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SYNTHETIC FLEECE 2000 UPDATE
By Linda Beer, Sundrop Outerwear Textiles

No other fabric can compare with wonderful synthetic fleeces. Warm and cozy, they are easy to sew and beautiful to work with. Most patterns calling for these fabrics are fairly easy, making fleece projects fast and rewarding. But where do you start? There are so many different fleeces on the market that choosing a good one can be the most challenging aspect of your project. The most important aspect is to purchase high quality non-pilling fleece. Non-pill fleece will still look wonderful for years. 

I recently had a customer come into the store wearing a print I recognized from about 8 years ago. I laughed and told her I could date her garment from the print. �I know� she wailed in reply, �I desperately want a new one but this one still looks so good I can�t justify it!� You do not need to pre treat synthetic fleece and it washes beautifully in the machine but always hang it to dry. There are lots of fleece fabrics on the market, here are my picks and some suggested ideas of what to make with them.

Fireside Fleece: We are so impressed with this fabric, it�s amazing softness, fabulous colour selection and incredible price are the reasons. This non-pill fleece is 150 cm wide and very reasonably priced.  It washes beautifully and comes in about 30 colours. It is great in outerwear garments, garment lining/insulation, vests, mittens, socks, slippers, blankets, quilts, housecoats, and pyjamas to mention a few.  It makes excellent sleep and lounge wear especially for people who have trouble staying warm. Fireside Fleece makes perfect baby clothes. Also great for invalids or handicapped people. Not only because of its warmth but because it is soooo�. soft.  Fireside Fleece provides warmth without weight and can be used as the inner or outer layer in garment construction.

Fireside Micro Fleece: So incredibly soft and 150 cm wide 100% polyester this lightweight fleece is perfect as the first layer next to your skin. This very soft and lightweight fleece is wonderful in sleepwear, robes, shirts, high tech jogging suits, and sweatshirts and as lining. I have made many baby blankets out of both Fireside and Fireside Micro Fleece to rave reviews. This non-pill fleece comes in an impressive array of colours. 

Hurricane: The latest fabric news is Hurricane Micro-Fibre, 150cm wide, water repellent, breathable, windproof and dyed to match Fireside Fleece.  It is truly to dye for! This is the perfect companion for Fireside and Fireside Micro. Beautiful Matt finish Micro-fibre. I can hardly wait to start sewing. Perfect for golf wear, cycling, wind jackets, ski wear and more!

Save all those bits and pieces! No piece of fleece is too small to throw away! Use Northwind Designs West Coast Tree Frog or Humming Bird Appliqu� pattern to have some fun creating wearable art. The Sundrop Mountaineer mitten pattern has instructions included on making mittens from scraps and there are three great hat patterns available as well. 

Samples for any of the above fabrics are available for a small charge  www.sundroptextiles.com or any  patterns. 

Whatever projects you choose have fun sewing your fleece!

More information on Sundrop Outerwear Textiles, Inc.

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