Making Connections

Where can I find BETTY BOOP printed fabric?
Judith K.

J & O Fabric Center stocks more than 20 Betty Boop novelty prints. Nostalgic designs of this popular 1930s cartoon character include “Biker Chick,”“Lucky Ladies Club,” “Showtime,”“Hog Heaven,”and colorful hearts, circles and squares.This 44”-wide 100% cotton plain-weave fabric is also available in a soft flannel version. For ordering information, visit jandofabrics.com, or call (856) 663-2121.

Where can I find LIGHTWEIGHT SEPARATING DRESS ZIPPERS? Many formal dress patterns call for these zippers, yet fabric shops don’t seem to stock them.
Lynn P.

Custom Zips specializes in making custom zippers in the style and length you need.The lightweight coilseparating zipper used in prom dresses, wedding gowns, and tops of bustiers and two-piece dresses is available in more than 150 colors. Black and white can be made up to 100” long; colors up to 36” long. For the best color match, send a swatch of your garment fabric along with your order. For more information, call (203) 866-1540, or visit customzips.com.

I’d like to locate moccasin-type SLIPPER SOLES in different sizes appropriate for knitted and crocheted slippers.
Pat U.

Patternworks stocks suede slipper soles in sizes ranging from infant (4” long) to men’s XL (13” long).The soles cover the slipper bottom, come up the sides approximately ¾” and have punched holes along the upper edge. They’re available unlined in gray or with a faux fleece lining in brown. Call (800) 438-5464 for more information, or visit patternworks.com.

Do you know if anyone makes a TAPE MEASURE to help figure out CORRECT BRA SIZE?
Colleen E.

The Flattering Me Tape Measure developed by Coco Abadi is available from Clotilde Inc.This fiberglass tape is a bra tape measure on one side and a regular 60” tape measure on the other.To determine the best fitting bra, first measure your torso just under the bust for your bra size (32 to 46); then measure around the fullest part of the bust for your cup size (A to DD).To order, call (800) 772-2891, or visit clotilde.com.

Where can I find a pattern for a REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG that’s small and compact when not in use?
Stephanie M.

The Tukaway Tote pattern (NR-12), designed by McKenna Linn, is a roomy 20”x 22” shopping tote with handles that fold into a pouch-size front pocket. When made from tightly-woven lightweight fabric, such as cotton batik or nylon ripstop, this easy-to-make tote is strong and packs away neatly.To order, send $10 postpaid to QuiltWoman.com, Dept. SN, 42 Nichols St., Spencerport, NY 14559, phone toll-free (877) 454-7967, or visit quiltwoman.com.

I’m searching for a pattern to make PADDED SATIN HANGERS.
Carol F.

Susie Gay of Berryhill Heirlooms has designed an elegant Covered & Padded Hanger pattern (P01) that can be used to cover a new hanger or refurbish an old one. Included with the step-by-step illustrated instructions is information on how to size the hanger to fit a small child’s garment up to adult-size clothing, plus creative ideas for customizing the hanger.The company also sells a flat, lacquered hardwood hanger with a chrome hook. It’s the ideal style for a padded hanger and can be cut down to the size you need. For more information or to place an order, visit berryhillheirlooms.com.

I’d like a source for 100/2 INVISAFIL THREAD for hemming fine fabrics and for use in embroidery bobbins.
Carolyn N.

InvisaFil byWonderFil Specialty Threads is a very fine 100 weight 2 ply polyester thread available fromThe Cotton Club.This delicate yet versatile thread is used for sewing sheer and lightweight fabrics, for appliqué piecing, quilting and couching, and in the bobbin for machine embroidery. InvisaFil is sold on 400-meter spools in five collections of six colors each— pastel, jewel, neutral, classic and tailor—for a total of 30 colors. 2,500- meter spools are also available in neutral colors. For ordering information, call (208) 345-5567, or visit cottonclub.com.

Can you direct me to a source for SILK DOUPIONI?
Elizabeth M.

Silk doupioni in over 100 solid and iridescent colors is available from the International Fabric Collection.This natural fiber, plain-weave fabric has a rich sheen and is noted for its characteristic slub texture on the crosswise grain. Silk doupioni is 44” wide and dry-cleanable. For more
information, call (800) 462-3891 or (814) 474-1151 between 9AM and 3PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or visit intfab.com.

WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY to help you locate hard-to-find sewing supplies. Send your question to Making Connections, Sew News, 741 Corporate Circle, Ste. A, Golden CO 80401 or [email protected]. While we can’t make individual responses, those of general interest will be published.