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299559
by pldc 16 Mar 2012 ( edited Mar 17'12 02:41 )
+37

Question of the Day: The other day I asked how do you know when your thread is to old, well today I was wondering how do you know when your FABRIC is to old? I know the usual thing like that the design is rather dated ( although around here we pay a small fortune for replicated or vintage look fabric) but that's all. Thank you cuties I appreciate the help!

Comments (8)
4131
by janetedna 16 Mar 2012
+10
I want to know what to do with CRIMPLENE !! That's old... Jan
4 comments
by spendlove 16 Mar 2012
That is old enough to be valuable!
by almag 16 Mar 2012
OH My Goodness!!! Crimplene!!!
Clean-cut and smart styles.
I had some dresses made from it.
They pricked and were uncomfortably hot.
AlmaG.
by justonlyme 17 Mar 2012
You could make some dress pants or a skirt....or SELL it and make quite a profit.
by bnilla9241 18 Mar 2012
Okay, I must have been under a rock, what is crimpline? Is it like seersucker?

Hugs, Bonnie
67271
by bevintex 16 Mar 2012
+7
Sometimes it's faded and yellowed. Also hold it up to the light and if you can see through it that is a good indication you may not want to use it . Does it smell musty? I wouldn't use old fabric I wasn't sure of on a project that I would want to last. And look at the bright side you have an excuse to buy some bright new fabric.
17214
by almag 16 Mar 2012
+5
I have a room with wall-to-wall shelves packed with fabric that's 'too old'. It's way too good to chuck out and all I have to do is get over the 'latest fabric is so pretty' hurdle and I'd use it.
If fabric is yellow, faded or attacked by moths, don't use it, but otherwise old fabric has its place and once it's made up into something nice it's going to be kept and it will still be 'old'.
AlmaG.

Oh,,,, and another thing..... my 'old' fabric can run rings around most of today's lovely stuff in quality and handling... e.g. I have cotton gingham pieces from which I made my daughters' school dresses 40 years ago and I'd love to be able to buy that quality today.
1 comment
by justonlyme 17 Mar 2012
Isn't that the truth!! I have old gingham that is just wonderful. The new stuff is so light that it is practically transparent!!!
299559
by pldc 16 Mar 2012
+4
well thanks cuties, I guess that I may have fabric that is about 5-6 yrs old. Does that sound old to you? I don't know?
1 comment
by justonlyme 17 Mar 2012
I have fabric that is from my grandmother's and even great grandmother's stash. I don't think 5-6 years old is old at all!!
52686
by shirley124 16 Mar 2012
+3
I realize I've had mine too long when it is faded along the folded edges.
2 comments
by justonlyme 17 Mar 2012
That might have something to do with sunlight. It pre-ages fabric. Keep it covered and it won't do that.
by shirley124 21 Mar 2012
It is always kept in a cupboard
7672
by mjdg 16 Mar 2012
+3
If it is washable I run it through a delicate cycle and if it comes out well - I make something of it.

I have about 8 yards of Pendelton (sp?) wool..... I'm afraid to look at it as it is way over 15 years old. It has just been in my fabric cabinet all these years..... Got it less than half price when I worked at a privately owned fabric shop. I made myself a suit and one for my daughter and never used the rest! Yikes! What will I do with it?

MJDG
2 comments
by justonlyme 17 Mar 2012
Oh, there are so many things to do with wool!! And even more, now that felted wool is so big these days!! If the moths haven't eaten it, then let creativity run free!. If it has moth problems, then felt away and THEN create!
by bnilla9241 18 Mar 2012
How about baby shoes?
16529
by vickiannette 16 Mar 2012
+3
I have found that the older fabrics have much better quality [as Alma has already suggested]. I never put a piece into my cupboard that has not been laundered and may wash again before cutting. That way I am always ready when the whim takes, to sew!!
5256
by darmoola 17 Mar 2012
+1
I'm not sure how long is too long...I just hope my thread and fabric will last until I need it. :))))