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locating apparel fabric

mucci | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

Where out there in the fabric world can you find apparel fabric seen on the face of

the sewing patterns?  In my location there is only Joann and Hancock?

 

Thanks

Shirley

Replies

  1. sewfar | | #1

    Probably nowhere. I asked my local store once and they said the clothes on the patterns are sewn far in advance and by the time the books and patterns are out the fabric is no longer being sold. I too was really irritated as a lot of the time I cannot find any suitable fabric that is even similar to what they show.



    Edited 7/4/2009 7:49 pm ET by sewfar

  2. cafms | | #2

    I think Vogue fabrics in Chicago http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/store/catalog/index.html has the fabrics used in Vogue.  There is a reference there on the side of the page that mentions featured fabrics as seen in the magazine. 

    I have found some fabrics in Hancock's.  Last year I bought a pattern and found I already had a piece like one of the pictures. This spring I found the the pink fabric on the front of the McCall's 5752.  There were three colorways. One was a reddish pink, one a purplish pink and one a turquoise.  My daughter got one of the pinks. I made the dress but we didn't like the way it fit so I'm redoing it.  Didn't look as good on her as the pictures and she is as thin as the models.  The gathering on the hips looked rather odd.

     

     

    1. mucci | | #3

      Thank you, any site is good at this point, maybe when I can retire we can all

      get together and take a trip to New York's fabric center, keep dreaming

       

      Shirley in Alton Il

      1. SewistKitty | | #4

        Yes, Vogue Fabrics website does carry two or three of the fabrics featured in the current Vogue Pattern magazine. None of the fabrics thus far seem outrageously expensive which is nice to see.
        As far as fabrics seen on patterns I rarely can find the same fabrics although I predominantly shop online. A few times I have found the identical fabric but that is rare.
        Kathy

        1. silkfabric1999 | | #18

          locating apparel fabric

           I found an online store a lot of fabric choice, also can print your design on the fabric!

  3. Kbrane | | #5

    Hello,
    I also only have Joann's and Hancock's. *sigh* Does anyone know where to get knit or stretch fabric that is suitable for a semi-formal dress (what I seem to find is swimwear and "over the top" dancewear).
    Has anyone had a particularly good experience (or a horrible one) with online fabric shopping? I'm nervous to shop without being able to "feel"

    BTW I'm looking at making 3 navy blue dresses of the "infinity" dress style (Check out Rowena's blog)

    Thanks for the tips!
    Kari

    1. decoratrice | | #6

      I am fortunate to have Mulberry Silks nearby, and when I'm in Asheville, NC,  a stop at Waechters Fine Fabrics is a must.  Both have good web sites.  Can't speak to the online service of Mulberry, but Waechters service is fabulous, and they will send samples.  Everyone is into web marketing these days, and if you were to try any of the regular Threads advertisers, I'm sure you would find one that pleases you.  Give it a try--life's too short to sew with ordinary fabric!

    2. meg | | #8

      I live 45 minutes (on a good day) from any fabric store, so I do shop online. I'm fond of http://www.emmaonesock.comI've only looked at these:http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com
      http://www.fabric.comGood luck!

      1. sewelegant | | #9

        Like you I am hesitant to order on-line, but have done so:

        Really liked the Emmaonesock fabric I got as well as the advice on matching fabric because it really did go together.  I will go to her again!

        fabric.com - have ordered with good results except for the matching (or coordinating) They give you a sampling but it didn't work for me.  The fabric is cheaper, but I think I like the service put into Emmaonesock.

        I think the big fabric store .com's do an excellent job (like Vogue, G-Street and Waechter, Fabric depot) and I would trust any of them even the ones not mentioned.  I have not requested a sample because I tend to think if I do that and then order it will be gone before I get back to them and I'll be so disappointed.  Has anyone else had that feeling?

        Edited 8/21/2009 1:57 pm by sewelegant

        1. Kbrane | | #10

          Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I've enjoyed browsing so many new sites and have bookmarked several. I've also ordered some fabric swatches from folks (when they're free....I'm doing this for others, so I want some commitment from them before I spend any money)
          I had no idea there were so many good options out there. Somehow googling "fabric stores" doesn't really help.Keep posting if you have more suggestions and I'll keep reading, but I wanted to be sure to say:
          THANK YOU!Kari

          1. kafree2fly | | #11

            I have had *amazing* luck at Spandex House. They are enormous. I'm not sure if you can order directly off their website (spandexhouse.com); but they're good over the phone--and you can order swatches. And their prices are excellent. Obviously, a lot of their stock is better-suited to dancewear, exercise gear or costumes; but they have a bunch of good stretch velvets etc. It's worth a look. I think Britex still does mail-order, too. I've had excellent luck ordering silk online at Thai Silks (good prices and fast delivery); and I ordered from Fabrications by phone after browsing online--and I can't wait to order from them again; their service and delivery were superb.

          2. cafms | | #13

            I've ordered from Sawyer Brook http://www.sawyerbrook.com/ and The Material Girls http://www.materialgirlquilt.com/index.asp.  Both places have been very prompt and helpful when I e-mailed a question about their fabrics.  The fabrics are really nice.  If you order $75 worth of fabric Sawyer Brook will give a 6 month introductory swatching service.  I did that and have just received my second mail out.  There are some beautiful fabrics in it.  I just don't sew fast enough as I'm awful picky but it is fun dreaming about all the wonderful outfits I could make.    

      2. sewingkmulkey | | #12

        I've had excellent luck purchasing fabric online from:

        http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com

        http://www.fabric.com

        They both provide very good service.

        Karen

    3. Palady | | #14

      A second on the gorgeous fabric URL Meg posted to you.  A very reliable on-line fabric souce with an insightful array of yardages.

      nepa

    4. fabricholic | | #15

      Try http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com They are very reasonable, I think.

      1. MaryinColorado | | #16

        WOW, thanks everyone for all these great fabric resources!  Mary

  4. beo | | #7

    Kaplan Fabrics in Kansas City MO is a great source (they advertise in Threads).  I don't know that they handle fabrics as seen on Vogue patterns, but I have purchased lovely wools and silks from them.  In fact, there is a gorgeous pink silk herringbone whispering to me right now.

  5. mrparvez998 | | #17

    Finding fabrics Store.

    I think Fabrics USA Inc is the best online fabrics store.

    https://www.fabricsusainc.com/

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