How to Collect Vintage Fabric

Collecting vintage fabrics is a great hobby. Fabrics are viewed by textile and fashion lovers as works of art. Old fabrics should be appreciated and preserved in one way or another. There are many ways to do this, depending on the amount and quality of fabric. Read on to learn how to collect vintage fabric.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find vintage fabric at fabric stores and online. Some fabric stores specialize in vintage works. There are several websites that specialize in vintage fabric. Also, large amounts can often be found on eBay.

2. Use the vintage fabric to make authentic, vintage clothing. This may be the best way to preserve the authenticity of the fabric. Use geometric, brightly colored retro printed fabric from the sixties to make a short, mod dress. Use large floral prints from the late sixties and seventies to make a pair of bell bottoms.

3. Make something wearable from the vintage fabric. Fabrics made long ago are often much better quality than those of today. Take advantage of the good fabric to make a special suit, gown or skirt.

4. Preserve scraps of the fabric by putting them in an album. After making something special, or if you can only get your hands on a small amount, post the fabric in a plastic-sleeved album to look at later.

5. Frame the fabric. Some fabric is so special, beautiful and good quality that it is worth framing to hang on the wall. Beautiful fabric is a great way to decorate empty wall space. Hang a beautifully woven tapestry, gorgeous kimono silk or intricate lacework set off with a colored background.

6. Keep the fabric whole. If you are a fabric aficionado, store the fabric in low-moisture areas to get out and look at and handle over and over again.

[revivalfabrics]

on 10/21/2009 vintage fabrics in original, unwashed condition are more valuable than vintage fabric that have been washed and possibly faded. Nan Jaeger at RevivalFabrics.com