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 |
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.
7 comments:
Do you know of any good on-line sources for oilcloth?
Hi 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/
We have our oilcloth bags in our backpacks ready to travel! xo
Hope it serves you well. Safe travels, sweetie! xoxo
I 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.
Nice post. Thanks for sharing.
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