The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Fun with Fabric => Topic started by: Catllar on July 26, 2017, 17:31:59 PM

Title: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 26, 2017, 17:31:59 PM
Has anyone worked with cork fabric? I'm really tempted by some  from a Greek supplier to make a bag - that Round-a-bout bag from So Sew Easy - the freebie one.  Don't want to rush in too fast though - that's half my trouble - jump first and think later.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 27, 2017, 14:37:34 PM
Nobody??
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Vegegrow on July 27, 2017, 14:57:36 PM
 Never heard of it Cat  ...so went searching ..Well who knew you could make cork fabric  cork balls and they had a section for musical cork.. you learn so much on this forum.. Catllar you may have to be our official experimenter  :ninja:...good luck
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: elephun on July 27, 2017, 15:22:26 PM
I remember an article on it in one of the US sewing or craft or DIY magazines a few years ago. It's fuzzy for me, but I think the article was mostly like: "Did you know it's possible to sew with cork? We've never done it, but you can order some from xxxxx in Portugal. Here are some readymade things of cork to inspire you."
I only just saw some of the material in my local shop and haven't come up with a project I want to try.
I'm looking forward to reading how it goes, Catllar!
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Ellabella on July 27, 2017, 16:42:48 PM
Saw a pic of a bag made with cork fabric on the Cloudsplitter FB page.

It looked rather nice but I assumed it was printed rather than actual cork.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 27, 2017, 17:44:16 PM
Hmm, OK then I'll take one for the group!  It is real cork apparently - I've got to try it now! I've never knowingly seen it - only in the shape of bath mats and wine corks - so who knew? Anyway I'm going in.  Maybe I can make a bouncing  musical bag?
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: wrenkins on July 27, 2017, 18:11:41 PM
Maybe I can make a bouncing  musical bag?
At least it'll float!  0_0
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 27, 2017, 18:25:14 PM
Not only will it float but I'll keep myself entertained whilst awaiting rescue!!  0_0 I've ordered some and await with interest!
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Marniesews on July 27, 2017, 18:47:30 PM
I've been on a couple of bag forums and they love it. There's also the papery textured stuff Kraft tex (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWlGw5a26ww)  that's good for accents.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 27, 2017, 23:02:50 PM
That looks fun too - but let's take this one odd material at a time! I was thinking of putting it with similicuir but I'm going to wait till the cork arrives first.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: elephun on July 27, 2017, 23:12:30 PM
I don't know if this is helpful at this point, but I googled cork fabric, and found a supplier that has all sorts of patterns and shades. I clicked on one to get more info and saw that they sell it in a special size for Vogue Patterns Magazine/McCall's Pattern Co.
Jelinek cork fabric (http://www.corkstore.com/Products/Cork-Fabric/Fabric-Cork-Utopia-Dark-20x54-Special-Size)

Here's the pattern that they specify. Maybe it has tips for sewing with cork? It looks like it's out of print, though.
McCall's M6577 (https://www.amazon.com/McCalls-Patterns-M6577-Totes-Sizes/dp/B007X5CF6M)
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 28, 2017, 10:58:27 AM
Thanks for that - I had a look at the site - did you see the price :o :o :o I'd want gold leaf for that money! The pattern is useful though. :flower:
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 28, 2017, 17:18:36 PM
Cork is on its way - Woohooo!!
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Lizzy777 on July 29, 2017, 16:29:01 PM
I was quite intrigued when I read your post Catlar so I googled, and I saw this!

http://www.jelinek.com/cork-fabric-and-cork-fashion-collections/

Apparently it sews like leather and the bags made out of it (further down the page) look wonderful. Have you chosen a pattern yet?

Is it easy to get hold of the cork fabric? I think I would like to try it too for something.

Oh! I found this too.

http://www.thelittlebritishfabricshop.co.uk/blog/cork-fabricits-coming-1

http://www.thelittlebritishfabricshop.co.uk/product/cork_surface_denim










Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on July 29, 2017, 22:40:23 PM
I've got this: http://so-sew-easy.com/the-roundabout-bag-potm/

I've sourced my cork from france and for less than twice the price of a UK fat eighth from the little britishfabricshop, I've got half a yard of 140wide.  I agree they have a lovely range of products in the lbfs, but I think I've got a fair deal here ( provided it works).

I have been wondering what will happen to the cork oaks here - they are still harvested for top range corks apparently, but the quantity of trees in my valley surely outnumbers the number of corks needed nowadays!  I have several cork oaks in my garden but  they still have their overcoats! They are lovely trees - all gnarled and grey. Harvested trees look amazing and the underbark is the most delicious shade of chestnut.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 03, 2017, 16:21:10 PM
Cork arrived today - first impression - wow! It is sooooooo thin and pliable. It is on a fabric backing and is as light as a feather ( doh, well it would be wouldn't it? ;))

They also sent me a sample of their similicuir in white, which is too white . Now I have cork fabric in all its gorgeousness I'll take time to play.

I also got a tin of clips - very pretty.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: b15erk on August 03, 2017, 16:29:15 PM
Very nice.... Very strokeable....

What will you make with it?

Jessie
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 03, 2017, 20:42:42 PM
Very nice.... Very strokeable....

What will you make with it?

Jessie

Make? Make? I'm supposed to make something with it??  Had a bag plan but also now want a wallet!
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 04, 2017, 17:02:41 PM
It seems to be popular in America for making purses etc.  Recently I saw someone with a bag made from cork she'd bought in Portugal.  She said when it gets grubby she just gives it a bit of a scrub with Fairy washing up liquid and it comes up lovely.  :o
Look forward to see what you make with it.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 06, 2017, 12:55:01 PM
I've cut out a part of a bag, need to get the mojo back now the initial excitement has worn off - need hardware and zips and that means a trip to Perpi (sigh) and it's too bloody hot to even contemplate sewing at the moment. it will be cooler next week for a few days , no more than 27, which seems positively chilly after yesterday when we had 37!

I saw somebody washing one as well OSS - they'd spilled coffee into it and left it for a while ( yeah right, as if?) and it came up great.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: sewing in oz on August 08, 2017, 12:18:27 PM
Ooh catllar that cork does look lovely with the gold flecks in it!  Thanks for experimenting on our behalf; I await your report  :drink:.  I've never worked with cork (like most everyone else here it seems!), and the only possibly useful contribution I have - apart from cheering from the sidelines - is that I seem to recall somewhere reading that it's best sewn with a teflon or roller foot?
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 08, 2017, 17:23:56 PM
SIO, I read that as well but as I have neither......!

Ok so here is what I have learned so far. Plus side so far: Cuts and sews easily on my play pieces. Will upgrade to a thicker thread for the real thing as my usual thread looks a bit mean. Am using my old Singer and it sails through with a normal foot.  Finger presses easily and my lovely Wonder clips are great.  Try - la - la!!

Minus so far: DO NOT IRON IT!!!!  :angry: I am making a structured round bag so it needs to hold the shape so I thought I'd whack a bit of Bosal foam interfacing on. My usual way with this is to removed the seam allowance and then stick it down with the steam iron and a press cloth. Bad idea. Even going from the wrong (interfacing) side , the cork puckers  and the edges shrink  up  :o  Methinks this is due to the backing being made of some sort of nylon knit fabric and this is what shrinks back. SO I reckon use a non fusible and do it the hard way.  No photos as not clear enough to see, but you'll have to take my word for it! 

Will be in Perpi tomorrow so will try to get a zipper and I quite fancy some gold leather piping to pop into the seams. Mind you that's a bit of a long shot here! Will also need some hardware for the handles.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 09, 2017, 18:14:39 PM
Progress - not amazing , if I'm honest. :\ I did get the gold leather piping but trying to sew it between two layers of the cork each one with foam interfacing was not happy. So far 2 needles up the swanee - 1 is a 90 and the other is a leather :angry: I think the problem is the stuff is grabbing due to my lack of a teflon or roller foot. ( that is not going to happen) so I reckon I'll lose the piping , have a play without it. :\
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 12, 2017, 16:41:47 PM
Finished it. Not totally brilliants but not bad and it is usable. I think it would have been a lot simpler with a special foot but hey -ho that's life. Blunts needles like no tomorrow. Apart from the 2 I broke I have knackered another 2.  I'm not sure about the softness of the foam interfacing - it is quite hard to get a really crisp edge - hence why the piping would have been useful. I think it really will work best with a crisp and stiff interior finish. I tried that on the gusset and it is better.  It doesn't mind being unpicked (Only for testing purposes, you understand! ;))  Didn't fully realise that the cork does have a grain, but I will refer to that as a design opportunity if anyone notices.  Wouldn't want to wear it across body whilst wearing anything fragile as I've a feeling it might catch a bit.  I like it but I don't love it, think I prefer my cork in a bottle - or out of a bottle.  Might come back to it later and have a go at a wallet. Need more interfacing  so that means another trip to Perpi.

Technically - as it was impossible to bond the fusible to the foam I bonded it to the cotton lining instead. That seemed to work. It is possible to ease the fabric a bit but really only a tiny tiny amount, so I guess you could make piping from it provided it was cut on the bias and is only used on the gentlest of curves. Hmm.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: elephun on August 12, 2017, 21:44:06 PM
Your bag turned out great! Thanks for experimenting on behalf of all of us, too!
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 12, 2017, 23:32:34 PM
Ta! It's worth a go. Must go to bed now - just got back from very booze evening with lots of dancing - village street party - hic. Speak tomorrow when sober. :S
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: SkoutSews on August 13, 2017, 10:28:03 AM
I like the cork bag.  The round shape suits the fabric - perhaps it's because it's cork-shaped (end-on!)?  It sounds like it wasn't easy to work with, full marks for perseverance.  Also it will be unique.  Cork fabric, who knew?  Not me!

How's the head this morning?  ;)
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 13, 2017, 13:01:15 PM
Turned out pretty well.  A real learning curve by the sounds of it. Instead of a Teflon foot could you have used tissue paper? 
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 13, 2017, 15:43:38 PM
Head's fine thanks Skout! Gotta really have a skinful to get a hangover!

I could've used tissue paper OSS, in fact I did on one bit that was really playing hard  to get, but what with trying to insert the round bits into the gusset bit and fighting with the bag stiffener  which had a strange attraction to the presser foot lever and kept pinging up the presser foot, I just didn't have enough hands, in spite of the Wonder Clips.

Re the fusing problems - someone on another forum said if I'd had the iron at 300F ( I don't think that's very hot in C and certainly not enough to produce steam) then I wouldn't have had a problem - well that's quite probable but then the glue wouldn't have worked either. It's not the cork that reacts- it's the backing fabric that melts and curls up.

I used the bag this morning and it was fine, strap just long enough, and it is roomy enough for specs case, wallet, phone, bunch of keys and a few other essentials  - the stuff that always falls to the bottom.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: b15erk on August 15, 2017, 09:32:53 AM
Sorry Cat, I'm having visions of it cracking when you bend it - like cork does.  How does it work?  Is there some sort of backing on it? I feel thick asking....  >:)

Jessie

Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: sewing in oz on August 15, 2017, 13:30:24 PM
That's actually turned out to be a really cute bag!  Will be interested to see how it wears.  Thanks for the tips on how to sew that stuff.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 15, 2017, 16:23:58 PM
No J, you're asking the same questions I was asking myself! It is as pliable as a fabric, like artificial suede or something like that. There seems to be a very very thin skin of cork bonded onto a backing fabric and that's it.   

Thats SIO. I'm using it now ( well, not NOW, cos I'm here, but I'm using it as my daily bag so we'll see what happens. apparently it can be washed too)

Today I braved the crowds and went to the weekly market in Prades and there was a man selling jewellery strung onto cord cord - never seen that before either, but he wouldn't share his secret with me, so I might have to look that one out - it might make a really good corded deco on something.)
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 15, 2017, 16:26:02 PM
Wwwwww - look at all this lovely stuff!http://www.nikolisgroup.com/en/ProductCatalog/jewelry-stringing-material-cords-ribbons-supplies-wholesale/making-jewellery-cork-cords
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: b15erk on August 15, 2017, 16:34:40 PM
OOOooooo, very nice.

Saved to browse tomorrow :) (Just getting ready to leave work)

Thank you Cat!

Jessie
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: b15erk on August 15, 2017, 17:51:09 PM
Look what just popped up on FB.  Just in time for me to make one for my hols - and look what it's made of!

/https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/patterns/greta-wristlet-clutch/321282

Jessie
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Hachi on August 16, 2017, 11:06:50 AM
This is an American source but Sew Sweetness (http://sewsweetness.com/product-category/fabric/cork) has a lot of cork fabric listed in her shop.

She also has a short video  (http://sewsweetness.com/2017/05/free-video-sew-cork-fabric.html)so you can kind of see how the fabric behaves.
Title: Re: Cork fabric
Post by: Catllar on August 16, 2017, 11:59:56 AM
Go on, all of you, have a go, you know you want to! :devil: Enabler? Moi??