Hi Reader

How are things going with you? It's been a few weeks since my last email because I took a bit of time off for a lovely holiday to Tenerife (which I would highly recommend visiting). Have you managed to take a break or do you have any holiday planned? I do hope so as recharging is so helpful even if it's just a day out.

While I was away I was thinking about you and what things I could share that might be most helpful.

One of the key areas that I found hard to get to grips with when I've been dressmaking, has been fabrics. There are so many out there and it can be really confusing to know which ones suit which projects. And even when you find a type of fabric you like, there are other factors such as the weight and the construction method such as the type of weave or knit that add another thing to think about.

To help me learn I have read a lot of books about fabrics. This can be quite an investment as those books tend to be text book prices. But what has also really helped me to learn more about fabrics and more importantly to find out which fabrics I like or don't like has been to collect samples or swatches.

So rather than you have to shell out loads of money on text books, I thought it might be helpful to share with you one fabric each month that you may not have tried but that I think is a good addition to your dressmaking options. The first fabric I have chosen is Bamboo (also known as Bamboo rayon or Bamboo viscose).

If you don't have a lot of spare time I have created a Bamboo Fabric Cheatsheet for you that summarises the key characteristics, types of garments to use it for and ones to avoid, a link to buy bamboo fabric and some patterns ideas plus my tips for buying, sewing and caring for this lovely fabric.

On the 2nd page of the Cheatsheet is a place where you can start to build your own sample library.

If you want to read a bit more detail then check out this blog post: Unraveling Bamboo Fabric: Surprising facts & benefits​

Or if you'd rather listen to my lovely voice then check out this podcast episode: 063: Unraveling Bamboo Fabric: Suprising facts & benefits​

If you've used this fabric in the past then I'd love to know what you made from it as I am always looking for more ideas. And if you have any questions about it, then just let me know.

Have a wonderful week!

Warmest wishes

Jacqui

PS If you like a good sewing app then take a look at Stash Hub! I spoke with Yvette Todd about it and you can find out more about it here: Top tips to manage your fabric stash​

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