This little lovely arrived all the way (by ship) from Germany this week. Today I had a chance to play with it.I'm now wishing I'd specially-ordered-months-and-months-ago a few MORE rolls of it.... I think I'm in love.
Vilene S320 is a fusible non-woven... but not as we know fusible non-wovens - at least not in these here parts. (I'm not sure why, but until I nagged my favourite interfacing rep about it, this product wasn't available in Australia. As far as I know, I'm the only one who has it now). 
The embossed texture gives it a suppleness that isn't found in standard non-wovens.
The fused result is stiff, lightweight.... not cardboardy.... The fabric moves a bit like oilcloth when you scrunch it and it springs back into shape.
It will sit flat and support its weight on one finger if you .... ummmm.. lift it up with one finger. (I'm sure that's useful...?).
I'm missing the fedora that I sent to Kleins in London (the one I made using the sampling piece of Vilene S320 that prompted the specially-brought-in-from-Germany order), so have started on a replica. I block-fused medium-heavy interfacing first, and then Vilene S320 over the back of that. Then I cut the hat pieces. 
The fused fabric bends smoothly, can be steamed into shape (and holds the shape) and performs all the self-supporting-on-one-finger tricks that one would expect.
The fusing glue is unbelievably strong!!! It's made to survive laundering and drycleaning.... as well as withstanding steaming the bejaysus out of it and trying to tear/scratch it off.....
Note to self: Do not test interfacing on brand new fabric that you hope to use (without tested interfacing thoroughly attached...).
So... interfacing thoroughly attached, I whipped up a quick kids hat. I THINK THIS IS THE BEST INTERFACING I HAVE EVER USED ON A BRIM!!!!
The crown is quite stiff for a small child's hat - great for an adult or older kid. I'd probably go the medium-heavy interfacing on the crown next time (on quilting fabric) but the brim...... ohhh.... I'm LOVING it! It's simply one layer of S320 on each brim piece and it creates the perfect structure with very little weight.
I can't wait to try it out on BAGS....
I told you I was gushing, didn't I?
PS. You can buy it here.... and I only have 25 metres of it so get in fast!
EDITED TO ADD: We've now sold out, but will definitely be getting some more in (it should arrive in January).
I have NO idea about interfacing, but I love your visiting your blog Nikki.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to pop by & say thanks for becoming my 200th follower!
have a fabulous weekend & may see you next week in thornbury ♥
Gosh, I love a good post about interfacing!! This product looks fantastic. I currently use up to 7 layers of interfacing to create a structured clutch so this may cut down on a whole lot of cutting!! I can't wait to try this stuff - Thanks Nikki!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing you are going to have to get some more of this stuff very soon....
ReplyDeleteOh, the geekiness of it all! PhD in interfacing, eh? Someone has to be in the know.... and your enthusiasm is infectious! I know where to go for all things brim-stiffening.
ReplyDeletewe love your geekiness! I want some, but then i'll miss it when it's all gone....i'm still trying to get the hang of the other woven ones! When you get more in.....please tell us!
ReplyDeleteI have instantly gone and purchased!!! I hope it's the perfect thing for me as I'm not happy with what I'm using now. Thanks for your gushiness!!
ReplyDeleteLOL my word verification is 'hypenti' .... almost like you and I hyperventilating over this interfacing!!!
oooh and ahhh over the interfacing, but the hat is smashing I do say.
ReplyDeleteI swear you were a hand model in a previous life.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, isn't it? I use it in my bags all the time, it works beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Interface-Country, erm, Germany I mean ;-)
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this detailed review. I was just researching interfacing and which would be what I needed for making the best clutches and bags. This seems to be the one. What I'm using right now has the right stiffness but, it's a bit have and too thick for me so, I'm off to look up deals.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post on interfacing...did you use the two interfacings for the entire fedora hat (medium-heavy interfacing AND the Vilene S320)? I had no idea you could layer interfacings...
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of S 320 too! Specially in combination with H640!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to read your comparisions of interfacings! Pellon is hard to find in Sweden so you must find good substitutes when you work with american patterns.