Keep Your Cool

Next month we officially usher in summer! Like it or not, the heat and humidity are on the way. With hot temps comes a complete change in our wardrobe, as well as a change in our sewing projects. The bad news is that many people often choose the wrong fabrics for the wrong time of the year. The good news is that Marshall Dry Goods is not only your one stop shop for all things fabric, but we are also your source for summer fabrics and patterns!

Don’t make the mistake of sewing clothing that will rub you the wrong way when the heat is on. Here are some tips from our staff that will help you to choose the right summer fabric:

COTTON

Cotton has been a summer fabric choice for just about as long as people have worn clothes. Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plant - and is most often spun into yarn or thread to make a soft, breathable textile. Choosing cotton is not only a natural choice, but it is light, airy, and provides the freedom you need to bend and move without causing you to overheat. It is easy to wear AND wash! You just can’t go wrong with cotton.

CHIFFON

Chiffon is a type of fabric that refers to a variety of different fabric types, all sharing similar qualities. Chiffon is sheer, light and semi-transparent, usually with a simple weave. Originally made from silk, it used to be very expensive, and only worn by upper-class women in the United States and Europe in the 19th Century. It can add an element of style and elegance without causing you to overheat in the hot temperatures. Chiffon is a very popular fabric for brides, as well as used to make nightgowns and evening wear. 

LINEN

While cotton and chiffon are among the top favorites in the US, linen doesn’t fall too far behind when choosing a cool fabric. Being light in nature, it is easy to wear and is extremely comfortable. Similar to cotton, it is very breathable and gives you that fresh feeling all day long. Linen will tend to wrinkle, but it is very easy to wash and dry. Marshalls has a huge range of linen colors that you will love! 

CHAMBRAY

Chambray is a cotton plain-weave fabric made with a dyed warp yarn and a white filling yarn. While it may look like denim, chambray is lighter and is woven differently. It is an excellent alternative to the heavy, traditional denim fabric typically used in jeans and jean skirts/jackets. It is light enough that it can be worn in the summer months. If you want to spice up your summer wardrobe, chambray gives you a splash of variety that you will love!

JERSEY

Jersey is an amazing flexible choice for summer clothing, as it isn’t a “heavy” wear. Jersey is a knit fabric, originally made almost exclusively of wool, but is now made with wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers. Being flexible, it can be woven in with other fabrics such as cotton, giving it a rugged, yet lightweight feel. Jersey comes in a variety of patterns and designs that can be used to make practically anything summer!

RAYON

Rayon is a man-made fabric that is very light and extremely comfortable. Rayon is a manufactured fiber made from natural sources such as wood and agricultural products that are regenerated as cellulose fiber. Rayon can imitate the feel and texture of natural fibers such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. This popular material is used to make everything from dresses to skirts! Many times rayon is blended with other fabrics such as polyester, to ensure those fabrics have a lighter touch and feel.

SEERSUCKER LYCRA

Seersucker (or railroad stripe) is a thin, all-cotton fabric, commonly striped or checkered. Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This is a very sporty fabric, giving you tons of flexibility, breathability and lightness, thanks to the seersucker properties and characteristics. Typical colors for seersucker are either yellow or blue. Many feel this is an outdated fabric, but it is tried and true, and is experiencing a comeback.

BEGIN NOW!

Now is the best time to get a jump on those cool summer creations! At Marshall Dry Goods we understand the properties of fabric and what makes them suitable for a particular style, as well as what makes them work for a given season. Once these concepts are understood, it becomes much easier to realize the possibilities of fabric choice. Give us a call or come see our huge selection for yourself! Keep your cool by adding some style into your summer projects!