Fabrics Fitting for your Needs

Cotton, polyester, linen, oh my! When it comes to upholstery fabric, there is more to consider than simply color and pattern. Each fabric material has a unique set of characteristics, making some more favorable than others. Before purchasing any old fabric, keep these common characteristics in mind:

For those with sensitive skin

Whether you’re re-upholstering a sofa or designing a dress, you should consider materials that are breathable, light, and hypoallergenic. The natural properties of linen make it an ideal choice for those with sensitive allergies or very sensitive skin. Cotton is another naturally breathable fabric that is absorbent and cool and that won’t likely cause itchy skin or watery eyes.

For those looking for comfort and durability

If you’re looking for a fabric that can withstand a bit of wear a tear, wool is a great way to go. This durable fabric provides warmth in the colder months, while wicking away moisture in the warmer months. This thick fabric is also wrinkle-resistant and is light in weight, making it ideal for blankets, carpets, and clothing.

For those looking for outdoor performance

Patio furniture and outdoor décor require fabric that will withstand the strong rays of the sun as well as rain or wind. Polyester is perhaps the most ideal of fabrics utilized outdoors, offering strength and durability. Outdoor performance fabrics won’t easily fade in the sun and won’t be prone to wear and tear of unexpected weather.

By keeping these thoughts in mind, you’ll be on your way to a fabric that you love and that last for years to come!  

Go Bold with Geometric Fabrics

Ah, the home: a place of instant relaxation, rejuvenation, and positive energy. So often, we’re compelled to go neutral in our fabric choices. From a sofa to bedding to curtains, it’s easy to opt for neutral tones, solid colors, or subdued patterns. However, why not think outside the box and go bold with geometric fabrics? After all, with bold tones, bright colors, and eccentric design comes uplifted energy, heightened style, and a cozy sense of elegance. Check out these reasons why going bold with your upholstery is a beautiful thing:

·         Encourage positive energy and productivity. White, tan, pale blue. These are fine colors, and sure, they’re easy to incorporate into any interior, but it’s easy to feel dull and uninspired by these ho-hum tones. Here’s a thought: use bold colors such as deep reds, bright green, or even attention-grabbing black to spark some creative energy and intrigue. Instead of opting for solid prints, be a bit more creative with the use of geometric designs, also visually energizing.

·         Add endless style. Fun and intricate patterns add a pop of personality to any space and they’re trendier than ever! Think bright colors, bold geometrics, and fun whimsical designs that are sure to turn heads and spark a conversation. The best part? No matter your interior design style, there’s sure to be a design for you!

·         Bring on the intimacy. If you’re working with a lot of open space or bland white walls, it can be hard to create a sense of cozy intimacy. Utilize fabrics in rich colors or ornate patterns to add a sense of warm and soothing intimacy. Subdued colors tend to drown against neutral colored walls, making for a lack in warmth.  Bold style and patterns help to bring in the dimensions of a room, making it feel just a little bit more comfortable!

Looking to take the look of your home up a notch? There are so many reasons that you should go bold with bright colors and intricate geometric designs!

Fun Fabrics for Summer Days

With warmer weather approaching, we tend to instinctually reach for brighter colors, lighter fabrics, and summer-themed prints. Whether you’re sewing a fun and breezy sundress, reupholstering a patio set, or crafting a set of seasonal tea towels, there is no end to the style opportunities. As you begin to think about the summer crafting ahead keep these summer fabric styles in mind:

Light and breathable fabrics:  Nobody wants heavy fabrics in the sweltering summer months! As we approach warmer and sunnier days, opt for fabrics in cotton or linen. If you’re crafting outdoor projects, search for outdoor performance fabrics, such as polyester.

Bright colors and patterns: Brighter days are the perfect time of the year to go bold and bright! Think bright shades of orange and yellow, or, go with the natural colors of the green grass and blue sea. If you favor neutral colors, whites, sandy tans, and pale greens and blues are a great way to go.

Fun prints and designs: The summer season comes with so many fun design options. Nautical fabrics and the summer season go hand in hand. Floral prints are also a warm weather favorite. If you want something that will transition well throughout the season, look for stripes, chevron, or paisley prints. 

The approaching season means fun projects, calling for bright colors and whimsical prints! Keep these stylistic elements in mind for your next summer DIY project. 

Essential Supplies for Novice DIYers

Here at 1502Fabrics, we believe that doing it yourself is the best way to do it! From simply DIY projects such as knitting a scarf to larger projects, such as reupholstering a couch, there’s no end to the fun and possibly. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feel of completing your project and saying, “I made that!” If you’re a DIY expert, you’ve probably got a good hand on crafting supplies that you need to get you through each project. However, if you’re new to DIY, it can be intimating to walk into your local craft supply shop. Here’s a list of some basic essentials to begin building your craft supply kit:

·         A great pair of fabric scissors. Fabric scissors are sharper and pointier than regular old office scissors, allowing you to achieve a crisper, cleaner edge.

·         Masking or painters tape. Masking or painters tape will carry you through a number of DIY projects. Whether you’re designing and sewing a kitchen apron or spray painting a vase or piece of class décor, these tapes are sure to come in handy. They can be used to mark a spot, without leaving a permanent mark, or, for creating an even line when painting.

·         A hot glue gun. You’ll find yourself reaching for a hot glue gun time and time again. Hot glue allows for quick and strong adhering for a number of different materials.

·         Pencils. This may be a no-brainer, but it’s an essential for any project! From sketching ideas and taking notes to making discrete measuring marks, you don’t want to be without this staple!

·         Clips of décor or crafting magazines. A little inspiration never hurt anybody! If you’re unsure of where to begin as you embark as a crafting, sift through some magazines! See a floral upholstery fabric that you love? Tear it out and save it! See a photo of a gallery wall that sparks intrigue? Keep it on hand! These images will surely spark some design inspiration for your next big project! 

Paisley for the Playroom

How will you create a fun playroom or engaging bedroom for your child? Choosing the right decorations, from classically inspired fabrics, is a great way to start! Paisley fabrics are fun and whimsical additions to any kid-space, full of swirling patterns and cheerful colors. Here's how paisley could make your spaces more kid friendly!

What Is Paisley?

Paisley fabric features an iconic curved swirl that is instantly recognizable. These interlocking patterns repeat in smooth waves that evoke an immediate sense of harmony. The design originally comes from historic Indian and Middle Eastern art, where this ordered, yet abstract pattern was commonly seen naturally on vegetation and flowers.

Why Try a Paisley Playroom?

Although this iconic motif is almost universal, paisley patterns are all unique, and you have a wide variety of options in choosing one that you and your child love. Choose some color schemes that might go well with your existing decor, and see how they'd look as part of this soothing design.

Because paisley also ties in with traditional floral imagery, it's easy to choose anything from bold backgrounds to mellow, muted surroundings. Wild, abstract compositions take children's imaginations on epic journeys, and more subdued fabric exudes a calm sense.

It's up to you how to design the perfect room for a child. Fabric is one inexpensive way to create a stable arrangement that your little one feels comfortable learning and exploring in, and paisley is almost certain to please!

Outdoor Fabrics for a Brighter Outdoor Space

Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, so you want it to feel just as warm and welcoming. With some inexpensive supplies and the right outdoor fabrics, it's easier than you might think to create a space that complements your decor and enhances your lifestyle! 

Whatever your surroundings or the size of your outdoor living area, it is possible to achieve just the right look and feel. Bring your vision to life with a little creativity and some planning. Grab a pen and paper and begin by deciding what you want to achieve. Maybe you need privacy? Perhaps you want to block an unpleasant view. Or, maybe you don't need to solve a decorating dilemma, but simply want to make your patio, deck, balcony or yard the most beautiful, welcoming place as possible. 

Some solutions even do double duty. Make a privacy screen in a fabric that complements your furniture and/or cushions for a space that's both private and aesthetically appealing. Replace the fabric on a boring umbrella with one in an eye-catching color and sufficiently heavy-duty material to keep the sun's strongest rays from spoiling your outdoor fun. If the building manager allows it, brighten and personalize a corner balcony wall by creating an "accent wall" with a do-it-yourself frame and a pretty fabric. 

From high-rise apartments to sprawling country homes, the right outdoor fabrics can give even the smallest or most drab spaces a boost. Make your outdoor living area one you'll be truly proud to call your own!

Create Seaworthy Décor With Nautical Fabric

Nothing makes us think of summer more than the beach; the sound of the waves crashing, the sting of the salt water and the squish of the sand between our toes.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have that same euphoric feeling at home? By bringing in a lot of bright colors and nautical fabric themes into your home you can pretend you’re living right on the ocean. 

There are many ways to incorporate this carefree feeling into your home; you can choose to go with a bolder pattern; for instance our Covington Seaworthy Coral Fabric would be the perfect one to choose. However, if you’re looking for more of a softer touch, the Culp Strathmore Oceanside pattern would help ease you into more of a nautical feeling. This would be the pattern that could tie in more accent pieces; it is a really phenomenal pattern to pair with nautical designs.  At 1502fabrics.com you can find any fabric that would bring the flow of the ocean into your home. Be adventurous and take a chance on our bold Golding Sealife fabric, it will make you feel warm during the coldest of winter nights.

How To Dress Up Your Space With The Pantone Color Of The Year

Spring is upon us! What better way to start spring cleaning than introducing a new color into your home. This year it is all about the color marsala, and no, we are not talking about putting wine on your walls. We are talking about Pantone Color of the Year 2015, 18-1438, also known as marsala. This is a very rich color that is going to add elegance to any of your rooms. You can use this as a solid accent color or even as your bold main color. Our online fabric store is your place to bring this inviting color into your home, business, or even just to bring life to an old chair!

At 1502fabrics.com we have quite a few selections in the marsala color family. To achieve the lighter softer accent color we have the Culp Strathmore Cayene. This light patterned fabric would be a great pop color to that accent chair in your living room. For a piece that needs something bolder we have the Golding Davis Sienna which would be the perfect conversation piece in your office.  These are just a few of the color swatches that we have available. Check out our whole collection on 1502fabrics.com, the online fabric store for Pantone Color of the Year fabrics!