Posts Tagged ‘Fabrics’

Like to make your own advent calendar you can hang on the wall and fill with your own special treats for the kids? How about making your own Christmas stocking to hang by the fireplace, or make your own gift bags for all those Christmas presents? In this article I’ll show you how you can easily sew these at home, and for a fraction of the price you would pay at the shops.

Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is basically a rectangle of material, with 25 pockets sewn on (all numbered of course) that you can hang on the wall and fill with special treats and sweets for the children.

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

For the backing fabric you need something fairly thick to take the weight of the treats that will be placed in the pockets.

I actually recommend felt for the backing, for the pockets and for the numbers 1 to 25 (denoting the countdown to Christmas). The beauty of felt is you don’t need to hem it as it doesn’t fray. Try getting 3 different colours – say green for the backing, red for the pockets, and white for the numbers.

We’ll also need 2 pieces of thin wood for the top and bottom of the hanger, and some string or rope for hanging.

How Much Fabric to Buy

For the backing fabric, you will need one piece, 50″ tall by 22″ wide. This allows for a 3″ hem to fold over your wood and stitch. If your wood is wider than this, then you will need to get a longer piece of fabric.

Each pocket is 4″ square, and we need 25 of these. So you will need 20″ by 28″.

We will allow 3″ square for each letter. So you will need 15″ by 15″. For a template of the numbers, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

Please note, these measurements do not allow for any  hemming as I am using felt, however if you choose to use a different fabric which requires hems, then you will need to add on a seam allowance for both the height and width.

To Make Up

For the preparation work, all you need are pins or tailors chalk, a ruler, the number templates and your scissors. No pattern required!

First of all, cut out your 25 pockets. You can use a ruler and tailors chalk to mark guidelines for cutting. If you don’t have tailors chalk a white coloured pencil will do the trick! The pockets are all 4″ by 4″.

Now cut out and pin your numbers to the number fabric and cut out.

To attach the numbers to the pockets you can either machine stitch, hand stitch, or use craft glue.

Lay your backing fabric on a table and mark out where the pockets are to be placed using pins or tailors chalk. We will have 4 pockets across, then 6 down, and the number 25 pocket will be on it’s own at the bottom (although feel free to change this layout if you wish).

Each pocket has a 2″ gap around it. So the first pocket will be 5″ down from the top of the fabric (remember we have allowed 3″ for the wood hanger to go through) and 2″ in from the left. The next pocket is 2″ from the previous. To see a diagram of this layout, see the author resource box.

Pin in place, and then machine stitch along the left, bottom and right sides.

Cut your wood pieces so that one is slightly shorter than your width (for the bottom hem, so you can enclose it), and one slightly longer (say 1/2″ each side). Drill small holes at each end of this longer piece so you can thread through your hanging string or rope.

When all of your pockets are attached, use your machine to sew the top and bottom hems, and then insert your wood. You may want to close off the edges of the bottom hem if it is likely that the wood could come out. You can do this by hand.

Now attach the rope through the holes in the top piece of wood and hang. And don’t forget to fill with treats!

Gift Bag

It’s simple to make a Christmas gift bag to delight friends and family, and it’s reusable!

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

For the bag you need something fairly thick so that it can stand on it’s own without any gifts in it. Again, I recommend felt. The beauty of felt is you don’t need to hem it as it doesn’t fray.

If you’d like to decorate the bag with fabric cut-outs in Christmas shapes, you can use any fabric you like (again, felt is suitable for this). For a template of Christmas cut-outs, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

How Much Fabric to Buy

The bag measures 8″ across and 12″ high, and you’ll need two pieces of fabric for the sides, and one piece 3″ wide by 24″ long for the side.  Adding on a half inch seam allowance, we’ll need a piece of fabric 13″ by 24″.

The Pattern

To make your pattern, you just need a piece of paper, a ruler, and a compass (or something circular with a diameter of 8″ and another with a diameter of 4″).

Draw a square on the paper 8″ by 8″. Now place an x every 2″ on the top line of your square. Place your compass on the midpoint (at the 4″ mark) and extend it so that it exactly touches one of the outer edges. Now use your compass to draw a semicircle from one side to the other. Then retract the compass so that it exactly touches one of the 2″ marks, and draw a semicircle from one side to the other. Cut out the middle and you now have a bag handle!

Don’t cut it out yet! We still have to add on seam allowance to the left and right sides and bottom so we can attach the side piece which will join the two larger pieces together.

Draw a line ½” out from each of the left and right sides and along the bottom. This is your cutting template. To see a diagram of this, see the author resource box at the end of this article.

Fold the bag fabric in half, right sides together. Pin on your bag template and cut out.

Now fold out the remaining fabric flat, and cut a long rectangle 24″ by 4″ (this allows for a ½” seam either side).

To Make Up

If you are going to decorate your gift bag with Christmas cut-outs, do it now before we assemble the bag. The cut-outs can either be machine sewn, hand sewn, or attached with craft glue.

To make the bag, take the long rectangular piece of fabric and, with right sides together, pin it to the front of the bag. Sew. Now attach the back of the bag along the other edge (right sides together) and sew.

Turn the right way around, and you’re done!

Christmas Stocking

Home made Christmas Stockings can be personalised for each family member – why not involve the kids in making and decorating them!

Suitable Fabrics & Notions

The sky’s the limit for Christmas stockings. Some beautiful fabrics include velvet and velveteen, faux fur, plush, as well as patterned cottons and ginghams. Search through the remnant bins, or just check out all the red fabrics at your local fabric shop.

You may also want to get some white faux fur as a trimming for the top of your stocking, and some fabric for Christmas cut-outs to decorate the stocking.

What does look nice is a contrast trim with each child’s name on it.

How Much Fabric to Buy

The stocking basically consists of one rectangle 6″ by 14″ and a square 6″ by 6″. You’ll need two of these for each stocking, so, including a ½” seam allowance, you’ll need a piece of fabric 14″ by 15″ per stocking.

You’ll also need some matching braid to hang the stocking, or you can make a hanger using the leftover fabric.

The Pattern

To make your pattern, you just need a piece of paper, a ruler, and something circular to round off the corners. (To see a diagram of this pattern, see the author resource box at the end of this article).

Draw a rectangle on your paper 15″ long by 7″ wide. Now draw a square touching the bottom left hand side of your rectangle which goes out for 6½” and up for 7″, then join it back on to your rectangle.

You should now have a shape that looks like a backwards capital L. Now all you need to do is round off the heel and toe of your stocking using something circular (or do it freehand).

Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, and pin the stocking pattern to the fabric. Now cut out.

If you are making a contrasting trim for your stocking, you’ll also need to cut out a rectangle 13″ long and however wide you want your trim (plus ½” seam allowance).

To Make Up

If you are going to decorate your stocking with Christmas cut-outs or appliqués, do it now before we assemble the stocking. The cut-outs can either be machine sewn, hand sewn, or attached with craft glue.

The same goes for your contrast trim. Any thing you ant to attach should be done before we sew it on to the stocking.

To make the stocking, pin the two stocking pieces (right sides together), and sew from the top of one side all the way around to the top of the other side. If you are not attaching a contrasting trim, turn over your top hem and pin, remembering to insert the braid or fabric for the hanger before you sew the hem.

If you are using a contrasting trim, turn your stocking inside out so that the right side is now facing you.

Stitch the trim together at the ends so you now have a circle of fabric. Place your trim inside the top of the stocking with the right side facing towards the inside of the stocking. Match the top of your trim to the top of the stocking, and pin in place.

Take your braid or fabric for the hanger, and insert it where you want it between the trim and stocking with the open ends flush with the top of the trim and the stocking. Now sew around the entire top of the stocking. Turn the trim right way around, and you’re done!

A man’s guide to lingerie buying.

If a man decides to treat his wife/girlfriend/mistress to lingerie this Christmas it can be a minefield for him unless he’s experienced enough in how the system works?  Some men make it their business to know the correct size of their partner but others find it a nerve wrecking experience.  However it doesn’t have to be.

A few simple prior to purchasing steps and it can become an enjoyable experience.

Firstly, somehow you must find out your partners correct size.  The easiest way is to rummage through her underwear draw at home and look for a consistent size.

This also applies to her briefs. (Preferably when she’s not around!)

The two main rules for bras are back size and cup size.  The back size is the measurement around her body under her bust, i.e. 30, 32, 34 ,36 etc, and the cup size is the actual breast size, ie A,B,C,D etc.

After determining this, look at the style of bra that your partner wears.  This can be anything from a balconnet shape, other wise known as a half cup bra, which suits the smaller bust size, through to a plunge padded style which creates more of a cleavage to the bust and finally, if she is bigger busted, a full cup bra.  Most of these styles are underwired, so do check that her bras are as these days you can buy some non-wired bras but generally not for the bigger bust.

Next, look at colours and fabrics.  Is she a pastel shaded girl or a confident bold print lady.  Does she prefer silk, lots of lace, or cotton for example.  All these points will make buying your lingerie a much easier task.

Next briefs.  Is she a thong, string, short or brief  lady.  Nowadays lots of women are verying away from thongs and opting for comfort with pretty shaped briefs.  Again, these can be high cut, hipster or boyleg, so look in her knicker draw to get an idea.  Thongs tend to be slightly wider at the back, and therefore more comfortable, than its counterpart, the string which as the name implies, is very skimpy.

From having done the above homework, you should be able to give all these details to your local lingerie boutique, who will be very happy that you have given them so much information, and select ranges for you to choose from.

Also, a man should also put his input into lingerie buying as a women will feel very complimented if she thinks that you like what she is wearing.

If you are feeling very adventurous, and it is Christmas, why not ask to have a look at basques/corsets.  Nowadays these come in wonderful fabrics such as silk and French levers lace and look extremely glamourous.  They often have detachable suspenders so if your lady is into wearing stockings, don’t forget to purchase a pair to go with the outfit.  Again once you know her size, then the sales lady can help you with regard to fit for a Beautiful, Stylish Designer Lingerie and Swimwear for everyday and special occasions from Juste Moi, UK. Brands include Aubade, Gottex and Miraclesuit.

basque or corset.  If your partner is a confident lady, often these basques can be worn underneath an evening jacket particularly if they are made in satin, to add extra glamour.

Also if buying a basque, don’t forget to include a matching brief, thong or string to complete the set.

If all else fails and you find the whole exercise too daunting, then you can always opt for nightwear.  Today’s nightwear can be equally glamorous and sexy ranging from short knee length chemises in silk and lace to full length silk night dresses with shoe string straps lace and side splits in sexy black through to Christmas red.  These normally are sized a lot easier, ie small, medium and large.  You can also add a matching nightrobe if you’re feeling indulgent.

Finally, if the store offers a gift wrapping service then jump at it, even if they make a small charge.  One you know they will make a better job of it than you, often using co-ordinating tissue, gift boxes and ribbon, and it saves you another job.

You never know after this exercise you might come to enjoy lingerie buying!

In today’s world fashion plays an important role in determining a person’s overall personality and hence makes it important for a person to know about the latest fashion information which may be inside or outside the house, particularly the working class must take care about the workplace fashion as it is essential to make one look presentable at work. Similarly is the case of social life wherein one must keep themselves abreast with the latest fashion trends.

Glossy magazines, television and internet keeps people updated with the ever changing fashion trends. Shopping is another good option to let a person know about the latest styles and designs which are available in the market as the shops are stocked with all the latest fashions.

Online fashion resources have emerged as a growing trend with the advancement of technology. There are varieties of such stores offering fashionable clothes online but it is not sure that a person shall find the type they are looking for. Just with the click of a mouse you can visit many shops and find whatever one wishes for in minutes. In short, online fashion resources are easy, convenient means to shop everything a customer desires.

Online shopping can be fun experience as a person can examine different styles, colors and fabrics. A person can visit all the different shops without even moving from his chair just by a few clicks. Online shopping can be so easy that anybody can visit different shops in a matter of minutes. Though there are a lot of benefits online shopping does have a few demerits which include that the person cannot physically try the clothes on before buying, people cannot check out the material of the clothes till they are purchased and delivered home. Although online fashion resources have latest fashion apparels in store but customers may not be able to find better deals as they find in traditional stores.

The answer to this question is not that easy because it depends on several factors and questions that you need to answer before you know what suites you exactly. The first question is what your body type is.  We are living in the real world so, most of us are not those cover girls enjoying Flawless bodies and to tell you the truth, most of those on the covers are Photoshoped to the smallest detail so, we need to face the fact that our bodies need some enhancement from the lingerie we are wearing – so if you wear a plus size outfit, then you need to choose something that hides the pounds on your body and gives you the hot & sexy look you dream of.

A corset can help you to sculpture your body and give you the desirable effect you want. The new corsets are equipped with bony plastic strips that help deliver the shape of an hourglass. These corsets and other plus size lingerie come in different fabrics and models but generally most of them are lace up models so you can pull the laces until you have the perfect fitting.

The corset is not the only plus size lingerie that you can purchase and at the same time it is not a stand – alone apparel but you need to get your matching panties from the same or matching fabric and color to complete the look. If you are planning to surprise your partner or someone special with your look then do not forget the sheer stockings and matching halters and stretchers.

You may think that these are lots of things to wear but in fact they are all complementary to each other, and the multiple pieces of plus size lingerie will give you the killer sexy look you want. If you are planning for a night out then clubwear is your choice, and there are also lots of pieces that fit plus size women.

Go for clubwear with baggy styles and avoid those items, that will snuggly fit to your skin because the baggy styles will drape around your body and draw the people’s attention to figuring out your real body type. If you plan to wear a corset then you can manage a tight clubwear piece perfectly. Browse different sets and styles before you choose your perfect match.

Pirates began in the first century with Vikings and other sea going adventurers. The first pirate clothes looks like the classic first century man. The typical pirate clothing was made out of necessity and helped fit the lifestyle of an oceangoing pirate. In Medieval times, pirates were called sea thieves and most of them sailed from the Middle East and there looks were like Sinbad. Then the most commonly recognized pirate clothes followed and the style of the 17th and 18th centuries influenced the look and shape of the clothing associated with the word pirate. Even female pirates clothes were based on the look of the 18th century gentlemen. From sea going adventurers, pirates, sailors to naval officers all wore similar pirate clothes. Since most pirates were hired as sailors first, they adapted their clothing from military uniforms of the day.

Pirate clothes are a range of clothing which can be worn by both men and women and moreover it is neither costly nor difficult to make. The designing of pirate clothes is quite easy as it does not have any consistent style. Pirate clothes are usually of loose-fitting and to attain a perfect pirate look, one always chooses pants and shirts that are bigger than their size.
Earlier, pirate clothing was made from fabrics, they could afford, or steal. The most common fabrics used in the making of pirate clothing include canvass, leather, wool, linen, cotton and sheepskin. The captain and the crew were more inclined to wear elaborate fabrics when they went ashore. These would include velvet, silk, damask, camlet and taffeta. Some times exotic feathers were also added to pirate clothes that enhanced more flare to the dress.

Some of the common pirate clothing include:

• Motley clothing – This type of clothing was made from fabrics of bright and mismatched color.

• Bandana – Typical bandana clothing is still found today, which was used to keep the sweat out of the eyes.

• Doublet or Coat – This was an expensive item of pirate clothing, which was worn only when on land. It was decorated with ornate braids and fabrics.

• Breeches – It was a pair of trousers, which were generally worn by English pirates.

• Knitted Caps – This was also called as Monmouth caps

• Waistcoats – This type of clothing was worn by flamboyant pirate captains.

• Drawers – This was tight fitting clothing that allowed carrying out difficult tasks of a pirate easily.

• Stockings – Woolen stockings for practical apparel and silk for land use

• Shirts – The puffed sleeves were suited to pirate clothing on land.

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A woman looks gorgeous in sexy outfits. The right lingeries make her more beautiful and full of self-confidence. The role of sexy lingeries is very important since they give a boost to the overall personality of a woman. A number of garment manufacturing companies have produced attractive and designer undergarments and all of them are doing great business.

The lingeries are found in many types and styles. By wearing sexy undergarments under her regular clothing, a woman finds herself more confident. It is always seen that a female with self-confidence can do wonders in her home or workplace. Some of the underwear items for women are crotchless panties, bustiers, stockings, sexy evening gowns, etc. The fabrics of such products are also important for making them successful in the markets. One can find them made up of leather, silk, vinyl and few others.

Sexy lingeries has the capability to transform an average body into the centre of attraction for the onlookers. The overall attitude, presence and personality of a woman gets changed by wearing the sexy undergarments. With the advancement in technology, the lingeries are made more comfortable and stylish. The renowned designers from all over the world have designed these items and beautiful models endorse their products on ramps. The breasts are considered as attractive organs of a woman. The sexy bras can make them more attractive. Similarly, other parts of the body catch the attention of onlookers when she wears the sexy undergarments.

The key to wearing the lingeries is to shape up the most attractive parts of a woman’s body. These products can be found in different garment stores, shopping malls and other shops. The online websites are getting popularity these days and the shoppers can purchase the sexy lingerie at reasonable prices from there as well. They can also get many lucrative gifts and other incentives on these sites. The buyers need not physically visit the stores in this case. They can also get the products free of cost by going through certain contests run on these sites. Overall, the sexy underwear items market is growing everywhere in the world and many innovative products are expected to come in the near future.