I have been sewing since I was a young girl and that is an awfully long time ago. Started with dolls then progressed to clothes, home crafts etc. About 5 years ago I more or less gave up on sewing despite having wonderful equipment and so on. Just lost interest…patterns were too fussy and did not fit my shape or lifestyle. Now am back at it and finding I can make the patterns work by using the classics and updating.
I live on beautiful Vancouver Island but unfortunately we are sorely lacking in good fabric stores. The last Really Good Fabric Store (its name) closed its doors with the owners retirement. So I think it is time to start buying off the internet. Anyone have great fabric sites they have used sucessfully?
Looking forward to learning from all of you and helping where I can.
Morag
Replies
Hi,
I have the same problem, no fabric stores, NOT that I live on a beautiful island!:)
check out the discussion (I think) 5171 (theres 25 posts in it) It's "Hello"
(someone may be able to tell you better or attach the post.) I don't see it, but I know there's a way.
I was talking there about the same problem and got lots of response. There's what you need about internet shopping there.
sorry I am not helping much, but I can't figure out how to leave this post to find it for you. Hope you find it, or someone that knows how can get you to it.
Hello and welcome from the editor of Threads. The magazine lists lots of great online resources every issue, if you need a place to start. I'm sure the Gatherings members have their favorites as well!
Dear AmberE: I have been away from my computer for two weeks; upon returning, I can see that the editorial tone is changing more and more to my liking. Keep up the good work! God bless you Galey
That's great to hear! Thanks so much!
Morag
I know what you mean about no good fabric stores on the island when I first came here 12 years ago I could not belive how hard it was to get good fabrics, I was used to Toronto and Queen St ,one great store after another.Where on the Island do you live I am in Victoria and there is one very good store Gale fabrics on Douglas. I do not know if they do mail orders, I will ask next time I am in there. I do know a lot of the stores on Queen St in Toronto will do mail orders . I will check my list of the stores and see if any have a web site and let you know
~~~~~~~~waving at you Van Island ladies, I'm here too! Going to the Sewing Convention in March and buying up lots of stuff from vendors who come from all over Canada and getting their cards is one option. I've purchased fabric online from different sources, all successful. Darma Trading for natural fabrics that you can dye. Got crinkle rayon here, cheap as dirt. Linda McPhee in Alberta has lots of different fabrics, polar fleece, slinky, nylon taffeta (fabulous, I bought red and turq for 2 coats), wool, etc. I've purchased from Nancy's Notions and a few other places that aren't in Canada, but it sure isn't like seeing and touching. See you at Gala!
Alexandera
I had completely forgotten the March Sewing Show...it is wonderful. Is it still at the Victoria Conference Centre? I have always wanted to go to the one in Washington State too, Puyallup, I think, but I can't spell the name for the life of me.
Have been 'lost' out in Nova Scotia for a few years. Fabric situation is even worse there. I will be at the sewing show in March, will have to lock down the credit cards <VBG>. I am also going to check out a few stores in Van as I am going over in August for a couple of days. There used to be some good ones, one in particular was downtown, very expensive but full of great fabrics.
Where are you on the Island? I am in the Nanaimo area.
Morag
Hi! I buy fabrics on the internet quite a bit - probably too much! I sew heirloom and children's clothes and these are a few of the sites I use:
Farmhousefabrics.com
Handmades.com
I use FashionFabrics.com when I am looking for other types of fabrics. There are so many really good shops online. There are shops who mostly sell reproduction fabrics - they are so interesting!
I look for a site that is easy to look around quickly.
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