Replies

1. 
   SewinMari | Oct 19, 2006 07:24am | #1

   I sit down every so often and go through the websites listed in Threads, Sew News, Martha Pullen, etc.  At any given time, I dont' know what I will be looking for, but whatever it is, I know it will be difficult.  I add to my Favorites and have many.

   It may be worthwhile to buy a book on fabrics, just so you know the new stuff.  Our really nice, nice fabric store closed this spring.  I was so heartbroken and depressed about it that I couldn't even go in there to buy discount or tell them good-bye.  The same family and people had been working in there for 30 years, since I was little and my mommy dragged me in there to buy fabric.  I promise, it has been a cloud over my existence this year.

   When you have a couple hours to surf, (gosh!  what mother doesn't)  I think it is helpful to do a search in different search engines for "linen fabric", "stretch velvet", "hand dyed silks", "designer fabric", "New Yord fashion district"

   Hope helps.

2. 
   jatman | Oct 19, 2006 10:31am | #2

   Hi Michellem - I've ordered from Fashion Fabrics Club before.  The fabrics have always been what I expected or nicer.  They have a wide variety and good prices.

   JT

    

3. 
   WandaJ | Oct 20, 2006 01:17am | #3

   Michael's Fabrics, Ginny's Fabrics, FabricMartFabrics, Sawyer Brooks, and Candlelight Fabrics are my favorites above all the on-line vendors I have purchased from on-line over approximately 5 yrs.

   The suggestions given prior to my post is a very good one.

   Too, I suggest you ask vendors for samples of the fabric you are looking for, or get on a sample mailing list (snail and/or on-line mail). Some sites charge for this service and some do not, while others charge for the actual sample, and then deduct it from the price of your order if placed as a result of the sample request.

4. 
   fabricholic | Oct 20, 2006 02:53am | #4

   Hi Michellem,

   I have bought from Fashion Fabrics Club and I am now looking at fabric from Manhattan Fabrics.  I love the way you can look at it by fabric, by color, by weave, and by designer.  I love looking at fabric.  The only trouble about buying on line is, you can't feel the fabric.  boo hoo

   Marcy

1. 
   michellem | Oct 20, 2006 07:07am | #5

   I have been shopping at the only available stores in this are, JoAnn, Hancocks, etc.  I moved to colorado springs for a few months and found a great fabric store.  I loved it so much I got a part time job to pay for my addiction.

   But we moved back to arkansas and I don't like the quality of joann's or hancocks.  I have broused several sites but have been afraid to purchase.

   Thanks for the insight on some of these places.  Keep them coming.

   michellem

1. 
   SewinMari | Oct 22, 2006 05:33pm | #6

   I have sewn for personal wear, children's heirloom wear, home sewing (couch re-upholstery, pillows, window treatment), kites, quilting, church linens, dancewear, etc.  I have a phobia of committing to one expertise I guess....  You should see my book library!  Unfortunately, the stash is bad too.  When I completed all my church sewing and started dance sewing, that is when I found  the right weight linen! 

   There are many really good fabric stores.  I really love Fashion Fabrics, Denver Fabrics, etc for general sewing.  If I want a really special fabric, I have to do a search on the specific fabric name and sift through a google (I've had better luck with the MSN search).  Fabric shops are having to specialize in particular sewing interests.  That is what is so wonderful about the internet.  If you want to buy very specific or unusual fabric, you will have to establish new relationships.  There are many, many fabric shops in NY and LA.  The market is big enough there that they can specialize.

   When buying from an on-line fabric store, look for BBB or paypal or other safety features.  I would buy the first piece in a small quantity and I would use a Discover card or one that I felt would give me some protection.  I've actually had Discover CALL me at home, leaving messages until they reached me, to ask me about unusual activity on my bill.  Never use a debit card.

1. 
   michellem | Oct 23, 2006 02:31am | #7

   good advice!

   michellem

5. 
   mrsdwight | Oct 23, 2006 11:25am | #8

   We needed special fabrics for bridesmaids this summer - and were so frustrated by what was available in the chains. Do they think we all wear fuschia satin?

   Baer Fabrics (baerfabrics.com) had a great selection and very personal service. Excellent prices, too. Will definitely use them again.

6. 
   mypinkheaven | Oct 25, 2006 12:25am | #9

   Hi,

   Do you ever browse the fabrics on eBay? You can check the seller's feedback to see how "professional" they are. One of my favorites is groverdad. Always has a nice selection of fabrics. : )

1. 
   michellem | Oct 25, 2006 06:37am | #10

   Have you purchased from him?

1. 
   mypinkheaven | Oct 25, 2006 08:50pm | #12

   Hi,I've bought from groverdad many times. I've never been disappointed and she ships right away so I don't have to wait long.I've also bought from dolce*figlia and lady*venezia, but they're more expensive.And I've gotten one or two things from tryce2000, but she's very, very slow to ship and not good at answering emails. I don't buy from her any more.Amy

7. 
   POPPETT | Oct 25, 2006 02:41pm | #11

   I have never purchased fabric without seeing it and feeling it.  I want to know what kind of hand it has, etc.  I am afraid that when I got it home, I would totally hate it.  I know I could send it back, but have to pay return shipping.  That, after a while, can run into money, and since I am on a fixed income, that is a major consideration for me.

   "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."  Frank A. Clark

    

1. 
   mypinkheaven | Oct 25, 2006 08:57pm | #13

   I like to get my hands on fabric too! But the only fabric store I have is JoAnn's and sometimes I just want something different. If the pictures and description of the fabric is good, I can usually get a good idea of how the fabric will feel.Amy

1. 
   michellem | Oct 26, 2006 03:06am | #14

   I never realized why I was hesitant about buying on-line.  It is because I like to feel the fabric as well.  But the choices in my area  are slim to none.  I think I will just "bite the bullet" and try on-line.

   Thanks

   michellem

8. 
   Sunshine | Oct 27, 2006 03:38am | #15

   Here in St Louis we have a great store named Anatole's Fabrics, and they have a very good website -- http://www.bridalfabric.com.  If you need specialty fabrics, they are a great source, but don't look for quilting cottons!!  If you are especially looking for silks or satins, in any color, they should have it.  Their lace and trim selections are wonderful, mostly oriented towards the dressy, sparkly types.  I can personally recommend the Duchess satin--I used it for my wedding dress and it handled beautifully, didn't wrinkle,  and it was only $10/yard!!!!! A friend of mine used their silk dupioni for her daughter's amazing wedding dress, which looked like a couture gown.  They will send swatches ($) and you can order online with a credit card.  They also have home dec fabric and trims.  I think they are the only place in town that carries the hard-to-find WIDE horsehair (poly) braid, in 3" and 6" widths.  It's not on their website, but I'm sure you could call them and get it.  They are very nice, helpful and knowledgeable people, and I wouldn't hesitate to order online from them.