Dress Up Dolls and Bears for the Holidays
The holidays are right around the corner which means that it is time to start looking and
thinking about what you want to purchase or make for your loved ones this Christmas.
If you have a special child in your life, perhaps a daughter, granddaughter or niece, and you want to get them something truly unique, then consider giving them a custom outfit for their favorite doll or teddy bear.
You may not have thought of creating custom gifts like these before, but if you want to really surprise them this year and you have some basic sewing experience, you can easily create a fun sweater, hat or cloak that your special someone will truly love. You could even think of it as creating fancy clothes for them to wear to their holiday tea parties. How fun!
The Sky Is the Limit to What You Can Create
You can create all kinds of fun Christmas-themed garments for the dolls, bears and stuffed animals. Start with a simple T-shirt, try a fun set of PJs, or even a warm winter hat. To make them extra Christmassy, gather up some fun greens, reds and a little gold from our store and let your creativity go to work.
You can even go the extra mile and create an entire outfit for them with matching pants, a shirt, dress or even a Christmas robe, like these fun ones found on Pinterest.
Creating a Simple Outfit is a Piece of Cake
There are many tutorials online, including this one from WikiHow, which provide easy instructions on how to create your doll or teddy clothes. The process is pretty simple. In a nutshell, the key is to keep the measurements of the bear or doll in mind and then use a tape measure to make a pattern template.
The next step involves creating the design by drawing the T-shirt (or whatever you are creating) onto a piece of paper, pinning the paper to your fabric of choice and sewing your creation together.
These steps are similar for whatever fashion item you want to create. Making a cloak is as easy as fitting it over the teddy’s head using your fabric and a pair of scissors to fashion a circle. You can even make a set of pajamas by using an old sock and modifying it to create a tiny hat and shirt.
Get All Your Fabrics from Fabrictopia
At Fabrictopia, we have all the fabric and materials you need to create the perfect doll- or bear-sized garb for your child’s favorite companion. With our large variety or different patterns, colors and styles of fabric, you are sure to walk out satisfied. To take a look at our in-stock colors or to discuss your ideas with our in-house seamstress, stop in and see us on Harwin Road in Houston today or call us at 713-977-0747.Holiday Outfit Coordination for the Whole Family
As a busy parent, it is hard to find a moment to get everyone together for a nice family photo. That’s why many families schedule a time with a photographer right before the holidays to capture a beautiful moment that can be cherished for years to come – and used for their Christmas card.
But the real question is: What do you wear?
If you are an avid sewer and crafter, this is the perfect occasion to use your skills to create coordinated outfits for the entire family. The most popular sewing project is to create matching dresses for mothers and daughters.
The first step is to decide what type of dress you will be most comfortable in for your photographs. Many women prefer a dress with an empire waist, a maxi dress or an upscale A-line dress that could also be used for a fancy occasion. If you are feeling uncomfortable wearing a dress, you could also combine a skirt and top or choose to wear a simple pant.
After you choose your style, it’s time to make decisions for the rest of the family! For your daughter or daughters, you could create a similar style or a miniature version of your outfit. You will also want to pull together coordinating pieces for your husband and son. The easiest way to do this is to choose a color, color scheme or shades of the same color for each family member to wear and design each outfit around them. For the holidays, many like to wear solid white or black, a red-and-green color scheme or shades of blue.
Another fun and easy way to coordinate outfits is to use the same fabric throughout the various pieces. For example, you could create an A-line satin dress for you to wear, a satin shift dress for your daughter and satin bow ties for your husband and son. You could even use the same fabric to create a ribbon around your waist and another to tie in your daughter’s hair.
If you are skeptical about matching identically, your family could wear the same color scheme and you could incorporate the pattern of your daughter’s outfit into a small portion of your own outfit – from a scarf to a belt! Wearing small amounts of denim is also a simple way to match, but will make your photographs look cohesive.
Are you ready to get started on your coordinating outfits? Let Fabrictopia help you turn your idea into a reality! When you visit our Houston store, you will find a variety of high-quality fabrics to choose from and friendly staff to help you shop. Come down and see us today on Harwin Drive or give us a call at 713-977-0747.
Create Custom Placemats for the Holidays
Is your whole family coming over for the holidays this year? Whether you’re hosting an informal family dinner or a refined and elegant occasion with distant relatives, you want your table to look its best for the festive season. With all these kids, extra relatives and large, heavy dishes, it probably wouldn’t hurt to have some added protection on the table as well.
At Fabrictopia, we want to help you make your table look nice and protect it at the same time this holiday – with custom placemat options!
Placemats are an excellent way to add some color and flair to a table setting, and they’ll also keep messy spills and heavy plates from damaging the surface below. And with our endless array of fabric colors and patterns, you can customize your look however you want.
Looking for a sturdy, solid festive red or a light blue to channel the winter feeling? Or perhaps a more whimsical lace-like pattern, providing a look more appropriate for an elegant affair? No matter what kind of event you’re hosting, we’re sure to have something that fits your needs. And don’t forget the kid’s table! The young members of the family may not be happy about their exile to the smaller table, but you can jazz up their arrangements too with some of our more fun and sparkly sequin and “glitz” options.
We also offer various materials including satin, taffeta, spandex, nylon and more, so whether you’re dressing up the table or your wardrobe, you can find what you need with us. Head on down to 6959 Harwin Drive in Houston to see us today and get everything you need to have a great Thanksgiving this year!
Fall in Fashion: Trendy Items to Make Your Own
The seasons are changing and you know what that means: it’s time for a serious wardrobe update. Luckily for you, instead of dropping tons of money on new fall and winter fashions at the hottest boutique, Fabrictopia is here with some awesome make-your-own fashion trends. Check out some of our favorites below.
Scarves
The Houston area isn’t exactly known for its snowy season, but that doesn’t mean a cozy fall scarf is out of the question! Rather than buying a new scarf, why not make your own? For warmer winter climates like ours, it’s important to choose a light fabric that’s breathable, but still fall-chic. Rather than choosing a warm flannel, go with a cotton blend in a dark, fall hue. If you’re into the trendy, rough-cut edges we’re seeing on tons of scarfs this season, simply slice the size you want from a bolt of fabric, wrap and wear. To avoid sewing, you can also snip fringe into your scarf, and knot them together to prevent fraying. Whatever way you choose, this DIY project is low maintenance and will give you a completely custom look that’s easy and affordable!
Metallic Touch
Another popular fall trend is adding a metallic detail to clothing, says Elle. These simple additions take any item from ordinary to elegant, and add a sparkle and sheen to your chic look. Try exploring a touch of satin as an option, as these shimmering fabrics stand out and offer a range of stylish metallic colors that can accent any piece of clothing.
Chokers
There’s no doubt that the ‘90s are back with the choker trend, but this fall the trend is that more is better. That means instead of the simple ribbon styles that we all loved two decades ago, now statement chokers are in. Covering the whole neck, these necklaces are meant to stand out in your outfit. Try making your own from cotton, satin or velvet in your favorite fall color. You can even add a statement decoration like a bead or a broach to make it extra unique.
No matter what’s getting you inspired this season, stop by Fabrictopia to get what you need to update your fall wardrobe update. Find the fabrics that you need by stopping in to see us today on Harwin Drive in Houston or call us at 713-977-0747 for help finding the right fabrics for you.
Six Custom Gifts for the Holiday Season
Have you ever walked into a store during the holidays and thought, “I could make that myself!” The fact is, you probably can, and with Fabrictopia’s wide array of fabrics, you can find all the supplies you need for your custom holiday gifts in one place!
Trying to narrow down your gift-making options? We have got you covered with our top six picks for custom DIY holiday gifts.
Scarves
Every woman loves scarves. Both warm and cozy, making a light, decorative scarf is easy and can be a versatile clothing item worn for many occasions. Plus, when giving the gift of a scarf, you don’t have to worry about size! If you decide to make a luxurious scarf, we recommend using rosette satin. Go with plum and black for a winter look or coral and yellow for a springtime piece.
Shawl Wraps
If you are looking for a gift that is sure to impress, an elegant shawl designed specifically for an upscale night out on the town is the perfect DIY project for you. A shawl with lace will class up any event and can be made beautifully even if you are on a budget. Fabrictopia suggests coco paisley lace in champagne for a more reserved gift recipient or fuchsia for someone with a more outgoing personality.
Ponchos
Searching for a hip DIY gift for a millennial on your gift list? Jump on the poncho trend! Your niece or nephew, grandson or granddaughter will surely love a custom-made poncho that no one else will have. Plus, they are easy to make! For an upgrade on the traditional poncho, line the inside with satin. If your gift recipient has a bright personality, consider using a pop of color like dark orange or brick pink to peep out from beneath the poncho.
Fabric Cover Journals
Everyone has that one writer they are always trying to find the perfect gift for. Flex your DIY muscles for this unique holiday gift: a custom-made fabric covered journal. Choose a cheap journal online or at your local store (you are going to cover it up anyways) and select a fabric the best fits your writer’s personality. We suggest using organza, spandex nylon or a combination of fabrics in his or her favorite colors.
Placemats
Let’s face it: most people buy cheap placemats for convenience, not style, while others don’t have any at all. That’s why a DIY fabric placemat set is the perfect gift for a friend, co-worker or family member. Instead of spending money on a placemat set from the store, you can easily sew a set together for a fraction of the cost. Fabrictopia suggests making them truly stand out by adding glitz or quad sequins into the design.
Bags
A woman can never have too many purses – especially when they receive a bag nobody else in the world has. Skip the store-bought designer purse and create a DIY bag for the perfect holiday gift. You could make a casual hobo-style bag for a laid-back friend or a fancy clutch for a family member who often goes out. We think using a combination of satin and chemical lace is sure to create a unique masterpiece.
Looking for even more DIY holiday gifts? Visit our seamstress in store to discuss your ideas and find the best fabric for your project or call Fabrictopia at 713-977-0747 to find out if we have your favorite fabric in stock.
Custom Table Linens Can Add Charm to Your Big Event
Custom linens can really make your table pop at your next party. From a wedding or office holiday celebration to a Halloween or a football party, custom table linens can bring charm and personality to your gathering. The color options available for these unique linens are endless.
Metallics
Metallics, which can be added to any color or even simply chosen in your favorite color, can add some sparkle and shine to any party. If a color theme is not your style, gold and silver can be combined to create a neutral and dazzling effect for your celebration.
Bold, Rich Colors
Rich colors, in fabrics ranging from the lightest-weight cotton to L’amour Satin, are perfect for parties with a bold theme, such as Halloween celebrations. Picture an orange, plum or black table linen covering the punch table or snacks area. You could even add some lace trim to the edges to create a spider web-like look.
Single Patterns
For parties with a sports theme, “sporty style” is simple. Pick the colors that support your team and turn them into a simple yet tasteful single-color pattern to dress up your sports-themed occasion.
Fabric Selection
Color options are not the only way to make your custom table linens unique at your next party. Different material choices can also bring depth and personality to your party.
Cotton
Cotton is versatile, and available in various weights, colors, patterns and styles. It is also popular due to it being a natural fiber fabric.
Linen
Linen is the ultimate summer fabric. It’s lightweight, and will make your guests imagine the perfect sunny, breezy day. Linen also dries quickly when wet, so spills at your party are nothing to worry about!
Silk
Silk is a luxurious material that will surely make your guests feel like royalty.
Custom Designs
No matter what color or material you choose for the custom table linens at your next party, any design can be made more unique. Consider adding a trim with lace, tulle or ribbons and more.
For more information on the perfect table linens or to purchase the perfect fabrics for your occasion, call Fabrictopia today at 713-977-0747 or stop in and see us on Harwin Drive in Houston today.
A Sequential History of Sequins
Sequins bring people together! Do you know what links an ancient King of Egypt to the King of Pop? If you guessed sequins, you are correct!
These tiny decorative disks date back to the 12th century. When King Tut’s tomb was excavated in 1922, it contained garments covered in gold disks, thought to provide wealth in the afterlife. These were early forms of sequins, notes Smithsonian.com.
Leonardo Da Vinci had also thought about these fashion accessories – among his many other inventions. He had once drawn what appeared to be a large, primitive hole-punch that was used on a metal sheet rather than paper. This would produce tiny metal disks, which would be considered – you guessed it – sequins.
We all know Michael Jackson made some famous fashion statements in his time, and during the 1980s, he was known to wear a black sequin jacket. This was in addition to his iconic white, rhinestone-studded glove, which can be considered the most heightened form of sequins. Maybe it was his way of defining himself as a solo artist after he rose to fame with the Jackson 5, but whatever it was, the sequins worked. He had a huge impact on fashion and pop-culture.
Sequins are readily available today, not limited to Egyptian god-kings or kings or pop. Available in many different colors, textures and styles, Fabrictopia has a cornucopia of sequin fabric options for you to choose from. Take a look at all the sequin fabrics on our website or in our store, from champagne glitz to fuschia quad styles. Not only do we have ample fabrics to choose from, we also sell them for an incredibly low price.
For more information, stop in and see us on Harwin Drive in Houston, or call us today at 713-977-0747.
Halloween Is Coming! Get Your Costume Fabrics Here
As the grocery stores start loading their front entrances with orange and yellow pumpkins and dedicate entire aisles to mounds of colorful candy, one word comes to mind: Halloween.
From the family-friendly parties and trick-or-treating to the trips to eerie haunted houses and horror movies, Halloween delivers a way for everyone to celebrate. Unique from many other holidays, Halloween provides one night a year when we can transform into someone – or something – completely new and unexpected. Masks and costumes help us create the illusion of what we are trying to be, from social statements to pure fun and mischief.
The worst part about Halloween is running into someone at a party or event with the same store-bought costume as you. After all, there are only so many pre-made costumes for ghosts, witches and pumpkins. The best way to ensure your costume is unique and tailored only to you? Make it yourself!
Novices and advanced costumers alike can create wonderful, magical Halloween costumes with the help of the right supplies. The first item to check off your list? Fabric from Fabrictopia.
Fabrictopia offers a large variety of fashionable fabrics in rich colors, including light to heavyweight satins, chiffons, laces and spandex. While store-bought costumes prove expensive – especially if you need to buy separate accessories to complete your outfit – making your own outfit with fabrics from Fabrictopia gives you the best value for your dollar, offering high-quality products at discount warehouse prices.
Create a beautiful dress in a mint, plum or black satin fabric, or put on a stellar performance as a rock star with some sequin glitz. Looking for something a little spooky? Use lace to add a spider web effect to your Halloween costume. Fabrics like tissue lame and taffeta will make your costume the life of the party, while you will find spandex nylon extremely useful for a wide range of costume ideas.
Ready to get creative? If you get stuck on your project, Fabrictopia can help! Make your dream costume a reality with the help of our on-site seamstress who can lend you her expert eye to help make your imagination into reality.
Halloween is truly a holiday where you can let loose and have fun. Check out Fabrictopia today on Harwin Drive in Houston and get the fabulous fabrics and inspiring ideas for your special costume!Get Help with Your Projects at Fabrictopia
Have you ever started on a sewing or fabric project and felt stuck? Have you tried to find advice online with no luck, or wished you could ask a professional for help?
Fabrictopia is excited to announce that we now have a seamstress consultant available at our Houston store location to help you with custom clothing designs and table linens! Anyone who needs advice or tips can stop by and speak with her to improve your DIY sewing and fabric projects.
Our new consultant is here to help as you begin choosing your fall and winter clothing patterns. Whether you need help deciding on the perfect fabric for an upscale winter dress for work or a holiday party or on how to make a trendy blanket top, like this fun one from LoveSpunk, or cozy cross plunging sweater, Fabrictopia is here to make your project a breeze.
You can also get help from our seamstress with your creative custom table linens for any occasion. With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the perfect time for advice on how to make a Thanksgiving- or Christmas-themed table set. Plus, Fabrictopia’s consultant can give you tips on popular patterns you may find online, like these six darling tablecloth projects from Craftsy. Now your Pinterest pins can become a reality!
In addition to stopping by Fabrictopia for a consultation, you can stock up on the latest premier fabrics, from satin to organza to specialty lace. No matter your skill level, at Fabrictopia you can find the ideal fashion fabrics you need to finish your creative project – and at affordable prices! Select from hundreds of vivid colors and textures to make your fabric project dreams come true, and find everything you need to add fanciful embellishments like glitz, sequins and more!
Stop by Fabrictopia today at 6959 Harwin Drive in Houston and discover all that we have to offer!
Fall Brings Cooler Weather – And Cool Styles!
It’s officially almost fall, DIYers, which means it’s time to get those fall fashions out of the back of your closet! Inevitably, there will be some stuff back there from last season that you’ll just have to toss or give away to charity. (What were you thinking with the bedazzled legwarmers?!) Luckily, there are plenty of popular do-it-yourself fashion trends for fall that we love at Fabrictopia. Check out some of our favorites below!
Denim
Seventeen Magazine says that you should never toss an old denim jacket. Instead, take it into this season by distressing it! You can use microplane – basically a lemon zester – to rub some style into last season’s jacket. Concentrate on areas that would be naturally distressed, like elbows and shoulders. Then, use scissors to rip off pockets, either half way or all the way, and slice slits in sleeves. For an extra touch, stitch in some new fabric to the jacket. You could use pleather to make shoulder or elbow pads, or add a floral design on the pockets. To finish, wash in warm water and trim loose strings. Voila!
Fringe
Fringe is oh-so-in right now, and you can add fringe easily to any item by simply adding some cut up fabric. Grab a piece of hearty fabric from Fabrictopia in your choice of color and stitch it to a backpack, handbag or pencil case to create an inexpensive, fashion-forward item.
Wrap Skirts
Wrap skirts are another hot fall item, says Fashionsy. You can make one out of any fabric you like, and even add accessories like pockets, zippers or buttons. With a customized wrap, you can look chic and trendy without spending twice as much or more by getting it from a store.
Come on down to Fabrictopia in Houston to gather your supplies, and then get going on that closet! You’ll save tons by doing some updates yourself, and it’ll be a blast, too. Stop in to check out our full selection or call us today at 713-977-0747 for more information on any fabric you’re looking for.