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Seems like there are a lot of us that remember the 36" wide fabrics....nothing wrong with them it's just the way it was back then. I have heard as some other members that you can still purchase that length in some fabrics. You got a great find.![/quote]
Yes--many of us older people on this board. Old quilters never die, they just fall to pieces. |
Those florals would make a good "fussy cut" project.
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I remember that patterns would have the yardage needed for both 36 inch and 45 inch fabrics on the back. 36 inch fabric is old.
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Originally Posted by spartan quilter
I found some more big pieces of fabric at the thrift store yesterday, and 2 of the pieces are only 36 inches wide. Is it really as old as I think it is, or can you still buy 36 inch wide fabric? I also got LOTS of denim squares, which I have to square up, and plan on making throws to use at the lake this summer. They wash up so well. I will back them with the florals that are also in the picture. Lots of work ahead of me
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Originally Posted by redmadder
Fabric content test: Cut a very small piece, maybe 1 inch by 1/4 inch. Hold with tweezers, light it on fire. (best do this over the sink).
Black smoke and a hard ash mean its synthetic or a blend. Smells like plastic burning. Gray smoke and a fine, soft ash mean its plant fiber. And the smell of burning cotton is very distinctive. |
Originally Posted by Suzy
The floral fabric looks like a polished cotton. It is somewhat stiff compared to just cotton fabric, but once it is washed it is softer. Some people used to make curtains and such from it. Suzy
Best wishes on using your "new" find. |
Great tip for determining fiber content! Thanks for sharing.
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Originally Posted by spartan quilter
Originally Posted by amma
Beautiful fabrics :D:D:D
Are you sure the 36" wide is 100% cotton? |
Great find and good idea for the lake.
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I remember it being 36 inches wide and that was 65 years ago.
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Originally Posted by KatFish
Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
I remember fabric being 36" wide when I was a kid... that was at least 40 years ago...
Yep this makes me feel old too. |
The old sewing patterns had yardage amounts for 36" or 45" fabric, I think.
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The red is probably chambray--like denim but thinner. This was/is a popular fabric for men's shirts.
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Wow
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I remember 36" fabrics and the cotton fabric had to be sprinkled for a day so when you ironed it it actually looked like it had been ironed, not the beautiful cottons of today. I remember how nice the poly blends were also, wash and wear, I never bought anything or fabric that was cotton until the new cottons. Being raised in the 50's, I remember lots of things for the most part things now are better.
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Originally Posted by KatFish
Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
I remember fabric being 36" wide when I was a kid... that was at least 40 years ago...
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I remember that too, when there was a sale on fabric I remember my mom buying it for a penny an inch, imagine, 36 cents a yard! Of course the quality may not have been the best, but still!!
Originally Posted by Favorite Fabrics
I remember fabric being 36" wide when I was a kid... that was at least 40 years ago...
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I receive 100% cotton from a friend who's grandma quit sewing in the 50's and it's all 36" wide. I also have a few pieces that are only 32" wide.
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What a great find. It will keep you busy. Have the girls and guys on here thought about how "going Green" we are doing this? We can still sew to our hearts content.
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In the 60s and 70s there were a lot of 36" fabrics.
Remember when women's blouses and men's shirts HAD to be pressed to get the wrinkles out. Now the fabric is so much nicer. |
ditto
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I bought some cotton Easter fabric from JoAnn's a few weeks ago and it was 38" wide. I didn't even notice until I got it home and started to cut it. Of course I came up short a few blocks but I was lucky and JoAnn's had more of it.
Rhonda |
maybe some are still be made.
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gosh i wish it was almost 40 years ago for me sadly its over 50 years lol what lovely fabric you picked up it will make a lovely quilt.
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I have some of the yellow floral it's not that old i bought it at hancocks about 6 or so yrs ago, if you need more PM me Dottie Bug
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The fabric I bought for my first Home Economics sewing class was 36" wide. It was a cotton poly blend. I haven't seen this width in decades!
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Some fabrics from Europe are only 36" wide. It also costs more over there. You got a bargain.
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it was around 1965 that i noticed fabric was now being made in 45" width....before then, everyone seemed to have double beds and we slept under quilts that were 72" wide! 2X the fabric width. don't remember when it was no longer available in36" widths.
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To test your fabic to see if it is 100% cotton cut a corner off about 2 or 3 " square, set it in the sink and light a match to it. It will burn if 100% cotton and melt if there is any synthetic in it. I would use it anyway for the lake house. It's very pretty.
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Originally Posted by jeaninmaine
Remember when women's blouses and men's shirts HAD to be pressed to get the wrinkles out. Now the fabric is so much nicer.
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how cool is that
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Originally Posted by quilting cat
Originally Posted by bluteddi
our local store still caries some 36 " wide... so it is still available
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