fabric measure tool
10-26-2017, 06:45 AM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Beautiful Briery Mountain in WV
Posts: 2,551
Thanks for the memory share, ladies. The measurement machine lasted longer in my hometown stores. Only remember one with the pneumatic tubes and how I longed for one to be used while I was there.
10-26-2017, 06:48 AM
#42
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
I used one of these at a summer job cutting fabric in a J.J.Newberrys Store, back a whole bunch of years ago. The large roller machines do not snip and cut, they just measure and then you cut with scissors. (FYI - if buying the rolled fabric, please insist they use the roller - you can not accurately cut a 54" roll on a 40" table!). The days of snip and tear went away with the all cotton, known quality fabric. Just try to tear a fabric with any poly in it or a poor quality cotton. Even if it rips sort of straight, the tear will so distort the fabric that you will never iron it back in shape.
10-26-2017, 08:02 AM
#43
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 16,521
I also remember those yardage measuring tools. It would nip the end and she would tear the fabric.
Before that they used brass tacks nailed into the table in increments inches. Thus the expression,"Let's get down to the brass tacks".
Before that they used brass tacks nailed into the table in increments inches. Thus the expression,"Let's get down to the brass tacks".
10-26-2017, 09:30 AM
#44
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Originally Posted by cashs_mom
I remember those. I actually used one when I was just out of high school and working for a dept store. Remember when dept stores carried fabrics sometimes called "yard goods"? (or was that just my mother that called them "yard goods"?)
10-26-2017, 11:44 AM
#47
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Michigan Thumb
Posts: 1,956
Originally Posted by DogHouseMom
I remember those!! As I recall it also made a nip/cut on the fabric. The clerk would then use this cut as the starting point to rip the yardage for sale.
10-26-2017, 11:56 AM
#48
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 7,312
Originally Posted by Blueridgebeverly
I love antique tools! My nephew deals in antiques. I'll have to ask him if he ever runs into these things.
10-26-2017, 12:34 PM
#49
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,095
That brings back memories. My mother was a professional dressmaker and made all my clothes up until I was married and when we went into the large fabric shops in the city they always pulled the fabric from the bolt through the machine to get the exact measurement.
10-26-2017, 06:54 PM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
When polyester became popular, the machine would not measure it correctly so they became obsolete. I remember seeing the tubes in stores. I also miss being able to shop at Penney's & Sear's for fabric. Seems like every year there are less choices for fabric.
Originally Posted by sewnclog
After being reminded I too remember seeing those. Wonder why they ever quit using them.
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