DIY Duct Tape Dressform

Ever wished you had an exact body double to fit garments while you sew?  These Haberman Fabrics' students don't have to wish any longer as they made their very own Duct Tape Dressform here in our in-store classroom.











Students had a great time pairing up with each other to "build" each other's dressforms.  They took turns wrapping one other in duct tape, then cut their form to off to be stuffed at home.

 "This is so much fun...and I get something that is so useful for my sewing projects!" says one student. "I can make one for each of my sewing buddies!" says another student.

Look for future DIY Duct Tape Dressform classes at Haberman coming in 2014.  It's a great chance to learn a new skill, have your own body double, and to make some new friends!

Sewing Missoni

Haberman's Selection of Missoni Knits

What's more fun than Missoni fabric? With it's signature zig-zag pattern and old world craftsmanship, it is in the forefront  modern fashion.  A friend of mine loved the fabric, so I suggested that we make a super-cute, ultra-feminine pencil skirt with it.  It was a perfect opportunity for me to get acquainted with this interesting chrochet knit and share my experience.

Pink Selvage and Yellow Selvage
on opposite ends of fabric

Let's talk about the skirt design first.  This is just a simple pencil skirt, or "tube" with an elastic waistband. Notice the beautiful fushia selvage edge.  We wanted to take advantage of that pop of color, so we used that as the hem.  How easy is that...no hemming! Each selvage edge of this fabric is a different color. To have one continuous color for the entire hem, this skirt required 1 1/4 yards (circumference of hem).  You could use one selvage color for the front and the other color for the back to conserve fabric. This would require only 5/8 yard.

Courtney looking lovely, as usual, in her new Missoni skirt

This loosely-woven wool knit is a bit unstable, porous and "spongy", which presented some unique challenges. Once I finally had the guts to cut into this beautiful fabric, the fabric pieces became slightly misshapen.  It was then that I decided to underline this skirt.  A slinky polyester knit was perfect for the underlining to "re-shape" my cut fabric pieces, to add stability, and for extra coverage.

It took some extra time to perfectly match chevron lines, but it was well worth the effort as the seams are totally camouflaged due to the unique texture of the fabric.  I would recommend making the effort to match the lines - you'll be so proud of yourself!


The last step: waistband. Because this fabric is somewhat bulky I put four small darts (two in front, two in the back) in the waist for a nice fitted waistline. Clip those darts 2" down from the top and press open to eliminate bulk.   Make your casing, feed elastic through (I used 1" elastic), close it up, then your done!

What a nice and easy bold look!

Double-Take on Double-Cloth

We're getting excited here at Haberman Fabrics as we start preparing for fall, bringing in all kinds of fall fabrics.  Consider, for at least one of your fall sewing projects, double-cloth and double-faced fabrics.   Although the terms double-cloth (also called double-weave) and double-faced fabrics are often used interchangeable, they are actually quite different.  Without getting too technical, double-cloth is two distinct layers of fabric joined together by interweaving at various points in the fabric to hold them together as one.   Double-faced, (also called two-faced) fabrics are only one layer of fabric with two attractive sides. What they have in common is that they have no "wrong side", as both sides are equally attractive.

Quilted-look knit double-cloth

The fun thing about sewing with both of these fabrics is that you can show off each side without having to add facings - just finish the edges with a binding or serging and you're good to go.  Some fabrics, like knits, don't require a finished edge at all and will give a nice clean look by just having the raw edge exposed. 

Here is just a sampling of the two-sided fabrics we have in stock.

Add these design elements to show off both sides of these two-sided fabrics.

Flounces are great as you catch glimpses of the other side as the fabric moves.

The Sewing Workshop 
Urban T Shirt

Vogue 1308

Burda 7369

McCalls 5430

Use the contrast on the lapel of a Jacket:

Kwik Sew 3977

The Sewing Workshop 
Haiku Two Jacket

Vogue 8926

Show a peekaboo contrast on the inside of a hi-low skirt

Butterick 5892

McCalls 6567

Other interesting uses for double-cloth and double-faced fabrics:

Contrast the inside of a hood.
Butterick 5791

Single layer reversible wrap.
Christine Johnson Travel Trio Three

We just love this unique neckline 
in a contrast,
or use the contrast 
on the underside.
Vogue 8907

Lace Up In Style

Shown here yellow Venise Lace over Ponte knit shorts
McCalls 6756  paired with a cotton chambray top
Kwik Sew 3870

Check out this fresh and modern take on lace this season...short shorts!

Lace is one fabric that has always been in, and it's uses constantly renovated.

Try it layered over the same hue for a more subtle look, or add contrasting fabric underneath to create a more bold statement.

Haberman Fabrics has all the styles and colors of lace to create this look that's perfect for casual daytime, or something special for evening.

Use lace trim with a scalloped edge to create a tiered effect, 

or embelish the hem of

 ready-made shorts

In Full Bloom

It just wouldn't be spring without some floral fashion in the mix.  Floral prints have been a perennial favorite for as long as we can remember, and this year is no exception.  You'll see them on everything from dresses, swimsuits, shoes, and even sunglasses.

Add some blooms to your spring separates by whipping up one of these easy skirts featuring our new florals:

McCall's 6706 (view C) cotton sateen

New Look 6053 (view A) in cotton/lycra sateen

Butterick 4686 in silk twill

McCall's 6438 (view B) in polyester chiffon

McCall's 6439 (view D) in polyester chiffon

Skirt is Butterick 5892 in polyester chiffon

A versatile and effortless addition to your spring wardrobe, these skirts look perfect paired  with a solid Tee, jacket or a pretty blouse.  Because florals can be worn casually or professionally, day or night, they are a great wardrobe investment!

New Tots and Tweens Department

With thoughts of spring comes excitement about fresh, fun new fabrics.  Introducing Haberman Fabrics' new Tots and Tween department full of colorful fabrics that have a wonderful sense of play.

Cotton prints from storybook fantasy to fun and quirky

From comfortable soft knits to woven cotton prints, we have something for for every project. We’re so excited about our new tots and tween fabrics we wanted to showcase a few great childrens pieces made by our staff.

SUNDRESSES GALORE

A necessity for keeping the little ones in style on those hot summer days, these two sun dresses are fun and easy for the beginner sewer.  We used woven cotton prints and made use of coordinating contrast fabric for the ruffles.  

McCalls 5835

McCalls 5835 includes instructions for four different looks.  We  added unique personality to the dress with this quirky miniature ball fringe.  

Kwik Sew 3901

Kwik Sew 3901 includes the apron dress, bloomers and bonnet.  The dress has lapped backs with a button closure.

Denim Vest Kwik Sew 3816 
& Linen Pants 
McCalls 6502

COOL IN BLUE

Transition into spring with this layered denim and linen combination.  This ensemble has just enough rugged appeal for your free-spirited youngster.

These Lucy Morey cargo capri pants , McCalls 6502, were made of linen, but a medium-weight woven cotton would be a good choice too. They are easy to make for the intermediate sewer, but the pockets are a bit labor intensive. There are pockets on pockets with bands added for extra roominess. (If you don’t want to invest the time to do these meaty pockets, just substitute with simple patch pockets). This pattern also includes instructions for a backpack.

The collared vest, Kwik Sew 3816, has a front zipper, upper welt zipper pockets, a back yoke, and elastic at bottom edge. The armholes were finished off with contrast bias tape. Although the pattern calls for heavyweight stretch knits fabric, it is done here in denim for durability and style. Because the instructions for the zipper were a little tricky we recommend this pattern for the intermediate sewer. For an added touch of pizzazz to this outfit, the bandana was made by cutting a 22” square of a cotton/polyester knit, leaving the edges raw.

PAJAMA TIME
Don’t forget sleepwear! These super-cute toddlers’ Pajama, Kwik Sew 3510, made of a frog print cotton knit* will make your little one look forward to bedtime! This pattern is designed for stretch knits only and has instructions for the serger (overlock) and standard sewing machines. 

* Not flame resistant

VIOLETTE FIELD THREADS

New to Haberman Fabrics is the Violette Field Threads patterns. This charming line is inspired by vintage fashion and couture designs. These patterns are easy for the intermediate sewer, with detailed instructions and photos. Our staff here at Haberman Fabrics had lots of fun sewing with these patterns.

               

Violette Field Threads
Josephine top and Whitney pants

The top here, named “Josephine”, features pintucks and a ruffle buttoned tab tailored collar. This lightweight printed floral cotton is perfect paired with these pleated linen trousers (“Whitney”) for real nostalgic charm. There is an option for a pleated skirt included in the pattern.

Violette Field Threads
Ginger Sundress

What little girl could resist this vintage-chic sun dress? “Ginger” features a peter pan collar and contrast ruffled pockets. Shown here in beautifully crafted Liberty of London lightweight woven cotton.  Don't forget to accessorize with the pleated headband!

Armed with some great ideas to get you thinking about spring sewing, right now is the perfect time to get started on those warmer weather pieces for the little ones!