Sewing With Laminated Cotton, Project Roundup & Fabric Giveaway!

This week I'm going to share some tips & tricks, project ideas and new tutorials for using one of my very favorite fabrics:

Laminated Cotton

And...A Chance to Win a $20 gift certificate from

What is laminated cotton? Cotton that's been coated on one side with a thin layer of laminate to render it water-resistant.  Similar to oilcloth & basic iron-on vinyl, but unlike those stiff & sticky fabrics, it does not contain BPA or phthalates (aka bad-for-you chemicals that leach out of some plastics).  This means it's safe for baby & kid's projects.  And while it's soft like regular cotton, it's got more strength, durability & form. 

What can you make with it?  The possibilities are endless, but here are a few simple ideas and links to specific tutorials beneath the photos:

~ Tablecloths, coasters, placemats & chair coverings

Click Here for: High Chair Cover,  Easy Coasters, Berry Placemats, Picnic Table Cover

~ Cupholders, lunch bags, bibs, smocks & aprons

Click Here for: Snap-on Cupholder, Mommy & Me Apron Set,
 Easy Clean Bib, Insulated Lunch Sac

~ Bags, purses & totes

Click Here for: Off To Market Bag,  Messenger Bag, Around Town Bag

And later this week I'll be sharing two BRAND NEW laminated cotton tutorials:

AND

Tips on working with laminated cotton:

• Unlike plain cotton which is usually 44 inches wide, many (but not all) laminated cotton is 54-56 inches wide.  So can be a lot more fabric to use!
• It's a wipe clean fabric and usually can be washed, but it should be kept away from dryers & hot irons.  
• Keep fabric rolled when stored, folding it will leave creases that can be tough to get out. It can usually be ironed on the wrong side with a press cloth on the low or medium setting.
• Don't use pins - they'll leave permanent holes, so use bobby pins or clips to join fabrics or pin outside the seam area (in the "ditch")
• The laminated side can stick under the presser foot & feed dogs when facing out, so add a drop of sewing machine oil under it or use tissue paper or lip balm to cover the right side fabric and then rip/wipe off when done. 

My lovely sponsor, Laminates, is a fabulous shop for finding loads of laminated cotton prints.  They also have great specialty patterns, laminate-friendly notions - even chalkboard fabric! 

Now how about trying for a $20 gift certificate so you can make your own laminated lovelies?  

a Rafflecopter giveaway