Shawl fabrics

[Cheri]

I have a shawl that I bought some time ago. It's kinda heavy and I think it's made of a fabric called gabardine or something like that. Anyway I want to make one that isn't quite so thick and heavy. That shawl can be sooo hot on my arm in the summer! Any ideas on different fabrics I can use and how much should I buy? I already have a spool of fringe just need the fabric. Thanks!:)

[buckskinlady]

I always buy gabardine, but I know what you 're saying about being hot!
Anybody have any suggestions??? I don't make shawls at all...knotting is too hard on my hands and I have to save them for sewing buckskin.

[shwk0961]

Mine are gaberdine too, that's the fabric I was told to use, but I've seen satin ones. There's another thread on here somewhere that talks about making them. Using satin presents special problems such as snagging when you go to put the fringe on.

[Suzizila]

I always use gaberdine too. However, what about using a light weight cloth (maybe a polyester or a polycotton) and fusing a couple of shawl sized pieces together for a shawl? I think you would still have to sew up the sides, but it could work. I'm not a sewing expert, but it seems like it might work.

good luck!

[Czechy]

Satin is lightweight and has a cool shiny look but it is slippery and will not stay neatly folded over your arm unless you figure out a way to make it stay put. Depending on what kind you get, you might also have to iron out the wrinkles before using.

I also use gaberdine although I don't use it as much anymore. There is a lightweight gaberdine called Gaberdream or Gaberdreme which you can try. My favorite fabric for shawls is a polycotton blend. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right weight and blend but it works great. I make my shawls only one thickness instead of doubled. That will cut down on arm fatigue. :)

[wendy]

I usually use gabardine as well, but I have used different materials as well. I don't recall names of fabrics but I just look them over. You want something that moves well, not to light or too heavy, that will hold whatever fringe you are using without sagging or pulling. Also, consider any decorations you will be adding. Also, I have run into a few fabrics that it is REALLY hard to pull the fringe through. Short of trying it in the store though, I don't know how you would precheck for that.

Czechy, I totally agee! I have a shawl I did with a slippery fabric, and it will not stay in place! Very annoying I find myself never using that shawls anymore. Good thought about trying to find something to keep it in place...maybe I'll try backing the part that drapes on my arm with something "stickier".

[MuzeBl]

This might be out of most budgets, but check this one out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1088489980

(of COURSE I'm kidding...but it was featured on the "Tacky N/A items you've seen on Ebay" thread and I couldn't help myself)

[Cheri]

Uuhhh??? You gotta be kidding! They paid what??? for that thing?!? OH BOY!!!

Czechy, I'll look for that gaberdream and I like the idea of the single thickness shawl. Now that I think of it I've seen those kind around. Making out my store list! Thanks much!

Thanks everyone for the help!:)

[Creebead]

Speaking of shawls my cousin was telling me about a fake shawl? Not sure what she was referring to at first. But it is kind of like a full shawl but has a loop sort of from the shawl fabric that you put your arm through and the shawl stays in place on your arm. Does anyone know about a shawl like that. She said she saw it at Denver March.

:49: :49:

[buckskinlady]

Yeah, pretty much all the Buckskin contest dancers around here use that "half-shawl" with the loop for your arm. It is much lighter in weight and the fringe blend into your arm fringe more.

They are putting big beaded medallions or appliques on it.

[Creebead]

Buckskinlady,

Thank you for your explanation, much more info in a short time frame than my cousin. I do need to make myself a half shawl. I am sure much easier to handle.

Thank you again. :49:

[WalksWithHorses]

shawls

[SIZE=3]I have not posted before and I am not sure I am doing it right??? anyway, I have reduced the size of my shawl for the summer and that really helps (I am short anyway, so I make it smaller for that reason) Doesn't the applicque add weight again? I have some poly blends that work pretty well and are easy to care for. I have made several for myself and several for my grandchildren and for kids, especially it is good to be able to at least hand wash it when you need to.:D

[luvstraightdancrs]

When I make shawls, I use gabridine first. If the dancer prefers less weight I only make it a single width. I use 1 3/4 in length to get a good weight for the fringe - want them to appear to be full as they swing and sway better.

Have made a couple of "cheater shawls" about 27" wide, fold it into thirds to fit your arm and fringe bottom and sometimes sides. Lays nice and moves well. Would never make one with the arm sling thing -- part of dancing is controlling the shawl (that's my opinion). To me it also leads to swinging your arm to make the fringe move rather than it moving from depth of knee bending.

Have also had nice results with good old double knit or lighter knits as well. Depends on what your doing with it. Have never used cotton. Also use broadcloth even though it itches if you don't wear long sleeves.

Hope this helps.:)

[buckskinlady]

Yeah, I can see what you mean luvstraightdancrs about the arm movement. It seems that it would unbalance you by just having the weight of the shawl on the front side of your arm. But I'm sure you learn to compensate...and if u r a good dancer, u will never swing your arm or shoulder anyway! It's a really good idea for shorter or smaller dancers, though, because the size and weight of a regular shawl can realy overtake you and I hate to see dancers shifting their shawl all the time.

Hi! WalksWithHorses...Welcome! All your comments, input and advice will be respected and eagerly received by all!!!

[dancnbrd]

I came in here to reply, but got lots of new info. ! Thanks everyone...I'm going to make a new shawl!!:)