by Sherri Sylvester | Mar 24, 2015
I am thrilled to let you know that I’ve been able to make a free tutorial for Cloud9 Fabrics! The Time Warp Tote is created using Jessica Jones’ Time Warp fabric line and Cloud9 Cirrus Solids. I love the amazing retro-look fabric.
This tote bag is a great size for carrying just about anything. Plus it’s got a great little pleat in the centre so you can add a little pop of colour if you want. It’s fully lined in a fun way, though it took me two tries and much seam ripping to sort it out!
Ready to make one? You can access the downloadable pdf on the Cloud9 Fabrics “Make it Sew” Project section. (Love the geeky reference there!)
Bark cloth is so soft and lovely to work with. It’s thicker than quilting cotton, but has a nicer drape than canvas or home decor fabric. Just make sure you finish your edges. It does tend to fray because of the loose weave. I can see an amazing retro set of curtains made with them too – the floor length ones, with the pleats at the top. *swoon*! Too bad Jessica did’t pick the colours to match my living room!
I’d also really recommend the Cirrus solids. Super soft as well and yarn dyed. So they look amazing too. I am loving the yarn dyed options lately. They really add an extra layer to the colour in the fabric. (P.S. The entire Cirrus Solid collection is currently available from my sponsor Fabric Spot.)
I’ve got another Time Warp Tote I am excited to show you, and it comes with a little tutorial! I’m 100% certain you’ll see another one after that. It is the perfect size for a gift and my kids’ teachers might be the lucky recipients of some canvas de-stashing by me!
I love working with Cloud9 Fabrics, they were amazing through the whole process. I was fortunate to be introduced to them through Esmari from Warp and Weft and Elizabeth Olwen, who’s Wildwood line inspired the Forest Glen Satchel pattern. (And I just saw on Instagram that she’s got a new line in corduroy coming out this fall!) I have to say once again that the collaborations and connections I’ve been able to make through sewing/blogging have been so much fun. The DIY community is so generous and kind. I am truly grateful to be a part of it.
by Sherri Sylvester | Mar 17, 2015
I have inadvertently ended up starting a Little Red Riding Hood fabric collection. I had a couple of these already and recently acquired a couple more. It’s interesting to me how many fabric designers have chosen to dedicate their lines to the little red hooded girl, and of course her wolf “friend”. I am (legitimatly, I think) obligated to like and buy these fabrics. Best stashing excuse reason ever!
I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them, but I would love to know if you have seen any other Red Riding Hood collections I should get!
Just for fun, I decided to see how much I could find out about my favorite fairy tale character from her fabrics…
- Red loves trees. I gather she is a nature-lover and enjoys spending time outdoors. Though, thinking more about it, the choice of background may be due to her living in close proximity to a forest…
- The red hood is a must. This, of course, is not rocket science. However, I did not know that she allowed patterned prints as well. Seemingly, dots are a thing.
- She likes dressing up. True to form (at least the form of the little girls I know) Red seems to prefer dressing in skirts or dresses. Colour does not seem to be as consistent in this case, however.
- Side Parted Hair. She seems to be liking the long hair with a side part. Though I am not sure about the exact cut, since it’s under the hood!
- Health matters. While most stories talk about Red’s basket containing cookies or baked goods, I also see that in one portrait she is carrying apples, and she’s standing next to an apple tree in another. Good for a varied, healthy diet!
- Red is not scared of the wolf. She is either oblivious to her peril, or knows the wolf personally and feels no need to flee. I am not sure I would be so brave, especially when surrounded by multiple wolves!
- The wolf is obsessed with Red. In all cases, the wolf is either following her (how creepy!) or walking/looking in her direction. In one case, with salt and pepper at hand!
- The wolf is a scientific anomaly. In three cases he is able to walk on two legs. In one case he has the ability to hold a fork and knife, without opposable thumbs. Yikes!
- Mushrooms are a key part of Red’s natural habitat. I am not certain if her grandma makes a mean Mushroom Risotto, or if they are even edible. I do know, that if you ever see a red mushroom with white polka dots Red’s home must be nearby!
- Might seem crazy what I’m about to say… Because, She’s happy! Red seems to be a generally happy person, since she’s always smiling.
Reader Feedback: Do you have a collection? What made you start it? (P.S. It doesn’t have to be fabric!)
Fabric Information (Top to Bottom): Into the Forest, Michael Miller fabric. Bought from Double Decker Fabric, unfortunately sold out. Riding Hood: Story White, Blend Fabrics. Bought from Canadian National Fabric. Little Red Riding Hood Aqua Main, Tasha Noel for Riley Blake. Bought from Canadian National Fabric. A Walk in the Woods, Aneela Hoey for Moda. Bought at Creativ Festival.
P.S. This is not a sponsored post. I just happened to get a couple of these fabrics from two of my awesome sponsors!
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 17, 2015
I’m excited to bring you a fun and different installment to our Canadian Online Fabric Shop interview series today! When I was at the Creativ Festival last fall I found a booth for Meerkat Shweshwe – I was super curious about their fabrics (you’ll see why later), so I stopped to talk to them. Turns out they are a wholesaler for imported shweshwe fabric from South Africa.
I was drawn to their booth because of the unique selection of fabric. Nothing like you’ve seen before. Unless of course, you’ve got some shweshwe in your stash! Today I am interviewing this wholesaler and linking over to 4 shops that carry their unique fabric. There’s a discount for one of the US shops and a giveaway too!
I’m so excited to interview Céleste, the owner of Meerkat Shweshwe, today. We’ve been working back-and-forth for a month or so to get you some great information about this unique fabric. Including lots of photos, where to get it and how to care for it!
Thread Riding Hood: How did you get connected to selling shweshwe?
Céleste: I was born in South Africa, the home of Shweshwe, and brought up in a family of sewing and knitting enthusiasts. When my family moved to Canada in 2001 I could only get hold of Shweshwe on trips “back home” or when we had visitors from South Africa. In 2013 I visited Da Gama Textiles in South Africa to investigate becoming an importer and distributor of Shweshwe.
Thread Riding Hood: What is a bit of the history of this type of fabric?
Céleste: The history of all modern printed cottons starts with indigo dyed fabric. Indigo is a deep blue plant dye that originated in India and made its way to Europe in Roman times. Shweshwe’s history is connected to indigo dyed cotton prints in Europe, called “Blaudruck”. The name “shweshwe” comes from King Moshoeshoe I, who was given a gift of indigo printed cotton by French missionaries during the 19th century. When European settlers moved into Southern Africa, they introduced these indigo prints to the ethnic groups they met, who assimilated them into their culture. Although fashions changed and technology improved, Shweshwe has remained in demand in South Africa until today. It is sometimes called the “tartan” of South Africa. Click here for a more detailed history.
Thread Riding Hood: Why is shweshwe unique?
Céleste: There are quite a few differences between shweshwe and other fabrics.
- The designs look like reproductions, but they are authentic classics from the days of the early development of automated cotton printing in the 18th century.
- Shweshwe is still produced using an old method of discharge printing dating back to the days of early industrialization.
- The fabric is only 90cm/36″ wide, because it is printed using technology from a time when all fabric looms were that width – think of original Liberty Lawns.
- Shweshwe has a distinctive smell and stiffness from the dressing still used as in days gone by when this was protection for the long sea voyage from England to the colonies. One wash and the fabric is soft and lovely to use.
- Shweshwe has an authenticated backstamp.
Thread Riding Hood: What do you love most about working with shweshwe fabric?
Céleste: First, Nostalgia. It harks back at the classic fabrics I grew up with, in terms of old fashioned quality, versatility and a 100% cotton with a good hand. Second, Innovation. Besides producing the blue, chocolate and red classics, they keep adding modern designs in vibrant colours to their collection. Third, Social Conscience. Working with Shweshwe connects me to creating employment in South Africa, and keeping this historic fabric alive.
Thread Riding Hood: What types of projects would you recommend using shweshwe for?
Céleste: It is super versatile and can be used whenever you would normally choose 100% cotton prints. It was traditionally used for dressmaking in South Africa, but nowadays you can find it used for quilts, home decorating, and crafting. It has become a popular item on fashion runways with South African designers for both men and women, even for weddings and shoes. Check my Pinterest boards for inspiration.
Thread Riding Hood: Anything else we should know about working with this fabric? Prewashing? Ironing? Care?
Céleste: You have to prewash to get rid of the dressing and then it will shrink a little, as the threads settle after the dressing is washed out. Thereafter you treat it like all other 100% cottons. You don’t have to iron it, but if you want that crisp look of ironed cotton, you’ll get it in spades from Shweshwe! It is very durable: I have a dress I still wear that is 25 years old.
Thread Riding Hood: Do you have a personal favorite story that involves a particular shweshwe project that you wouldn’t mind sharing with us?
Céleste: In 2002 as a new Canadian I stumbled upon the Quilt of Belonging at the Waterloo Regional Quilt Festival. I volunteered to make the block for Namibia, because the South African block was already made. I used Shweshwe in the border of that block, never knowing that about 10 years later I would be importing it. You can see the block here.
Thread Riding Hood: How can we get connected to buying some of this fabulous fabric?
Céleste: At present there are four stores in Canada and the USA that sell Meerkat Shweshwe: Hyggeligt Fabrics, Greenwood Quiltery, Yardwork-Etsy and Whitby Fabrics Sewing Centre. I am a wholesaler and I do not do direct sales except for an annual promotion at Creativ Festival in the Fall.
Thread Riding Hood: How can retailers arrange to order this fabulous fabric for their inventory?
Céleste: I invite retailers to contact me if they would like to carry Shweshwe in their inventory. Minimum order is 10m and minimum cuts are 5m, but for a first time order I will make 2m cuts. I also invite anyone who uses 100% cottons to produce clothing or any other items to contact me if they want to place wholesale orders for their use. My email address is celeste@meerkatshweshwe.com
Meerkat Shweshwe (from Da Gama Textiles) is available at the following shops. Yardwork (below) has given you a discount to use in her entire shop! Check the locations – there are three in Canada (2 selling online) and Yardwork is in the US!
Yardwork on Etsy (Brooklyn, NY)
Get 15% off orders from Yardwork using the discount code “REDTHREAD”! This coupon applies to any order over $8.00 and is valid until April 17, 2015!
Hyggeligt Fabrics (London, Ontario – available online)
Greenwood Quiltery (Guelph, Ontario – available online)
Whitby Fabrics Sewing Centre (Whitby, Ontario)
Here’s your chance to enter to win eight fat quarters of Shweshwe contemporary and classic prints!
This giveaway is open to everyone, internationally from today (Feb 17th) until midnight on Tuesday evening, February 24, 2015. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email address. There’s a “click to enter” no social media login entry too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I asked Céleste to be a part of this interview, I have not been compensated by Meerkat Shweshwe to write this post. I find this fabric type interesting and thought you might too. Thanks for reading!
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 13, 2015
Happy almost-Valentine’s Day! This week brings another online fabric store and another discount. Just right for weekend shopping. Especially if you can convince your significant other that your gift should come in textiles! My sponsor Canadian National Fabric is generously offering a Valentine’s Special of 15% off purchases between now and February 22nd! (Scroll down for details.)
I always love finding an online shop with a huge collection and I was happily surprised when I checked in on Canadian National a while ago. They have 1200+ listings! This includes quilting cotton (& extra wide for quilt backs), denim, felt, flannel, fleece, organics, sateen and ribbon. Enough yet? I’m certain there’s something here for everyone! Canadian National even has a “Cash for Stash” Rewards Program. How does getting paid to shop sound?!
In other exciting news – owner Brigitte is planning on opening a brick and mortar shop in Caledon, Ontario this May. Ann, one of my Instagram friends, let me know that they visited about a week ago and had a great time. I’m so excited for her. (and me, since I’m close enough to visit!)
Here are a few fabrics from their New Arrivals section that are sure to inspire. (Did you see that red hooded one down there? Gotta get me some of that!)
Take advantage of this Valentine’s Special and save 15% on your purchase at Canadian National Fabric by using the code “TRHValentine15”! Discount available from Feb 13-22, 2015. Everyday BONUS: Canadian National’s regular flat rate shipping is $5 across Canada, and you can also get Free Shipping on orders over $50 (before tax)! (Flat rate shipping info for US and International)
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 7, 2015
And we’re back with another giveaway and discount code AND the 12th post in the Canadian Online Fabric Store series! Today I’m interviewing Judy from Sew Sisters – an Ontario-based brick and mortar shop with international online shipping. She and her sister Karen started Sew Sisters together in 2000. I’ve visited their booth at the Creativ Festival and I always find something new and fun to purchase!
I am super excited about their monthly fabric clubs – they have 3 of them! A Kona Club, a Bargain Lover’s Club and a Batik Lover’s Club. As if the cute graphics were not enough – you can get fabric shipped to your door every month, hooray! I’ve been meaning to sign up for the 1/2 yard Kona Club for a while now and I have finally done it. I don’t stash enough solids to go with my projects and now I’ll have them. I love the surprise factor too – it’s lots of fun checking out which colours came in the mail!
Before we get too far – here’s a little preview of a few of my favorites from their shop:
Want to know more about Sew Sisters in 3 sentences? Carol has written up a tidy summary for you:
Sew Sisters Quilt Shop is A Canadian Source for Top Quality Quilt Fabric at Fair prices. Whether shopping online or in person at 3961 Chesswood Drive in North Toronto our goal is to provide you with great service and offer top quality products at the lowest possible price. Sew-Sisters have a large selection of quilting fabric and classes, patterns, books and notions – everything you need to complete your unique quilts!
Thread Riding Hood: Why did you decide to start Sew Sisters?
Judy: In 2000, I made an “I spy” quilt for my son that required almost 500 different pieces of fabric. I had to do a lot of shopping, trading and searching to amass the collection and when it was finished, I had both a lovely quilt and a massive amount of leftovers!
Figuring that other people making I Spy quilts would have the same problems I had finding enough fabric, I decided to sell packets of my leftover fabric online. The fabric square kits did very well, so much so that I began to think about continuing to make and sell them. I did so, and as the square packets became more popular, my sister joined me. Karen took over the shipping end of the business and soon we were able to expand the number of products we carried.
After many successful sales, we realized that our hobby had grown into a business! We registered a name, got a tax number and hired someone to do our books – our Dad, a retired accountant. Local quilt shops became interested in our square packets so we started supplying them as well. Soon we started selling at local guild shows and larger craft shows such as the Creativ Festival. Each year we continued to dramatically expand our product line until eventually we outgrew our house.
In September 2007, we opened a retail store at 3961 Chesswood Drive in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our shop is loaded with fabric, notions, patterns and books that inspire quilters to create quilts to treasure. We are constantly growing and stretching to provide our customers with a larger selection, more projects and greater service. My passion for quilting and serving the public know no bounds and we aspire to provide the best customer service and the best prices possible in the market place!
Thread Riding Hood: What are a few favorite sewing projects you can share with us?
Judy: We had a week long Sew-a-thon a few months ago and made some great projects with Tim Holtz’s Eclectic Elements, Jenny Pedigo’s Quick Curve Ruler and Northcott’s Stonehenge Oh Canada fabric. It was such fun! (You can see the projects here!)
Thread Riding Hood: What is something coming up in the near future that you are especially excited about?
Judy: We’re having a 3 day Free Shipping in Canada event this week! This is always fun for our online customers.
Thread Riding Hood: Thanks Judy! I really like how your quilts took you from a hobby to a brick and mortar shop. Such a unique beginning!
Sew Sisters has decided to give away an amazing 10 fat quarter bundle of Tim Holtz’s Eclectic Elements! WOW!
This giveaway is open to everyone, internationally from today (Jan 7th) until midnight on Tuesday evening, January 13, 2015. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter – and if you don’t have Facebook to sign in with, just use your name and email address. There’s a “click to enter” no social media login entry too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
All ready to get some fabric? Sew Sisters has generously offered you a discount! Use the code “THREAD1015” to get 10% off your purchase from January 7-13th, 2015! Here are a few more fabrics to get you started. And don’t forget about the free shipping (within Canada) offer from the 9th-11th this weekend!
Disclosure and Privacy Policy: I asked Sew Sisters Quilt Shop to be a part of this series. I will never recommend or highlight a shop that I do not love, and my opinions will and have always been my own. Thanks for reading!
by Sherri Sylvester | Dec 22, 2014
I’d like to introduce one of my newest sponsors, Fabricville. They have provided us with a discount today (scroll down for the code!) and I can’t wait to tell you what you can spend it on. For those of us in Canada, the logo will look very familiar – and their in-stock items are no different! Fabricville started in 1970, when Fabricland (similar to JoAnn Fabrics in the US) expanded into Quebec and Eastern Canada.
Their new, redesigned website (new this year) lets you order any of the items you’d normally get in-store – and ship them right to your door! So – all of you that live in rural areas and can’t get to a fabric store without a lot of trouble? I am pleased to introduce your new best friend! In addition to fashion fabrics, fleece and flannelettes – they stock drapery and upholstery fabrics – in fact they have the largest inventory of these items in Canada! I am most excited that you can get your notions, thread, zippers, buttons, elastic, needles, batting and more. I am part of an amazing Canadian group and have heard so many stories of people unable to easily purchase sewing supplies – now they can be shipped to you!
Here is a little bit from Fabricville about their chosen featured fabric:
For this time of year we thought we would offer the warmth, cosiness and versatility of fleece and flannelette. We carry a huge selection of these practical fabrics at great prices.
Our fleece is available in a multitude of solid colors, patterns and textures (regular, anti-pill and micro chenille fleece). It is as great for craft projects as it is for clothing. Fabricville carries over a hundred printed options including Disney themes, animal prints, floral and children’s prints. Fleece is often used for beginner craft projects because once cut, the edges do not fray. Flannelette is most often used for sleepwear and bed sheets It is an easy to sew and easy to care for fabric, making it a good choice for many sewing projects.
So many options! (PS. They also stock needlework supplies.) Here are a few links they have highlighted to get you started:
Save 10% on your purchase at Fabricville by using the code “threadridinghood”. Use this code until January 31, 2014! Valid on any purchase over $20.
Disclosure and Privacy Policy: Please note, this is a sponsored post. Fabricville is a sponsor of Thread Riding Hood. I will never recommend or highlight a shop that I do not love, and my opinions will and have always been my own. Thanks for reading!
