Online Fabric suppliers.

Michellenman

Hey all.

I'm big in to my crafts, but recently I've gotten more in to sewing and have finally picked up a proper sewing machine that I will be able to make decent things with.

Have a few questions though which if I could get some help with I'd be eternally grateful.

1) type of fabric.

For basic home furnishings such as cushions and the likes, which type of fabric is best to use?

2) price of fabric

Obviously I understand that certain types are going to be more expensive than others but what is a good price for basic cottons? I have a hickeys near by and an inspiring ideas but both seem a little expensive esp if buying large amounts of it.

3)where to buy?

Especially online. I have been browsing fabric.com and actually had a huge order ready to place before I realised that shipping was $25 dollars and that I would likely get caught on customs for it too. Adding to the cost. Does anyone have any recommendations for irish or uk or even EU sites to order from?

4) funky prints.

I found loads that I loved on fabric.com (see pics below) and would love to be able to pick up some from a uk or Irish site or even pick up a yard or two from a bricks and mortar shop!







Thanks in advance

Millypenny

Hi Michellenman,

Here's a link to some fabric shops in Ireland http://www.easternbranch-ips.com/styled-7/page21/index.html
The shops listed sell mostly quilting cottons, but that would be fine for making items such as cushions, quilts etc.

Michellenman

Millypenny wrote: »

Hi Michellenman,

Here's a link to some fabric shops in Ireland http://www.easternbranch-ips.com/styled-7/page21/index.html
The shops listed sell mostly quilting cottons, but that would be fine for making items such as cushions, quilts etc.

Excellent! That capel st one is just around the corner from me and I've never spotted it

looksee

Minerva Crafts http://www.minervacrafts.com/ prices are good - check special offers, bundles etc - and they only charge £5.99 for postage regardless of quantity.

Michellenman

That's a fantastic resource! Thank you!

Can quilting fabrics be used for cushions too?

looksee

When you say quilting fabrics you mean craft fabrics as in fat quarters? Yes you can, but I would regard the resulting cushions as more decorative than hardwearing, it is only polycotton, it would probably need to be backed - ie lined - with other fabric.

Michellenman

Oh I just mean the type of fabric that fall under the quilting genre on websites and what they're comprised of. What type of fabric would be best for hard wearing cushions?

looksee

Ideally the kind of fabric used for loose covers, light furnishing fabrics and some curtain fabrics. Its the kind of thing you need to pick up as remnants really though, or sample books as it is expensive to buy off the roll.

We have a Michael Guineys in Waterford and they sell all kinds of fabrics quite inexpensively, though you have to keep looking till you see what you want.

There are lots of other kinds of fabrics you can use, its really a matter of looking at it and handling it to see would it be suitable. For hard wearing you do not want something that threads will pull out of, or with any sort of delicate surface decoration. Anything that is firmly woven and feels reasonably sturdy will probably be suitable, whether it is cotton, linen or synthetic. Or wool, but washing has to be done carefully.

Michellenman

Had a quick root around wm trimmings as was linked to earlier. I walk past it literally about 8 times a week and I never noticed it before! Nice little place with friendly staff. Didn't pick anything up just yet but have a feeling ill lose a couple of hours in there this weekend thanks for the recommendation

lucylu

The Knitting & Stitching Show is on this weekend Thursday October 31, 2013 - Sunday November 03, 2013 - See more at: http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/dublin/

I was there 2 years ago, there was exhibitors selling multitudes of fabrics..
no harm in going and asking for some advice..

lulu1

Here are some online stores that i found very good and postage was ok

ohsew craftycouk on ebay

jaskwear on ebay

notions and potions free shipping but takes about 4 weeks to arrive from china i think also on ebay

fabric land not quite sure about shipping costs on this one. but have been in the store a few weeks ago