Vintage Fabric - Retro Fabric - Vintage Fashion

AM Northwest Design Challenge in Portland Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:53:00 +0000

I feel lucky to live in Portland, Oregon we have so much creative juices flowing --- independent and fashion designers, sewing, quilting, handbag designers, fabric stores, and even design competitions.

The television show AM NORTHWEST is airing AM Northwest Design Challenge, a competition between The Art Institute of Portland apparel design graduates and students.

Look for the challenge on Mondays and Fridays on AM Northwest from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. through February 2012.

The designers participating in the Design Challenge are:

Natalya Hebert
Germaine Barnard
Amy Sim
Lindsay Chapel

You can find the Design Challenge participant bios and Challenge information on KATU

I'll definitely be tuning in to the Challenge this Friday, January 27th.

How to Make Sewing Patterns that Fit - Video

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:23:00 +0000

Did you know that the distance from your wrist to your elbow equals your foot length? This video opens with some very cool measurement facts.

In this video you'll learn a system of how to make precisely fitting patterns from just two body measurements, your bust and hip.

You'll be amazed by this pattern making system invented in Germany in 1930 called the Golden Rule. It may just help you with that perfect fit.

‎9 yards! Vintage seersucker fabric is getting difficult to find

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:19:00 +0000

When I unfolded all 9 yards of this vintage seersucker fabric, I wanted to wrap myself up in all of it's cozy softness. Some seersucker fabrics can be a bit stiff feeling, but not this one.

Spring is right around the corner. With this much yardage, you could make a sleeveless dress, lightweight jacket cover up, skirt, and blouse.

It's on Revival Fabrics right now.

Mice-a-Roni fabric - authentic, yay or nay?

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:36:00 +0000

I was so excited to recently have found some Wacky Packages fabric!

But...is the fabric authentic Wacky Packages? According to the website Lost Wackys, this Mice-a-Roni fabric is vintage 1970s but lists it as "Mice-A-Roni Imitation Wacky Material"

Say it isn't so!

Wacky Packages were trading cards created in 1967 that poked fun at American products and brands. Wikipedia has some great information about Wacky Packages.

As a kid my allowance money was eaten up by the sheer volume of Wacky Packages that I bought. Now I wish that I had those packages, I'd love to see them again.

I emailed the website administrator of Lost Wackys and asked for clarification about this fabric. I'm eagerly waiting for a response. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE 1/1/12:

I think we can assume that this Mice a Roni fabric probably is a Wacky Packages knockoff, and dates to the 1970s.

A reader on Revival Fabrics facebook wall wrote that she also owns some of this Mice a Roni fabric and says, "Topps which did Wacky Packages did NOT do this. This is refered to by everyone as a knockoff. I don't know who manufactured and designed it. If it helps, I picked mine up along with some material called Quak Goats. It looks like Quaker Oats."

Interesting stuff. Now we know that both Mice a Roni and more than likely Quak Goats also, are both knockoffs of Wacky Packages.

Cyberdeal This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Cyberdeal This Week at Revival Fabrics!

This week only through Sunday December 5th, save 20% on your order. No minimum order needed, no hassles. Use coupon code at checkout: cyberdeal20

Julie's "Friendly" Little Rant about Upcycling

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Have you noticed lately the words "upcycled" and "repurposed" becoming more popular? Green is good, but is Green doing a disservice to historical and vintage textiles and clothing? Decide for yourself, but don't decide until you read what my guest writer Julie Bergmans of Fab Gabs Vintage Co. has to say about it:

We live in a world where being green is becoming a necessity. In fact, many environmentally friendly choices have shifted from seeming inconvenient to simply being a habit. The campaigns of the 80’s and 90’s to “reduce, reuse, recycle” have largely done their job. I’m on the bandwagon – green is good!

Lovers of vintage everything know that reusing old things is one of the best ways to recycle in style – whether you’re decorating your home, or yourself! When green becomes bad, however, is when “green” buzz words are used to describe the destruction of pieces of history. The two words most commonly heard in the world of altered vintage are “upcycled” and “repurposed.” These words put a positive spin on something that isn’t admirable at all.

Upcycled = vintage altered in such a way that the intrinsic historical value is irreparably destroyed. It is sad, but true - this term is often used to describe perfectly good vintage items that have been damaged to make them more appealing to modern sensibilities and current trends.

Repurposed = (vintage) that was once used for one purpose, and has been adapted for another, either by redesign of simply use. Generally, a term that is acceptable for small bits & pieces of vintage items, but potentially dangerous on a larger scale.

Now, there’s a lot of worn out vintage clothing and textiles out there. You’ll never catch me getting on someone’s case because they decided to alter a dress that was shattering, or because they made one good necklace out of two or three broken ones. That’s responsible reuse – refashioning, if you will. It is one of my preferred methods of dealing with imperfect vintage.

GOOD, positive words for use of vintage things include: restored, renewed, rebuilt, revived, refashioned.

Denise Morden of Unforgettable Vintage is the best person I know to represent responsible repurposing and refashioning. She restores every piece she can to a fine, wearable state. Broken pieces, lonely components, and irretrievably damaged hats/garments are turned into beautiful creations that often look entirely authentic to the era, and ALWAYS evoke the feel and mood of the eras they are pieced from. Her Egyptian revival jewelry is a particularly excellent example.

At her business, no wearable or restorable piece is ever sacrificed for the sake of art - vintage is already art & history in one. But per her motto - nothing goes to waste. I recommend that anyone interested in "repurposed" pieces take a look at her inspiring creations.

Vintage is already wonderful. The pieces are a part of our history - both fashion history and social history. Moreover, there is a finite amount of it. Destroying something beautiful, historical and hard to find in order to satisfy the fickle tastes of now is irresponsible and short-sighted. Deconstructing it isn’t art – it is destruction. Upcycling isn’t improvement. And repurposing is frequently misused and misguided. Before you pick up your scissors, grab your glue and that bag full of random lace, think; is this item useable/wearable as it is? Can it be restored to wear/usability? If the answer is yes, then there’s no need for upcycling or other destructive measures. And there’s plenty of damaged vintage seconds you can work with instead.

If you love to create, look for components. Bits of jewelry. Broken clothing. Damaged décor. You can’t “repurpose” them – raw materials are intended to be used! But please, no more “upcycled” vintage gowns with the skirts chopped short, feathers glued on and cheap bedazzling. Believe me, in this green-minded buying culture, the pieces will still find a place with someone who will reuse them exactly as they are. Enjoy your eco-friendly collecting and crafting! Many thanks to Revival Fabrics for allowing me to share my thoughts.

Sincerely,

Julie Bergmans
Fab Gabs Vintage Co.

Julie, thank you for your insightful thoughts. Nan
Readers, do you have thoughts about this subject?

Japanese Sewing and Pattern Terms

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:44:00 +0000

I love Japanese textiles and occaisonally come across sewing patterns or other sewing related printed materials. Knowing what the common sewing terms are in Japanese help.

If you need to translate Japanese patterns or sewing magazine, check this site

September is National Sewing Month

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:59:00 +0000

We have a little over a week left of September, let's celebrate that last week and embrace our inner sewer!

September is National Sewing Month

There's even a really cool website devoted to sewing month:

www.nationalsewingmonth.org

"Official home of September is National Sewing Month co-sponsored by the Sewing & Craft Alliance and the American Sewing Guild"

VIDEO: How to Sew a Straight Stitch by Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:05:00 +0000

Sometimes I don't feel like using my sewing machine.

I just want to sew something quickly. Or I don't want to run to the fabric store for more sewing machine thread if I have just enough thread for a small project.

Sometimes I just want to whip out my sewing needle and thread.

Here's a useful video for days you want to be unplugged from the sewing machine

30% off orders 9/7 only! Coupon code on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:54:00 +0000

Are you on Twitter? Follow revivalfabrics on Twitter to get the 30% off coupon code for your Revival Fabrics website order. Hurry though, the coupon code is only good through TODAY 9/7

Deal of the Day! on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Happy soon to be Labor Day weeekend to you!

Just as a friendly note, Revival Fabrics has a Deal of the Day

Every day I pick one special vintage fabric. You get a heavily discounted price for one day only.

Find the Deal of the Day on Revival Fabrics Facebook, or on the website.

Check out today's deal, it is a sumptuous, butter soft, vintage 1940s fine cotton muslin fabric.

Five Things I Never Knew about Scissors

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:35:00 +0000

As I used my favorite pair of Fiskar sewing scissors yesterday, I wondered about the background of scissors. Here are a few interesting tidbits and knowldedge found on Wiki:

1) Scissors were invented by Leonardo da Vinci
2) You could find people in Japan playing rock-paper-scissors game in the 19th century
3) Scissors were probably invented in Egypt circa 1500 BC (hmmmm...see #1)
4) Buy sewing scissors at a fabric store and not an office supply store
5) Sewing scissors often have a sharp point blade and a blunt point blade

#4 and #5 are more "oh yeah, that's true" than never knew facts. #5 hit me as a truisim after I looked at my Fiskar scissors and realized that I hadn't thought about the blades after using sewing sewing scissors for years.

In Love with this Ethereal MOD Retro Vintage Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Ever find a vintage fabric that just "speaks" to you?

I love the tranquil, happy, calm design of this retro fabric. *Sigh*, the rolling flower power daisy hills; hills that you'd roll down in a fit of laughter with a best friend to see who could reach the bottom first.

12 uncut lovely yards available, of MOD Tree vintage fabric

List of Sewing Magazines

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:59:00 +0000

Here is a list of my favorite sewing magazines. Be sure to keep an eye on this list as it grows. Also on on this list are online sewing pattern websites that read like hardcopy glossy magazines.

Please add a comment and tell us about your favorite sewing magazine!

General sewing:

Threads Magazine - sewing magazine for many skill levels
SewNews - "the trusted sewing source"
SewStylish - fashion, crafts, Etsy features

Online sewing pattern websites:

VoguePatterns - designer sewing patterns
BurdaStyle - sewing patterns, free patterns, online community, featured projects
McCall Pattern - sewing patterns, sewing school

Handbag sewing:

Haute Handbags - beautiful photos, for the handbag designer and handbag fashionista

Online fabric dictionary with photos

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Just found: a really great online fabric dictionary with fabric photos. Need to know what drill, faille, or gauze looks like? Check this website out:

Fabric Photo-Dictionary Power Sewing

The Fabric Photo-Dictionary is a collection of pictures and definitions for Fabric types.

And speaking of faille fabric, this gorgeous vintage 1940s faille fabric with roses and paisley was just added to Revival Fabrics website.

EVENT: Designers Needed for Boston Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:22:00 +0000

If you have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event drop me an email. I'll post it here on the blog, Revival Fabrics Facebook and Revival Fabrics Twitter.

Here's an event for Boston designers

EVENT: Designers wanted for Boston Fashion Week

High Fashion Emerging Designers Wanted for Fashion Week Show: The Emerging Trends 2010 for Boston Fashion Week promises to bring the best Euro chic designers to the Boston market. In the last two years, we have worked with over 25 international and national designers, major sponsors, buyers and press and 30 photographers from Boston and New York giving extensive opportunity for emerging designers to shine. Spots are limited and we book months in advance. At the show, you will receive all models, hair, makeup, video clips, photos, buyers contact and networking opportunity at one of the biggest and prestigious shows in Boston. Over 600 fashion forward individuals come to our show and our designers are promoted to over 200k people via online and offline marketing.

For more info about our past show, please visit: http://www.theEmergingTrends.com or our promo video from last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AezCJlFCo8.

About Us:
The SYNERGY Events (www.theSYNERGYevents.com) uses very unique online and offline marketing strategies to produce themed events in both Boston and New York City, which have been covered by Boston Globe, Fashion Boston, Boston Common, Improper Bostonian, Boston Magazine & many other online and print publications. These special events present known, and soon to be talents with a great opportunity to introduce their exceptional work, while networking and enjoying other talents from around the world.

Contact Us:
Please send all contact details with your portfolio to:
BostonFashion[at]theSYNERGYevents.com

Have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event?

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:15:00 +0000

If you have an upcoming fashion, design, textile, antique or vintage event drop me an email. I'll post it here on Revival Fabrics blog.

Thanks! Nan

Answer to the Win This Vintage Fabric Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:53:00 +0000

CONTEST ANSWER:
The name of the red and white 1960s vintage fabric is:

"Whipped Creme" and also known as "Whipped Cream"

So called because the fabric has a subtle ripply, crepe appearance similar to whipped cream.

Thanks to entrants for entering the contest.

On Monday the fabric will be added to the website. More fun contests in the future!

Win a Vintage Fabric Contest Still On!

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +0000

The contest to win the red and white polka dot vintage 1960s fabric is still on until tonight at 11:59 p.m.

I'll reveal the correct answer tomorrow, Saturday morning, if there isn't a winner.

TODAY'S HINT: the fabric name is two words. The first word starts with a "w"

Good luck! Let's have a winner!

Can You Name This Vintage Fabric? Win It! Hurry!

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Join in a fun contest to win a vintage fabric valued at $59

Do you know what this type of fabric was named in the 1960s?

Name this vintage non-stretch, fluidly draping polyester red and white polka dot fabric by Friday, June 4 and you win it! All three yards of it.

Leave your answer here, or over at Revival Fabrics Facebook page. If you are the first person to answer correctly by Friday 11:59 p.m., you win the fabric with shipping included.

Here are some hints:

* the name is a food that is sweet and yummy
* the fabric has a subtle crepe appearance
* its a fabric from the 1960s - 1970s
* a garment weight fabric

Game on!

You Know a Fabric is Vintage Fabric If.......What Do You Know?

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:24:00 +0000

I thought it would be fun to share how you know a fabric is vintage. Let's share those random gems you've learned over time or discovered lately.

Here are a few things that I know.

You know a Fabric is Vintage Fabric If......

~ ...paperwork, receipts, and envelopes found with the fabric have addresses without zip codes. I just learned from Antiques Roadshow that most zip codes started in 1963

~ ...the fabric is a yard long and has little holes that curve around the corners at the ends, you have a vintage fabric feedsack. These little stitch holes are called "tenter holes"

~ ...the printed design has metallic gold, the fabric is likely from the 1950s

~ ...super bright, neon loud colors can be found on late 1960s retro fabrics

~ ...border prints were popular in the 1950s and sewn into skirts, curtains, and tablecloths

~ ...a color called "Old Rose" was used in 1940s fabrics, a similar color to mauve of the 1990s

...What do you know?

Original Label from Vintage 60s Moygashel Linen Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:40:00 +0000

It's always fabulous to find a vintage fabric with the original fabric label or fabric hangtag --- valuable information to add to your knowledge base of when a fabric was manufactured, and the manufacturer.

This vintage Irish Moygashel linen fabric came with the original label, letting us know with absolute certainty that it's from one of the finest linen manufacturers in the world.

I read online that Moygashel Linens was bought by Ulster Weavers Apparel from the Lamont Group in 2001.

Find this vintage Moygashel linen fabric, with the original label, is on Revival Fabrics website.

Also, be sure to check out the photos of vintage fabric labels, and vintage fabric hangtags on Revival Fabrics Facebook page.

Haute Handbags: A Magazine for Handbag Designers

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:58:00 +0000

Being a magazine junkie, I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting magazines.

I don't have Haute Handbags magazine in my hot little hands yet, I need to get a copy.

Handbag designers, have you looked at this magazine? Good? Bad? Useful?

OP Art - Optical Illusion - Retro Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:10:00 +0000

Just in! and added on RevivalFabrics.com website are some really cool, and not so easy to find vintage optical illusion and OP Art fabrics from the 1960s.

Wikipedia has interesting information on OP Art, be sure to check it out.

Happy Friday to you and have a great weekend!

Crafty Project for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Nan Jaeger) — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Need a crafty idea for Mother's Day?

Make a unique teacup pincushion out of vintage fabric --- and try your hand at the handmade greeting card as well.

Check out the easy instructions at Vintage Image Craft

Mother's Day is right around the corner!