Most of the fabrics that I offer are limited to the quantity in which the original owner purchased. This is frequently the case with 'vintage' or if you will, 'second hand' fabric purchases. A fabric's weave and weight may also limit what we can do - you may find the perfect print, but it's not on the perfect fabric for your intended project. If you love vintage fabric, you've encountered these dilemmas from time to time.

I truly feel that each and every piece of fabric that we come to own is filled with countless possibilities. There's always a way to use that fabric...even if not in the way originally intended... And so I bring you this page - it's just a beginning - planting the seeds of imagination and ingenuity so you can create something unique from any piece of fabric!

Color Blocking

You can color block - add a coordinating solid color to a print, or mix solids or fabric types to create unique garments and home décor items.

Not enough fabric for the skirt you want to make? Cut the pattern close to the hem and add a contrasting stripe to get the length you require, then to make that look planned, add a few other details with that contrasting fabric elsewhere on the garment. 

Not enough for the jacket or blouse?  Sleeves lengths can be adjusted, or add contrast collars, yokes, lapels, pockets and or cuffs.  Color blocked princess seaming, using a dark color for the underarm areas is very slimming and great retro look! 

Not enough fabric for the dress you desire?  Use a contrasting or coordinating fabric for the bodice or skirt - dark skirts with light or patterned tops are slimming to pear shapes, dark tops with light or patterned skirts draw attention away from large busts.

Hidden Facing Fabric

You've got enough for the outside of the garment, but not enough for the whole thing?  Cut facings and undercollars from a coordinating fabric of similar color and weight. Cut hidden pocket bags from sturdy plain cotton muslin or broadcloth.

Accent Fabric

There's a yard or less of a great print that you love, but what can you do with such a small amount of fabric?  Use it as the accent fabric - patch pockets, contrast collar, cuff, and/or yoke.  Small prints also make great contrast piping. Another fun idea is contrast inverted box pleats! Use the accent fabric as the back of an inverted box pleat - every move you make, that great print flashes as the pleat opens up!

I also love using funky 60's prints as lining fabric - your look can be all business on the outside, but that lining shows the real you... Vintage surah is great for this - smooth, slippery, and those prints pack a punch!

While it's true that some fabrics are just not going to work for some projects...canvas does not make great lingerie, for instance...there are ways that some fabrics can be modified so that they will work for certain things.

Sheer Fabrics

Have a lightweight cotton with a white or pale ground?  That light ground can make it semi-sheer.  Underlining helps!  Use a woven cotton - broadcloth, batiste or something similar...cut all pattern pieces from both the fashion fabric and the plain white fabric.  When you sew the garment, place the plain fabric behind the fashion fabric and sew as if it was one piece of fabric - no more see thru!  And, you can do this with all the pattern pieces, or only where you need coverage to hide undergarments, etc. - each makes a unique look!  Also substituting a solid color for white can create some interesting effects - don't be afraid to play around and see what gives you that 'just right' spark.

Lightweight Fabrics

Adding Interfacing

Lightweight wovens are often great print fabrics, but they do not lend themselves to such projects as purses, tote bags and throw pillows.  Try these ideas - use fusible interfacing to give stiffness and strength - fuse the entire expanse of fabric and then cut out the pieces you need (just remember to pre-shrink both the fabric and the interfacing!). 

Adding Clear Vinyl

If you need a sturdy and easily cleanable totebag, but the fabric isn't heavy-duty, you can either cover the fabric with clear vinyl (sew as one like the underlining above - but this time the fashion fabric is the underlining - it will show right through the clear vinyl). Check your local hardware store for clear vinyl (look for the plastic and oilcloth display).

Adding Fusible Vinyl

Another option is fusing vinyl right to the fabric!  This works best with woven cotton fabrics that have no nap. Iron-on fusible vinyl is available in my store! With this product, you can turn any cotton broadcloth, poplin or canvas into a waterproof fabric - a myriad of new uses just opened up for that print cotton you saw but passed over because it was too lightweight! Check your local Jo-Ann Fabrics for this product.

pictures above are taken from the 2002 edition of "Simply Creative Sewing" published by Better Homes and Gardens

No Sew Home Décor

Don't sew? -- It may not matter! There are many projects that don't require any sewing knowledge at all.  I've seen a nationally renowned decorator with his own TV show make throw pillows using duct tape.  No, I'm not kidding!  Got a stapler (and a few other commonly used hand tools)? You can get creative with fabric in your home -- from no-sew swagged valences for your windows, to a padded fabric covered headboard for your bed, to instant elegant accent tables covered in fabric that drapes to the floor (just fold the raw edges under so they don't show) - these are just some of the things you can do with fabric that don't require a needle and thread!  

How-To Books & Patterns

Some patterns are simple and the pattern companies included extra lessons on basic sewing techniques... I also list vintage how-to and basic sewing and decorating books from time to time...Titles vary depending upon availability.

Sewing and Decorating Books Currently available in my store

Custom Clothiers and Seamstresses

If you want a garment made from a special fabric or have an idea in your head but can't find it ready made and do not sew or feel that you have the expertise to tackle the job, look for a "Custom Clothier." You'll never look or feel more put together then when you are wearing a garment that has been professional fitted to your body measurements.

The Professional Association of Custom Clothiers - referrals page

Sewing Professionals International List at Fabrics.net