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04-08-2011, 09:24 AM

#41

MillieH

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Colfax, LA

Posts: 346

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.

04-08-2011, 09:26 AM

#42

MillieH

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Colfax, LA

Posts: 346

Those florals would make a good "fussy cut" project.

04-08-2011, 09:28 AM

#43

maryb119

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Iowa

Posts: 8,110

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.

04-08-2011, 10:59 AM

#44

rfbrazell

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Arlington Washington

Posts: 2,018

Quote:

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

Most of the fabric stores up until 1979/1980 had 36 in ch cotton cuts. All the woolworth stores, independant quilting and fabric shops all had 36inc width up until 1979. Robert

04-08-2011, 12:05 PM

#45

cabinfever

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: CA

Posts: 391

Quote:

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.

I always roll the ash in my hands (allow a minute or so to cool), 100% natural fibers will be like powder, if any lump, then it is at least partially synthetic. If it's 100% synthetic you will probably just see the black lump, & no ash at all. I do mine over a metal tin or glass ashtray over the laundry sink in my garage, water handy, just in case.

04-08-2011, 12:10 PM

#46

cabinfever

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: CA

Posts: 391

Quote:

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

The floral could also be the heavier Home Decorator fabric. Many are 100% cotton, just heavy. I remember the 80's & how popular polished cottons for dresses were all over!

Best wishes on using your "new" find.

04-08-2011, 01:07 PM

#47

MillieH

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Colfax, LA

Posts: 346

Great tip for determining fiber content! Thanks for sharing.

04-08-2011, 01:14 PM

#48

WendyMathews58

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Tyler, TX

Posts: 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartan quilter

Quote:

Originally Posted by amma

Beautiful fabrics :D:D:D
Are you sure the 36" wide is 100% cotton?

The thing about the floral that is 36 wide, is that the pattern runs all the way to the selvedge with no white line saying anything about fabric, but it felt, washed and ironed like cotton. The red has a small white selvedge, also with no fiber content, and it feels like denim.

FYI, the way to tell the difference between cotton and poly/blend is to hold a match or lighter to a corner of the fabric, then blow it out. If the burnt edge is soft and flaky, it is 100% cotton. If the edge is hard and rough and does not flake off, it is cotton/poly. :) :)