colors (a favorite habit of mine in years past!)  Now I stitch for the comfort of the rythym and the tactile pleasure of the linen in my hands.  I love to "watch" the design emerge from the fabric as I thread my needle in and out rythmically.  I have quite a stash of charts, fabrics and threads, along with unframed finished pieces.  Sound familiar?  Yes, I have the same type of stash for my sewing passion...fabrics, patterns, and alas, a few unfinished pieces. 

Recently, I received the monthly newsletter from The Silver Needle.  What a wonderful shop!  I hope I live long enough to make my way to OK and visit in person some day, but for now I enjoy their online venue. Lindy writes a monthly newsletter full of info about their latest products and events and sometimes a few personal comments...this one had me at the word STASH.

We had a discussion in the shop today -- centering around THE STASH.  THE STASH is your 'home base, your security, your legacy.' (Some poor souls think it's a nagging reminder of what you haven't done yet...) WE, on the other hand, prefer to regard your PRECIOUS STASH as your Potential for Creativity!  ~Lindy, The Silver Needle Newlsetter, 5.12.09 

Now don't we sewers agree with that concept!  I refer to mine as a collection, one to be savored over time and used with care and planning. The potential energy that exists in that stash is palpable and serves to stimulate, entice, comfort and provide pleasure beyond its actual worth. Women, especially, are too quick to feel "guilty" about unused resouces. Whatever your stash is to you... home base, security, legacy... let's remember that sometimes the potential has a worth all its own.

Textural Fabric

When my husband cooks for us, he makes some marvelous dishes that incorporate many different flavors, colors and consistencies. Last night we had his wonderful chicken salad--poached white meat chicken, granny smith apples, red seedless grapes, raisins or prunes and walnuts-- all blended with a fabulous dressing that he tweaks every time we have it! I love the texture! 

Well its the same way with fabric, isn't it? As you know I am a fan of fiber blends, especially if they are primarily blended natural fibers. Lately, we've seen a number of fabrics that not only have blended fiber content, but are blended in surface interest also! There are some seriously fun fabrics in the newest Back Room collections.

For instance, look at this amazing printed knit. The stripes are knitted and the print appears to be underneath the stripes...this is one of those "how dey do 'dat?"  fabrics.  Here's what we surmise...we think the stripes in the fabric are synthetic and those yarns resist the dye of the print.  If you have another theory, let us now.  We just know we love it! 

 

See back view to the right.  Notice the print is not evident on th back at all.  Here's the copy I wrote to try to capture this for our customers. 

This incredible printed knit jersey is created with Florida in mind! The print looks to be under the striping giving the appearance of a vision through window blinds. In reality the stripe is knitted and the print created to make it appear that the stripes are on top. Very fun to look at! The colorations are oh so summery! Stripes are soft peach, whisper pink, and soft buttery yellow. The print peeks through in mid-tone aqua, kiwi, toasted coral, chocolate, and nut tones of brown. This is a must have print for a unique top or dress. 48% viscose/47% polyester/5% elastic printed knit from Canvasbacks.) See Royal Palm in The Back Room

This next beauty offers a stunning combination of features. From my perspective the base cloth was dyed, then embroidered, then overprinted and finally crinkled.  The result?  Incredible depth of color and texture.  

  See Cloister Inn in the Back Room