enim in September
I I am currently working on a toiletries bag for both
men and women, at this point the Men's one will be
in denim with some contrast stitching, I haven't
started on the womens one yet... so we'll all have to
wait and see. It will definately contain a few
pockets though. Also on the project list is a tote
bag from denim, using other fabrics for a contrast.
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enim Facts
The word denim orignated from the French Word "de Nimes", which is a Fench town where the fabric originated. The difference between denim and other fabrics is that only the warp threads are dyed, whereas the weft threads remain plain white. you'll notice this is you have a tear in your jeans and if you look to the back of the fabric it shows mostly white. The world wide production of denim is around 2.5 billion metres.
Jeans sales worldwide are around $50 billion dollars, that's a lot of denim! The most expensive jeans in the world...? Secret Circus $1.3 million - WOW! and, yes, they do contain diamonds - on pockets and for buttons. I don't think you can just throw them in wash though!
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few hints
When working with denim you will need to use a denim needle in your machine. Due to it's tight weave and also it's thickness denim needs a different shaped needle. You'll need to look for a 70/10 –110/18 sized denim needle. These needles have a thick, strong shaft and a very sharp point. They are used for stitching denim, canvas, duck and other heavy, tightly woven fabrics. They are also ideal for stitching through multiple fabric layers without breaking the needle. Wash your denim before use on the denim cycle in your machine and then put through the dryer, this will ensure the excess die from the denim in washed out and won't stain the other fabrics you are mixing it with. It will also soften the fabric a little, which is more comfortable when using for bedding. Only use as a top layer not as a bottom layer it is quite thick and so will be quite hot. Washing will also ensure it has shrunk as much as it will do, also wash the other fabrics you will combine with it, particularly this doona design with cut out pieces.
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affron Craig Fabrics
You can find Saffron Craig fabrics at www.saffroncraigfabrics.com
She has a lovely range of contemporary Australian designs which you can make a range of products from, quilts, cushions, doona's, sofites, mobiles, homewares, wall hangings, and all kinds of fun things. Her designs are all fun and whimsical and she lives right here in Sydney.
S
Thanks for your emails
As an example of the lovely emails I receive, I wanted to share a few words I received today whilst writing this magazine.
"I just wanted to say thanks for your great ideas!
I made the "Fathers' Day Frame" for my husband for the weekend and he loved it. We had no rocks but I included a written message from both the 4 and 6 yr old. Love this idea so might see what I can adapt it to later on. Thanks, Kylie"
It's always lovely to hear from Sew Craft Cook members, thanks for your email Kylie. It is great to get feedback and ideas too. Keep on sending me emails, I always respond asap and I love hearing from you. I would also love to receive some pictures so I can set up a Pinterest page of all of your gorgeous projects, based on Sew Craft Cook inspiration... simply email them through to me.
Kate x
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