I don’t usually post about fabric before it’s been made into something since I think that jinxes the project sometimes, but here are some unusual fabrics I got during our meetup.
+ + +
Kitty print, upholstery fabric. Intended for a fancy tote meets carpetbag, handles and bottom in dark brown, dark red, or hunter green leather. Lined with cotton print (to be determined). I love the faux needlepoint thing going on.
+ + +
Silk, border print of red poppies with stripes and white poppies. This is actually my first time buying silk, but silk is similar to a gateway drug: one successful project with this and I might never look back again. Intended for a 40s or 50s dress that makes good use of border prints. Cindy bought the same fabric as me, so I’m curious to see what she does with her silk.
Does anyone have any advice on working with heavy upholstery fabric? What about working with silk?
That cat upholstery fabric is AMAZING!! You are going to have the best purse/tote in the entire state haha.
Thanks Lauren! I’m trying to decide whether to make a tote or a little purse, since I wear my little purse all the time.
Love your blog! BTW..we are practically neighbors
I really like the border print. Silk requires a lot of patience. My biggest tip for silk is to sandwich the silk between 2 layers of paper when cutting. This helps to stabilize it so it doesn’t move and throw everything out of whack- especially important with a border print. Avoid pins if possible and use weights instead. I just made a highly detailed silk blouse and am still wondering what I was drinking when I came up with that idea 
Thanks for the tip, Suzy. I’ve never worked with silk before, so this should be interesting.
That cat fabric is magical!!!!! I can’t wait to see what you make with it!
- Erin, the crazy cat lady
Also sandwich silk in between paper when sewing. after sewing, tear paper away from stitching. Or you can back the silk with light weight calico.
I am in the upholstery trade and have sewn silk a few times for decorators.