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Learn the Basics

What is Muslin? From Marco Polo to Medicine

muslin top

September 25, 2019February 18, 2021 by Rachel

What is muslin? Muslin is a cotton fabric which is made with a plain weave. Made from a wide range of weights, the fabric is woven layer by layer, producing a very distinctive pattern. It is believed that the name muslin comes from the fact that Europeans believed the fabric originated in Iraq. It comes […]

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Learn the Basics

What is Egyptian Cotton ? The Luxurious Counterpart to Cotton

cotton flowers in a field

September 25, 2019February 18, 2021 by Rachel

Cotton is one of the most common fabrics known to mankind. It is safe to assume that we all have cotton in some form or the other, be it garments, accessories or home furnishings. I am sure that you would have come across the term ‘Egyptian cotton’ while browsing for cotton-based products on the net […]

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What is Calico? Hint: It’s Cotton, not just the Colour of a Cat

calico roll

September 23, 2019November 29, 2019 by Rachel

What is Calico Fabric? Although you may not notice it, Calico is everywhere, often serving as a neutral base for creativity. Artists canvases, fashion designers’ mock-up dresses, curtains, pillow cases, furnishings and bags are just a few uses. How can one fabric be so versatile? Exactly what is Calico fabric, and why has it been […]

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For ArtistsLearn the Basics

An A-Z Guide of Sewing Terms for All: from Sewing Virgin to Experienced Seamstress

scissors and spool of thread

September 18, 2019August 21, 2020 by Rachel

Whether you sew for a profession or just sew for fun, knowing all the right sewing terms is the first step to showing you know your stuff. All professions, crafts and industries have their own phrases and acronyms, and sewing is no exception. There are so many words, terms and sayings that may make you […]

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What is Chiffon? Luxury Natural Fabric vs. Thrifty Synthetic

beautiful chiffon dress

September 4, 2019February 13, 2020 by Rachel

Chiffon is synonymous with elegance in the fashion world. This floaty, sheer fabric is often used in luxury garments such as evening wear or lingerie to add a touch of class as it drapes well. Chiffon has a lightweight texture and a semi-mesh weave which is what gives the fabric a chic transparent appearance, as […]

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Top 6 Swimwear Fabrics: Make a Splash this Summer

friends in the sea

August 28, 2019August 20, 2020 by Rachel

“Jump right in, the water’s fine!“ With the holiday season fast approaching and summer months not far behind, our minds turn to beaches and pools, cheeky cocktails in the sun, and swimwear. Finding a swimming costume or the ideal pair of trunks can feel like a chore. Instead of traipsing through aisles of endlessly samey […]

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What is a Seam: Seam-ingly Simple but a Complicated Component?

pattern and scissors

August 21, 2019September 21, 2020 by Rachel

Previously, we have learnt about the origins, compositions and uses of different kinds of fabrics. When talking about fabrics, I am certain that you have come across the term ‘seam’. How many times have we sighed in frustration when the ‘seam comes undone’ in our favourite top? Well, today we are going to learn a […]

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How Natural Fabrics Can Make Your Life Better

natural fabric benefits

August 13, 2019November 29, 2019 by Rachel

When buying clothes, or searching for fabric, your first thought might not necessarily be; “where did this fabric come from,” but maybe it should.  It is easy to pop into a store, reach for the latest fashions and not question what they’re made from. If a garment fits, looks good and doesn’t cost the earth, […]

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What is Viscose: Understanding Your Fabrics

balls of viscose yarn

August 7, 2019November 24, 2020 by Rachel

Fabric comes in all shapes, sizes, weights, and constructions. It can be natural, synthetic, or manufactured. Some fabrics have more stigma than others. In this blog post, we will be asking the question; what is viscose? A textile, which might be a little misunderstood.  What is viscose and where did it come from? Perhaps you have […]

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Learn the Basics

What Is Polyester? A Closer Look into the “Love it or Hate it” Fabric

rolls of polyester fabric

July 24, 2019August 20, 2020 by Rachel

Among the most popular fabric options for fashion, design, and interiors is the renowned polyester. But what is polyester? We know that it is a fabric, and that is has certain qualities, which makes it a great choice for clothing. There is a slight stigma when it comes to fashion, as this is a manmade […]

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balls of viscose yarn

What is Viscose: Understanding Your Fabrics

August 7, 2019November 24, 2020 by Rachel

jobs to do with an art degree

What Jobs Can You Get With an Art Degree? 8 Ways to Follow Your Passion

September 30, 2019September 1, 2020 by Rachel

singer sewing machine

Singer Serial Numbers: How Old is Your Sewing Machine?

March 6, 2019January 27, 2021 by Rachel

old sewing machine

History of the Sewing Machine: A Story Stitched in Scandal

March 6, 2019September 1, 2020 by Rachel

girl with sewing machine

How to Sew Stretchy Fabric (Without Overstretching Your Patience)

April 17, 2019August 20, 2020 by Rachel

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