Thrift Store Fabric Shopping

Over the years I have gotten some great fabric from thrift stores. There are lots of times I purchase fabric with no project in mind and the fabric often dictates the project I make. I may see a piece of fabric and a project instantly comes to mind. Then there are those occasions when I just have to purchase a piece because it is so beautiful and unique. However, when it comes to shopping for fabric at a thrift store the results can be hit and miss at best, but it is always a treasure hunt.

Identifying The Fabric
Thrift stores are a great source of materials for sewing, crafts and art projects. However, how do you know what you are purchasing. Sometimes you can feel the fabric and identify what it is and other times you have to take your chances and test the fibre when you get home. A fabric burn test is a great way to get an idea of what you are working with. With just a small swatch of the fabric, you should be able to identify if it is a natural or synthetic fibre. If you have enough of the fabric, you can also test a small piece for other factors like colour fastness and shrinkage. There are also lots of great fabric guides available to help you identify and work with different fabrics.

Cost Effectiveness
Fabric shopping can be an expensive venture, so a thrift store is great source if you are on a tight budget. You can sew beautiful projects for your home and make unique handmade gifts for your friends and family without a huge expenditure. It is also a great source for fabric if you are a beginner sewist and you do not want to spend a lot on materials to practice.

Unique Selection
Thrift store fabric shopping is a great way to find unique fabrics. You can sometimes find beautiful vintage fabrics or designer prints.You can use them on their own or combine them with other old or new fabrics. Pieces will vary in size, but even a small piece can be used as an appliqué, pocket or bag strap. Often times you can get fabric by the yard or you can purchase a bed sheet or tablecloth.

Eco-friendly
Purchasing your fabric from a thrift store extends its' usefulness. You can prevent more materials from entering the landfill by repurposing abandoned yardage or an article of clothing. I do not usually purchase clothing pieces, but you can often find a piece that you can use for a project. If you do not want to use a piece of clothing, you can reuse the buttons or other elements.

Here are ten tips for fabric shopping at a thrift store:

1. Head over to the linen section where you will find fabric by the yardage and ends. You can also find sheets, pillowcases, and table linen in this section.
2. If you are purchasing bed linen; a crisp, new content label is a good indicator that the linen may not have been used.
3. Examine the fabric for any imperfections, damages, weak spots and stains.
4. Tug gently on an end of the fabric to confirm there is no dry rot due to poor temperature and moisture control. You will generally see other signs of dry rot, but if it is not visible the fabric will tear with a gentle tug. 
5. Smell the fabric for any unpleasant odour. Some odours are difficult to remove.
6. Access how much of the fabric is usable.
7. Do not dismiss half completed projects that you can take apart and use in a new way.
8. Do not buy it just because it is cheap; access the uniqueness of the material, how much you like it and what projects you will like to make.
9. If you purchase a bundle of fabric in a bag; go through the bag after purchasing and donate any pieces I do not want, before you leave the store.
10. Identify the fabric content and clean accordingly prior to use.

Project Ideas

Shower Curtain - made from vintage sheet
Apron - vintage pillowcase and new fabric
Hand Embroidered Apron - vintage pillowcase and new fabric
Scrap Pincushion - remnant fabric
I-Spy Bag Toy - old kids shirt

Please share your tips for getting fabric and other sewing supplies at a thrift store. What is your best thrift store fabric find?

Vintage Pillowcase Apron

I found this great vintage cotton pillowcase at just .99 cents, and I just had to add it to my vintage fabric collection. There is a hole in the fabric and I had to find a way to mend it so I decided to do an appliqué. I have shared with you the hand embroidered appliqué and the embroidery stitches that I did, so here is the finished apron.

The waistband was made from the same white vintage cotton that I used for the appliqués. I added a bit of interest with a running stitch just along the front.

I like repurposing pillowcases and I really enjoyed this project. An apron is a great gift idea and I think I will be making a few of these this holiday season. There are so many creative ways you can go with an apron project.

Do you have any ideas on how to repurpose a pillowcase?

Making Natural Dyes

Our segment on textile art and design has been a lot of fun. For many years I have been transforming silk and other fabrics to create my Verona Collections designs. On various occasions I have explored the use of natural dyes, but primarily I use reactive dyes. The dyes I use are synthetic, but non-toxic; however, I wanted to further explore the use of natural materials for dying.

Natural dyes can be derived from plants, fruits, insects and other sources in nature. For centuries cultures around the world have perfected natural dying techniques. I researched this further and found countless books on the topic and will continue to explore this topic further as I expand and transform my own work.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011 on Crafted Spaces Radio I shared how to prepare a natural dye bath and other tips for dying. Here are some images and further instructions.

Freshly picked Goldenrod

Start the process by separating the flowers from the rest of the plant parts and use as much of the yellow as possible. If you choose to include everything, this will influence the colour.

Place the flowers into a large stainless steel pot (thrift store find) covering with water reaching 2/3 of the pot or approximately 9 cups of water. You can also place plant material into a pantyhose (white) or wrap in cheese cloth. Please keep in mind that the material you chose to wrap with may also influence the colour of your dye bath.

Simmer for an hour and leave overnight in the pot.

Strain away the flowers from the liquid and there is the dye bath (right). It has an amber tint. You may discard remaining flowers.

Measure out eight cups of die bath and place into stainless steel pot.

(option 1) Add a 1/2 cup of table salt to the dye bath and stir.

(option 2) Prepare a fixative solution of 1/2 cup salt and 8 cup water. You will then place your damp fabric into this solution and boil for an hour. Then rinse your fabric and place into your unsalted dye bath. 

Place your damp fabric into dye bath and simmer for 1 hour. You can leave it soaking in dye bath overnight depending on the depth of colour your desire. To create a tie dye effect, twist your fabric and used a rubber band to secure. You can also place your fabric untwisted into the dye bath for complete coverage of fabric.

Silk Before

Silk After

 When finished, remove from the dye bath and rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Hang to dry and iron as needed.

Finished Project!

The final result is more muted than I anticipated, I twisted my fabric which significantly impacted the results. If the fabric was untwisted more colour would have penetrated the fabric; however, I wanted to see what type of tie dye effect I was going to get. Next time I will try using a mordant such as alum and compare the results. I hope that you enjoyed this project and for more details visit Crafted Spaces Radio for the episode that accompany this project.

It is recommended to use pots and other utensils that are dedicated to your dying projects. Do not use items that are also used for cooking or will otherwise come in contact with your food. I also suggest that prior to using any natural or other dyes, that you confirm the possible harmful nature of what you are using. Work in a well ventilated space and wear gloves as an added safe guard. There are lots of great resources available on this topic, so take the time to visit your local library or do some research on the internet. Have fun!

Some books on the topic include:

Wild Colour by Jenny Dean
The Complete Guide to Natural Dyeing by Eva Lambert
Natural Dyes by Linda Rudkin
Harvesting Color: Making Your Own Natural Dyes by Rebecca Burgess
Eco Colour by India Flint

Under Wraps

This is a fun project and is easy and quick to do. I love reusing and repurposing things as a tiny way of supporting a healthier environment. I therefore repurpose glass jars; such as pasta sauce jars and jelly jars, to hold various items in my studio.

Today on our Crafted Spaces Radio we presented this DIY project, as part of our segment on the use of paper as a creative medium. The project uses a beautiful Japanese tissue paper (larger jar), purchases from The Paper Place, Toronto and a small sample piece of scrapbook paper (smaller jar). The tissue paper is quite light and therefore some care is needed when gluing to the jar.

Listen to the show and follow along as you work on your project:

Listen to internet radio with Crafted Spaces on Blog Talk Radio

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Materials Needed:

Glass Jar(s)

Japanese Tissue Paper or Other Decorative Paper

Glue (Mod Podge)

Brush

Measuring Tape

Ruler

Pencil

Scissors

Twine or Ribbon (optional)

Hot Glue Gun and Glue Stick (to attach cord or ribbon)

Instructions:

1) Clean jar(s) to remove any grease or other residue

2) Measure the circumference and height of the jar(s)

3) Cut your paper to the desired size

4) Using brush, apply glue to your jar and place one end of paper in place

5) Continue applying glue to the surface of your jar and move around the jar removing air bubbles with your fingers

6) Apply glue to the top and base of your jar gently pressing with your fingers

7) Cut off excess paper on the ends as needed

8) Let your project dry (based on instructions on your glue)

9) You can further embellish with twine or ribbon or as desired

Enjoy your new container!

I hope that you have enjoyed this project and invite you to share your projects with us on Facebook > Click Here!

Profile: Hannah Richardson

Hannah Richardson

Owner and Designer of Foundlings

Hannah Richardson launched Foundlings in February 2010. Foundlings is primarily a sixties influenced ladies line of clothing, based in Toronto, Ontario. Her designs are fashioned from vintage and upcycled materials. Hannah's designs are vibrant and feminine, and is perfect for the eco concise buyer.

To further express Hannah's commitment to sustainable fashion; Toronto retail deliveries are made by bicycle. Foundlings also provides custom designs and alterations.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

Hannah Richardson

Foundlings is available at several boutiques in Toronto, Kitchener and Ottawa area. One of the great places you can find her designs is at the Freedom Clothing Collective. You can learn more about Foundlings by visiting the website at: www.foundlingsvintage.com.

You can also listen to our interview with Hannah in our Transformation online radio episode.

Plantable Stationery

If you love flowers and like to make paper crafts, perhaps you can think of a project or two that can be made using this great eco friendly product. I have gotten hooked on this seed paper which ranges in size from 3x4 to 11x17 sheets. The paper is available in several colours and not only is it great for a variety of paper crafts and invitations, but they are plantable. Instead of tossing it in the garbage or recycle bin, just plant the paper in a pot or in your garden for an assortment of wild flowers.

Seed Paper

100% post-consumer waste paper

The Winnipeg, Manitoba based company, Botanical Paperworks produces a range of products that are created from 100% post-consumer waste paper. Invitations, greeting cards, calendars and so much more can be found on their website and at select retailers.

Selection of Greeting Cards

I visited Cry If I Want To at 1175 Queen Street East, Toronto, several weeks ago and purchased some of this great paper. Co-Owner Allison was also kind enough to chat with me way pass her closing hour about the product. If you visit the Botanical Paperworks website, they also have the paper available online, as well as various craft projects and a list of retailers.

You can also visit Cry If I Want To at their blog: http://blog.cryifiwantto.com

Shop Review: Lady Mosquito

Walking down the trendy Queen Street West area of Toronto is always a delight. There is never a dull moment and you are generally guaranteed to find something to temp your senses. Little bistros, galleries, specialty shops, and a character or two are part of this urban landscape. Queen West is a must-see area of Toronto.

Over the years, the area has seen countless changes and continues to reinvent itself. This past weekend Crafted Spaces had the pleasure of visiting Lady Mosquito, a quaint little gallery boutique that has just celebrated its one year anniversary. This unique, one-of-a-kind selection of handbags, jewellery and other fashion accessories are vibrant and well crafted. Director, Cynthia Villegas took the time to chat with us and share the details behind the featured collections.

Cynthia Villegas, Director

In 2008, Cynthia a native of Peru who has been living in Canada for several years; embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, importing the amazing creations of some very talented individuals. The designs are vibrant and eco friendly.

Cocktail purses created with recycled materials

Click here to view workshop images

"I wanted to bring to Canada designs created by some creative designers from Peru."

The store therefore features Peruvian designers exclusively, adding to its uniqueness. Cynthia also indicated that she travels regularly to Peru and meets with the designers, visits their production sites, and . . .

"try to co-ordinate very closely with them to decide what products will best suit the international market."

The final product is a great mix of designs that complement each other and combines traditional elements with modern design.

Capsula Purses

Click here to view workshop images

Necklace produced with sustainably harvested Tagua seeds

from the Amazon rainforest

The service is warm and friendly, and the shop is well put together with many of the displays crafted by Cynthia herself. Lady Mosquito is located just west of Queen and Ossington on the north side. To find out more about Lady Mosquito and its' amazing selection of designs visit the website for store hours, features on the designers, and an opportunity to shop online.

For more information on Lady Mosquito visit www.ladymosquito.ca or call 1 647-344-3266

1020 Queen Street West,

Toronto, Ontario

Decorative Pin Cushions II

This has been a very overdue craft project to post. In our post "Creative Pin Cushions," we introduced a gorgeous vintage teacup that had been transformed into a pincushion and featured two others from Verona Collections' Sewing and Creative Design Summer Program.

This little felt floral pincushion is a beautiful little project that we also wanted to share. We hope that you will be inspired and will enjoy making your own pincushion. It might even be something to consider as part of your gift giving this year.

Creative Pin Cushions

The following Tea Cup Silk Pin Cushion, was inspired by this gorgeous Queen Anne antique bone china tea cup that I found at a thrift shop. It was love at first sight when I saw this little tea cup and I just had to find a creative way of incorporating it into my studio. I love finding creative ways of reusing or refurbishing used items, and after a few days of holding small odds and ends I decided to turn it into the base of this decadent pin cushion.

I also wanted to share these two wrist pin cushions, created by students at Verona Collections August 2010 - Summer Sewing Camp - Toronto. These pin cushions were created from eco-fi 100% Polyester Felt, produced from recycled plastic bottles. They were further stuffed with EcoFill a "Luxury Fibre Fill" produced from recycled polyester fibres.