Fabric.org

How to Buy Cashmere Fabric?

fabric.org — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:10:24 +0000

Cashmere Fabrics are known for its softness. It can also mean luxury as many people believed. This fabric is identified for different weights and a touch of smoothness. For a clever shopper, the quality counts. Pure Cashmere is usually more expensive compared to products made of different materials. Cashmere fabrics are the finest because, it can last a lifetime if properly taken care of.

Here are some tips that you can use when buying Cashmere Fabrics:
Be prepared to spend a little bit of money. The cost of this high-end, extra soft fabric can average about $200 per garment.
By pulling gently and releasing the sides of the fabric. You will know if the garment is made out of high-quality material because it will return to its original or proper shape when stretched whereas a poor- quality garments will not.
Simply touch the fabric and feel it. If there is a fuzzy feeling or there is a coarseness, then it is not a high quality fabric. Remember that when you feel cashmere, the softer the fabric, the better. Moreover, light-colored fabrics are softer compared to dark-colored ones because the darker the dye is, the harsher treatment the yarn needs harsher treatment the yarn needs. The treatment will ensure an even order.
Make sure, the fabric is a two-ply knit. Two-ply knit is sturdier and lightweight compared to a one-ply knit. It will also resist pulling and, of course, be stronger. You will be able to tell if it is a one ply knit because you will be able to see your hand through the fabric. Ply actually refers to the weight and not necessarily the quality.
Be on guard for mislabelling and bargains. Cashmere Wool Fabric and sheep wool fabric combined have been marketed as a hundred per cent cashmere. Therefore, watch out for the price because if it is too good to be true then, do not settle for it. Because the real thing is lighter, softer and will last longer. However, what is most important is getting your money’s worth out of the garment.

Check the Tag. Bear in mind that the high-quality cashmere is made from Italy and Scotland and it should be indicate on the tag. Best-quality hand, knit sweaters are still the priciest.
Know where to buy. Only buy from sources that are trusted. This can be from known designers and labels that only specialize in cashmere or huge department stores, which are very particular in quality control. You can also shop on line, just to check for prices but once you decide to buy, make sure to do it in person so that you will have the chance to feel the quality of the fabric.

Sewing with Organic Fabrics – Buying Organic Cotton Fabric

fabric.org — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:40:21 +0000

Organic Fabric is one of the best ways to help reduce the release of carcinogenic, toxic and teratogenic compounds into the air, soil and water since minimal use of insecticides and pesticides are used by farmers in crop maintenance. It is also a wonderful way of keeping your body free from infections and ailments because you are sure that no harmful substances will be absorbed through the skin.

There are many types of organic fabric to choose from if you wish to use these in your latest fashion design. The most popular are organic hemp fabric, organic cotton fabric, organic quilt fabric, organic upholstery fabric, organic canvas fabric, organic bamboo fabric:

Hemp FabricThe quality of hemp fabric is quite similar with linen. It is sturdy and does not wrinkle much thus when blended with other natural fibers, it can be transformed into textiles which has coarse or fine textures.

A 90/14 machine needle together with 2.5 mm polyester or cotton stitches is recommended for anyone who wishes to sew organic hemp fabric however you need to consider the weight of the hemp fabric you are purchasing to adjust with the machine needle and stitches to use.

Another thing that you should take note of is the necessary use of high steam when pressing on the finished garment. It is recommended to use spray starch on hemp fabric so you can make your pressing work easier.

Soy Fabric This type of fabric is made from soybean hull and is known for its soft and luxurious feel. It is perfect for t-shirts, wrap tops and dresses.

Fashion designers are taking advantage of its soft and flowing characteristic so it is often transformed into flowing styles of closed. Use a 75/11 machine needle and accompany it would good quality polyester stitch in executing your design. However you should be extra careful when pressing on your soy fabric clothes. Keep the heat low and never use steam on it or you will find yourself with ruined soy fabric apparel.

Lyocell Fabric This type of fabric is made from wood pulp which was created in the UK in the year 1987. It contains similar properties of cotton and rayon and is perfect for shirts, pants, flowing skirts and dresses. It can be washed or dry cleaned and may come in knit or woven fabrics.

Just like soy fabric, use a 75/11 machine needle and good quality cotton or polyester thread in sewing your design.

Go Green! Choose Organic Curtains this Summer

fabric.org — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:39:01 +0000

Summer is synonymous to energy and fun as well as sweat and body odor. There are lot of diseases and skin infections that are experienced during this time of the year and what better way to protect your family but through eco-friendly curtains inside your homes.

Curtains serve many factors when used inside the home. It is used to block the sun’s rays and prevent the entry of dust particles. It is also used to add color and vibrant to your home but wouldn’t it be more wonderful if it can also become your best defense against skin infections and unwanted allergens?

Organic fabric is the healthier alternative to conventional fabric. Little does the public know but conventional fabric is filled with many chemicals that results to skin irritations. Studies show that a high percentage of skin diseases are associated with the chemical used in clothes and apparels as well as products applied on the skin. Some of these chemicals include dicofol, cyanide, naled and propargite which are highly carcinogenic based on the EPA. But with organic fabric used on your curtains, your worries of skin allergens will be eradicated.

Organic fabrics come from plants which are grown on land that is certified to be free from any harmful chemicals like defoliants, insecticide and pesticide. Farmers maintain their crops by using traditional methods like cover crops system, crop rotation, human labor in helping get rid of pests and introduction of beneficial insects into the web-chain.

Due to these factors, organic curtains have natural anti-microbial properties that reduce the spread of dust mites, moulds and other insects. It releases substances that halt the growth and development of these crawling allergens. Moreover, there are certain organic curtain manufacturers that add Vitamin C into their products so it can further aid the body in fighting bacterial causing infections.

Organic curtains come in different array of colors that will fit your home. Although it costs a little bit higher than your conventional curtain, the positive health benefits it brings to your home is worth the additional amount that you are going to spend.

Choose wisely and help save mother earth. Next time you go and buy curtains for your homes choose eco-friendly curtains. Not only have you contributed in helping save Mother Earth but you are also assisting hundreds of farmers who have chosen to return to traditional organic farming methods as well.

Grow an Organic Living Room with Eco-Friendly Throw Pillows

fabric.org — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:48:37 +0000

It is peculiar to find a living room without any throw pillow. In case you visit one which has this strange feature, you will easily notice the wonderful aesthetic value throw pillows do to your house.

Throw pillows add character to a room. It reveals the taste of the owner and reflects the personality of its owner. So why not send an environmental message to anyone who visits your home by using eco-friendly throw pillows in your living room?

Throw pillows add additional color and style to your living room. It helps brighten a boring room or it can help create a more relaxed environment in case you plan to place it in your bedroom. Unfortunately, throw pillows are also the best friends of your children. The love cuddling it while watching their favorite television shows and the sad thing is synthetic throw pillows can bring a lot of harm to them. So next time you buy throw pillows, do not consider the color and style it will bring to your room but the health benefits it can also do to your kids.

Types of Eco-Friendly Pillows
There are varieties of eco-friendly pillows which you can choose from. A few of these are as follow:
a. Kapok
These are eco-pillows known for its organic cotton and linen blend. It is an excellent anti allergy pillow due to the Kapok tree seed pods contained in it. It is a good substitute for fowl feathers used by some throw pillow manufacturers.
b. Natural Latex
This is a healthier alternative to polyurethane pillows which perfectly conforms to your body while it holds its shape in support of your neck and head. It makes use of the abundant supply of rubber trees which is rarely utilized in the past.
c. Buckwheat
This is very much environmental friendly to use since it is completely free from pesticides. It is 100% organic which moulds around the shape of your head as it acts as a natural dust repellant.
d. Wool
This is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes throw pillows that have excellent moisture resistant qualities. It does not encourage the growth and spread of dust mites, mildew and mould. It also acts as a natural fire inhibitor and a great insulator.

Apparel Fabrics

fabric.org — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:55:52 +0000

Summer is here and in many parts of the country temperatures are already climbing into the 90s or even higher. Though the warm weather is a welcome respite from winter’s bitter grip, the heat does come with a price—namely, too much heat. When the temps climb, it’s sometimes hard to arrive at your destination looking fresh, collected and ready for whatever the evening has in store for you.

You can beat the heat by choosing the right styles, and more importantly, the right apparel fabrics to suit the weather. Knit apparel fabric and cotton apparel fabric comes in many different weights designed to help you keep your cool throughout the summer months.

For casual wear, consider a comfortable denim blend fabric, something with a high cotton and low synthetic count. These blends work to wick away perspiration and allow plenty of air to flow through the fabric. For jeans, a blend with about 98 percent cotton and 2 percent Lycra works well. Another acceptable blend is 96 percent cotton to 4 percent Lycra. Most major stores offer at least one of these blends in both fabric and finished products.

Tee shirts are another great choice for warm summer days by the pool, riding bicycle, or just lounging around the yard. Most people choose 100 percent cotton for Tee shirts, though it’s always a good idea to get either pre-shrunk cotton or plan for the eventual shrinkage the first time the fabric is washed. Cotton blends, in which the cotton is blended with polyester, will generally retain their shape longer than 100 percent cotton and have the additional benefit of being shrink-resistant.

A choice many people don’t consider is Rayon. Not only does Rayon keep its shape, it “breathes” easily and drapes well, even after being sprayed with a hose or an “accidental” slip into the pool.

Once evening rolls around and it’s time for a night on the town, you’ll want to ditch the jeans and hunt around for some silk. Noting says elegance like 100 percent silk, one of nature’s most breathable natural fabrics. Granted, 100 percent silk does require some special care in order to maintain its structural integrity, but that care pays off in a fabric that wears well, lasts a long time and looks and feels great.

Many silk blend fabrics also are available, such as Chiffon, a blend of nylon and silk that holds up to extended wear and tends to be more wrinkle-resistant than pure silk.

For summertime exercise, very few fabrics can beat Spandex, a polyester blend that allows for plenty of flexibility and is excellent at wicking moisture away for the skin, thereby giving you a more comfortable—and cooler—workout. This blend is often found in bicycle clothing, basketball shirts and other fabrics where cooling properties and flexibility are paramount.

Given the myriad fabric choices available, there’s no excuse for not keeping your cool this summer!

Eco-Friendly Natural Cotton Throw Pillows for your Living Room

fabric.org — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:27:33 +0000

Spare the bareness of your living room. Purchase eco-friendly throw pillows which will help accentuate your home. Choose from one of the following designer throw pillows which can help add color and vibrant to your rooms.

Natural Cotton and Flax Embroidered Pillows
Organic cotton is perfect for any homes but with the additional design accessories sewed into these throw pillows you are definitely out to surprise your guests when they come and visit your place. There are several vibrant colors and lively designs that you can choose from and you are guaranteed that the print and wool crewel embroidery used in it is also made from 100% natural cotton and flax.

Blissliving Shiny Vinyl Pillow
These throw pillows are perfect for modern homeowners who wish to add a delightfully flirty pillow on their living room. The exciting colors and ultra glossy surface of these eco-friendly vinyl pillows is out to cheer you in your boring days. You never know but your children may request that you go and fill their room with assorted colors of these shiny vinyl pillows.

Blissliving Glacier Pillow
These pillows are quite unique in the sense that they are meant for the floor rather than on the couch. It is guaranteed to transform your bedroom into a chic and stylish abode thanks to its deeply tufted luxurious striped organic silk dupioni. It also has self covered buttons in case you wish to change the outer appearance of your glacier pillow.

Missoni Home Round Floor Cushion
Thanks to the creativity of home decorators we now have home round floor cushions made from organic materials. These are fantastic collection of accent pieces which can fit your living room or bedroom and will readily transform your old and tired looking rooms in an instant modern escapade. Choose from different styles that will fit your style and character.

Inhabit Since When Pillow
This is the throw pillow of modern teenagers. It is both eco and environmentally friendly which will match the character of our modern youth. The messages of these pillows are out to grab the attention of any guests and are a glimpse of the true nature of the homeowner. Choose from its “You are”, “Why Not” and “Change your Life” themes and fill your days with messages that are out to keep you motivated all throughout the season.

Why is Cashmere so expensive?

fabric.org — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:12:30 +0000

It is true that cashmere fabrics come from the hair of a cashmere goat. This animal was introduced by the Asian area known as Kashmir to the Westerners. It was when the British took control over Kashmir in 1800’s that the fabric was exported to Europe. It created an intense demand, which happens to continue nowadays. Aside from being beautiful, it is also very expensive because of the intense labor in the process used to create cashmere wool fabrics.

The Majority of the Cashmere fabric today, comes from Mongolia and China, where the goats are raised in the Gobi Desert. These cashmere goats are raised and bred for the production of cashmere fabrics. They are definitely sought after for their hair’s pale coloring and extreme softness, which can be dyed in any color. However, the unpleasant condition in the desert hampers the count of goats that could have been raised, thus the lesser the harvest and the higher the demand can lead to an increase in price. Moreover, this is even before the yarn is knitted or woven.

Cashmere Fabric is classified into two categories. The high- quality Cashmere and the lower quality, which came about when other parts of Asia and even the Middle East start raising cashmere goats but only produced brown or gray hair. Moreover, cashmere from these goats is stiffer than the pale colored hair and not as soft as the high-quality cashmeres. Despite all that, it can still be quite expensive, due to the intense process during harvest.

High-quality cashmeres are produced by hand combing the goats. The hair is cleaned after combing to take away impurities, therefore, it will be two thirds in weight from its original weight. The pure cashmere should be very soft and ready for carding and dying before it is spin. It is woven into a superior form of yarn, which is a two-ply yarn; therefore, it is also two times expensive, since it consists of two strands. But, it is still worth the money you will be paying for in buying cashmere, because with the two-ply yarn, which uses two strands that go in opposite directions to eliminate any bias in the knit or weave, can stay in its shape over time compared to a one-ply yarn.

Cashmere Fabrics is very expensive, because it is labor exhaustive to produce. It is extremely durable and can last for many years if taken cared of properly. Hand wash cashmere using warm water and a mild soap while gently blotting it with a towel before finally laying it out to dry. Understanding that it will take four years before a single goat can produce enough wool for a coat and it truly involves endless hours of diligence to rise and care for the Cashmere goat will let you feel that what you have is definitely an investment.

What is cashmere wool fabric?

fabric.org — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:06:51 +0000

Cashmere wool fabric comes from Cashmere goats, a mammal that belongs to the family of Bovidae. Cashmere goats can produce double fleece that is composed of a soft, fine undercoat of hair combined with straighter and coarser coating of hair. The fine undercoat hair must be processed or de-haired so that it will be ready to be dyed in any color as well as converted into yarn, garments and fabrics in order to be sold.

Cashmere Wool Fabric is commonly known for its splendid softness and intense warmth. It has a good quality of insulation and definitely is lightweight. The ideal fabric for babies’ clothing and it does not scratch like any other wool. The fabrics that are made for rugs and carpets are the coarser cashmere.
Cashmere fabrics are characterized by its soft and fine fibers. Because it is naturally lightweight, the fibers are highly flexible, and easily being spun into yarns from light to heavy-weight fabrics. The natural colors of this cashmere wool are shades of brown, grey and white.

The largest producer of raw cashmere is China, which is estimated to produce 10 thousand metric tons of hair in per year. Mongolia is estimated to produce more than 3 thousand metric tons of hair in per year while Pakistan, India, Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran produces significant, yet, lesser amounts compared to the first two countries mentioned.

The pure cashmere fabrics are dyed and spun into yarns to be knitted into coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, socks and other forms of clothing. It is also woven into fabrics, cut and assembled into garments. Garment and Fabric producers have long been known as the market leaders in Scotland, Japan, England and Italy.

The cashmere wool has a natural crimp to help the fiber interlock during the process of being spun and allows it to be very fine and make it more of a lightweight fabric. The count of crimp is directly proportional to the fineness of the spun yarn; therefore, it affects the finished product.

The benefits you can receive by Buying Cashmere Wool are :
Silky soft
Lightweight
Exceptionally Warm
Does not Scratch
Good quality insulation
To name a few of the uses of the cashmere fabrics are; it is commonly used as cashmere sweaters or coats because of its remarkably warm quality. It is so light and does not scratch at all, as other sweaters do. It is also used in baby” clothing because of its softness. It can also be used as scarves, shawls, jackets, blazers and even underwear.

Buying Fabrics in Bulk

fabric.org — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:41:21 +0000

Whether you are a home hobby sewer or have larger fabric needs, buying fabrics in bulk is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to buy a large amount of fabric at one time. In order to save the greatest amount of money you can when purchasing bulk fabrics, you may need to do a little bit of research in order to get the best deal.
Before you order or purchase bulk fabrics, make a realistic decision on how much fabric you’re going to need. To do this, figure out your yardage requirements and round up so you don’t shortchange yourself. It is better to have left over bulk fabrics then to not have enough, as the fabric you bought may not be available if you underestimated your yardage requirements and should happen to need extra.
When buying fabrics in bulk or shopping for wholesale fabrics, shop around for the best price and check with several retailers or companies who sell material either online or in your area. Some retailers will advertise that they sell wholesale fabrics, but, in fact, some mark-up prices that can equate to a large difference if a high quantity of yardage is purchased.
To find wholesale fabric retailers, consult a directory of wholesale retailers or contact a wholesaler directly. If you’re searching for bulk fabrics at the lowest cost, search for discount outlets or clearance sales. While shopping for bulk fabrics in discount or at clearance sales, keep in mind that once you buy the fabric it may not again be available as it may be the last of the fabric lot or discontinued by a manufacturer. Also, some retailers do not allow customers to return bulk fabrics that were bought on clearance or at a discounted price.
Once you have found the bulk fabrics that you need at the price you wish to pay, the next step is placing an order. While a lot of retail and wholesale fabric suppliers let customers place orders online, some prefer to deal with customers by telephone, mail, or even in person. If you have the opportunity to speak with a wholesale fabrics supplier on the phone or in person, take the chance to do so as it’s a great way to build a relationship and perhaps negotiate favorable bulk fabric deals in the future.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Fleece Fabrics?

fabric.org — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:30:04 +0000

Polar fleece or fleece fabric is a very popular synthetic material that can be made from recycled PET bottles. PET is actually polyethylene terephthalate, developed by Aaron Feuerstein. Because he refused to patent its invention, it went into the public’s hands leading to the production of many cheap varieties.

The advantages and disadvantages of fleece fabrics are many. Most of them are advantages, luckily. It is a very lightweight fabric with a soft nap and insulating properties. This makes it a good alternative to wool, and those who are allergic to wool feel very comfortable using this fabric. Its heat retention property makes it an ideal material for light weight blankets, jackets, hoodies, and hats.

Another advantage is that it is very easy to sew this material. Beginners, especially, will find that the nap of the material can hide the imperfections of sewing. As the edges do not fray, there is really no need to bind or hem the edges.

Fleece fabrics have very little water retention properties. So it is very easy to wash and dry them, and is ideal for outdoor activities, where there are chances to get wet. They do not shrink with washing either, so they will retain the shape. This feature makes it the ideal material to make soft toys. Since children play with soft toys in the yard and ground, they get soiled very fast and have to be washed frequently. Fleece soft toys will dry in no time and do not shrink.

This material has some disadvantages too. It is not a windproof material, so jackets made of fleece fabrics will keep you warm only if it is not windy. Now there are thicker fabrics treated to make them windproof, but still this jacket might have to be teamed with a shell to be effective.

The fleece fabric is a flammable material and has to be treated with a coating to reduce the tendency to catch fire easily. It gets easily damaged with high heat. So they should be washed with cold or lukewarm water, and should not be ironed. If the iron is very hot, the material will melt, or the imprint of the iron would leave a permanent mark on the fabric.

The fact that they do not absorb water works out to be a disadvantage too. If you are wearing sweatshirts made of fleece fabrics, it will not absorb sweat, and to have your sweat pouring down your back and body is not a comfortable feeling.

Another disadvantage is its tendency to pill. Low quality fleece fabrics pill very fast, and, unfortunately, it is difficult to ascertain beforehand if the material would pill or not.

They generate a lot of static electricity when rubbed against itself or your body. This can make the material cling to you and you will have to peel it off your body. Besides, this feature makes them a lint magnet in the wash. So you have to be careful to see that you do not put any towels or socks with them in the washing machine.