Gone To Earth

Vilene Craft Interlining S520

Vilene Craft Interlining S520 is part of the Vilene Creative product range.  It is an equivalent to Peltex 71F.

Basically, this interlining is white, fusible on one side and is 30cm wide (although you may find it available in wider widths.)  It's been designed with pelmet making in mind but that makes it extremely suited to other applications such as bag making, belts, lampshades and many other crafts where the fabric requires good structure and firm support.

I've had a couple of emails over the past week or so about how to actually apply it to fabric so I thought I'd share this link to the Vilene site which has a short product video showing exactly how to apply Vilene S520 to fabric to get the best results and to protect your iron from a few of the rigours of belonging to someone who enjoys her/his fabric crafts.

The video isn't in German, so don't be afraid, it is just a practical demonstration of what to do and if you don't wish to take the time to watch the video then these are the written instructions.

 How to fuse interlining Vilene S520 to fabric.

1. First steam iron the fabric to avoid any shrinkage later. Allow the fabrics to dry completely. 
2. Place the interfacing with the coated side on the wrong side of the fabric. Then cover the with a damp cloth (which will protect your iron from getting gummed up with adhesive) and press. (keeping the iron in one position) for about 15 seconds. Use the wool/cotton heat setting.
3. Allow the pieces to cool flat for about 30 minutes, so that the adhesive can set properly.

So, what do you do if you can't tell which is the side with the 'fusible' on?  The vilene webste confidently says to use the coated side to adhere to the fabric, but I'm not convinced it's that obvious.  If you're struggling to tell which side is which and you don't want to experiment to find out, then it's probably safe to assume that as I send this interlining rolled up, the coated side will the side inside the 'curl'.

Happy Crafting! 

 

A stitch in Colour

Stitch in color - charm squares and jelly rolls.

I've never made it a secret that I love rich colour which is why I find it difficult to buy the pale and 'interesting' colours for the shop :)  You don't really need to know that but it does explain why I really love this fabric collection designed by Malka Dubrawsky.

If you've ever come across the book "Fresh Quilting" by Malka Dubrawky or her blog "A stitch in dye", you will know that she loves colour; bright, saturated glorious colour.  Her sewing is full of rich and exciting colour combinations and inspiring design.

I love this tote bag which shows off some of the fabrics really well.  It's from her Flickr set which you'll find over here if you wish to explore more images.

These are a few images from her book which show her love of colour and contemporary design.

 

A pair of Pot holders ...

...and a quilt developed from the same improvisational design.

I think her choice of colour always gives her sewing such a lot of energy.  Gorgeous.

So you see, that now she has a fabric collection out called a 'stitch in colour', I really wasn't able to ignore it.  It is deliciously filled with colour and interesting designs.  

Note the already patchwork and 'quilt stitched', look of some of the fabrics.

I hope you like them too!