Christine you are amazing, followers from around the globe, congratulations on all you do, by sharing this information you are definitely going to save fabric from land fill, well done.
What a beautiful video! Here in the South of the US Furniture manufacturers must pay for dumpster service. If you take fabric, there's more room in the dumpster for real trash. So they are happy to have you get it. And I can say, it's beautiful fabrics, embroidered, leather, suede, fabric I could never afford in my lifetime to buy. It's always worth a try. The worst they can say is no.
That's right Heidi. Once you gain a little confidence, the word "No" isn't so hard to take😅 I know that companies here have to pay for dumpster/skip services too, but some still have the mindset that they'd rather throw it out.
Christine your channel and the information that you share is gold. I'm a sustainability analyst turned sewist and by showing how you are using upholstery fabric samples for sewing projects, you're actually walking the talk on sustainability and circular economy that most of us crafters dont connect the two!❤
Thanks so much Amruta. I actually fell into this "rescuing of fabric" quite by accident after I decided to diversify my business. As I morphed into a second hand store, people just kept giving me fabric, and I'd find it at our deceased estate house cleanouts. Now companies contact me, as they know I can't see good fabric go to waste. 😁
Hello Christine ,thank you for this video, I plucked up the courage to ask in my local store in the UK and came away with two sample boards and now I have a fair stash of fabric to use . They were really pleased that I wanted to use old fabric and I offered to contribute to the cost but they said no please take them. Like you I was very anxious and worried about what they'd think of me but they were only too happy to help out. So thank you for being brave and even more brave to tell us about how you go about it. Really love your tutorials as they are informative ,very interesting and so easy to follow, you have a lovely natural style and it is like catching up with a friend and hearing about the latest sewing adventure.
Christine, I can relate to your story of asking for fabric. When I was first learning to quilt/sew, I could not afford to buy yards of fabric. I mentioned that I was just starting out and our realtor's mother gave me 9 huge bags of fabrics from her stash. I also shopped for old clothing at the local thrift store mentioning that my quilt would be going to charity and my purchase was free of charge. Later, I became a finisher for that thrift store. When someone donated an unfinished project, the thrift store contacted me asking me to complete the project. A few years later, I joined the local quilter's club and received more fabric, tips, magazines and notions. Now, while I do shop occasionally at fabric stores, I have a nice sized stash to shop and choose from and all thanks to the generosity of others.
My daughter in the USA is an Interior designer and has access two furniture manufacturers. She always brings me seven inch samples and i've been making little pouches with snaps. It is so fun to rescue fabric! Thank you for your video!
I have received the fabric sample books from interior designers in my area. It is fun making things from them. For the very small pieces I have been making small pouches as well as change purse/gift card holders. Both have zippers and the change purses have a tab with a key ring. These are selling nicely.
I do this also. I just got another small haul. I leave a card and visit often. I also take some of my bags that have small oppsies that I know are there and do not want to sell but they are still great bags. I gift them these bags. It is a win-win and they can see that I am using the fabric!!! You are an inspiration to me!!!
An additional source is Interior Designers. They can represent furniture designers, as well, and are supplied with swatches for custom upholstered fabric pieces. I worked for an interior designer at one time and we had a huge wall with swatches, replaced each season. That was before I made bags, unfortunitely.
Oh wow I just watched a few of your videos today and subscribed. You are the best and thank you for sharing your knowledge. And you won't believe it - I just bit the bullet and picked up the phone and made my first call to a local upholsterer to ask for offcuts and he said come down next week I can give you stuff including fabric swatches because suppliers give them to him to throw out. Woo hoo just pick up the phone everyone it's that easy. Thanks Christine :)
Hi Christine thanks a mill for your ideas in getting sample fabric...much appreciated🙏🙏 i went to a few places and asked for the sample books and they gladly gave me some and keeps them aside for me to collect. I was so excited to receive them and thanks to you!!❤
I used to work for a big box hardware store. The store was closing, and they had a lot of the wall paper sample books, the manufacturer didn't want them back. So a bunch of us ladies, were able to buy some at 25cents a book. They are great for scrapbooking, and decopauge. If you have a Cricut machine, it cuts through the wallpaper samples amazingly. I was able to finish my wedding scrapbook, and my daughter's 1st year and birthdays scrapbooks. So, it's good to look out for all kinds of stuff.
Thank you very much. I'm watching from Athens, Greece and am going to try your suggestions as I want to make some bags to sell at the annual church Christmas bazaar. It's a small world. I'm from Melbourne and I have first cousins in Nagambie!
I have recently managed to get a good number of quality sample books given free via my local facebook marketplace, I just searched and found it, luckily the lady had plenty left as she had already given some, so very glad that I checked 🤩
I have been fortunate, occasionally, to find random yards of fabric at charity shops. And the purchase is for a good cause. I love the idea of reaching out to companies and sparing fabrics from the landfills.
You have reminded me that I have fabric in a wallpaper swatch book! I do many arty endeavours and deep in my art journaling phase I was so intrigued by wallpaper swatch books and people were picking them up all the time, it seemed. A few months later I saw a post on Facebook that a wallpaper store in Perth was selling old swatch books and I was determined to go and see what it was all about. I left with, um, more than I needed (I had to pay a small fee per book) haha but one of those books had wallpaper samples and matching fabric samples. There would easily be enough in there for a lap quilt. I will have to dig it out and investigate. Thanks for the reminder and I love your ethos.
Thank you for this information. I really love your ethics and personality! God Bless you for sharing - I am really enjoying learning from you and plan to start making bags soon
Great tools. I love scissors I have a bit of a fetish for them. Perhaps you could show us you scissors and all all the different types and there uses. Thanks Christine.
I love your channel! You have been such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your ideas and tips. I live in East Central Indiana, USA. My son's friend works at a casket factory and brings me scrap lumber and lining fabrics. The local hospital will also give used fabrics, like sheets, towels, gowns, blankets, etc that have rips or stains, you just have to ask.. I also had a friend who worked for a high-end hotel chain, they frequently throw out linens and will let employees bring home. Not the prettiest but works well for lining or quilt backings. I'm also wanting to try my hand at tie dying, so old white cotton bedsheets are perfect for my experiment!
Thank you for posting these tips! Can you share how you get the paper stabilizers off the backs of the fabric? I got a bunch of samples a few years ago and I struggled and struggled to get the backing off. If you have any suggestions, please share! I love your videos.
I'm working on a few different teqhniques Angel, and will update with a video soon. Try ironing the back and peeling the paper off. I will leave small bits of paper in my bags when they're lined. 😀
@Christine - I get upholstery scraps and samples from the local shop. With material this thick, what's your best pressing/steaming technique? Any tips welcome! Thank you. *Love your channel, by the way. Hello from the US! :)
Hi Shirley. I'll try a few things to remove the paper. Firstly, if it just pulls off, that's my primary choice. Then I'll iron the back of the samples to release the glue, and peel the paper off that way. The glue will be sticky until it's cooled, then it's fine to sew with. I've tried soaking in a tub of warm soapy water, but this is labour intensive. Often, I'll just peel off what i can and use it as is. These products will always have lining to hide the paper😀
I had been given about 5 sample fabric a while ago. After seeing yout videos I got them out and my hubbie took them apart for me. Some were easy...some couldn't be taken apart. Also removing the papers on some were easy some were not sew I cut around them. I tried a hot iroo but no luck. I now have a pile that I will do something with. Thank you for the encouragement. Any tricks to remove the papers on the backs of the fabric?
Barbara, if I can't get them off with a hot iron on the back (then peel away from paper), I often leave the paper on. I do try to tear off as much as I can though. I've tried a tub of warm soapy water, but it is quite labour intensive, and can get tacky too. If you're lining the bags, I wouldn't worry too much about a bit of paper. Someone suggested the freezer, and I have some samples in there now to test out in a week or so😀
My wife tried emailing companies but no joy. She wants to make the shopping bags for our local Foodbank as they never have enough. Good tip to try upholsterers thank you. She loves your videos and has ordered some of the strapping in hope of finding fabric eventually. Look forward to seeing your thoughts on getting the papers off.
Love your videos, I am addicted now. Just found you! Heads up that the Amazon link to your store front is showing me a “garment pro pattern notcher”. Might be that I am in the US?
I love your videos, enjoy watching your creativity and ideas, clear how-to's and instructions and find them really educational! I have recently got myself a sample book and am going to start making some mix and match pouches and bags! Great suggestions from you for getting free ones, I kicked myself because I actually bought mine! (very nice fabrics though)!! Something I do wonder about (and have also been asked when making charity cat beds stuffed with mixed scraps), is whether buyers want to know whether they are washable - I would think that any mixed fibre type heavier upholstery fabrics aren't fully washable, but just wipe-clean, do you ever get asked about bags being washable? Also, when making up a bag with different fabrics, even similar washable cottons and blends, if they aren't pre-washed they might shrink or change shape differently or even run, can I ask have you ever been asked that or even had an issue when someone has washed one?
Thank you Ltyrell. I occasionally get asked if the bags are washable, and fortunately, I've tested many of mine. I tell customers that I've had no problems with fabric shrinking, or with colour running at all. In fact, they wash quite well (even the denim/upholstery combo). I've also made some for dog beds, and those getr very dirty. I also machine wash those. You'll find with the samples, they have some quality stats on the paper stuck to the main header card. It usually tells you the "rub test" the higher the number, the better the quality. It makes sense that the fabric should never run as people have to sit on the furniture. I'm not sure if there are regulations about shrinkage though. When I wash mine, I usually wash in cold water, though I have put them in the clothes dryer too😀
I have. My sister used to work for a home fabric wholesaler and would get me sample books, I could also purchase by the yard for a great price. I washed them prior to sewing, and no issues.
hristine thank you for the video on gathering free fabric, my problem is that I have too much, packed away in boxes, I would like to do what you have done and display it for ease of selection. my question is where you got the boards to wrap the fabric, I have looked on the internet but it is so expensive to buy, do you have any ideas for me, thanks
Carolyn, I found they were expensive as well. I did try the large stationary stores for strong card and cut it in half, but that just took time and didn' save me any money. I researched the comic board and purchased the cheapest packs I could find. I ended up purchasing two packs of 100 at about $25au each. I'll probably need another pack, and more shelves by the time I get done.😀 www.gameology.com.au/products/bcw-comic-book-backing-boards
I also use the cardboard comic boards. They work great. I iron the fabric before putting it on and find it can hold up to 6 or more yards on 1 board. Love that I can see all of my material colors so easily.
my parents bought discontinued sofa sets, for their business. My brother noticed the company staff were throwing sample books in a skip. He asked if he could take them. He bought home over 100 books for me.🥰🥰.
I've heard this before karen. Aparently some companies want their swatches back once obsolete. It might be better to contact them directly, and see if they'd be happy for you to collect from stores😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs this is in the UK I must say. One store a well known store here, we went into one day to purchase some new furniture. They were in the middle of a re construct in the store, they had a pile of shop ornament type things. One was an artificial orchid ,in a pot just what I had been looking for , in the right colours, so I asked the chap what were they doing with the pile of things that had been more or less thrown into a corner. He said oh they will go into the system to be just re cycled. We have finished with them. So I asked him if he could tell me where I could buy the piece in question from,or could I buy the one he had. I was told even though it’s classed as rubbish, he was not able to sell or give any of it away, by doing so he stood the risk of being sacked. Sadly he couldn’t say where they came from , head office provide to stores. I really thought it was such a shame as there were bowls lamps, plants table runners etc etc. just going into a re cycle centre, I felt a real waste, when I would have been more than happy to have purchased this one piece. Plus I felt the shop had a chance to make some money back if they made available for folk to buy even if just small amounts over all their shops, they would get a return, for shops funds, well there you go. I have not really bothered since trying, as two different places have given me the same story The other one was just samples like your using. So enjoy while you are able , I would say..
What an incredible story @Karen Toynton . This seems to be happening so often. I remember as children we used to go to the local tip (dump) to find treasures. Chris and I still like to rummage when we can. Man at our local one is so strict as he too has been told he'd lose his job if anyone removed or tried to purchase things. Back in the old days, we could take what we liked.
In Massachusetts we now have a new law that fabrics cant be discarded. They have to be recycled so I am hoping to find one or two furniture stores or such that will want me to make their lives easier by taking their swatch boards or extra fabric off of their hands.
I have an apolstry furniture mender about 500meters down the road from my house, and they give me fabric all the time I ask them. That is, they haven't given it to the schools.
I like you would be afraid to approach a business owner. I usually buy remnants in fabric stores. My husband likes to look at local online estate sales, but he doesn't think to look for fabric. I should though.
Chris and I love going to yard sales, clearing sales etc. He looks for old tools and bottles, whilst I go for the china, West German pottery and anything sewing related..... I think I'm over that fear of rejection too now. Once I finally realised that I'd survive the ordeal, it really didn't matter if people said no. 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs plus if they say no, they would lose a potential customer. If even if they charged a little money, I think it would still be worth it. I've found that at Walmart, some of the remnants are priced low, but also there's another discount taken at the register. Sometimes the percentage of discount, I've gotten them free. Ofcourse its not a lot of fabric, but I make a lot of small items, so they are fine for me. Australia, huh? I follow LIsa Pay. She's from Australia. Very lovely lady. She's an amazing artists in soft sculpture. Thanks again for more ideas. Can't seem to get enough time to keep up with everything I want to make.
Christine you are amazing, followers from around the globe, congratulations on all you do, by sharing this information you are definitely going to save fabric from land fill, well done.
Thank you so much Faye😀
What a beautiful video! Here in the South of the US Furniture manufacturers must pay for dumpster service. If you take fabric, there's more room in the dumpster for real trash. So they are happy to have you get it. And I can say, it's beautiful fabrics, embroidered, leather, suede, fabric I could never afford in my lifetime to buy. It's always worth a try. The worst they can say is no.
That's right Heidi. Once you gain a little confidence, the word "No" isn't so hard to take😅
I know that companies here have to pay for dumpster/skip services too, but some still have the mindset that they'd rather throw it out.
Is there someone I could email for getting them? I live in Texas
@@amrutaponkshebumping this because I’m curious too
Christine your channel and the information that you share is gold. I'm a sustainability analyst turned sewist and by showing how you are using upholstery fabric samples for sewing projects, you're actually walking the talk on sustainability and circular economy that most of us crafters dont connect the two!❤
Thanks so much Amruta. I actually fell into this "rescuing of fabric" quite by accident after I decided to diversify my business. As I morphed into a second hand store, people just kept giving me fabric, and I'd find it at our deceased estate house cleanouts. Now companies contact me, as they know I can't see good fabric go to waste. 😁
Hello Christine ,thank you for this video, I plucked up the courage to ask in my local store in the UK and came away with two sample boards and now I have a fair stash of fabric to use . They were really pleased that I wanted to use old fabric and I offered to contribute to the cost but they said no please take them.
Like you I was very anxious and worried about what they'd think of me but they were only too happy to help out.
So thank you for being brave and even more brave to tell us about how you go about it.
Really love your tutorials as they are informative ,very interesting and so easy to follow, you have a lovely natural style and it is like catching up with a friend and hearing about the latest sewing adventure.
That's awesome Bexy. I't such a thrill when we let go of our fears and just ask. Even better when we have success😁
Christine, I can relate to your story of asking for fabric. When I was first learning to quilt/sew, I could not afford to buy yards of fabric. I mentioned that I was just starting out and our realtor's mother gave me 9 huge bags of fabrics from her stash. I also shopped for old clothing at the local thrift store mentioning that my quilt would be going to charity and my purchase was free of charge. Later, I became a finisher for that thrift store. When someone donated an unfinished project, the thrift store contacted me asking me to complete the project. A few years later, I joined the local quilter's club and received more fabric, tips, magazines and notions. Now, while I do shop occasionally at fabric stores, I have a nice sized stash to shop and choose from and all thanks to the generosity of others.
That's such a lovely story Eugenia. Thank you for sharing😀
Christine, you are a very generous person. Thank you so much for your great info and encouragement.
Thank you Eunice😀
My daughter in the USA is an Interior designer and has access two furniture manufacturers. She always brings me seven inch samples and i've been making little pouches with snaps. It is so fun to rescue fabric! Thank you for your video!
That is awesome Jan. They're so great to sew with🙂
I have received the fabric sample books from interior designers in my area. It is fun making things from them. For the very small pieces I have been making small pouches as well as change purse/gift card holders. Both have zippers and the change purses have a tab with a key ring. These are selling nicely.
That's awesome Sue. Thanks for sharing!!😀
I do this also. I just got another small haul. I leave a card and visit often. I also take some of my bags that have small oppsies that I know are there and do not want to sell but they are still great bags. I gift them these bags. It is a win-win and they can see that I am using the fabric!!! You are an inspiration to me!!!
Thanks Cy. I'm getting emails and messages every week now with others that are finding and saving these fabrics. It makes me so happy 😊
An additional source is Interior Designers. They can represent furniture designers, as well, and are supplied with swatches for custom upholstered fabric pieces. I worked for an interior designer at one time and we had a huge wall with swatches, replaced each season. That was before I made bags, unfortunitely.
That's a great tip Yaya. Thank you.
Perhaps some of your old contacts might be able to give you some.😀
Oh wow I just watched a few of your videos today and subscribed. You are the best and thank you for sharing your knowledge. And you won't believe it - I just bit the bullet and picked up the phone and made my first call to a local upholsterer to ask for offcuts and he said come down next week I can give you stuff including fabric swatches because suppliers give them to him to throw out. Woo hoo just pick up the phone everyone it's that easy. Thanks Christine :)
That's awesome news Linda. You'll have loads of fun creating bags with those🙂
I was able to thrift a nice heavy tablecloth. I sewed up a large thermal bag lining it with a thrifted sheet. It is a favorite item.
That sounds like a fabulous bag Donna😁
Hi Christine thanks a mill for your ideas in getting sample fabric...much appreciated🙏🙏 i went to a few places and asked for the sample books and they gladly gave me some and keeps them aside for me to collect. I was so excited to receive them and thanks to you!!❤
That's awesome Elsa. Well done!😀
Thank you for sharing this information with us all!!!❤God Bless!!!
You are so welcome Nellie😀
I used to work for a big box hardware store. The store was closing, and they had a lot of the wall paper sample books, the manufacturer didn't want them back. So a bunch of us ladies, were able to buy some at 25cents a book. They are great for scrapbooking, and decopauge. If you have a Cricut machine, it cuts through the wallpaper samples amazingly. I was able to finish my wedding scrapbook, and my daughter's 1st year and birthdays scrapbooks. So, it's good to look out for all kinds of stuff.
They'd have been fabulous Ursula. Chris and I found some vintage wallpaper a while back, and we're going to frame it up to sell😀
What great tips. Literally, trash to treasure. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful Dannie😀
Thank you very much. I'm watching from Athens, Greece and am going to try your suggestions as I want to make some bags to sell at the annual church Christmas bazaar. It's a small world. I'm from Melbourne and I have first cousins in Nagambie!
It sure is a small world Joline. I hope you manage to get some great fabric😀
I have recently managed to get a good number of quality sample books given free via my local facebook marketplace, I just searched and found it, luckily the lady had plenty left as she had already given some, so very glad that I checked 🤩
That's absolutely fabulous. I just love working with sample fabrics. 😀
Thanks Christine for the great tips! 👍
You are so welcome Janet😀
Love your videos Christine, you always have great ideas
Thank you so much Maggie😀
I have been fortunate, occasionally, to find random yards of fabric at charity shops. And the purchase is for a good cause. I love the idea of reaching out to companies and sparing fabrics from the landfills.
You'd be surprised just how many companies want to support you too Kimberly. It's amazing how much is just thrown out😀
Thanks for sharing these tips they are really helpful xx
You're very welcome Beverley 😀
You have reminded me that I have fabric in a wallpaper swatch book! I do many arty endeavours and deep in my art journaling phase I was so intrigued by wallpaper swatch books and people were picking them up all the time, it seemed. A few months later I saw a post on Facebook that a wallpaper store in Perth was selling old swatch books and I was determined to go and see what it was all about. I left with, um, more than I needed (I had to pay a small fee per book) haha but one of those books had wallpaper samples and matching fabric samples. There would easily be enough in there for a lap quilt. I will have to dig it out and investigate. Thanks for the reminder and I love your ethos.
Thanks Michelle. You might be able to make matching gift cards with the wallpaper too😀
Awesome ideas and examples of asking. Love your videos!
Thanks so much Anne😀
Thanks Christine! 😊
You're welcome Brenda😀
Thanks for the tips. I will try contacting a local company to see if they have anything.
I hope you find some😀
Thank you for this information. I really love your ethics and personality! God Bless you for sharing - I am really enjoying learning from you and plan to start making bags soon
Thank you so much Barbara🙂
Great tools. I love scissors I have a bit of a fetish for them. Perhaps you could show us you scissors and all all the different types and there uses. Thanks Christine.
haha, I have so many pairs of scissors Janet, but most are the same 😁
Thank you for these ideas!
You are so welcome Heidi😀
I love your channel! You have been such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your ideas and tips. I live in East Central Indiana, USA. My son's friend works at a casket factory and brings me scrap lumber and lining fabrics. The local hospital will also give used fabrics, like sheets, towels, gowns, blankets, etc that have rips or stains, you just have to ask.. I also had a friend who worked for a high-end hotel chain, they frequently throw out linens and will let employees bring home. Not the prettiest but works well for lining or quilt backings. I'm also wanting to try my hand at tie dying, so old white cotton bedsheets are perfect for my experiment!
That's amazing Michelle. So many resources available. These are great sources and ideas😀
Thank you for posting these tips! Can you share how you get the paper stabilizers off the backs of the fabric? I got a bunch of samples a few years ago and I struggled and struggled to get the backing off. If you have any suggestions, please share! I love your videos.
those paper stabilizers are a pain to get off! i just cut them off with a rotary cutter
I'm working on a few different teqhniques Angel, and will update with a video soon. Try ironing the back and peeling the paper off. I will leave small bits of paper in my bags when they're lined. 😀
Thanks for the information 👍
You're welcome Dawn😀
Very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome Hyacinth 🙂
@Christine - I get upholstery scraps and samples from the local shop. With material this thick, what's your best pressing/steaming technique? Any tips welcome! Thank you. *Love your channel, by the way. Hello from the US! :)
Hi Shirley. I'll try a few things to remove the paper. Firstly, if it just pulls off, that's my primary choice. Then I'll iron the back of the samples to release the glue, and peel the paper off that way. The glue will be sticky until it's cooled, then it's fine to sew with. I've tried soaking in a tub of warm soapy water, but this is labour intensive. Often, I'll just peel off what i can and use it as is. These products will always have lining to hide the paper😀
That’s great thanks for sharing
Kool. 💁🏽♀️😊 thank you.
Thanks Michelle😁
Thank you! I have about 40 of these fabric sample books. Do you have a video on how to take them apart and remove the paper? Thank you so much.
Patti, I use a hot iron to release the glue. Some are very difficult to remove. I'm working on some ideas though😀
People give us fabric regularly. They just show up at the shop with bags of random textiles. ❤
That's awesome😁
I had been given about 5 sample fabric a while ago. After seeing yout videos I got them out and my hubbie took them apart for me. Some were easy...some couldn't be taken apart. Also removing the papers on some were easy some were not sew I cut around them. I tried a hot iroo but no luck. I now have a pile that I will do something with. Thank you for the encouragement.
Any tricks to remove the papers on the backs of the fabric?
Did you try soaking them in water? I'd try cold; if that not work, try hot.
Barbara, if I can't get them off with a hot iron on the back (then peel away from paper), I often leave the paper on. I do try to tear off as much as I can though. I've tried a tub of warm soapy water, but it is quite labour intensive, and can get tacky too. If you're lining the bags, I wouldn't worry too much about a bit of paper. Someone suggested the freezer, and I have some samples in there now to test out in a week or so😀
My wife tried emailing companies but no joy. She wants to make the shopping bags for our local Foodbank as they never have enough. Good tip to try upholsterers thank you. She loves your videos and has ordered some of the strapping in hope of finding fabric eventually. Look forward to seeing your thoughts on getting the papers off.
Thank you!
You're welcome Loretta😀
Love your videos, I am addicted now. Just found you!
Heads up that the Amazon link to your store front is showing me a “garment pro pattern notcher”. Might be that I am in the US?
Welcome Mama T. 🙂
Thank you. Amazon is forever changing, and very hard to keep up with all their suppliers.
Thank you!!!
You're welcome Caro 😀
I love your videos, enjoy watching your creativity and ideas, clear how-to's and instructions and find them really educational! I have recently got myself a sample book and am going to start making some mix and match pouches and bags! Great suggestions from you for getting free ones, I kicked myself because I actually bought mine! (very nice fabrics though)!! Something I do wonder about (and have also been asked when making charity cat beds stuffed with mixed scraps), is whether buyers want to know whether they are washable - I would think that any mixed fibre type heavier upholstery fabrics aren't fully washable, but just wipe-clean, do you ever get asked about bags being washable? Also, when making up a bag with different fabrics, even similar washable cottons and blends, if they aren't pre-washed they might shrink or change shape differently or even run, can I ask have you ever been asked that or even had an issue when someone has washed one?
Thank you Ltyrell. I occasionally get asked if the bags are washable, and fortunately, I've tested many of mine. I tell customers that I've had no problems with fabric shrinking, or with colour running at all. In fact, they wash quite well (even the denim/upholstery combo). I've also made some for dog beds, and those getr very dirty. I also machine wash those.
You'll find with the samples, they have some quality stats on the paper stuck to the main header card. It usually tells you the "rub test" the higher the number, the better the quality. It makes sense that the fabric should never run as people have to sit on the furniture. I'm not sure if there are regulations about shrinkage though.
When I wash mine, I usually wash in cold water, though I have put them in the clothes dryer too😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Thank you for the advice, very helpful! :)
Are you able to launder the upholstery fabric at home in your own washer and dryer?
I have. My sister used to work for a home fabric wholesaler and would get me sample books, I could also purchase by the yard for a great price. I washed them prior to sewing, and no issues.
Yes Julia, I wash mine often. They hold up very well 😀
I have some books but its furniture fabric can you make a quilt from mixed fabric thank you ,x
You can make quilts from almost anything Tina. I usually use the swatches for bags😀
hristine thank you for the video on gathering free fabric, my problem is that I have too much, packed away in boxes, I would like to do what you have done and display it for ease of selection. my question is where you got the boards to wrap the fabric, I have looked on the internet but it is so expensive to buy, do you have any ideas for me, thanks
Carolyn, I found they were expensive as well. I did try the large stationary stores for strong card and cut it in half, but that just took time and didn' save me any money. I researched the comic board and purchased the cheapest packs I could find. I ended up purchasing two packs of 100 at about $25au each. I'll probably need another pack, and more shelves by the time I get done.😀
www.gameology.com.au/products/bcw-comic-book-backing-boards
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Thanks Christine I will look into your suggestion
I also use the cardboard comic boards. They work great. I iron the fabric before putting it on and find it can hold up to 6 or more yards on 1 board. Love that I can see all of my material colors so easily.
Thank you
You're welcome Cynthia😀
my parents bought discontinued sofa sets, for their business. My brother noticed the company staff were throwing sample books in a skip. He asked if he could take them. He bought home over 100 books for me.🥰🥰.
Oh wow, that is awesome. What a thoughtful brother you have😀
I have visited a few , they say they are no longer able to give things away. However they also couldn’t sell them to me either.
I've heard this before karen. Aparently some companies want their swatches back once obsolete. It might be better to contact them directly, and see if they'd be happy for you to collect from stores😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs this is in the UK I must say. One store a well known store here, we went into one day to purchase some new furniture. They were in the middle of a re construct in the store, they had a pile of shop ornament type things. One was an artificial orchid ,in a pot just what I had been looking for , in the right colours, so I asked the chap what were they doing with the pile of things that had been more or less thrown into a corner. He said oh they will go into the system to be just re cycled. We have finished with them. So I asked him if he could tell me where I could buy the piece in question from,or could I buy the one he had. I was told even though it’s classed as rubbish, he was not able to sell or give any of it away, by doing so he stood the risk of being sacked. Sadly he couldn’t say where they came from , head office provide to stores. I really thought it was such a shame as there were bowls lamps, plants table runners etc etc. just going into a re cycle centre, I felt a real waste, when I would have been more than happy to have purchased this one piece. Plus I felt the shop had a chance to make some money back if they made available for folk to buy even if just small amounts over all their shops, they would get a return, for shops funds, well there you go. I have not really bothered since trying, as two different places have given me the same story The other one was just samples like your using. So enjoy while you are able , I would say..
What an incredible story @Karen Toynton . This seems to be happening so often.
I remember as children we used to go to the local tip (dump) to find treasures. Chris and I still like to rummage when we can. Man at our local one is so strict as he too has been told he'd lose his job if anyone removed or tried to purchase things. Back in the old days, we could take what we liked.
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs they say where there is muck there is money hehe
what better place than a tip.
In Massachusetts we now have a new law that fabrics cant be discarded. They have to be recycled so I am hoping to find one or two furniture stores or such that will want me to make their lives easier by taking their swatch boards or extra fabric off of their hands.
I hope so too MK. We don't have this law yet. Good luck!😀
hi there where do you get your own name tags from ?
Hi Dawn, there are links in the description box of my videos for both label suppliers😁
To afraid to go in and ask... You sound like me. I was lucky bc my first batch was in boxes sitting outside.
I have links to Amazon for the tabs Lovelle😁
Omg! I never thought about estate sales…. Can you imagine all the deceased sewers out there with fabric stashes? 😱
I have an apolstry furniture mender about 500meters down the road from my house, and they give me fabric all the time I ask them. That is, they haven't given it to the schools.
I often give some of my smaller scraps to the schools too. Especially when I'm inundated with fabric😁
I buy fabric from a fabric store and they have swatches...I asked if they had old ones...they charged me for them...lol.
🥰🥰
I asked them they said we through it i even gave them my number ......no chance yet
Sometimes they need a little reminder. Discards usually happen a few times a year😁
I like you would be afraid to approach a business owner. I usually buy remnants in fabric stores. My husband likes to look at local online estate sales, but he doesn't think to look for fabric. I should though.
Chris and I love going to yard sales, clearing sales etc. He looks for old tools and bottles, whilst I go for the china, West German pottery and anything sewing related.....
I think I'm over that fear of rejection too now. Once I finally realised that I'd survive the ordeal, it really didn't matter if people said no. 😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs plus if they say no, they would lose a potential customer. If even if they charged a little money, I think it would still be worth it. I've found that at Walmart, some of the remnants are priced low, but also there's another discount taken at the register. Sometimes the percentage of discount, I've gotten them free. Ofcourse its not a lot of fabric, but I make a lot of small items, so they are fine for me. Australia, huh? I follow LIsa Pay. She's from Australia. Very lovely lady. She's an amazing artists in soft sculpture. Thanks again for more ideas. Can't seem to get enough time to keep up with everything I want to make.
@Ursula Green ah yes. I have the same problem. I could easily do with a few more days in the week😀
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Thanks Joy😀
Pp0