Closer Look at Cotton Fabric and a Woven Lucia Top

[@almaroes8544]

This was wonderful information. I am getting back into dressmaking after 20 years. Much has changed in the sewing world!

[@helenbridges1038]

Thank you....really very informative. I have learnt the hard way!

[@StitchyBee]

thank you Helen 😊 I've learned a few lessons myself, it all helps in the end.

[@108Karen]

Thank you. The information was very valuable and I would love to hear your expertise on 100% cotton knit.

[@StitchyBee]

thank you Karen 😊 I touched on 100% cotton interlock in this video here.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnynaHxnqbitotU

[@debramejia5091]

Super cute on you! Thank you for the detailed explanation; so helpful to a new sewist. Really appreciate your lovely videos.

[@annapearl926]

Thx Stitchy Bee🐝for all the tips !

[@mplsbetty]

Beautiful woven top!!! Thank you for the fabric overview. So helpful!

[@lucymiller6034]

Brilliant vlog Cheryl, thank you so much. I'd love to see one on jersey fabrics too x

[@StitchyBee]

thank you Lucy 😊

[@christinecrabb1911]

Thank you for this excellent information, I'm new to all these different types of cottons and I adore your top 👍😊

[@SewNaturalDane]

So good to see a video from you! LOVE the new hair cut Cheryl! I've used Cotton Lawn for the first time this past week for a dress this week. I like it, it's just a little hard to iron it seems. I also just used Cotton Linen for the first time, I like that as well, very breathable. Cotton Sateen is nice as well, those come in some nice prints and it has a nice amount of stretch.

[@soniabutler6280]

I've sewn for years, clothes and crafting and Upholstry , I always learn something from your videos. And I love many of your style choices. Many thanks again, Sonia Ps, I hope you had a refreshing break, but it's lovely to see you again.

[@StitchyBee]

thank you so much for your kind words Sonia 😊

[@karenmcdonough3614]

Hi Cheryl, Love your fabrics. Recently received the brush stroke lawn and some pale pink crepe from you. Beautiful, quality fabrics. Just ordered the print you’ve made that blouse from. Going to make myself a dress for an upcoming wedding and hopefully a blouse or simple dress for my daughter in NYC. Fantastic customer service. Thank you.

[@kjlouisi4630]

thanks Cheryl! Love seeing all those beautiful fabrics and hearing your thoughts about them and what they would be good as. Very helpful! Keep 'em coming! Thank you again.

[@StitchyBee]

KJ Louisi thanks Kathryn 💖🐝

[@ppuyle1]

Lovely top and fabrics Cheryl! Looking forward to the Stella Hoodie....because Fall will come!

[@StitchyBee]

Aquilterknits thanks Pam, you’re so right 🍂🍁

[@ruthmiller2592]

I found that so helpful, thanks very much. Your top is lovely 😍

[@StitchyBee]

Ruth Miller thanks Ruth 🌷

[@patriciabennett7866]

Thank you so much for this, demystifying different fabrics and what to make with them. As always, love watching your videos👍❤

[@Missymate]

Hi, lovely to see you back on my screen 😊 really enjoyed the video as always and very interesting and useful look forward to the next one. Your top is beautiful and gorgeous fabric 😘

[@StitchyBee]

thank you Jane 😊

[@602redroses]

I love your blouse !!! Very good lessons. I appreciate it so much. tfs

[@annefisher3182]

Super helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share and explain. Lovely top😊

[@StitchyBee]

Anne Fisher thank you Anne 🌷

[@annalamb8135]

Gday Cheryl. Hope you are well? Beautiful fabrics you have there, hard to pick a favorite. I noticed you cut your hair, looks great. Your top is lovely. Thanku for sharing. X

[@createparadise]

I really like the top and the fabric is beautiful! 💛

[@StitchyBee]

Create Paradise thank you so much 😊

[@createparadise]

You are welcome 😊

[@maggideere4542]

Thank you - very useful blog. I’m often confused by cottons and how they will work in different pattern ways. Off to check my stash now! 😘

[@jcddcjjcdnz]

Some great insights that are really helpful. Thanks.

[@louiselill1528]

I love viscose makes wonderful blouses etc as you already know lol

[@StayStitching]

Great discussion, Cheryl! Your top is absolutely gorgeous! The fabric choice is beautiful, and you look fantastic in it!

[@StitchyBee]

Stay Stitching thank you so much 😊

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Cheryl, was missing you 😁. Beautiful top again and it looks great in a woven too👍. Very useful to know all the different types of cottons. I'm on a bit of a fabric ban at the moment but oh....that gray double gauze 💞. Would love a video on all the jerseys too 👍. Great to see you Cheryl 😊❤😘

[@StitchyBee]

thanks Sally, lovely to be back too. 💞

[@carmensalome]

I found it helpful. I would like to know more about GSM and fabric weight.

[@loriannpayne4483]

Since I’ve started sewing clothing again, I’ve mostly sewn with knits and rayon’s. I have an obscene amount of cotton fabrics. I think I might have to re-think about using some of that fabric in my sewing based on what you just said. Thank you so much Cheryl! Great video.

[@StitchyBee]

Loriann Payne thank you Loriann 🌷

[@janspenno2241]

Great information. Loved it. I have been a quilter so it was very interesting indeed..

[@StitchyBee]

Jan Spenno thanks Jan 🌷

[@maureencandlish8292]

Hi Cheryl it’s so helpful when you explain about different fabrics for people new to sewing like myself. Love your Lucia top x

[@StitchyBee]

Maureen Candlish thank you Maureen 😊

[@elainebridge9059]

Very helpful and informative,thank you. Good to see you back!

[@MarthaHW]

Totally agree with the quilting cotton! A lot of people recommend it for new sewers to save money, but it's just frustrating when it's too uncomfortable to wear!

[@StitchyBee]

Martha W thanks Martha, I guess it’s always an individual’s choice but I agree 🌷

[@purdeyblackcat]

I love your attention to detail. You are so helpful in describing fabrics. I have also made dresses from quilting cotton's and learned the hard way. Looking forward to your next video.

[@StitchyBee]

purdeyblackcat thank you so much 🌷

[@juliadroy1179]

Lovely fabrics as usual

[@StitchyBee]

Julia Droy thanks Julia 🌷

[@superisis2009]

Hi, i found your video so usedful, please keep doing these type of video! they help so much as iam new sewer, i have share this video with other friends thank you so much

[@StitchyBee]

thanks Jade 😊

[@louiselill1528]

Loving the fabric and the top gorgeous

[@StitchyBee]

louise lill thanks Louise 🌷

[@janicek6399]

Welcome back, you are a little bit sunburned, hope you tan? Thanks for the explanation of the difference in the many types of cotton. The blouse you are wearing is very pretty and I think flattering. Sorry about the extreme hot and cold nut it must be fine for the fabric ☺️

[@StitchyBee]

thanks Janice 😊 I think my tan is fading now, yes I have to be careful to not get burned.x

[@lornablencowe289]

Really useful!!! Pls do it again with jersey fabrics 😀👍

[@cr8tivecarbaholic]

That off the shoulder top is very nice on you. Love the colors, fabrics.

[@elizabethswan2040]

Thanks Cheryl, really useful video, I have made loads of mistakes, in using the wrong type of fabric.

[@StitchyBee]

Elizabeth Swan thanks Elizabeth, it’s all part of learning eh? 🌷

[@chuckjen8]

Thank you!! As a new sewer of clothes this was so helpful!! Would love more like this :)

[@StitchyBee]

Jennifer Brown thanks Jennifer, I’ll definitely be adding more videos like this one 👍🏻🌷

[@myralorraine]

This is a great and informative video Cheryl! Also, I absolutely ADORE the top you are wearing, it’s just beautiful! My wardrobe is also primarily knits and viscose too! I love being comfortable in soft fabrics! Welcome back, missed you and so looking forward to your future videos!

[@StitchyBee]

Myra Lorraine thank you Myra 😊

[@maryjarvis2687]

How difficult is it to sew with gauze?

[@StitchyBee]

Mary Jarvis Hi Mary, it’s pretty simple, always test a small piece when sewing any new fabric 👍🏻

[@helenawagstaff9755]

Lovely to see you back, good to take it a bit slower in the heat. Your top is beautiful. Lovely explanation about different cottons. 😊Look forward to seeing the hoodie.

[@StitchyBee]

Helena Wagstaff thanks Helena 🌷 Yes, it’s been so hot hasn’t it? X

[@themonkeypuzzle]

Thank you, Cheryl! I love, love, love your top. All the fabric info is so helpful as I'm new to dressmaking. Very kind of you to save me from the quilting cottons as I'm pretty sure I would have gone down that route, tempted by all the gorgeousness. PS Your Ring doorbell confused me as my chime is the same. Couldn't work out why there was no one at my door then replayed the video and it happened AGAIN. 😂

[@StitchyBee]

themonkeypuzzle ha ha, bloomin Ring doorbell is sooo loud! Thanks for your kind words 😘

[@flower-uw1hm]

I made 2 tops in quilting cotton, but these tops were not close fitting tops.

[@jackief7849]

Hi Cheryl, good vlog, very interesting and I think very useful to new sewers. I have made the Stella Hoodie, in the same colour and hood stripped fabric, it looks and feels so soft and cosey, look forward to seeing yours. xx

[@StitchyBee]

Jackie F thanks Jackie 👍🏻💖

[@Angelwool]

I think quilting cottons are absolutely great for appareal wear. I think it all depends on the cotton.There are ways to soften stiff cottons. Moda makes quilting cotton and anyone who has used Moda knows it's the best!

[@StitchyBee]

so true, a good one would be great.x

[@absewlutelyfabulous880]

I agree. Some are rough and stiff but others have a beautiful quality. I love lawns but they can be quite sheer. Love your vlogs. Great to have you back on Wednesdays.

[@StitchyBee]

Absewlutely Fabulous thank you 😊

[@jennialfabetico5691]

I love using quilting cotton for some of my tried and true dresses like the Emery and Anna. They sit so beautifully, and wash and iron really well. They also have a nicer feel, to me, than a 'dressmaking cotton', and are also really comfortable to wear in the Australian heat. It's lucky we all like different things, isn't it! 🤓

[@juliehale9491]

Hey Cheryl I have brought three of the fabrics shown. First is the navy with roses cotton ,that made lovely pyjama bottoms I wear it with a plain tee Next do shirt sleeved ones that are not to thick. Next I brought the blue checked cotton your last one I haven't got a pattern in mind yet but I'm erring on the side of a long sleeved oversized shirt think it will be cosy. The last is the grey gauze which is gorgeous, I have used a hack of the scout tee by Grainline studio into a short sleeved dress and it's lovely' normally I don't wear dresses I have quite a bit of extra weight so I don't like emphasising my middle tummy waist etc but this flows over my lumps and feels light and cool, I have washed this and the trick to not ironing it because it flattens the gauze is to hang it while it's slightly drippy not soaked as it drys the material goes back to its original look. Hope this helps anyone sitting on the fence about these fabrics go for it just wish you still had the gauze in pink.

[@StitchyBee]

Julie Hale wow, you have been busy! Thank you so much Julie, and your tip about drying the gauze is brilliant. Yes, the check will make a fab shirt 👍🏻👍🏻🌷

[@PsychicKathleen]

I did the very same thing when I first returned to sewing - bought some lengths of quilting cotton falling in love with the print then soon realized it was far too tough for garments. I would love to know what you call your "ditsy" (red flowers on dark background) cotton. You mention for example "lawn, double gauze" but you didn't mention "poplin" - was the blue checked one that you're planning to make a shirt dress out of a poplin? You're so right Cheryl, there are SO many different ways to buy cotton - cotton & silk, cotton & linen for example. The blends can make such a difference to drape and opacity which is another important distinction :) I always find it the most helpful when online fabric sellers give examples of the type of garments and patterns it's ideally suited for.

[@StitchyBee]

Kathleen Meadows thanks Kathleen, yes, the Ditsy Dora cotton is actually a poplin 👍🏻 Thank you for your mind comments each time 🌷

[@sandyheller5438]

That information really helps. Thank you so much.

[@katesterling8915]

Great information TY. Would cotton gauze be good for wide leg elastic waist trousers. I have a pair that fitted great but have ripped. I was going to unpick it for the pattern and make a pair. Cotton gauze looks ok but would like your opinion ☆

[@StitchyBee]

Kate Sterling hi Kate, yes I think it would work well. There’s a great tip about drying gauze and not ironing it from lovely Julie Hale on this thread 👍🏻

[@glendahutchinson740]

On the non-wearable cotton dress that you sewed up early in your career; could you take an idea from Peggy Sagers in Silhouette Patterns and wash it in original Coka-Cola. She does this for all denim material to make stiff jeans soft. May have to do this several times. It will not stain. You might check her you tube channel. The fabric is beautiful. Maybe it would become wearable.

[@StitchyBee]

Ooh what an interesting idea Glenda, I'll remember that trick 😊 I've put on a few pounds since then so it'd need to work wonders, hee hee.x

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Very interesting Cheryl. I think you had the half metre I just bought in your hand as I’ve decided to make the Avid seamstress day dress and had 1.5 metres already from you. It’s terrible I always change my mind. 😂 I love your top in that fabric. Nice to see you back and raring to go😘

[@StitchyBee]

Ruth Lanwarne thank you Ruth, yes the day dress looks beautiful, it’ll be fab on you 💖 Thanks again for ordering 👍🏻

[@petara6065]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us, it was very helpful for me, even thou I am sewing quiet a while now. The tip to have a peek in my actual wardrobe I am using is great. I am wondering how you come to know a to be sewn garment of every fabric you showed, and I thought yes that would be great in this or that fabric...and by the way the top you are wearing is gorgeous. ( excuse my english as I am not a native)

[@StitchyBee]

Petara thank you Petara 🌷Your English is great 👍🏻 I guess I just decide on fabrics matching patterns based on experience and what I see in the shops.

[@1950steele]

I am new to your channel and would like to see dates when the video was made so that I don’t miss any. I have also subscribed. Love your fabric/material that you show. I am from the United States and when I went to school they didn’t teach metric. I don’t understand the conversion when you talk meters etc.. I would like to order fabric from you, but don’t know how on your website. Two (2) yards is probably more than I would need at a time.

[@StitchyBee]

1950steele hello and welcome 😊 My videos are all dated, and I add the video number in the title too to help. I’m up to video 52 which was uploaded today. I do sell in half metres but there are tools to convert metres to yards on Google. Regarding ordering, it’s pretty expensive to buy from overseas due to our high shipping rates from the U.K, but you are more than welcome to order what you need. My site is www.stitchybee.co.uk and I ship worldwide. Thanks for following me 💐

[@lornanash453]

Cheryl, what happened to the bright print fabric that was due to be shown after the Kath Kidstone fabric, on your pile ? I waited for it to be held up but in the next shot it had disappeared. :(

[@lindaparker3330]

Hello Cheryl I've missed your vlogs x

[@StitchyBee]

thank you Linda, back to normal now 😊

[@karmachameleon4]

Lovely fabrics Cheryl. I love lawn too. Can I ask, is your "dressmaking" cotton the same as cotton poplin or is that something else again?

[@StitchyBee]

Clare Thornley thanks Clare, yes it’s poplin 👍🏻🌷

[@tracyfrost]

Do you only sell your fabrics in half a meter? I need 1metre 10 for this McCalls 7324 version A.

[@jeanarcher1860]

Cheryl do you sell patterns (and fabric) and if you do have you any patterns for a size 28 top? I'm 82 and disabled.

[@StitchyBee]

Hi Jean, thanks for following me. I don’t currently sell patterns but lots of the independent pattern companies offer a good size range. Have a look on The Foldline where you can buy patterns from a wide range of brands. Thanks again, Cheryl. 🐝

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

That top is stunning on you and I love that fabric! I need to wear a bra, do you think that I could make that top and wear it up on the shoulders, or do you think it would look odd? I'm a beginner and tend to stick to very easy patterns! I always find your videos very helpful and appreciate the explanations of various fabrics because I'm still making horrendous mistakes in my choices! Welcome back BTW! TFS xx

[@StitchyBee]

Hazel Kinvig-Paul thanks Hazel 😘😘 I wear a strapless bra with mine - I hate them but needs must. Not sure if the top would come up high enough to cover straps, but you could make some and sew them on. Thank you for your kind words 🌷

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

Thank you Cheryl, adding my own straps is a great idea! TFS xx

[@knittyloulabelle766]

I love this look but cannot find a supportive strapless bra.

[@StitchyBee]

Knitty Loulabelle I can relate, it’s so tricky! X

[@cr8tivecarbaholic]

Thank you! I am a scaredy cat and stick with what I k,ow. Your explanations have helped me feel more comfortable to try something new. If you get a chance can you explain/describe poplin.

[@StitchyBee]

Carolyn Windley thanks Carolyn 🌷Will do👍🏻

[@cr8tivecarbaholic]

Stitchy Bee you are do nice. Thank you

[@tracyfrost]

I ordered the fabric from you, I forgot to say.

[@ruthe8095]

Did I hear you say Swindon?! 💋

[@StitchyBee]

Ruth E you did! I moved here 8 years ago. Love the South West 👍🏻🌷

[@ruthe8095]

Stitchy Bee oh my goodness, I moved here 9 years ago, from Yorkshire where fabric shopping is great but am struggling locally. I will hop over to your website now! Xx

[@StitchyBee]

Ruth E how funny! Obvs I’m a Yorkshire lass too 😊x

[@ruthe8095]

Stitchy Bee I noticed! Happy Yorkshire Day x

[@tracyfrost]

I have just bought that fabric that you wearing. I want to make an Ogden cami

[@StitchyBee]

Tracy Frost it’ll make a fab Ogden Tracy 👍🏻

[@annalneri]

First Off “I love your your Podcast” I notice that you have mention Lady McElroy Fabrics in previous podcast, Being in the US , I have not been able to find that line of fabric available here. Can you direct me where online I can purchase that line? (“Which of course can deliver to the US”) Thank you for any assistance. I love the fabric that in which you have made your cold shoulder top (Blue floral) A fan Anna L Neri

[@StitchyBee]

Anna Neri thank you so much Anna. I sell Lady McElroy fabric at www.stitchybee.co.uk and ship overseas too. I’m not sure where you could find them in the U.S. 🌷🐝

[@annalneri]

Thank you so much, I'll be ordering very soon. Do you happen to hsve the blue flower print fabric in stock?

[@StitchyBee]

Thanks Anna, I have the princess Kate in stock 👍🏻