FashionAbility - April 2021

A few moments caught on camera  -  Click on photo to enlarge

PROGRAM:  Making Fabric Choices for Successful Garments - Patty Mack

Patty brought a rack filled with gorgeous garments she has made.  As she discussed many types of fabric, she pulled samples from the rack to illustrate the fabric in use in a garment.  We saw examples of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, and silk, as well as man-made fibers such as polyester, lycra, brocade, and more.  Fabrics can be woven, non-woven, and knits, and those properties must be taken into consideration when choosing fabric for a pattern.  Perhaps the most important factor in the success of a garment is choosing the right weight fabric.  These can be quantified by describing the gsm (grams per square meter) or oz/yd2 (ounces per square yard), but many of us love the feel of fabrics and make our choices that way.  Patty's favorite lining fabric is Bemberg (or Ambiance) which is rayon that is breathable, durable, and anti-static.

Pat Sauer, owner of The Sewing Studio where we meet, shared a little about the history of the store.  She and daughter, Kelsey Scott, discussed their approach to buying fabric for the store.