Goal of Martindale Textile Library: to gain the ability to determine both the weave and material of a fabric through visual and tactile clues
In my studies, I am breaking down textiles and weaves into levels based on how difficult they are to work with:
Beginner: easy to cut, easy to find the grain, easy to execute a straight seam, best place to start as a beginner seamstress, no specialized training or tools required
Intermediate: more difficult to cut, grain is less defined/visible, takes practice to execute a straight seam with this fabric/weave, recommended to master beginner level fabrics prior to moving into this level, may require some specialized tools/training
Advanced/Couture: difficult to cut, grain may be completely obfuscated or non-existent, very difficult to execute a straight seam without advanced training and/or tools, recommend mastery of both beginner and intermediate level fabrics prior to moving into this level of textile
Each textile and weave will include a level definition, so I can understand the level of complexity and training required to successfully work with each different type of fabric.
Fabric and Weave Cards will include the following:
Type of Weave: defines how the fabric was constructed; plain, satin, twill, etc
Level of Stretch: how much give the fabric has when put under tension in either warp or weft direction
Drape: how the fabrics falls and moves under its own weight; one of the most important qualities in a fabric
Hand: the tactile character of a textile, describing how it feels to the touch, including its softness, smoothness, firmness, resilience, texture, warmth, and overall sensory impression; one of the best ways to determine the type of fabric
Recovery: a textile's ability to return to its original shape, dimensions, or appearance after being stretched, compressed, folded, or wrinkled
Uses: what each fabric is good for in garment construction
Notes & Fun Facts: things I discover along the way and want to remember
Until next time,
Elise
