Awesome Fabric

Literally meaning “little stabs,” sashiko is a Japanese embroidery technique from the Edo period (1603-1967) as a way to mend worn textiles. Sashiko is now used in the visible-mending movement, especially with white thread on blue denim. It involves a running stitch to make geometric and repeating patterns. This complete kit helps makes it easy.

This amazing projection mapping installation by Todd Moyer Designs was inspired by the machinery of a fabric loom. Projections create the illusion of rolling spools of yarn and woven textiles, while colorful laser beams emulate thread. Illoominated II is on display at the Portland Winter Light Festival through 2.15.2025.

Utah-based Kawa Designs makes durable outdoor gear using upcycled or natural technical fabrics. One of their products is a bag that is custom made to fit under a bicycle’s top tube. Aside from the bag’s size, you can customize the fabric colors, pocket, and even add a hydration hose port. It may take a while to make your bag as it’s a one-man shop.

NightHawkInLight made the rare DIY video that’s so straightforward even kids can follow it. Even better, it’s about something that is actually useful in daily life. He figured out that a mixture of paraffin and mineral oil is a great waterproof coating for fabric. The hardest part is ironing the mixture into the fabric, but even that step is practically idiotproof.

Just because your clothes have holes in them doesn’t mean you need to throw them away. Kiriko put together this bundle of Jessica Marquez’s craft tutorial book Make and Mend and a set of unique, assorted textiles for patching torn jeans, worn elbows, and other repairs. The fabric squares come in sizes from 3″ x 3″ to 9″ x 9″.

Dip My Car already painted a car in the world’s blackest paint. Now, there’s something even blacker than that – Musou Black Fabric Kiwami. This unique textile is made with special dyes and an arrangement of fibers that absorb 99.9% of visible light. James from The Action Lab got a spool of the fabric and turned his black car into a really black car.

Artist Mimi Kirchner makes one-of-a-kind fabric toys that are way too nice to let your kids play with. Among her works is this jolly old-timey fellow with a handlebar mustache and chinoiserie tattoos. Dressed in striped pants with a red belt, the 22-1/2″ tall figure would look great standing watch in your living room.

These cloth wraps are designed to protect cameras, electronics, and other delicate equipment from damage. Unlike other wraps, these have no hardware fasteners and are made from a fine hook-and-loop material that sticks to itself. The inside is a soft cloth that won’t scratch screens or glass. Available in three sizes.

Chums’ compact wallet is made from water-resistant nylon and provides just enough space to carry your cards and cash. It has a zippered main compartment, a see-through window for your ID, and a built-in loop for a keychain. It comes in fun designs ranging from simple color blocking to tropical scenes and tie-dye.

Researchers from the MIT Media Lab developed a method for 3D printing that creates soft and stretchable textiles. The process takes advantage of a defect that can occur in 3D printing – underextruded thermoplastics. By precisely controlling this behavior, they were able to make thin, flexible fabrics with custom patterns.

This long, scarf-like tube has twin openings in which to place two heads for lo-fi chitchat and giggles. But we’d rather believe the wonderful weirdos at Meow Wolf who claim it’s a “communication device which connects one experience to another using the most sophisticated facial recognition technology.”

Artist Andrea Love created this charming stop-motion scene out of needle-felted wool. Sit back and enjoy a thirst-quenching glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade, complete with tiny ice cubes and a sprig of mint. Feeling hungry too? Have a banana split and a slice of cake.

Ashland, Oregon’s Bamboo Chutes handmakes colorful bags, wallets, and other accessories using recycled parachute and paraglider fabric. Among their selection are various pouches for carrying tools, lighters, flashlights, credit cards, and other small items.

Textile artist Benjamin Shine creates amazing abstract portraits by folding and ironing pieces of tulle. The layering creates the illusion of light and shadow, bringing his imagery to life both in wall art and sculptural works. More recently, he built a large-scale piece by folding recycled HDPE netting.

Keep your bike from gathering dust, and keep your wall from getting banged up while brightening your storage space with these machine-washable bicycle covers. Each one is made from stretch jersey fabric and one size fits all bikes. Available in a variety of fun patterns.

Jack Flynn and Nick David present a wonderful short documentary about the men and women who work tirelessly to weave, mill, dye, blend, spin, warp, finish, and stamp Scotland’s famous Harris tweed fabric.