The Savvy Sewer Salon at Sawyer Brook

It's everywhere! Go green, eco-friendly, organic. So it's not unusual that the fabric market has geared up to meet the demands of a concerned consumer. We've just brought into stock a soft, rayon-like fabrication in 100% bamboo. The properties of this new offering include odor resistance, a natural anti-bacterial quality and extreme absorbency. To the end user this means easy care and easy wear with a low enviromental impact. What could be better? We've asked some of our friends to sew test garments so watch this topic (click on watch topic at the end of the post) for updates in the next few weeks or so.
To see our offerings:
Bamboo

Janee, I am really interested in how the bamboo fabric works out. In a new yarn shop in town a baby sweater, knit in a bamboo yarn, is on display. It is very soft and the owner said the yarn was easy to work with. I am thinking about trying bamboo in both fabric and yarn. Does the fabric come in a weight that is suitable for a skirt? And what colors does it come in?

Brenda,

At the moment we only have the one fabrication in stock, in two colors - tan and black. I don't think it's heavy enough for a skirt. But Barb's got her eyes out for more, and if this sells well, I'm sure she find others to try!

Janee and I had a discussion today about the suitability of this bamboo fabric for skirts. I can envision it made up in a soft drapey pattern such as one of Loes Hinse's designs. It drapes similar to a rayon crepe or a Tencel. If/when I have the time, I would love a pair of unstructured pants in the black version! Guess I should reserve my piece now. I'll bed interested to discover whether static is an issue. Any thoughts?

When Barb respectfully disagreed with my assessment that the Bamboo is too flimsy for a skirt, I had to admit that I also love a soft, drapey full skirt of a rayon fabric. We compared several current fabrics and agreed they'd be nice as a skirt - Paperweights, for instance. And the Bamboo has a very similar weight. But as I touch the Bamboo, it just feels "sticky" and flimsier to me, and I can't help but feel it would cling uncomfortably around my legs. I still don't think I'd use it for a skirt or pants - but that's me!

Several years ago I made the Loes Hinse 6 gore skirt out of a rayon crepe that had a hand very similar to the bamboo fabric. I'm thinking that the bamboo will react in a similar way to the rayon. I loved the skirt - so full and swishy!! This time though, I would use the 4 gore version as my taste and body would do well with less fabric swirling around it!

Since we are talking about bamboo here, I'll mention a few conversations I have had with customers over the past few weeks. One lady does both knitting and sewing. She tried the new bamboo knitting needles on her last project and she swears by them! No more plastic or aluminum needles for her. I checked my local yarn store over the weekend and there was a full wall of bamboo needles, pricey but nice!
Another lady called to order our bamboo fabric and asked me if I had purchased bamboo sheets. I said "No." She said I needed buy some as hers are so soft that she will never go back to cotton ones. I didn't ask her if she was purchasing yardage to make sheets, I just assumed she was making clothing.

Judy - I have some bamboo knitting needles and I love them too. Smooth and feel great in the hand. They are not slippery on the wool and cotton yarns I use.

In addition I saw an article by Martha Stewart about Bamboo hand towels. Martha said they were very absorbent, and did not show wear, but are difficult to find.

Lois

I have not tried sewing with any of the new bamboo fabrics, but just a note of interest. My daughter bought ski socks made of bamboo and wool and our dog ate them. She has never eaten any of our other things, so can only assume she was attracted to the bamboo in the socks. She does like to chew on wood!!! So keep your fabric away from your dogs.

I love bamboo knitting needles! They are so much less slippery than the metal variety, and much easier to work with than the plastic. My cat likes to chew on size one bamboo double points though! So beware of pets and bamboo.

I bought the bamboo fabric in tan but haven't gotten to it yet so I appreciate all the tips (I have a lifetime of fabric stored up). I am knitting with a bamboo yarn now, and from what it says in the knitting magazines it's is also supposed to be very cool and suitable for hotter climates (FYI).

I just bought some bamboo material from Jo Anns. I was surprised to see it there. It is soft and stretchy. I want to make a pullover dress with it. Does anyone have any tips?