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Why Cotton Cage Sets?
#1240005
03/16/12 11:27 PM
03/16/12 11:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837 Florida
BindiAndScrubbie
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837
Florida
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I've lately, been seeing a few opinions about cotton cage sets, not being safe. Contrary to some of these opinions, cotton is very safe. GOOD quality cotton, (and denim) is actually very, very safe for glider cage sets. This is my favorite material for glider sets. Cotton snags glider nails WAY less, and if sewn properly, outlasts all fleece sets by numerous washings. It can cost a little more (again, if sewn properly as it's more costly and time consuming to sew) but you get more bang for you buck if you factor in the lifespan of the set. In the long run, it's more cost efficiant. There are a few things to remember though. Most important...No matter which material you use, don't forget to trim your gliders nails. lol But seriously, make sure your vendor (or yourself) is using a good quality, tightly woven cotton. Cheap will not suffice and is just not safe. Make sure they are using one of two sewing methods. Sewing cotton sets and fleece sets cannot be done the same way. Cotton frays. It needs to either be double stitched or 'folded and pinned' to prevent fraying and for extra structure. I prefer the folded and pinned method. If you are not sure if your vendor is doing this...ask. Not many vendors do sew cotton or denim sets because of the work involved. So....ask around. Word of mouth is your best avenue. Hope this helps...if you haven't tried cotton as a cage set yet...you and your gliders are missing out! This is the inside of a cotton/denim set. It has been 'folded and pinned' AND double stitched. (Showing it for safety reasons)
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240014
03/16/12 11:40 PM
03/16/12 11:40 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219 Washington D.C. Metro Area
DCMuffin
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
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I agree, Davie, that it's very safe. But as you said, only if it has been sewn properly. I will make cotton sets for people, but where I won't agree is that I like to sew it more than fleece! LOL I will say, though, that the selection of patterns and designs in cotton FAR outweigh the selection in fleece. I want to second what Davie said - make SURE when you are ordering cotton sets, that they are from a reputable source. It's not easy to sew and if done improperly, you can have a real mess on your hands. Before I began sewing sets, I ordered a couple from other vendors in the glider community. One of those sets, I washed then used that evening. The next morning, they had come apart and one of my gliders had a nail caught. She was sound asleep LOL but it could have turned out much differently. Know where you get your things. Great info!
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240024
03/16/12 11:56 PM
03/16/12 11:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,089 Central Connecticut
BCChins
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,089
Central Connecticut
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Since you both are so (or is it sew lol) agreeable tonight maybe you should agree to each send me a cotton pouch to try out. I tend to have fights with my sewing machine so it best that you do it.
Last edited by BCChins; 03/17/12 12:44 AM.
Have a Good Day Brenda & Mr. Magoo
Friendly Reminder please have an e-collar ready before you need it......
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240047
03/17/12 01:22 AM
03/17/12 01:22 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 196 Minnesota, U.S.
Lisha
Glider Explorer
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Glider Explorer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 196
Minnesota, U.S.
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Pardon my interruption here but I believe the lady said EACH =P
Lisha, Mercedes , & Porsche & Bentley
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240048
03/17/12 01:22 AM
03/17/12 01:22 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 196 Minnesota, U.S.
Lisha
Glider Explorer
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Glider Explorer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 196
Minnesota, U.S.
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Pardon my interruption here but I believe the lady said EACH =P
Lisha, Mercedes , & Porsche & Bentley
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240053
03/17/12 01:41 AM
03/17/12 01:41 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837 Florida
BindiAndScrubbie
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837
Florida
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Pardon my interruption here but I believe the lady said EACH =P I don't have my glasses on but I think she actually said beach. Not each. I live very close to the beach and it is very hot and windy here so she much know that, because she is so considerate. She knows that sand blows my way and gets into my eyes therefore she also knows that Aimee is far more capable of sewing the better cotton pouch. (Because of the sand & wind causing irritation in my eyeballs) Aimee, you should get on that tomorrow. (if you are a good person, that is)
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240075
03/17/12 08:42 AM
03/17/12 08:42 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219 Washington D.C. Metro Area
DCMuffin
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
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Pardon my interruption here but I believe the lady said EACH =P I don't have my glasses on but I think she actually said beach. Not each. I live very close to the beach and it is very hot and windy here so she much know that, because she is so considerate. She knows that sand blows my way and gets into my eyes therefore she also knows that Aimee is far more capable of sewing the better cotton pouch. (Because of the sand & wind causing irritation in my eyeballs) Aimee, you should get on that tomorrow. (if you are a good person, that is) So sorry, Davie - the sun isn't shining today so I've certainly not got enough light to sew under. I hate to do this to you, but put on some safety goggles and start sewin', chicky poo! Bourbon - I like Denim, too. Again, same rules apply in sewing it and for those that try it, you'll want to get a good needle because denim is pretty rough on them.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240095
03/17/12 10:00 AM
03/17/12 10:00 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20,093 North Central Ohio
GliderNursery
Tech Admn
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Tech Admn
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20,093
North Central Ohio
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Ok ladies, I need some help with this one. What is posted above contradicts what I just told people at a gathering, so I need to learn what is "right", or at least hear others' opinions. First, I agree that cotton is very safe if the proper cotton is selected. Don't go cheap here! But your photo brings the question to me: In my opinion, a zig zag stitch is not glider-safe, and this is what I told people. I even had a sample to pass around. I did a loose and a tight one, and both were determined to not be safe. Why? Because a glider can easily get their nail caught in it (or other decorative stitching). Now, I understand that you are folding this in and it is on the inside using hidden seams. But, I even said that wasn't safe. I said so because even the best made pouch in the world can get a hole in it. If a glider puts a hole in the pouch, it can then access this decorative stitching and potentially cause additional problems. Look at the stitch length on the zig zag. If I were to use that same stitch length with a straight stitch, it would be considered unsafe. So, what do you guys think? If I'm wrong, then I need to change my demo for gatherings.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: GliderNursery]
#1240099
03/17/12 10:17 AM
03/17/12 10:17 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,532 Kentucky
nancy1202
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,532
Kentucky
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I was wondering about that too. Is there a reason or benefit for using a zigzag inner stitch over a normal tight straight stitch? Of course, if the glider chews through the cotton, there will be loose threads anyway so the type of stitch would be a moot point and the normal rules of vigilance apply!
~Nancy~ http://www.derbycitygliders.com
Jackson/Izzie, Lukas/Leilah, Mizuki/Elektra, Oliver/Ava, Ramon/Paloma, Charming/Snow Rest of the menagerie: dogs, cats, corn snake, bearded dragon
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240108
03/17/12 10:49 AM
03/17/12 10:49 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837 Florida
BindiAndScrubbie
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837
Florida
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I can see what you are saying. Personally, on all cotton and fleece sets, I use the folded and pinned method only. Like this: For the cotton/denim sets, I use this method: ...as denim frays badly too. Like Aimee stated..for extra reinforcement. If you are not comfortable with this type of zigzag method, even if it's on the inside, you could speak with your vendor. I personally don't do it to my own cotton/fleece sets, (only denim) not because I don't trust the safety, (I do) but because I prefer the structure of folding and pinning better to 'bulk up' the 'thin-ness' of cotton' if that makes sense.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240111
03/17/12 11:18 AM
03/17/12 11:18 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138 Lutz Florida
CandyOtte
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,138
Lutz Florida
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I suggest washing any cotton or denim first - especially if you will be using two different fabrics for your pouch.
Many fabrics will shrink a bit with the first washing but the two different fabrics will likely shrink different amounts.
If you wash first then iron the fabric (smoothing it makes it easier to cut and sew) then your finished pouch will still have evenly matched materials after it has been used and washed again.
Candy Otte & the Glider Kids Sassy, Corky, Mehitabel & Missy Wacco, Yacco, & Dot Mindy, Kanobles, Elmo, & Chipper http://www.gliderkids-diet.comCandyOtte@aol.com
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240130
03/17/12 12:12 PM
03/17/12 12:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749 80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
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Many machines have a zig zag pattern on them that IS safe to use. I use it when ever I'm sewing denim, cotton, meshes (like reptarium fabric or pouch windows) or any other fabric that might fray. The SAFE zig zag has small stitches that go in a zig zag pattern, usually 4-6 stitches per direction. The NOT SAFE just has one large stitch each direction.
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: ssuver]
#1240133
03/17/12 12:20 PM
03/17/12 12:20 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 614 Central Illinois
SugarCrazy
Glider Lover
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Glider Lover
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 614
Central Illinois
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I have an original "pouch protective" open pouch and it. I LOVE the durability of the denim and the fuzzy feel of the inside. I make my own cage sets and want to use these same materials. My question is... what is the inside made of? I think it is the sweatshirt fleece like Bourbon said but not sure. Could someone help answer this for me?
Tracy Married to my best friend for 24 years We have 5 skin kids, 2 with spouses, 4 PERFECT GrandSkins Owned by 2 cats Playmate to 5 dogs Slave to 16 suggies + joeys now and then www.garlandfunnyfarm.weebly.com
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240141
03/17/12 12:35 PM
03/17/12 12:35 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749 80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
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The original pouch protective pouches are made from Denim Sherpa. It comes from the factory made that way.
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240254
03/17/12 06:49 PM
03/17/12 06:49 PM
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br_bolduc
Unregistered
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br_bolduc
Unregistered
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a three step zig zag would deffinately be safe. Stitch lengths are no differnt than a straight stitch as long as you have your sewing maching set properly :-)
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: ssuver]
#1240361
03/18/12 12:04 AM
03/18/12 12:04 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837 Florida
BindiAndScrubbie
OP
Glider Slave
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OP
Glider Slave
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,837
Florida
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Can someone explain to me what the folded and pinned method looks like. I guess some of my blond is showing. I am trying to understand from the picture but I just can't get it. If you look at this print, the print is inside out and folded in on itself and then pinned in place. Then it's stitched with a tight seam before reversing. (As seen above in the fish print) So in essence, structure wise, the one layer of cotton, just became two. Teresa, I can respect what you are saying. I've only sewn two denim sets so far, one for myself and one for my friend. (as shown in the photo) In my own opinion, I find them safe as once I reverse them, I do a tight top perimeter stitch. Many reputable breeders even sew cotton sets this way and have for years. The only reason I sew cotton sets the other way, (folded & pinned) is not just for safety, but for looks and structure. (If I may be so vain) But I do still believe the other way is safe with a good tight top stitch. JMO As with everything, sets, toys, everything...all things need to be checked. Now...if I continue to sew with denim (may or may not, denim is very expensive, but I'm finding I love it, in spite of the cost and work) I am not an overly prideful person. Switching to your way of zigzag stitching is nothing more than a flick of a switch on my machine. So I have no problem doing that either.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: Dancing]
#1240421
03/18/12 11:41 AM
03/18/12 11:41 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20,093 North Central Ohio
GliderNursery
Tech Admn
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Tech Admn
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20,093
North Central Ohio
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Many machines have a zig zag pattern on them that IS safe to use. I use it when ever I'm sewing denim, cotton, meshes (like reptarium fabric or pouch windows) or any other fabric that might fray. The SAFE zig zag has small stitches that go in a zig zag pattern, usually 4-6 stitches per direction. The NOT SAFE just has one large stitch each direction. I need to take pictures of what I used for the sewing demo. Again, this stitching being used on the hem verses the side seams may be the difference, but when we each held the stitch samples, even the tight zig zag stitch was deemed "unsafe" by most in the room. I'll try to get some pics of what I'm referring to and post later.
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Re: Why Cotton Cage Sets?
[Re: BindiAndScrubbie]
#1240429
03/18/12 12:02 PM
03/18/12 12:02 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749 80 acres of paradise in KS
Dancing
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,749
80 acres of paradise in KS
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I assumed that the zig zag you are talking about is almost like an embroidery stitch, still with each stitch being a "long" stitch.
With the "safe" stitch in my little drawing...each individual stitch lenght is very "short" but the zig zag pattern is wide. (side to side)
If you can get good photos, I'm sure they will be very helpful! I can probably do the same both on some fleece and some cotton fabric so people can see what I'm referring to as "safe".
620-704-9109 Judge not until you have walked in their shoes and lived their lives. What you see online is only part of the story.
I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance
The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
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