It's all about the cotton when it comes to the fundamentals of many of our aprons. And probably many of your sewing projects as well. For us, if we're talking about character aprons, it's crucial that we pick the right cotton. So what's up with the love for KONA?
WHAT IS KONA COTTON?
First thing first. What is KONA Cotton anyway? It's a light-weight quilting cotton created + manufactured by Robert Kaufman, a company that has been synonymous with quality fabrics for over 50 years. Oh, and it's still a family run business - which I have a special place in my heart for, but that's just me.
KONA FEATURES THAT STAND OUT
As mentioned above, the quality of the fabric makes it stand out head and shoulders above the crowd of other cotton fabrics. Additionally, KONA has minimal shrinkage and the colors don't bleed like a lot of other solid fabrics do. That is crucial when you are putting blue, red, yellow, and white together in the same apron or garment. And speaking of color - there are over 300 color options in the KONA line-up. Talk about choices! I have never seen a manufacturer of fabric carry that many color options in a single line.
NO NASTY CHEMICAL BATHS
As you probably know already, a lot of fabrics are chemically treated in the "finishing" process. These chemicals are used to make the fabric stain resistant, crease resistant, stiffen the fabric, give the fabric an anti-static quality, and to lessen the flammability of the fabric - to name just a few.
KONA, on the other hand, is the "only quilting solid to come with the assurance of Oeko-tex certification, which certifies that no harmful chemicals were used in the production, processing or finishing of these goods". In plain English, that means that not only is it super soft and non-scratchy but it skips the nasty chemical baths in the process.
NUTSHELL RECAP: WHY WE LOVE KONA COTTON
- It's a light-weight quilting cotton created + manufactured by Robert Kaufman
- It's 100% Cotton (not a blend)
- It's durable - weighing in at between 4.3 + 4.35 oz. per square yard
- It has minimal shrinkage + doesn't bleed when wet or washed so you can mix colors easily
- There are over 300 color options available in the KONA line
- It's soft and non-scratchy fabric
- It is the only quilting fabric that bears the Oeko-tex certification stating no harmful chemicals were used.
What is your favorite cotton for your projects? Do you use KONA? Let us know in the comments below.
Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Bottom 3 Photos of KONA Cotton: Craftsy
WHAT IS CHAMBRAY?
Chambray is often confused with denim. But, it's actually denim's light-weight cousin. It's a cotton fabric that combines colored yarn (in the warp or top of the fabric) and white yarn (in the weft or back of the fabric), which is actually the same manner that denim is woven in. However, Chambray is a plain or sometimes crisscross weave whereas denim is a diagonal weave. In plain English that means that Chambray is a lighter, airier weave that exposes more of the white yarn in the top side of the fabric. Whereas denim is a dense, tight weave (and therefore heavier) that keeps the white yarn on the back side of the fabric - giving it a darker color than any Chambray.
WHAT TO MAKE USING CHAMBRAY
We know that Chambray has the appearance of a lightly colored denim and that it is a little bit heavier than basic quilting fabrics, but, not as heavy as denim. So the question becomes - what can you make using Chambray?
The answer to that question is pretty endless. You can go traditional and create a top like the one pictured above or you can get creative with it and create nearly anything you can think of for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. Think: button up shirts, dresses (both flowing and structured), pantsuits, pants, and even shoes (Espadrilles look amazing in Chambray).
WHAT ABOUT HOME-GOODS USES
Can Chambray be used to create home-goods? Of course! It is perfect for tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, duvet covers, and yes - especially aprons. It is tough + durable while staying soft + comfy, which, in my opinion makes it ideal for a workhorse apron.
Washed Chambray will give you a similar wrinkled look of linen,. As I'm sure you've seen all over Etsy and Pinterest, that wrinkled look is crazy popular these days. So, with that in mind, I am thinking that a revamped bistro apron or gardening apron would be the perfect style choice for Chambray. Mix it with pops of color - sparingly or all over for an unexpected surprise. Like the soft pink seen in the image above.
NUTSHELL RECAP: WHY CHAMBRAY IS THE PERFECT DENIM ALTERNATIVE
- It's lighter than denim, but a bit heavier than standard quilting fabrics
- It's generally 100% Cotton (not a blend)
- It's durable - weighing in at 4.9 oz. per square yard
- It's soft and non-scratchy fabric + will only get softer with each washing
- Its composition makes it more versatile than denim + can be used for clothing and home-goods alike
What do you think of Chambray with pink? I have tons of ideas swirling around and can't wait to share the end result with you!
Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Top Photo of Chambray: Fancy Tiger Crafts
WILD ABOUT CHRISTMAS
Dec 16, 2016
For some reason I have loved this fabric combo for years. It made its first appearance in our shop when we were still selling the Jessie Apron. I think the pops of animal print in the main Santa fabric are just fun - and a great way to add a little of an unexpected pop.
This fabric can be purchased at Hobby Lobby - and if you catch it on a sale, snag a bunch of it to make your family and friends some awesome aprons! If you want to make this exact one, you can snag the Jessie pattern in our Etsy shop.
Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Jessie Apron Pattern + Tutorial by Bambino Amore // Wild Santa Jessie Apron by Bambino Amore
CHRISTMAS APRON FABRIC INSPIRATION
Dec 2, 2016
Christmas is the perfect time to really get creative with your fabric combos - it's almost like Halloween all over again, except with a sweet twist as opposed to a scary one.
Like this custom Gingerbaby apron that we made for a clients little one and her friend. We began with a light brown gingerbread background for the body of the apron and added some white icing up the middle in the form of white ruffles on either side of a middle panel. Inside that middle panel we added bright green braided trim + buttons in red and green. The crisp white icing bias around the bodice was topped off with red ricrac and a sweet red bow. The traditional red + white striped fabric ties the whole look together in the underskirt and the ties.
What do you think of this fabric combo? It's a nice spin on a traditional gingerbread, isn't it?
Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Bambino Amore // Last Two Photos - client thank you photos.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons