"What are you making?"

Have you been asked at the cutting counter what you're making with the fabric you're having cut? Here's why the store team is told to ask that: your answer helps them understand what notions and accessories to suggest to you, so that you are not missing something needed when you're ready to start your project. They're just trying to make you think about what else you may need while you're still in the store. I do try to be understanding, because I also want to make sure I have everything I need to finish my project. Sometimes, though, because I hear it so often, my evil twin wants to tell them, "It's none of your business." or "It's a secret." ;)

Before starting another shirt, I have decided to finally retire my current Burda shirt pattern (circa 1992, it's so old that it didn't have seam allowances included). It's been used to make dozens of shirts over the years, it's been cut apart and taped back together, and refitted as needed, but has really seen better days. So, I am comparing it to a new shirt pattern and will either trace the old one over the new pattern pieces or trace it onto poster board (for greater durability)...might come down to storage options. (I'd have to hang the pattern if traced onto posterboard.)

What am I making? Sewing from the Stash

Although I'm a firm believer that fabrics on your stash need to be aged properly before being used, it's advisable to use a few from time to time. That keeps your inventory rotated, and makes space for more. I have pulled a few pieces out of my cabinet for consideration, and would like to hear your comments as to which you think I should make up next. Each option has a photo of the fabric and the corresponding inspiration. Here are the options:

Option #1: Tan Seersucker Stripe (oldest piece on my stash)

This fabric has been in my stash since 1976 (they call that "vintage"). Nearly every spring I pull it out and think about making it up, and then put it away in the fall, unmade. Maybe its time has come. And remember I advised you all not to prewash your fabric before you're ready to use it? This piece has not been pre-washed, so the preservatives are intact. Paired with this seersucker are a piece of solid tan linen (late '70s), solid tan silk broadcloth (early '80s) and an iconic piece of Liberty of London (a peacock-feather cotton print from 2015)...a package deal to be sewn up together.

Option #2: Tan Cotton Madras

These three co-ordinates hit the stash in the early '80s and have been pulled out and put away a number of times. I plan to line the pants, but the jacket will be unlined...a quick summer project. I really like the tonal effect of the three pieces together.

Option #3: Another Black & White Cotton Shirt

This is new fabric, from the recent Patrick Lose "Poppies in Bloom" quilting fabric collection. It's great fabric to work with, but I am sort of tired of sewing in black and white...

Option #4: Snakes!!!

A relative newcomer, this is souvenir fabric from a trip to Arizona in 2012 (we all buy fabric when traveling, right?)...from a little shop in Wickenburg. Lunch that day was at a great Mexican restaurant there. (The souvenir fabrics always trigger memories.) I like the more modern look of running the stripes horizontally rather than vertically.

Option #5: Pantone color chart

This is a new one on my stash, printed digitally by Springs Creative to illustrate how all the many Pantone colors look on various types of fabrics using the digital process. It has a texture to it...a bit like the old bark cloth from way back when. Digital fabrics look amazing, since there are no color limitations as when printing more traditionally with engraved screens. Springs Creative prints digitally on a number of 100% polyester base cloths. The photo of the fabric only shows part of the color spectrum, but they're all included on this piece. I will use the design vertically as shown on the inspiration photo. (Some fabric retailer should add this design to their assortment!)

But first, a Patriotic shirt, by request.

I am currently shopping for appropriate stars and stripes cotton fabrics to interpret this shirt for a special family member who honored me with the request to make him a shirt. I'll post the result when the shirt is finished.

There you have it: plenty of projects on the drawing board here. Your assignment: Which fabric should I make up first? Please send me a quick email here to give me your choice: danthefabricman@yahoo.com

Until next week, keep those sewing machines humming!

DTFM