Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

Anna · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 7:56 pm Post subject: Where can I buy fabric from?

I've just bought the September issue of Sew magazine and quite fancy the 50s style tea dress that is this months free pattern. I am wondering where I can buy some nice crisp cotton from?

I've only ever made clothes for a 12" doll but the instructions look easy to follow as long as I take my time!

Please tell me I am sensible and not about to lose my mind Laughing

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"I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde.

*Anna*

modelwidow · Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 1036 Location: Kent

That dress is lovely, I bought last months issue on a whim (having overcome my horror at the magazine's price) and am intending to buy this months, when I get into town, just for the dress. (justifying it by saying that patterns easily cost the same as the mag) Anyway not having seen the instructions yet I can't comment except to say if they are as good as this months then you should be ok, and there's bound to be someone here who can help if something isn't clear.

As for where to buy material, not easy to say as I don't know your area, but is there a John Lewis? or equivalent. Or have you tried googling?

As far as online goes, a friend has used Abakhan and been very happy with their service, but I am sure there will be other recommendations.

Good luck with it, look forward to seeing how it turns out.
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Ravelry id : Modelwidow

Nevisknitter · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 2184 Location: scotland

Do you have a Boyes near you, I know they stock wool, they might do fabric too.

Anna · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks to modelwidow, my nearest JL is 50 miles away, so online is cheaper than the cost of train or bus ticket to Newcastle! My actual town is a total loss when it comes to dress fabrics, although there is an excellent patchwork shop which I may investigate if I don't find anything else.

Nevisknitter, I have several Boyes's within reasonable range, all of which do sell fabrics, but I've found they're not so good for 100% cottons unless you want Christmas patchwork prints! I shall have a look, just in case I'm lucky.

For anybody else, I've found that Doughty's website sells Amy Butler and Rowan fabrics for £4.99 - £9.99 per metre, which seems excellent value to me! http://doughtysonline.co.uk/
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"I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde.

*Anna*

Auntie Noo · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject:

I've used doughty's Anna and they're really good. I bought a couple of lovely cottons. Good service and great prices, I seem to think they'll sell you a matching thread too, which saves a whole heap of grief! Wink

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Claire

RavelryID:~ Auntienoo

modelwidow · Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 1036 Location: Kent

There isn't any reason why you shouldn't use patchwork fabric, if there is something you like, after all it's usually 100% cotton. The only reason I can think of is price!
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Ravelry id : Modelwidow

Anna · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject:

Yes, it was the price that was putting me off patchwork fabric, but working it out it will cost about the same or less than what I'd pay for a dress in the shops so it's an idea that I will consider if I don't find some cheaper fabric.

Auntie Noo, I've bought from Doughty's at quilt shows and the like so I know their prices are excellent.

My problem now is that I have an idea in my head of what I want and I can't find enough of that design anywhere! Never mind, onto plan B Laughing

_________________
"I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde.

*Anna*

GrannySmith · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:22 am Post subject:

I buy most of my fabric from Fabricland, it is an awful website and you have to ring to actually order anything but the price and choice is very good.

Anna you need to be quick with any summer fabric though because just like clothes shops the fabric will be chaning over to winter weight.

Good luck and if you need any assistance, please ask Very Happy

Anna · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:50 pm Post subject:

I'm going fabric shopping tomorrow!!!

My mother, when tackled, remembered the existence of the Scarborough Sewing Centre (www.patchworkonline.co.uk) which sells patchwork and dressmaking fabrics from about £5/m. She's been wanting a day out for a while so we're piling ourselves into the car and away Very Happy

It's only about an hour down the road and I have the pleasure of buying Mum fish and chips as a reward for taking me Laughing

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"I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde.

*Anna*

craftylady · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 8:05 am Post subject: