Fabric Store Field Trip

1. Variety of Material
   If you haven't taken a look at the variety of material you can use, browse the different textures and feel with your hands. You'll see material that is for home décor. This material is usually heavier and best for couches, curtains, etc. Cotton material is great for quilting and comes in a lot of designs and colors.
   
   Seasonal fabrics are a lot of fun and most any fabric store, now-a-days, has a section for the different upcoming holidays. Fashion fabrics and silks are great for making prom dresses and designer clothes. Character or novelty fabric includes famous cartoon characters or fun kid type materials.
   
   The list goes on with fleece, felt, knits (stretchy material) and more. Go ahead and explore. It is a feast for your eyes and hands. You will find a remant and sale section too. Remants are just what is left on a bolt of fabric. They are usually less than a few yards. They take it off the bolt, fold it up and place it in a basket.



2. Trims, Ribbon, Lace and Fringe.
   All these items are used for fun, decorative flair. The projects are limitless including finishing throw pillows, decorating purses, adding to clothes and more.



3. Patterns
   This can be a lot of fun to see all the creations you can make. There are drawers of patterns and pattern books to browse through. For your first few projects I recommend a simple 1-2 piece pattern such as a elastic waist pajama or lounge pants or an elastic shorts or skirt. As you learn more harder patterns will come easier but don't get too carried away and try something really hard or you may never want to sew again!



4. Notions
   Notions include buttons, zippers, bias tape, whatever you need to finish your project. You'll find on the back of your pattern a list of what is needed.



5. Interfacing and Batting
   Batting is used for quilting. Fiberfill is used for making stuffed toys or dolls. Interfacing is used for sewing clothes.



6. Fabric cutting table
   The cutting table in the store is where you take whatever material you are buying and ask them to cut how many yards you need. You'll need to check the back of your pattern to see exactly what you need.
   
   

Take me to Kids Sewing Projects from Fabric Store Field Trip.