too much sizing?? and attn: fellow Ontarians...

Ok I finally tackled the big quilt last night. Everything is cut and ready to commence sewing! :D

However, before I do, I have a question about fabrics. I was pretty sure that I bought all 100% cotton fabrics but I am seeing a really noticeable difference in a few of them. First, there are two striped fabrics that seem much softer than the others and tend to not be stiff at all...which is a bit frustrating as the stripes are kind of "scewed"...not sure how else to describe it...and pressing doesn't seem to do much.

Then there are two others that are the same print but in different colours and they almost feel rubbery! Is this too much sizing or have I purchased non-cottons here?? They were relatively cheap so if I have to replace them I will...but it's annoying.

I also think I am getting old product lines but paying top dollar...how do I know? For my fellow Ontarians,...I shop at Lens Mills...any thoughts on them? They have much lower prices than my LQS but I think I'm getting old stuff??

Hi Wendy; I too have had the same issues with Lens. I bought some fabric that I thought was cotton but after I washed it it was so flimsy. It ended up in the junk pile. I think I am better off to suck it up and pay the higher price. I would hate to put all the effort in a quilt and have the cheap fabric ruin it...Val

I have noticed differences in fabrics even when they are 100% cotton.

It seems to me that some of the newer fabric has a lot of sizing on it. It is 100% cotton. So, it is stiffer, less soft. I rather like that. It means I don't have to put sizing on it like I do on the softer fabric. I think both fabrics are quality fabrics. The non-quality fabric is the very thin fabrics you can almost see through. I have bought those before, and they are not good to use.

I've gotten some 100% cotton that is stiff as a board. Makes for easy cutting and sewing, but also makes me wonder how it will be when washed. Take some scrap of the stiff stuff and hand wash it to see how it turns out.

Hi Wendy, I am a fellow Ontarian but I have never been to Lens Mills. I buy most of my fabric at Fabricland in Mississauga or Burlington (the store in Milton closed a couple of years ago). Even at Fabricland, there is a big difference in quality of the 100% cottons. So, depending on what I'm buying the fabric for, I will either buy the cheaper fabric or wait until the quilting quality fabric goes on sale.

I too wouldn't use flimsy material because it will ruin your quilt. Maybe use it on mug rugs or something but a quilt is just too much work to ruin it. You could always make yourself a dust cover for your sewing machine.

I agree with the others above....and try washing a small piece and see how it feels after it dries...that will tell you allot! Even at my LQS there is differences in the feel of fabric and most of the time it is the sizing!

But why the rubbery feeling? What is that? And ChristineB, I went to my local fabric land and really didnt care for it. i thunk I need to go to fabric school! I alwys feel like I dont really know what I am buying! Hate that feeling!

Be sure to check the end of the bolt. It should tell you what the fiber content is. There are polyester, rayons and blends that look like cotton, but aren't. Since it is a big quilt, if you aren't sure, it might be best to replace it with a known fabric. Maybe make a lap quilt out of the others - not as much time invested if it is "bad" fabric.

Hey Wendy. Have you ever been to Ottawa Street in Hamilton? Quite a few fabric stores in one place.
Beth

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Originally Posted by Bethy

Hey Wendy. Have you ever been to Ottawa Street in Hamilton? Quite a few fabric stores in one place.
Beth

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Hey doll! OH YES!! A while back I sewed drapes for our bedroom. That's when I learned all about proprietary fabric lines! LOL! I saw a fabric at Bouclair, back in the day when they still sold it....and wanted to make draperies for my bedroom...BUT I did not want to pay $26 / yard! So off I went to Hamilton...where I learned that there was not a chance in hell of finding that fabric anywhere OTHER than Bouclair. sigh. I did find awesome pillow fabrics, and forms and curtain tiebacks. Since I wasn't into quilting at the time, I never paid attention to cottons...guess I should re-visit the place sometime soon!

I have also been to the garment district in Toronto! OH MY! If you have never been you really should! Each corner of the main street of the district (who's name escapes me - looked it up..it's Queen Street) is adorned with a huge bronze statue - one is a thimble, one a needle and thread...can't recall the others...but they're huge. It's pretty cool but also COMPLETELY overwhelming. Literally hundreds of fabric shops, all competing. It's pretty neat but I think you really have to know what you are looking for. Might head there in a few weeks.

You want to look for fiber count.. the more or higher the number the softer, more durable the fabric. Like buying sheets for your bed, the 150 counts are ok til ya wash them.. the 300 + counts are softer and stay that way thru many washings. That information should be on the cardboard the fabric is wrapped around. If ya need help, ask the clerks--Maybe, they will know..

(one can hope)

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Originally Posted by Granny Judy

You want to look for fiber count.. the more or higher the number the softer, more durable the fabric. Like buying sheets for your bed, the 150 counts are ok til ya wash them.. the 300 + counts are softer and stay that way thru many washings. That information should be on the cardboard the fabric is wrapped around. If ya need help, ask the clerks--Maybe, they will know..

(one can hope)

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Now why didn't I remember that!?! Thank you! I know that bout sheets...never thought of it for cottons! Thanks!