fabric measure tool
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#41
Greenheron , 10-26-2017 06:45 AM
Super Member
03-06-2024Thanks 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.
#42
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.
#43
RedGarnet222 , 10-26-2017 08:02 AM
Power Poster
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".
#44
madamekelly , 10-26-2017 09:30 AM
Super Member
Quote:
I think the term “yard goods” came about back when ladies bought six yards of fabric to make a skirt. When I was 15, grandma made me a floor length prairie dress with “leg-o-mutton” sleeves. It actually took six yards of cotton for the skirt. I wore that dress constantly, every time it came out of the dryer. I wish now I had preserved it for the memories. It was made of a black calicoOriginally 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"?)
#47
farmquilter , 10-26-2017 11:44 AM
Super Member
Quote:
Me too, the Mill End store had one and they used it a LOT.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.
#48
Quote:
Oh, dear - I remember getting fabric at Sears and they used those. Does that make me an antique also? LOLOriginally 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.
#49
busy fingers , 10-26-2017 12:34 PM
Super Member
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.
#50
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sewnclog
After being reminded I too remember seeing those. Wonder why they ever quit using them.
