Replies

1. 
   Rebecca1 | Apr 02, 2004 07:34am | #1

   While most fabric stores in my area have gone crafty, I too find there are few places around that offer good textiles.  As a former design student I have found some great things through retail establishments that send out swatches.  I prefer Baer's in Louisville, Kentucky.  They charge for swatches but they usually deduct the swatch cost from the cost of your order.  What is great about Baer's is their prices, they will purchase single bolts of exceptional fabrics from manufacturers and sell them at very reasonable prices.  Another great place is B and J Fabrics in New York City, that store is heaven!  Just call and a sales rep will send out swatches to you, when you want to order you usually need to send the swatch back to the same rep so you can get exactly what you want.  B and J deals with mid to high end fabrics, no crafty stuff but wonderful wools, silks, and bridal.  Paron in New York City is another great store as well.  Fishman's in Chicago is good idea too.  I have ordered fabrics from catalogues and on line services but I have had mixed results, some fabrics are cheap and of poor quality why others are great.  It's been a mixed bag but I have had a lot of success with retailers who provide swatch services.  Hope this helps, good luck!

1. 
   Bernie1 | Apr 02, 2004 06:26pm | #2

   Those are all very excellent sources. I also recommend Banksville in Conn. which will send up to 36 swatches at a time. You should be somewhat specific in what you are looking for since it's a huge store but they will try to match your request as much as possible If you want high-end gorgeous natural fibers from design houses look at Michael's in Baltimore, an on-line store with a very loyal following. Dharma Trading Company has a nice selection of natural cottons and hemp blends which are soft as silk.  Candlelightvalleyfabrics.com has some beautiful natural fibers. I've bought cashmere from them and it's simply gorgeous and the swatches are generous. Sawyer Brook in Mass. has a swatching service for $30 per year and they send swatches out regularly. I have not ever had problems ordering on-line. I ordered some Cadena (woven silk from Spain) from Fishman's and had no problem getting it. I have not met an on-line vendor who was anything but honest and the brick and mortar stores that do swatch services are terrific, too.