determining fabric content
07-19-2010, 09:35 AM
#24
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Location: MN
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Originally Posted by Gal
Oh, and I forgot to say that only a few strands of thread are required from both 'warp and weft' of the fabric, you really do not need much at all, but be sure to collect from both 'warp and weft!'
Gal
Gal
I have my little "set-up" - a burning candle, a metal ash tray, a glass of water - in case some sparks get out of hand, my tweezers to hold the fabric into the flame, and a small scissors to cut the scrap off the fabric in question.
I do this in our cement laundry tubs - but a metal cake pan will also work to hold the things.
07-19-2010, 09:51 AM
#25
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Join Date: Feb 2010
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I do the same thing on the back porch (cement) with tweezers/forceps, candle, and small pan of water. I set the candle on a piece of foil in case I drop anything. I never do this on a windy day.
I also keep a log book with a swatch of the tested fabric, color of the flame, what the smell was as it burned, observations of how it burned (did it melt, burn cleanly, make little bead, etc.), texture of the residue/ash, and I use a wide piece of tape to collect a sample of the ash/residue to add to the chart.
This way if I ever forget that particular fabric and have more, I can go back to my log book. You can take the "fairy" out of the lab, but you can't remove the nerd from the fairy.
I also keep a log book with a swatch of the tested fabric, color of the flame, what the smell was as it burned, observations of how it burned (did it melt, burn cleanly, make little bead, etc.), texture of the residue/ash, and I use a wide piece of tape to collect a sample of the ash/residue to add to the chart.
This way if I ever forget that particular fabric and have more, I can go back to my log book. You can take the "fairy" out of the lab, but you can't remove the nerd from the fairy.
07-19-2010, 10:21 AM
#26
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: west central Illinois
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OK, I did not get arrested. Actually there was such a severe thunderstorm going on, all the associates were hauling buckets and mops to catch leaks from the roof. Anyway, I pulled a few threads loose from the end, lit them with the lighter, got a hard residue, figured it was poly blended. Did this with four of the prints I liked. Then went to the regular rack and got some nice stuff, VIP and Cranston for $2 a yard. I guess it doesn't say much for WalMart security, but I do have guardian angels that keep me out of trouble. Bottom line is, it's a great buy for clothing construction, but not a great deal for quilting.
07-19-2010, 10:29 AM
#28
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I store separately now that I've identified them. But I've got fabric that I have no idea WHY I bought it. I also have to say that since I'm new to quilting (not sewing) that I didn't care about the cotton or not debate when I purchased.
07-19-2010, 10:36 AM
#29
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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Originally Posted by lab fairy
I do the same thing on the back porch (cement) with tweezers/forceps, candle, and small pan of water. I set the candle on a piece of foil in case I drop anything. I never do this on a windy day.
I also keep a log book with a swatch of the tested fabric, color of the flame, what the smell was as it burned, observations of how it burned (did it melt, burn cleanly, make little bead, etc.), texture of the residue/ash, and I use a wide piece of tape to collect a sample of the ash/residue to add to the chart.
This way if I ever forget that particular fabric and have more, I can go back to my log book. You can take the "fairy" out of the lab, but you can't remove the nerd from the fairy.
I also keep a log book with a swatch of the tested fabric, color of the flame, what the smell was as it burned, observations of how it burned (did it melt, burn cleanly, make little bead, etc.), texture of the residue/ash, and I use a wide piece of tape to collect a sample of the ash/residue to add to the chart.
This way if I ever forget that particular fabric and have more, I can go back to my log book. You can take the "fairy" out of the lab, but you can't remove the nerd from the fairy.
My sorting is quite primitive - apparently all cotton - or NOT apparently all cotton
I had noticed all the above, but it never occurred to me to keep a record of all the things.
Usually my basement smells kind of "strong" for a day or so after one of my "testing/burning" sessions.
The main thing I need to remember when I'm in my "lab" - is to put the flame out before leaving the area. I'm not worried about burning anything down when it's in the cement tub - I'm worried about my cat deciding to stroll into the area and getting hurt.
07-19-2010, 03:25 PM
#30
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Join Date: Feb 2010
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I know that people find the way my mind works a little scary (remember I do things like this all the time...its what I do). My husband just laughs because he's known me for 30 years now.
I do my experimenting outside on the porch in case of nasty smells. Some things just don't have a great odor when burned. Bearsisgray, reminding everyone to be sure the flame (an the burning fabric) is completely out is a great reminder. I always ensure my materials are completely cool after working with them. By the way, always make sure you have your hair pulled out of the way. Hair burns really well.
I do my experimenting outside on the porch in case of nasty smells. Some things just don't have a great odor when burned. Bearsisgray, reminding everyone to be sure the flame (an the burning fabric) is completely out is a great reminder. I always ensure my materials are completely cool after working with them. By the way, always make sure you have your hair pulled out of the way. Hair burns really well.
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