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Post by Granny Smith on Aug 13, 2012 15:40:15 GMT -5
I need to know about fabric - how you know what it's made of, how to find out the washing instructions, how to tell if it will last, how to know if it will be clingy, etc. About half of the material I buy turns out to be unsatisfactory for one reason or another. How can I increase my chances of not ending up with a dress I don't like or, worse yet, I do like but doesn't last?
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 16:57:43 GMT -5
Where are you buying the material?
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 17:01:08 GMT -5
Online or local, I mean.
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Post by Granny Smith on Aug 13, 2012 17:10:11 GMT -5
I've been buying it at Walmart. I'm afraid to buy it online because I don't know what to look for (not that I'm doing so great buying it in person)
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Post by susan on Aug 13, 2012 17:22:33 GMT -5
Look at the end of the bolt, there's a label stuck there that tells what it's made out of, where it's made and should give laundering instructions. I buy 100% cotton for my dresses. I don't even want permanent press because that has formaldehyde in it. I have found that you get what you pay for. The cheaper materials don't hold up as long as the one's that cost a little more.
Susan
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 17:23:39 GMT -5
Walmart has very low quality fabric.
If I'm buying in person, I check the bolt end for fabric content and washing instructions. I feel of the fabric and if it is stiff, it is likely full of size. That masks the quality somewhat. The more size, the lower the quality.
I've been pretty happy with online purchases. Look for number of threads per inch and fabric content. Denver Fabrics is good, Fabric.com, Onlinefabricstore.net is one I use a lot too. Hancocks not so good any more, JoAnns is usually ok, Most of the online quilt stores carry excellent cotton fabric though may be a bit pricey. Watch the width, some have changed it so it is not standard any more, and it will say on the site how wide it is.
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 17:27:12 GMT -5
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Post by Granny Smith on Aug 13, 2012 17:46:17 GMT -5
That sizing thing is what always trips me up. It feels fine in the store. Then, when I wash it, it gets all soft and limp. I like a little body unless the fabric is kind of thick, then I want it softer. I go a lot by how fabric feels, even after a dress is made. I want one that feels good to the touch. That's another reason I've balked at ordering online.
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 17:50:45 GMT -5
I've been disappointed more with stuff I bought at a store like walmart or hancocks than the online stores.
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Post by Cyngbaeld on Aug 13, 2012 18:29:07 GMT -5
Can you ask the clerk at walmart to cut you off little piece, take it to the ladies room and wash it, dry under the hand dryer and feel if it goes limp?
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Post by Granny Smith on Aug 13, 2012 19:39:16 GMT -5
I might be able to do that. If Elsie is working, she'd let me.
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