Web Sites Supply Technical Help And Creative Ideas
Eight years ago a professor of clothing and textiles at Washington State University said, “Anyone smart enough to use a computer isn’t dumb enough to sew her own clothes.”
His premise is wrong.
People sew (and knit, and weave, and crochet) because they are bright, creative individuals who love to explore new ideas and try new things.
These are exactly the types of people you will find searching the Internet for information. We went looking for web pages related to fabric and textiles and found a wealth of material. Some of the better sites are described below.
Whimsical Weaving has a site at www.wyellowstone.com/users/ww/sumwin.htm for weavers interested in finding patterns detailing the warp and weft counts for creating their own fabrics.
WeaveIt, www.weaveit.com, is a Windows program for creating weaving patterns. Developed by Sally Breckenridge of Canyon Art Company, this program is easy to use for both novice and experienced weavers.
Knitters can find information on techniques and instructions for almost every knitting term at Mary Ellen Meister’s page. Go to www.math.unl.edu/~gmeister, scroll to “other interests” and select “knitting notes.” For details on everything from how to properly join shoulder seams to the correct needle size for various yarn types.
Electronic knitting machine patterns are available at www.pixeldesigns.com/ for those seeking a source for new ideas. They offer a variety of projects from jackets to Christmas stockings.
If you are interested in needlework, check out www.the-forum.com and select “rare and used books.” Scroll down to the section listing rare books on needleworks for an on-line antique mall featuring a wide assortment of old and rare needlework books. Prices range from $12 to $200, plus shipping.
The Young Textile Group is aimed at children interested in textile crafts. Learn to create jewelry from fabric, braid a friendship bracelet or embroider a sampler. This is a wonderful page to get the little ones interested in creating textile projects. You can find them at www.hiraeth.com/ytg/x.htm.
Do you have a sewing question? Michiana Free-Net’s Frequently Asked Questions About Sewing probably has the answer. Go to sjcpl.lib.in.us/MFNet/MFNetLife/SewingFAQ.html. From general sewing questions to details on pattern drafting, this page covers just about everything you will ever want to know related to home sewing.
A hard-bound copy of the “Dictionary of Textile Terms” costs about $60 at the local bookstore. It is also available absolutely free via the Internet at www.ntg-inter.com. Select “fashion design.” Then choose “textile dictionary” from the menu. This incredible site lists fiber contents, describes the weave and characteristics of practically every fabric and lists the most common uses for hundreds of textiles.
Textiles Through Time is a fascinating web page that describes the history of hand-woven cloth. You can find it at www.interlog.com/~gwhite/ttt/tttintro.html. It also lists a variety of museum exhibits around the world featuring antique or rare fabrics.
Surprise, surprise, Professor. Not only do we sew but we also spin the yarn, weave the fabric, and surf the Net.
MEMO: The Clothesline appears weekly. Ideas for the column may be sent to her c/o The Spokesman-Review Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA