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Favorite On-Line Souces for Fabric

sewslow67 | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

I’d like to start a new thread, for everyone to share their favorite on-line sources for buying fabrics, trims, etc.  I don’t have any to offer at the moment, except to say that my favorite fabric store in Portland does offer on-line shopping, and it has 1.5 acres of fabrics and notions.

Since I have moved to a small village in BC, (with no fabric stores …and only one “not so hot” place 75-miles away), I would really appreciate knowing your favorite on-line sources.  Many thanks!

Replies

  1. meg | | #1
  2. sewingkmulkey | | #2
  3. Cherrypops | | #3
    1. sewslow67 | | #4

      Many thanks to Meg, Karen, and CP for your terrific suggestions.  I put my name on each of their mailing lists, and plan to order a piece from each one when the reunion is over in Sept.  I'll definitely remember to post a photo and give credit to the fabric shops when I complete the garments made from their fabrics, too.  It might be fun for each of you to see.  Thanks again to each of you for taking the time to share the links.  I really appreciate it.

      1. Stillsewing | | #5

        http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/angussilkshongkong/The shop's name is The Angus International I/E Agency Silks.

        This shop / online resource is just great. They stock silks of all weights and types. I visited the shop back in 1990 when I was in Hong Kong. (I bought over 100 yards then and have been slowly using it up ever since) It was also mail order then and great. I have used it since both by mail order and on line, and so have some of my friends as well and they have been delighted too. The prices are very competive as well. A real plus point for those of us who are a bit iffy about paying on line, you can pay by cheque in American dollars and sterling in the UK. Good shopping!

        1. sewslow67 | | #6

          Thank you so very much.  I sew almost exclusively with natural fibers and love silk, even though some say it's "not practical".  I wash all of mine and have never had a problem, although friends say some runs if the water is too warm.

          My parents were in your fair city some years ago, and traveled throughout your isle, looking for graves of ancestors.  I was there too, in the early '70's, and loved it.  Thanks again for sharing your information.  Wow ...100-yards.  Yes ...I'll bet you are having fun ...still sewing it up!  ;-)

          1. Stillsewing | | #10

            Glad to pass it on. The safety aspect of this site really appeals to me as well. I have found silk to be quite practical over the years too. Having the back up of this cloth has served me well over the years and when ever a special event has crept up on me I've been able to source a usefull length of material. However I still never miss an opportunity to buy cloth nowadays with all the fabric shops closing down. Here in the entire city of Dublin probably 1.5 million in total, there are about three shops, maybe four where I can purchase anything for dressmaking. So my supplies are diminishing.......Glad both you and your parents enjoyed your visits here. We have a great wee country, even if has rained for the past three weeks, at least it never gets either too hot or too cold. I have great sympathy for the other posters when they complain about the heat and sometimes the cold. In fact this Summer even though wet has been warm by our standards.... didn't have to wear a sweater since May until the last few days.....but the rain helps to get some indoor jobs done.

  4. Sewmary | | #7

    fabric.com

    fabricdepot.com

    farmhousefabrics.com

     

    1. sewslow67 | | #8

      Thank you, Mary.  When I lived in Portland, I shopped at Fabric Depot regularly, so now that I've moved, I'll use their mail order service.  Thanks again for the suggestions.  I'll check them out.

      1. Sewmary | | #9

        You're welcome!  I've had very good experiences with all three of those sources.

  5. Gloriasews | | #11

    For Canadian sources:

    http://www.macpheeworkshop.com - cotton knits, fleece, flannels, slinky, crushed taffeta, patterns

    http://www.fabricaddict.net - cottons, batiks

    http://www.distinctivesewing.com  - batiks, silks, rayons, fashion fabrics, notions, etc.

    Hope those are of help.  How is your reunion sewing coming along?

    Gloria

    1. sewslow67 | | #12

      Hi Gloria:  Thank you so much for the fabric-on-line links.  I particularly liked the first and the third, mainly because I couldn't seem to figure out how to see samples in colors on the second site.  I guess I'm just tired tonight, and somewhat of a klutz.

      I have spent the last few days, trying to fix my computer and when all failed, I had to get a new one.  I knew the day would come as there is no way I could continue to work my laptop like a desktop, without consequences.  It's been a loyal, hardworking machine, so I really can't complain.  After getting a new one though, I had to download all the software I use for work, and still need to transfer all of my work files onto the new desktop;  huge job.  Thankfully, I can do all this technical stuff, so at least I didn't need to hire someone to do it for me.

      All the above has put me behind with my sewing, and none of it was nearly so much fun.  The good news is that we had to go to Kamloops to get the computer, the bad news is that they have only one fabric store in the city (that I could find) and it is a very, sorry excuse for a Fabric Land (i.e. dreadful fabrics ...except for some of their cottons).  Considering that I was desperate, I did find a piece to make a shell to go with my current project, but ...it's poly (ick!) which I find hot to wear (my friends told me that it's been over 102-degrees F. over in Eastern Oregon where the reunion is going to be, and cotton, rayon, or silk would have been a much more comfortable fabric choice.  Still ...this is better than wearing the right fiber but in the wrong color.

      We've got a bunch of hungry guys here that have been out salmon fishing, and I made them a rhubarb pie, so I need to get going and give them dessert.

      1. Gloriasews | | #13

        You are a busy, busy girl!  That computer business has taken a couple of days out of your sewing schedule, but, at least, the trip to Kamloops allowed you to get to a fabric store.  I'm surprised that a city as large as Kamloops would have a crappy Fabricland - usually they have a good selection.  On the other hand, I've found some great fabrics at Wal-Mart (much to my surprise, as I don't like to shop there).  Also, with the temps so high in Oregon, you might have been better off making a rayon or cotton shell instead of a tank top to go under your vest, eh?  One thing I've noticed in the different Fabriclands I've shopped in, is that they don't have a large (if any) supply of cotton knits or any printed dress-weight jersey knits, which is a big disappointment with so many knit patterns now available.  When I'd asked a salesperson about that, they said the knits weren't selling, so they quit ordering them!  As for the cotton knits, when they have them in, they are so limited in colours, that I've never bought any.  Hopefully, you will find the knits online that you'd like to have.

        Hopefully, your hungry guys brought home some fresh salmon for you in payment for your delicious rhubarb pie :)

        Gloria

        1. sewslow67 | | #14

          Hi Gloria:  I asked the sales lady for rayon, as I wanted to make a shell, and she told me that they "never" carried it.  I then asked for a cotton knit and the answer was similar ..."don't have it now".  Like you, I would have thought that a city that size would have had several fabric stores.  After all, Vancouver and Victoria both have "Gala" fabrics which, I am told, is a fabulous shop.  I hope to get my DH to drop me off there so I can spend some time getting my "tactile fix".  tee hee.

          I'll give WalMart a try when we are there next time, now that you have told me that they sometimes have some "good stuff".  One never knows, huh?

          I'm going to try ordering some cotton knit from Marcy's website.  She had some beautiful things the last time I checked and many were coordinates, which is nice too.  Do you get her newsletter?  If not, here's the link, just in case you want it:  http://www.marcytilton.com/It's   It's great and always full of ideas, and I really like her newsletter, too.  I'm in the process of re-reading all of her old ones, too.  She has great designs/patterns also, and I just ordered her new t-shirt pattern as it is "dressy" for looking a little more feminine when you still want to wear denim's.  Got to start supper; pork chops, with onions & mushrooms cooked in wine sauce, with twice baked potatoes, corn on the cob, tossed salad and rhubarb pie.  Most all veggies are from our garden ...yummy!

          PS:  The guys loved the pie, but only one of them caught the two salmon, so we had barbecue instead (we thought they should take the fish home to their wives)

          Edited 8/19/2008 8:24 pm by sewslow67

          Edited 8/19/2008 8:24 pm by sewslow67

          1. Gloriasews | | #15

            Thanks for the link, as, no, I don't get Marcy Tilton's newsletter, just the one from MacPhee Workshop.  I will check it out.  I do hate to order anything from the States, though, due to the exchange rate, postage & duty.

            Your supper sounds delicious - you went all out!  (It must be cooler in your neck of the woods today as it is here, too, or you wouldn't have bothered with all that yummy cooking).  I, too, am cooking a real meal tonight.  I'm surprised you have any pie left (or did you make 2)?  Yah, with only 2 salmon caught, you pretty well had to let the guys take them home to their wives.  Maybe next time . . .

            There used to be a high-end fabric shop in Vancouver called Elegance Fabrics, but I don't know if it still exists, as well as a Silk-O-Lina store (maybe it, too, is long gone).  There are sure to be many to look at, as there was an old thread on fabric shops in Vancouver last year (I think), so check the archives before you go.  Too bad you weren't able to get the rayon or any other lighter fabric for your top.  That always seems to happen when you really need it or you need a particular colour, eh?

            Gloria

          2. sewslow67 | | #16

            I know what you mean about paying extra for the same reasons you mention.  That said, I have really learned a lot by reading her newsletters, and she is always giving great design ideas.  I am anxious to make her latest knit top pattern up, as it looks very unique.  I don't recall the pattern number but it's a Vogue. 

            BTW, Butterick on-line has a great sale going until midnight tonight.  Vogue just had one, and all of their patterns ...even the expensive designer ones ...were on sale recently for only $5.39 each.  I got several that were originally in the mid $20's that I've been wanting but didn't feel I could possibly justify the price.  I have to laugh now, about what I said to my mother so many years ago:  Vogue increased the price for their regular pattern from 0.25 cents to 0.35 cents and their designer pattern prices from 0.50 cents to 0.75 cents.  I told her that: "well ...you know mother ...no one will buy them at those prices"!!!  giggle ...boy, was I wrong!  Oh, dear ...

            I'm off to bed.  And yes, DH was pleased about supper tonight, since we've been eating salads and "whatever" we could toss on the grill since it's been so hot.  And yes ...I made two pies.  I usually do, since two is just as easy as one to make.

             

            Edited 8/21/2008 7:54 pm by sewslow67

          3. Gloriasews | | #19

            I'll register for the newsletter - another excuse to spend even more time on the computer :)

            Didn't we all say that at one time - that nobody will pay that much for something?  You are right - now look at the prices some will pay for something - outrageous!  At least most of us on these threads look for sales - you have to, with prices rising as they are, & income not following suit.

            We're the same in that, now that it's much cooler, we are eating real food, rather than cold things & salads.  Nice change.  Soup & biscuits tonight!  You're right - 2 pies are just as easy as one, especially when you have the ingredients & the oven is hot.

            G.

          4. User avater
            ThreadKoe | | #17

            If you get a Walmart with a fabric section, ALWAYS check out the cheapie bin. If you know your fabrics, you can get some goodies hidden in there. They are the ends from the manufacturers and samples. Because they are unknown fibres, they can't put them on the shelves at the regular cost. I have bought some great poly gorgettes, and fancy weight dress materials in the bins. If nothing else, these are great for making muslins with, if you do not wear poly fabrics. I even bought a silk blend fabric for a vest. Cathy

          5. Gloriasews | | #20

            Cathy, I didn't realize Wal-Mart had a cheapie bin - I thought everything there was much cheaper than I was used to - quilting cottons at less than half the price of the quilting store's & the quality appeared to be the same.  I was also surprised to find Oriental woven-design light brocades & dressy fabrics - everything at $7.98 a metre or less.  As much as I don't like Wal-Mart, I'll go there for fabrics & notions - & look for the cheapie bin.  Even at Fabricland, I always check the cheapie fabrics first, as you do find treasures now & again if you know your fabrics (a lot of the 'unknown fibres' are known to us).

            Gloria

          6. User avater
            ThreadKoe | | #24

            The cheapie bin is the $1.98 bin. Many Walmarts are getting rid of the fabric departments, so they are getting harder and harder to find. There is a lot of junk in them also, but some good stuff too. Really watch out for flaws also. Cathy

          7. Gloriasews | | #25

            Thanks.  Yes, I always check for flaws, no matter where I buy my fabric - it happens.

            Gloria

          8. sewslow67 | | #21

            Thanks, Cathy; I didn't know that WalMart had a fabric & notions section; we shop there when we get to Kamloops, but we generally are mostly in the food sections and DH is "grazing" in the tool sections.  ;-)  Actually, while he is there, I usually am checking out the books (that I don't need) so I'll look for fabrics in the future.  Like you and several others on this thread, I found some good buys in the cheapie bin at Fabricland, too.  Thanks for the tip re WalMart fabrics though; I had no idea.

  6. Ckbklady | | #18

    Hiya!

    I'm in Seattle and we have a plan to move to Vancouver Island in the next couple of years. I hope we can be neighbors!

    I haven't shopped online for fabric because my computer monitor never seems to show me the actual, real, accurate colors of the fabrics - arrgh! A friend with a better computer, LOL, really likes:

    http://www.thousandsofbolts.com for quilting fabrics.

    They carry end of season and run prints at a discount. Maybe that will round out the list of good sites given to you here - you'll have sources for fabric for most every project.

    I was just at Fabric Depot over the weekend - what an indulgence. I'm glad I don't live close to it!

    :) Mary

    1. sewslow67 | | #22

      Thanks for the link, Mary; it looks great and I'll explore it more when I get my projects complete for the reunion.  I'm glad you got to Fabric Depot also; doesn't it just take your breath away when you first walk in?  I generally prefer smaller shops, but that place is definitely an exception in my mind.

      Seattle has some great fabric store there, too.  I lived in Edmonds for a spell, and enjoyed exploring the fabric stores around the city.  There was one specialty quilt fabric shop that I can't quite get my mind around the name right now, but it had, "Beyond" (or something like that) in the name.  It was was of the most amazing quite shops I've ever been in, and the ladies there were all so creative and helpful.  I'll have to remember to ask my DHL as the kids still live there.

      Must run; have no idea what I'm doing for supper.  (sometimes I wish we could just not eat for a week; think of all the other things we could get done!!!)  After living alone for so many years, I am finding it a really, serious challenge to cook every day.  giggle

      1. Ckbklady | | #23

        Hiya!

        Oh, yes, Fabric Depot is a must-stop when I'm down in Portland. It sure is breathtaking! I make a point of going either with sewing pals or alone. Hubby has never set foot inside - he could never tough out the 3-hour visits!

        Is the Seattle-area shop you're thinking of called "In The Beginning"? I thought it had closed, but it's still listed in the online Yellow Pages. After Fabric Depot's deep discounts and no sales tax, I don't think I could bring myself to hit another shop for a while!

        Hubby's job just changed from being away a lot to being home for dinner all the time - I feel your pain, LOL! Just when I was getting used to a bowl of Cheerios for dinner! :)

        :) Mary

  7. damascusannie | | #26

    http://www.maryjos.com/

    Located in Gastonia, NC, just west of Charlotte. My daughter and I got the chance to visit the store in person in June and it was flippin' AWESOME! (as she said--she's 17) Quilting, garment, home dec...they've got it all and in six different colors. The website has about one third of the total store inventory on it at the present time, but they are adding new stuff all the time. Oh, and the bridal fabrics....they had to ask me to back away from the rolls because I was getting drool on them.

    Annie in Wisconsin, USA
    ~~Doodlestein Designs Quilt Patterns
    ~~Finely Finished: Machine quilting worked on a treadle sewing machine.
    See patterns, quilting, and National sewing machines at: http://community.webshots.com/user/damascusannie



    Edited 8/24/2008 6:48 pm by damascusannie

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