The bright colors and bold designs of oilcloth and laminated fabrics have always intrigued me. I'm drawn to them, but I'm also a bit ... well ... scared of them. I've never sewn with oilcloth before, and I'm not really sure where to start. I know that - without the right tools and tips - it can be frustrating to work with, but I also know that projects made with oilcloth and laminated fabrics are beautiful and durable. Thankfully, one of my favorite oilcloth gurus has written a book that's a great guide to working with these fun and super functional fabrics.
I've followed Kelly McCants on Modern June and Oilcloth Addict for ages. Her new book, Sewing With Oilcloth, has loads of great projects and wonderful tips and instruction for working with oilcloth and laminated fabrics. Let's take a look, shall we?
Kelly starts Sewing With Oilcloth with great resources to help you succeed with your oil cloth sewing projects. Part of my fear of working with these fabrics was how to make my machine advance them easily and not jam up. Kelly shares several options for helping them feed easily and for what tools work best on oilcloth. She also shows you how to make and attach oilcloth bias trim, which is crazy kinds of cute.
The projects in Kelly's book range from simple to complex and are beautifully practical (something I really love). These nesting bins would be great in the garden shed or kids' bedroom.
These seat cushions remind me of an awesome outdoor lounger my grandparents had in their backyard. How happy would you feel seeing these bold prints on your porch every day?
And here's the project I'm dying to try first from the book: a cute and practical wallet. This one looks like a great starter project with simple lines, easy details and a resulting piece that you'll use over and over again.
If you have trouble finding great oilcloth or laminated fabrics at your local independent fabric shop, be sure to check out Kelly's Oilcloth Addict shop. Her selections are extensive and beautiful.
I picked up this fun cherry oil cloth and dew drop laminated cotton at The Stitch Lab, and now I can't wait to try them out on the projects from Kelly's book! And you're in luck, because Kelly graciously sent a copy of Sewing With Oilcloth for me to give to one lucky Average Jane Crafter reader. Leave a comment here letting me know why you've been scared to work with oilcloth or what successes you've had with working with oilcloth. I'll close comments at 10 AM CST on September 10 and will announce the winner next Monday. For more opportunities to win a copy & to learn more about the book, keep up with the Sewing With Oilcloth blog book tour!
Since I'm personally shipping the book, I need to limit it to US residents. Thanks for understanding!
Common Thread on South Lamar here in Austin has some really cute oilcloth...I didn't pick any up as I was working on School Clothes at the time and felt like I had a deadline...but it is definately worth a look. http://www.commonthreadfabric.com/ Check it out!
I am so scared of oil cloth! But I have got to get over it so I can make a toddler booster seat and great oil cloth toiletry travel bags and all that great stuff. I need this book :)
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book. I love oilcloth, but am always hesitant to cut and sew it. . . no taking out seams, just scary to know that it has to go well the first time around.
The only thing I have done with oil cloth is recover my dining room chairs. I bought the cloth through formandfabric.com (a local austin biz!). It didn't seem terribly scary at the time but the fabric has loosened up a bit since I did it. I have a ton of extra fabric left over and I have to figure out what to do with it. Now, that the twins are 4 1/2, I think I might finally have time to sew again!
I love the retro look of oilcloth, but have always figured there must be some "trick" to sewing with it. I am such an oilcloth fan that I have been known to frequent certain restaurants solely because they used a different oilcloth on each table...so wonderfully casual and carefree looking!
I'm a new sewer/quilter so I'm afraid of everything! I recently bought some oilcloth and would love to win this book to explain how to work with it. I guess I'm intimidated because it seems so stiff and heavy compared to quilting fabric.
I bought some laminated fabrics from Stitch Lab too. I had mixed results which convinced me that I need to do some research! I LOOOVVEEE the bright colors and choices in both oil cloth and laminated fabric. If I should be graced with this gift, I would not only use it but share with my crafty friends who will then probably buy their own copy:) My project, I lined a lunch bag with it, my daughter LOVES it!
One of the first sewing projects I ever made was a sewing machine cover made of teal and white polka dot oil cloth. I haven't made another oil cloth project since, but would love some new ideas showing me what I could make out of oilcloth!
The only oilcloth project I have had the guts to attempt was the no-sew bunting with chalk cloth and ribbon that was posted on -yep- oilcloth addict!
I still have bits of lovely oilcloth and need the kick in the pants to try it on the sewing machine. Please please pick me to make a home for the new book!
I tried to make a little "purse" to carry picnic utensils on the boat and the stuff crawled all over the place on my machine. It gathered to one side and I was so unhappy that I made it one of my ufos...I have much more oil cloth for other accessories for the boat but felt it was too difficult to manage on the machine, so I would love to win this book and continue my projects with the right solutions!!!! Sandy
I think my first challenge was actually locating a cute pattern on oil cloth. All the stores I frequent for material either told me it called vinyl or that they didn't have it. Sad times. Alas, I found a small piece and I was on my way...that is until me and sewing machine started fighting.
hiyall, I am lusting after the little wallet. Im thinking cell phone pouches and coin purses for xmas gifts this year. thanks for the giveaway! (mauh) Liz
Oh! Oh! Oh! Pick me!!!! This would so help me with my next projects. I'm going to try to make sandwich and snack wrappers and an apron. I've been fascinated with oilcloth and laminated cottons for a while. This will give me the skills and techniques to get me going!
I would totally love to add to the kitsch factor in my kitchen with some oilcloth. However, up until now I've been a little wary of making anything on the sewing machine with it. I've only braved a few hand-sewn or no sew projects.
Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance to win :)
I've been worried that my machine isn't sturdy enough to sew oilcloth. But that raindrop laminate you have makes me feel really really brave! I'm going to pick some up at Stitchlab too.
I would love to try sewing with oilcloth - so many great projects out there! I have been hesitant because I am afraid to mess up and ruin it as it would leave holes in the fabric if I tried to pick the stitches.
I'm so glad I stopped here to check out your review of this book. I hadn't seen any pictures inside yet and love the ones you've shown. LOVE the little baskets and never would have thought of that myself. Those would be great in any room. And I LOVE that cherry oilcloth you have. SO pretty. I'm glad more and more stores are starting to carry the laminites and oil cloth. For so long the only choice of oilcloth in my area was the yellow and white stripes. It was fine for what I used it for but ick, sooooo boring. But, I never attempted to sew on it because I had no idea back then how to best stitch with that fabric. I'd love this book for the tips alone but the projects all look great.
I just haven't had a project in which I'll need oilcloth yet. But, a friend is having a baby, so I'm thinking some handmade bibs are in order.
ReplyDeleteCommon Thread on South Lamar here in Austin has some really cute oilcloth...I didn't pick any up as I was working on School Clothes at the time and felt like I had a deadline...but it is definately worth a look. http://www.commonthreadfabric.com/ Check it out!
ReplyDeleteI am so scared of oil cloth! But I have got to get over it so I can make a toddler booster seat and great oil cloth toiletry travel bags and all that great stuff. I need this book :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks such a great book!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to sew with oilcloth but it looks kinda scary and unforgiving - after all I guess you can't unpick can you???
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book. I love oilcloth, but am always hesitant to cut and sew it. . . no taking out seams, just scary to know that it has to go well the first time around.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I have done with oil cloth is recover my dining room chairs. I bought the cloth through formandfabric.com (a local austin biz!). It didn't seem terribly scary at the time but the fabric has loosened up a bit since I did it. I have a ton of extra fabric left over and I have to figure out what to do with it. Now, that the twins are 4 1/2, I think I might finally have time to sew again!
ReplyDeleteI love the retro look of oilcloth, but have always figured there must be some "trick" to sewing with it. I am such an oilcloth fan that I have been known to frequent certain restaurants solely because they used a different oilcloth on each table...so wonderfully casual and carefree looking!
ReplyDeleteI've never made anything with oilcloth but I'd love to try it out. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new sewer/quilter so I'm afraid of everything! I recently bought some oilcloth and would love to win this book to explain how to work with it. I guess I'm intimidated because it seems so stiff and heavy compared to quilting fabric.
ReplyDeleteI bought some laminated fabrics from Stitch Lab too. I had mixed results which convinced me that I need to do some research! I LOOOVVEEE the bright colors and choices in both oil cloth and laminated fabric. If I should be graced with this gift, I would not only use it but share with my crafty friends who will then probably buy their own copy:) My project, I lined a lunch bag with it, my daughter LOVES it!
ReplyDeleteOne of the first sewing projects I ever made was a sewing machine cover made of teal and white polka dot oil cloth. I haven't made another oil cloth project since, but would love some new ideas showing me what I could make out of oilcloth!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
xoxo
Christine
christine at flappergirl dot org
The only oilcloth project I have had the guts to attempt was the no-sew bunting with chalk cloth and ribbon that was posted on -yep- oilcloth addict!
ReplyDeleteI still have bits of lovely oilcloth and need the kick in the pants to try it on the sewing machine. Please please pick me to make a home for the new book!
hollytaylor at baka dot org
Oh man, I wanna win this! lol <3 <3 <3 I love the projects you can see in your preview, gonna make some cool stuff!
ReplyDeletejeezers@msn.com
I really haven't given myself an opportunity to work with oilcloth yet but I'm anxious to try an oilcloth project now!
ReplyDeletesazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
I tried to make a little "purse" to carry picnic utensils on the boat and the stuff crawled all over the place on my machine. It gathered to one side and I was so unhappy that I made it one of my ufos...I have much more oil cloth for other accessories for the boat but felt it was too difficult to manage on the machine, so I would love to win this book and continue my projects with the right solutions!!!!
ReplyDeleteSandy
I've never worked with oil cloth because I didn't know how to stitch with it(and also didn't know you could make so many awesome things).
ReplyDeleteI think my first challenge was actually locating a cute pattern on oil cloth. All the stores I frequent for material either told me it called vinyl or that they didn't have it. Sad times. Alas, I found a small piece and I was on my way...that is until me and sewing machine started fighting.
ReplyDeleteI've made a few bags but they don't look very "finished," if you know what I mean. This is one book I know I would read cover to cover.
ReplyDeletehiyall,
ReplyDeleteI am lusting after the little wallet. Im thinking cell phone pouches and coin purses for xmas gifts this year. thanks for the giveaway! (mauh) Liz
Oh! Oh! Oh! Pick me!!!! This would so help me with my next projects. I'm going to try to make sandwich and snack wrappers and an apron. I've been fascinated with oilcloth and laminated cottons for a while. This will give me the skills and techniques to get me going!
ReplyDeleteI would totally love to add to the kitsch factor in my kitchen with some oilcloth. However, up until now I've been a little wary of making anything on the sewing machine with it. I've only braved a few hand-sewn or no sew projects.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance to win :)
I've been worried that my machine isn't sturdy enough to sew oilcloth. But that raindrop laminate you have makes me feel really really brave! I'm going to pick some up at Stitchlab too.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try sewing with oilcloth - so many great projects out there! I have been hesitant because I am afraid to mess up and ruin it as it would leave holes in the fabric if I tried to pick the stitches.
ReplyDeleteI have heard oilcloth is hard to work with and have never tried. Looks like I may change my mind. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read Kelly's book, so inspired to craft!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I stopped here to check out your review of this book. I hadn't seen any pictures inside yet and love the ones you've shown. LOVE the little baskets and never would have thought of that myself. Those would be great in any room. And I LOVE that cherry oilcloth you have. SO pretty. I'm glad more and more stores are starting to carry the laminites and oil cloth. For so long the only choice of oilcloth in my area was the yellow and white stripes. It was fine for what I used it for but ick, sooooo boring. But, I never attempted to sew on it because I had no idea back then how to best stitch with that fabric. I'd love this book for the tips alone but the projects all look great.
ReplyDelete