Quality of fabric
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
I bought some VIP fabric from WalMart yesterday. I have a hard time with lqs prices for quilts to be given away. It is not the same as the VIP fabric I handled when I worked for JoAnn's in the early '90s. After washing and drying, there is nothing there. It wouldn't straighten, so I went to pull a thread. The thread is too flimsy to pull. Luckily, it's just for sashing - the big squares are Moda and the bright strips are quality fabric from my stash.
I want to embroider the sashing strips, but I think this stuff (hard to call it fabric) will stretch if I do. Do you think I should use iron on interfacing or just using paper backing then tear it away would work better?
I want to embroider the sashing strips, but I think this stuff (hard to call it fabric) will stretch if I do. Do you think I should use iron on interfacing or just using paper backing then tear it away would work better?
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CA & NM
Posts: 1,120
maybe you should put some fusible backing on this fabric. kind of negates the point of buying less expensive material, but when putting it with Moda etc, it might be a good idea. I am not an expert by any means, just had to share this thought that flittered through my wee little mind! All the best with your quilt. :)
#3
Iron on interfacing is a great idea. I sometimes use that when I feel a fabric is too flimsy.
About 10 years ago, my quilting group visited the plant that makes VIP fabrics. They are Cranston Print Works and their factory used to be in Webster, Mass. Our quilt group went on a couple of tours there and they were wonderful people. It fascinated me to see how they receive huge bolts of muslin, dye it and print it on these big metal (maybe copper) cylindars. After the tour, they always gave us lunch and some fabric to take home (usually a pillow panel or two). One of the things they told us is that they make an exclusive line of fabric for WalMart, called VIP fabric. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep up and had to off-shore their business, so Cranston Print Works fabric is now made in another country.
As far as the fabric being flimsy, I have seen flimsy fabric no matter where I shop - the LQS, JoAnn's or WM. Just go with what you want to have. Sometimes there's a color or pattern that I just have to have even though it's thin fabric. That's where the interfacing comes in.
Good luck and please share pictures. :thumbup:
About 10 years ago, my quilting group visited the plant that makes VIP fabrics. They are Cranston Print Works and their factory used to be in Webster, Mass. Our quilt group went on a couple of tours there and they were wonderful people. It fascinated me to see how they receive huge bolts of muslin, dye it and print it on these big metal (maybe copper) cylindars. After the tour, they always gave us lunch and some fabric to take home (usually a pillow panel or two). One of the things they told us is that they make an exclusive line of fabric for WalMart, called VIP fabric. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep up and had to off-shore their business, so Cranston Print Works fabric is now made in another country.
As far as the fabric being flimsy, I have seen flimsy fabric no matter where I shop - the LQS, JoAnn's or WM. Just go with what you want to have. Sometimes there's a color or pattern that I just have to have even though it's thin fabric. That's where the interfacing comes in.
Good luck and please share pictures. :thumbup:
#4
If it's that flimsy, I would add a iron-on backing and leave it at that. I bought some last week that matched a piece I had in my stash but it definitely was not the same. Same pattern but a step up from cheesecloth. Good Luck.
#5
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,406
If that "stuff" is that flimsy - I would not put it with "good" fabrics -
They probably wouldn't wear the same - and then the new owner will have worn out spots.
Hmmm - Most of the VIP fabrics I've purchased at WalMart seem to be nice/decent/good.
There have been some VIPs that I considered "coarse" - but then I think some of the Alexander Henry fabrics are too coarse for my taste.
They probably wouldn't wear the same - and then the new owner will have worn out spots.
Hmmm - Most of the VIP fabrics I've purchased at WalMart seem to be nice/decent/good.
There have been some VIPs that I considered "coarse" - but then I think some of the Alexander Henry fabrics are too coarse for my taste.
#6
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
I think after I cut my strips, I will try an embroidery sample on a scrap with both interfacing and paper and decide which to use. The fabric isn't horrible. It will hold up well enough or I wouldn't use it. The color is perfect and for me, it's all about color.
I need to finish binding the one on the machine, vaccuum the floors and put away the scraps before I make a cut on the new one. Such is life.
I need to finish binding the one on the machine, vaccuum the floors and put away the scraps before I make a cut on the new one. Such is life.
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I could swear I've seen "VIP" for sale from other places besides WM... I would use this fabric for something else if it's a concern. If it doesn't match the fabric quality of the rest of the quilt, maybe find a use for it another day.
#9
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Posts: 13,214
When I hear things like this it reminds me why I buy collections and over buy them as well. I want the weight to be the same so the whole quilt wears the same. Good luck with using this. Trying out a small piece first is a good idea.
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
Originally Posted by irishrose
I bought some VIP fabric from WalMart yesterday.....After washing and drying, there is nothing there.
Jan in VA
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