Students registered in the Hansie Top classes (September 15, 22, 29) received an email today (Wednesday September 2). Students will receive another email about one week in advance with last-minute details about class location and info.
Here’s todays email information as a blog post.
Fabric
We will supply plain white cotton but if you would like to purchase your own fabric here are some suggestions for a successful project.
What type of fabric to buy?
Look for light- to medium-weight, woven (not stretchy) cotton or natural fibre fabric. The pattern fit is designed for woven fabric, and natural fibres, which include bamboo, linen and certain types of rayon) can be ironed on higher heat, so you will get a nicer finish on your seams.
We love upcycling fabric but for this class please use new fabric to learn about pattern layouts and cutting. Don’t forget to purchase matching thread–Gutermann is one of the better quality brands available.
How much fabric do I need?
To calculate your fabric needs you will need two measurements: the width of your fabric, and your bust measurement.
Fabric is sold on “bolts” of various widths, usually 45” (115 cm) or 60” (150 cm).
Measure the fullest part of your bust in inches and use those two measurement in the chart below to work out how much fabric to buy.
Where to find fabric
Michaels in Brockville has a small selection of garment fabrics. The mid-weight cotton (labelled “denim” is suitable for the Hansie Top.
Watergirl Quilt Co. in Prescott specializes in quilting fabric but many solids and prints make great clothing fabric too.
Riverside Fabrics (www.riversidefabrics.ca) has a section of their website devoted to woven fabrics for garments, with a good selection of twill, shirting and more.
Fabricland in Kingston or Ottawa (or online) has a wide variety of fabric, but much of their stock is polyester or other synthetic fibres. Be sure to ask for WOVEN fabrics in NATURAL fibres.