Double Gauze and Luxe Cuddle from Shannon Fabrics, Janome Education Summit 2018, Post #3
More fun stuff from the Janome Education Summit! On Wednesday, we were given a choice of three kits by Shannon Fabrics…these are brilliant! They come in a lovely box (link here to mine on Amazon…other kits are currently available, prices in the $32-39 range for all the fabric you need, click here to see Shannon Fabrics Cuddle Kits) with the exact amounts of different fabrics and faux fur to make a baby throw, about 30×40 inches. I loved the arrow print in mine so was (once again) the disobedient child and opted to make an Infinity Scarf with one of the fabrics and the faux fur at the Summit, then make the blouse pictured above when home.
The revelation was the incredible softness and quality of the faux fur. It is LUXURIOUS–look for “Luxe Cuddle.” You will want to pet it. You will want to take it home. One Janome Educator had made a throw of this “fur/minkee” with flannel that is so incredibly snuggly that it almost (but not quite) makes you wish winter would come sooner. But when Winter does come I’ll be ready–I’ve already ordered 4 1/2 yards online! Here are a bunch of photos I took of samples and items made with the Luxe Cuddle and furs. Some are definitely more “city” than rural Maine, but I can still see some of these in fun stuff–that curly fur would be a totally fun throw pillow! Price on the fabrics I ordered (from fabric.com, not affiliated, just had a good selection) were about $16-26 a yard. I don’t have a photo of the jacket one of the ladies from Shannon made for her daughter from a fur that looked like a baby spotted fawn…adorable.
Some great tips from Shannon Fabrics for working with Minkee, Cuddle and other fabrics that shed:
- first cut from the back so you clip the backing fabric, not the hairs (thereby creating fewer shedding bits),
- then run the cut pieces in the dryer — the loose bits will mostly end up in the lint filter (empty it!) and not all over you and your sewing room
- choose a simple garment shape, boxy rather than fitted/many pieces/darts
There are great tips and tricks on Shannon’s website here. And free patterns are here. Including the one I used for this scarf which I made in class:
I ordered some Faux Fox fur for another infinity scarf — a yard of $17 fabric (60″ wide) will make two long scarves 9″ wide x 60″ loop (can wear doubled as in this photo) or three shorter ones 9″ wide by 36″ loop. Pretty quick and easy holiday gifts, eh? And I am in LOVE with the Buffalo Check fleece, which is not in stores yet that I can find. I want to make Christmas jammie pants for the family! If you have wee ones, imagine making a plushie toy like the elephant and a matching nap blankie!
The double gauze has in the past been aimed at the children’s garment market, but they are starting to add not-juvenile prints and solid colors. Some other double gauze I have used is a finer weave and softer to the hand, but costs about triple this fabric. The fabric softens up when washed, and I know I will really like wearing my shirt. Here is how I made it using two of the fabrics that came in my kit:
It’s so much fun re-visiting this inspiring Summit. In retrospect I can’t believe we packed in so much into just under 3 full days! Thank you again Janome America for inviting me to participate, including me as a Janome Artisan, and supporting me and my art these past 15 years. I think I’ve been affiliated with the company longer than many of their freelance educators! And thanks to Shannon Fabric for this session, the kit, and yes, I’m totally gonna order more of that Faux Fur!
June 12th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Hi Sarah,
This is so much fun to see what you have made and your enthusiasm and energy! We had a great time introducing you and others at the Summit to our fabrics. We look forward to more fun projects ahead! 🙂
-Ellen
June 12th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
I shared some of the free patterns and info, and a number of folks commenting on the lovely navy with gold Queen Anne’s lace double gauze. I can see a market (especially in warm places like Florida and the Southwest) for year-round garments there from relaxed pull-on pants to light jackets and tops for adults.
June 12th, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Sarah,
Thanks for sharing all of the great info in your post.
Yes! I totally agree- the double gauze is perfect for warm climates as it’s so breathable and not see through 🙂 or just as a layering piece all year round too.
Ellen
June 17th, 2018 at 7:33 pm
You look so wonderful! Sarah, you look so slim/skinny! I love the shirt you made with the double gauze! I was just able to check out your post. Dan had to clear the cookies for me. Keep sharing, please and thank you very much!
June 18th, 2018 at 9:54 am
Thanks, Patricia! I’ve actually gained about 8 pounds since last summer…must do something about it. But will try to blog a bit more regularly this year! Stay well!
July 9th, 2018 at 9:47 am
[…] she was wrapped in this snuggle throw. It was made from flannel on one side, the Cuddle fleece (see earlier post) on the other, then free-motion quilted using fuzzy yarn and the couching foot. Let me just say I […]