When you select your fabric, the important thing to think about is: What am I going to make from this fabric? When and where will I wear it? Then choose the right design, color, and weight for your pattern.

You will want fabrics that are pretty, fun to sew, and fun to wear.

Color

What colors do you like best? Usually the colors you like are the ones that flatter you. Hold the fabric to your face to see how you will look in it. Does it make your hair, eyes, and skin look prettier? Will it go with other colors of the clothing you already own? Is it a color you can wear to school this fall? Is it a color you can find thread and trimming to match? It is the color for you if it meets all these requirements.

Design

Study the fabrics for the size, color, and placing of the design in the fabric. Do you want to count the number of spots on it? Is the design too large or too small? A design that is small with interesting colors without one part of the design being brighter than all others will make the prettier dress or apron.

Larger, brighter, and bolder designs and colors make attractive beach robes and bags. You will find it more difficult to make an attractive dress or apron from plain colors, plaids, and stripes. Plain colors show every mistake you make and plaids and stripes are difficult to match. Border prints are used for pleated or gathered skirts. Try to match the design at the seams.

Cotton fabrics are beautiful and there are many types of fabrics made from cotton. Learn to recognize at least five: Percale, broadcloth, sail cloth, cotton satin, and terry cloth. There are many interesting novelty fabrics on the market. They have different weaves and finishes. When you visit the store see if you can find at least three novelty fabrics—embossed cotton, woven stripes, and a pattern weave.

New finishes

New finishes make cottons more crease resistant and easier to wash and iron. But finishes sometimes make fabrics harder to sew and press. You will find a finished cotton will make a crisper looking dress and will be worth the extra work it takes to press the seams while you are making it.

Labels

Read the information on the label on the end of the bolt. It will tell you if the fabric is color fast, shrink resistant, crease resistant, and either hand-or-machine washable. A good cotton fabric has all these features.

Examine the fabric

Examine a torn end of the fabric. If the ends and designs are uneven, look for another piece of fabric. An uneven fabric with a finish cannot be straightened and you will not be able to cut your dress on the straight of the grain. Crush the fabric in your hand. Select one that is soft and difficult to wrinkle.

Tours

Plan a shopping tour with your club. Take your mother with you so she can help you select fabrics for your projects.

Select all the fabrics you need for your project at one time. Choose colors and fabrics that look good together. Remember that you will be wearing your blouse with your skirt so they must look well together. The bag or scarf you make must also harmonize with your skirt and blouse or your other clothes.

Also think about the time you will finish your dress and select a style and color that will be pretty then.

Shopping is fun

Before you go shopping, make a list of all the things you will need to buy for your project—equipment, fabrics, thread. If you did not have a tracing wheel and paper last year, you may need them this year. Make it a habit to buy everything you need in one trip to the store.