Choosing suitable Fabric for Clothes

12 types of fabric commonly used are:

• Cotton voile: Voile is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a great drape.

• Cotton lawn: Lawn is very similar to cotton voile but is slightly crisper.

• Rayon challis: Rayon challis is a smooth, lightweight fabric. It drapes well and is slightly heavier than other lightweight fabrics, like cotton voile and cotton lawn.

• Chambray: Chambray is another smooth, lightweight fabric. It doesn't drape as well as rayon challis, cotton voile or cotton lawn.

• Denim: Denim is a heavy-weight fabric with very little drape or stretch.

• Double gauze: Double gauze is a unique fabric in that it is literally two layers of gauze woven together. The double layer of fabric eradicates the main problem of sewing clothing from gauze (the sheerness), while retaining the good qualities (extremely light and breathable).

• Knit: In the knit fabric category, there are several types of knit, varying from lightweight to medium weight. Knit fabric is your go-to for any garment that needs to have a great deal of stretch. Patterns are designed for either woven fabric or knit fabric, and patterns sized for knit fabric will often specify the degree of stretch needed in the fabric.

• Silk: Silk is a lightweight, delicate fabric that drapes well. It has a slightly shimmery appearance. Silk can be slippery and more difficult to work with. It also makes a great lining fabric.

• Satin: Satin can vary from lightweight to heavyweight, depending on the type of satin. Like silk, it has a glossy appearance.

• Linen: Linen is a medium-weight fabric with little elasticity (hence the wrinkles). But it conducts heat very well, which is why it’s a popular choice for warm-weather anything.

• Wool: There are over 200 different types of wool, coming from 40 different breeds of sheep, so the weight will vary depending on the type of wool. Wool is extremely hard-wearing and versatile. It’s also very warm and a good choice for colder weather garments.

• Flannel: Flannel is a soft, lightweight fabric. It works well for colder-temperature shirts, pants and jackets.

You can select the best fabric for you by knowing the advantages and disadvantages. 

Based on Absorbency:

You will be able to identify fiber absorbency by the wear of ability and durability. The more absorbent fibers are the more comfortable they are to wear. They absorb body moisture and humidity. Since they absorb moisture they are less prone to static electricity and will clean more easily.

1. The less absorbent fibers are the less comfortable they are to wear, but since they are less affected by body heat and moisture they wrinkle less and they hold their shape better. However, they become static-prone. Here you can determine the best fabric for you that will wear well by knowing their absorbency.
2. More absorbent - wool, linen, silk, cotton and natural fibers Less absorbent rayon, acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester and synthetic fibers.

Based on length:

Here you can determine the best fabric for you that will wear well by knowing the lengths of fibers that will affect its performance and appearance.

1. Long fibers are synthetics. Silk is the only one that is a natural long fiber, but there are longer wool and cotton fibers that have some of these characteristics: Lustrous and smooth, pill resistant, more resilient.
2. Short fibers are natural and synthetic fibers cut. They are cut into short lengths twisted into a yarn that has a fuzzier appearance like soft and fuzzy, tend to pill and wrinkle more easily. Now wool gabardine is a long fiber and wool flannel is a short fiber.

 

Shopping tips for finding the best fabric:

     

1. Wool and wool blend tweeds are very fast to sew because they hide sewing mistakes. They also mold into shape easily.
2.  Solid colors are faster to sew than plaids, prints are faster than both as the print in the fabric doesn't require matching. Plaids are take the most time because of the cutting concentration and planning required.
3.  Make a note in a small notebook with the following five basic pieces and make sure you take it with you when shopping for your best fabric. Also, make sure you use the yardage conversion chart on the back of the pattern catalogue if your fabric width is different.
4. Jacket, Pants, Skirt, Blouse, Matching skirt, Jacket lining and Jacket interfacing.

   

Choosing Curtain Fabric - Eight Secrets you Need to Know

You have decided that your home needs new curtains or drapes and you are about to select the fabric. Learn eight important trade secrets from the professionals before you buy any fabric. Good quality fabric is not cheap and once you have paid the curtain maker and fitter curtains can be quite an investment. There are thousands of fabrics suitable for use in curtains but bear in mind the following when selecting fabric.

1. Opacity
Is the fabric thick enough to keep the morning sun out of your bedroom or will the curtain need to be interlined at extra expense? Test a large sample of a fabric by holding it up to the sun. If you are thinking of quilted silks or similar fabrics hold them up to a strong light to check for production flaws between the two outer fabric layers - trapped threads can show up as annoying shadows.

2. How much fabric do I need?
It is always advisable to get professional advice on the quantity of fabric required, particularly where the fabric requires a pattern match allowance. It is also important to allow for fabric (from the same batch) for pelmets, valances, tie backs and matching soft furnishings.

3. Pattern Match
Is pattern match critical? Make sure that you allow enough extra fabric to accommodate pattern matching? Also beware that jacquard fabrics are prone to significant variation in pattern repeat dimension between batches because the repeat depends upon the tension of the fabric on the loom.

4. Color matching
It is always advisable to use fabric from one batch for a job to ensure consistent colouration. Also be aware that manufacturers tend not to guarantee that colours will exactly match between sample books, swatches and the delivered fabric. Nowadays with internet ordering it is inadvisable to rely on on-screen representation of a fabric sample. Most screen images will not match the colour of the fabric, nor will they show the full pattern repeat and of course the computer monitor cannot yet render texture, sheen or patina! The best place to decide on fabric is in a fabric shop with professional advice and appropriate lighting. Here you can feel fabrics and compare options side by side.

5. Sizing
Sizing is most important for curtains that reach down to the floor. If they pool on the floor or only reach part way to the floor you do not need to worry too much about precision. Full length curtains usually look best but obstructions under windows (e.g. radiators) are common. You can still have full length curtains even with radiators in place if you consider a curtain pole with extension brackets. Certain curtain headings (e.g. pinch pleat) allow the vertical position of the curtain to be adjusted on fitting or after any subsequent sagging. Tab headed curtains or eyelet curtains have no such adjustment and so need careful fitting and selection of fabrics that will not stretch, shrink or sag.

6. Fitting
For full length curtains, to get the most accurate measurements put the poles up first and then measure the precise curtain drop. Then get your curtain maker to use these figures. Make sure you use a professional fitter who knows how to properly hang and dress curtains. Doing it yourself can be a false economy.

7. Shrinkage
Since curtain material is mostly natural it can be prone to shrinkage and expansion. Some fabrics are sensitive to relative humidity and expand and shrink accordingly. Shrinkage is common during treatments such as fire retarding. If you are considering long (over 2.5metres) or heavy curtains get professional advice about your choice of fabric.

8. Do not cut
When you receive fabric always inspect it carefully. Is it the correct fabric? Is the quantity correct? Look for any flaws. Once you cut the fabric, the vendor/manufacturer will not accept the return of the fabric. If you need more, make sure you get the same batch code.

Finally, if you bear these points in mind you should avoid most common pitfalls and you will have a new set of beautiful curtains that really enhance your home.

Value of Sesame Seeds

Sesame  is a flowering plant in the genus Sesamum, also called benne.^.Numerous wild relatives occur in Africa and a smaller number in India. It is widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world and is cultivated for its edible seeds, which grow in pods or "buns". The world harvested 6.2 million metric tonnes of sesame seeds in 2014, with Tanzania, India, and Sudan as the largest producers.

Sesame seed is one of the oldest oilseed crops known, domesticated well over 3000 years ago. Sesamum has many other species, most being wild and native to sub-Saharan Africa. Sesamum indicum, the cultivated type, originated in India  and is tolerant to drought-like conditions, growing where other crops fail.

BENEFITS OF USING SESAME:

sesame seeds are extremely beneficial for health, but are often overlooked. They include the ability to prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure, prevent a wide variety of cancers, build strong bones, protect against radiation, increase heart health, help cure sleep disorders, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost respiratory health, strengthen your oral health, aid in healthy growth, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and eliminate depression and chronic stress. 

Nutritional Value of Sesame Seeds:

The many health benefits of sesame seeds are due to its nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, natural oils, and organic compounds which consist of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, protein, and tryptophan. 

HOW TO USE SESAME SEEDS:

Sesame seeds can be used in a variety of ways, either added as a sprinkled topping on salads or stews, mixed into bread, ground into a thin paste like hummus, or even blended into a powder and mixed with various smoothies. Sesame oil is also very popular and potent for natural health remedies, ranging from topical applications on the body to using the oil as a digestive or anti-inflammatory substance.

CALORIES LEVEL ON SESAME SEEDS:

There is a surprisingly high number of calories in sesame seeds – approximately 50 calories in a single tablespoon. However,this is due to the concentrated nature of these seeds, which are overflowing with minerals, vitamins and organic compounds that the body needs. While eating an excessive amount of sesame seeds isn’t suggested, using them sparingly in your meals and adding them to your diet when possible is a very good idea.

TYPES OF SESAME SEEDS:

Sesame seeds have a nutty, slightly sweet taste and aroma which is enhanced by toasting. Widely available are the white and black varieties. The white has a delicate flavor and can be used in all dishes calling for sesame seeds. The black seeds have a richer flavor and stronger aroma and are best used alongside other bold ingredients so as not to overwhelm the dish.

HOW TO STORE SESAME SEEDS:

·         The best way to store sesame seeds is in an airtight container or bag in the pantry or another cool dark place with a constant temperature.

·         Tahini should be refrigerated in an airtight container after opening, much like natural peanut butter, in order to keep out moisture and other contaminants.

·         For a long term option, sesame seeds can be frozen in an airtight container.

·         Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Some Information About Granite

Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips:

•  Wipe up spills immediately
•  Use mild soap and water 
•  Rinse
•  Use soft cloth to dry

Reasons to use Granite counter parts in kitchen:

1.Toughness:

Granite is a natural stone that is formed from intense heat and pressure, and because of its formation process, it is resistant to many types of damage that may be detrimental to other types of countertop materials.

2.Beautiful style:

Granite has a very distinctive look that often includes veining or speckling, and there are usually both light and dark colors in the pattern. There are an almost endless range of color options to choose from, so you can reasonably expect to find the perfect option to install in your space.

3.Clean material:

Granite’s unique surface will not trap bacteria in it, so it is easy to clean and is safe to have in this area of the home. If you are concerned about how sanitary your kitchen is, granite is a great option to consider.

TYPES OF GRANITES:

There 2 types of Granite available in India –

 (1) Granite from Southern India and

 (2) Granite from Rajasthan

 Various colours are available in both types of Granite.

 

Southern Granite has Black base, whereas Granite from Rajasthan are colour base

1) Telephone black

2) Normal black

3) Lower black

4) Red base