Over the past few years that I've been traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico, I've grown even fonder of oilcloth than I already was. Oilcloth in Mexico is very inexpensive and I'm always tempted to get tons, but I've learned it's quite heavy, so I restrain myself.
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Oilcloth in the Benito Juarez market in Oaxaca
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Oilcloth in action at the Etla market |
I've used oilcloth to make zippered pouches, to line a cosmetic bag, and to make tons of totes.
They are perfect for farmer's market and swimming pool season—easy to wash and dry. I taught a class at Home Ec Workshop on Saturday, where my students made a simple oilcloth tote.
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Photo from an earlier class, not this past Saturday |
It's reversible and they can add a pocket on the inside, outside, or both. I love it when I spy one of them being used around town—that happened just last week at the Saturday Farmer's Market.
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Oilcloth in the Abastos market in Oaxaca-Oilcloth was harder to find this year. |
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I agreed to make reversible table runners for my traveling companions |
I've learned a few tricks since sewing with oilcloth (and from Kelly McCants, author of the 2010
Sewing with Oilcloth, who I interviewed for a 2012
UPPERCASE story). Use a slightly longer stitch length, try a denim needle, and most important, slip tissue paper between the bed of the sewing machine and the fabric–it can be very sticky. I shared those tricks with my students, and they each left with a completed bag—I love when students walk away with a finished project!
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Also an earlier class and not last Saturday--I cant' find that photo! |
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More oilcloth in a Oaxacan market |
Do you know of any good on-line sources for oilcloth?
ReplyDeleteHi Sherri! I met Anna Marino at Quilt Market and she seems to have a huge variety for sale. Her company is Oilcloth by the Yard: http://www.oilclothbytheyard.com/
ReplyDeleteWe have our oilcloth bags in our backpacks ready to travel! xo
ReplyDeleteHope it serves you well. Safe travels, sweetie! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI just have that compulsive feeling to buy buy buy when I see these photos. I love the look and it reminds me a lot of my childhood. Not even sure why, must be the retro look design of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteNice post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://grsshoes.com/