Our New Blog!

We've moved blog spots and we're very excited about our new home . We have great things in store and can't wait to share them with you.

Visit our new blog here:
http://www.fabricsandbuttons.com/wp-waec/

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Waechter's Fine Fabrics Featured on WLOS Craft Corner

Waechter's Fine Fabrics has been featured in two Craft Corner segments on WLOS News 13. You can view these at the WLOS website along with printable directions for these wearable art ideas.

Embellishing Children's Clothing with Elizabeth George
July 19, 2010

Handbag Embellishment with Laura Casey
August 2, 2010

Our Constant Favorite: Silk Burlap

As soon as we got this amazing silk burlap in, we knew it would be an instant success! All three colors: Ivory, Oatmeal and Charcoal are great choices.

Many of you have called asking about it after the great article on finishing techniques done by Mary Ray. You can find the article here.
Mary Ray also used the ribbed silk and linen blend that we carry in a multitude of colors.

A super lightweight and beautiful fabric - you can layer it and wear it year round.
Find the fabric on our website -
Charcoal
Ivory
Oatmeal

Make a great shell, tunic or dress out of these fabrics and have a lightweight - cooler summer!

Beginning to Sew? Book it!

Everyone of the sewing guys and gals I know that has a passion for the needle and thread has a shelf (or 4) of sewing books.
As summer sewing students stroll in, I started thinking about my favorite reference and resource books. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Let's start with the basics - I am just loving The Dressmaker's Technique Bible.
It says it's a complete guide to fashion sewing, and it isn't kidding. An updated reference book for anyone learning to make garments, it is tailored for the sewing gal.

With pictures, drawings and detailed understandable instructions, this is the cover-all-your-bases book that is my go to reference. Hardback + spiral bound, it's a sturdy and user-friendly read.


Next up: Sandra Betzina's More Fabric Savy.
If you have a question about a fabric, what is it, what's it good for, how should I use it, wash it, dry it, stitch it, hem it - etc. - Ms. Betzina covers it! This book has fabulous pictures, great explanations and even tells you what type of needle to use. She gives great tips and is extremely clear. Ah - what did I do before I had this book?! (Oh yeah - I had ugly finishes and never changed my needle).



Looking for an embellishment book?
I recommend Customizing Cool Clothes - from dull to divine in 30 projects
This one has some fantastic ideas. I like it because the techniques can be adapted to really fit your style, personality - or wardrobe. From sewing on appliques to inserting grommets and using leather, feathers or sequins, this book has a lot to offer and teach.



The last book I'm going to mention is Fine Embellishment Techniques.
Whenever I look through this book, I am transported to the ateliers of the past, dreaming and getting a glimpse of what it must have been like to hand bead couture gowns and embroider gloves. This book offers sophisticated and timeless ideas and techniques to create a beautiful project.


There are so many more amazing reference, resource and inspiration books. Browse them all on our website.
Happy Sewing!

A Summer For Shirtings

I love a good shirting in summer. Cool, crisp, and classy, you can make so many things and look stylish in the humidity and heat.

Cottons shown left to right are available online:
#14499, 14500, 14466, 14501, and 6124

My favorite thing to make out of cotton shirting is actually a dress. Is there anything more comfortable than a classic shirt-dress? Belt it, wear a vest over it, tie a scarf around your waist, neck or drape one over your shoulders. Make button-up sleeves, or go sleeveless. Unleash your creativity!

Make a blouse, slip-dress, tunic, or wrap dress. Use a pattern from your stash or try any number of our independent designer patterns.

These beautiful cottons are easy to care for and wear wonderfully. Take it from me, I have several of Waechter's designer cotton shirtings in my wardrobe.


All of the patterns above would work beautifully with cotton shirtings.
Patterns in the top picture starting in the bottom left corner and continuing clockwise:
Favorite things Prairie Girl, Schoolhouse Tunic #13946, Colette Sencha Blouse #14176, Decades of Style Siren Sundress #10490, Favorite Things Nighty Night Slips #10656, Colette Parfait Dress #14180, and in the center -Amy Butler's The Liverpool Tunic #13290

Everything here is available online: www.waechters.com

Summer Projects

Waechterette, Linda, was putting together a cheerful little thing today and it looked so fun I thought we should share!

She's making a Sleep Over Quilt for her granddaughter full of bright pinks and flowers. I just love the trim she picked out:



Here's a picture of the one we have in the store -all rolled up, with handles and pocket. It's ready for toothbrush, Mr. Bear and giggles.


And here's a picture of it starting to be unrolled:


Does it get any better than a handmade quilt of her very own to take to friends and grandparents? I think that would keep some homesickness at bay when lights-out roll around.

This project can be as gussied up or simple as you choose to make it. If your granddaughter, niece, daughter or godchild is starting to get interested in sewing, this would be a great project to work on together.

To see more about the pattern click here.

Do you have a great summer project you're working on? Tell us about it!

Have a great week and a beautiful end of May!

Wearable Art -Waechter's Way

Have you always wanted to add your special signature to the clothes you make? Would you like to learn techniques for special details on couture fashions? If so, you'll want to have a front row seat for "Wearable Art...Waechter's Way" on Saturday, May 1 at 11 a.m. The presentation is free. However, space is limited, so call today to reserve a place for you and your friends.

We have had a blast giving demos and mini-classes about once a season here at Waechters. We're doing a artsy fun and fiber-y day filled with some of our very own favorite fiber artists:

Laura will introduce considerations for wearable art,
Karen will share how she jazzes up jackets,
Elizabeth will show how she combines fabrics, trims and creative details for children clothing
& Julie will present a fun and flirty scarf with silks and ribbons.


P.S. Did you know that Waechter's Fine Fabrics is again sponsoring the Wearable Art category at the Asheville Quilt Guild's Annual Quilt Show, August 6-8, at the NC Arboretum. Anyone may submit an entry in the show and the wearable art entries are not required to be quilted. The top three winners will receive fabulous gift certificates from Waechter's. For information and to download the entry form, visit AQG's website: www.ashevillequiltguild.org The deadline to submit an entry form is June 15.

We hope to see you there!