|
|
Try these suggestions to
make your projects more professional, and your creative time more enjoyable:
- It's easy to create a block of fabric from a single kente
strip. Cut it into three to five pieces of equal length, then immediately zigzag
or serge the raw edges to prevent raveling. Slightly overlap the edges and use a
zigzag stitch to join the strips. This creates a square or rectangular block of
fabric suitable for a pillow from, placemat, journal cover of other creative
use.
|
- When finishing your quilts, try sewing cowrie
shells or African beads through all thicknesses of the quilt to anchor the
layers, as an alternative to quilting the piece, or even in addition to quilting
stitches.
|
- There's an easy way to remove those large stick-on mill
labels you find on authentic African prints. Simply apply water to the BACK of
the fabric where the label is, using your fingers or a sponge. Let sit a few
seconds, then peel the label right off. Then iron fabric dry or let it air-dry.
(This tip is from Moses Coulibaly, owner of Sokah Imports in Brooklyn)
|
- On many authentic African fabric prints, the name of the mill
or country of origin is clearly printed along the edge of the fabric. Cut the
names out and incorporate them into your quilting, craft and sewing projects for
a "designer label" look. Some familiar mill names are Sotiba, Afriland,
Homeland, and Afritex.
|
- Stabilize the loose weaves of fabrics such as mudcloth and
korhogo panels by fusing interfacing to the back. Test the interfacing first on
a corner or scrap of the fabric to determine how soft or firm the finished piece
will be.
|
- Save broken strands of beads and shells, earrings, stray
buttons and other pieces for your creative projects. Recycle them as decorative
embellishments for picture frames, wall hangings, lamp shades and more
|
- Always back the fabrics you use for pillows with fusible
fleece. It gives the pillows more body and helps the corners to keep their
shape. Trim the fleece approximately 1/2" smaller than the fabric to reduce
bulk at the edges, but be sure that the fleece is caught into the seam to add
stability.
|
- When using a staple gun to upholster a stool, fabric screen,
or other home dec piece, color the staples with paint or felt tip markers in
appropriate colors to make the staples less visible.
|
