Fabric Reviews
- Creative Roots Sewing
- Nov 27, 2016
- 4 min read
I am going to keep an ongoing list here of some places I have ordered from or have received fabric from so keep checking back as the list will be updated often (who am I kidding....I don't have time to do this *often*, but it will get updated sometimes lol). I am going to start with the most recent fabric I received - a mystery pack I won from KnITS PULchra (U.S). I was so excited to pick up this package, and definitely wasn't expecting as much as they sent me. Inside it seemed like a bottomless package of amazing prints, each including a matching panel.
In addition to what is pictured, there was a cut of PUL which was drying at the time I took this. They have some pretty awesome prints coming up, so don't miss out. You won't be disappointed in their fabric quality - it's that nice 'buttery soft' cotton/lycra you hear about. Of all my custom fabrics, this is right at the top of the list for quality and softness.
One of the nice things about Annie and Irah is that they design all their own fabric, there are no 'inspired' prints, and no clip art - everything is their own art work. Their goal is to have more gender neutral and boy prints available. As you can see, the prints are pretty versatile, most work for girls and/or boys, and adults too (I mean look at those cupcakes)!
Additional info: Fabric is mostly 95% cotton/5% lycra knits although they do offer some PUL also. Fabric is 200-220 GSM and 58-59 inches wide. Shop Link: http://knitspulchra.storenvy.com/products
In addition to fabric Annie has some amazing sewing patterns. You can check those out here - https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SewUCanPatterns?ref=l2-shopheader-name
The Babes of Geeks (U.S) (They have since closed)
During all the Black Friday sales I came across The Babes of Geeks. Their sale was so amazing I set an alarm and woke up early to take advantage of it. I proceeded to fill a LFRB with their amazing prints. I was a little nervous because I had never seen or felt their fabric before, but for the price it was worth the risk.
I was SO overly excited waiting for this box of fabric to arrive! In hindsight, I would have filled two boxes, because I LOVE this fabric so much. The prints are unique and fun, the fabric is soft and thick (I was so afraid to wash it but it all came out of the wash perfect).
Their fabric is thick and soft. The prints are clear and vibrant (these picture do NOT do them justice and I will work on getting better pictures). I actually loved these prints so much I placed another order. By the time I got around to it most stuff was sold out (so disappointing, but of course, totally understandable).
Needless to say, I can see myself ordering from them over and over. Shipping is quick, communication is good. I already have the prints I re-ordered and I'm still really excited for my next package.
Shop link: https://the-babes-of-geeks.myshopify.com/
So Sew English (U.S - website will convert to Canadian dollars while you shop)
When I first ordered from SSE I had no idea their shipping times were so backed up. I wasn't in any rush for my fabric so it really didn't matter to me, I actually liked forgetting about what I ordered before I got it, leaving it as a surprise.
When it came (I think I waited about a month) I couldn't believe how amazing their fabrics were - everyone was right, it was definitely worth the wait. I ordered fuschia mint garden floral rayon/spandex blend, various floral poly/rayon/spandex french terry, and a red aqua black plain in poly/spandex. The french terry is the softest most amazing fabric. Beware though, it's quite thin. For me this is a bonus because I can wear it all year long! I just cut into the plaid last night, it's so soft and the colors are amazing. I just placed another order because despite the wait times, their fabric is a great price and a great quality.
Shop Link: http://sosewenglishfabrics.com/
Purple Seamstress (California, U.S)
If you are involved in the sewing community you have likely heard about Mel from Purple Seamstress. Her solids are the best out there not only in price but also in quality. She charges the same for 10oz as she does for 12oz cotton/lycra ($6.50/y U.S). When I got my first order from her I wondered why the fabric felt so much thicker than other cotton/lycra I had - and that's why.
Mel also has tons of other fabric and prints. The downside is there is no website to order from so you have to know what you are looking for, message Mel and ask what she has. She will send you pictures of everything available and then you can pick from there, order via private message and you are billed via PayPal. This does prevent me from ordering as many prints and other fabrics as I might otherwise, I always feel like I'm being a pain, and I don't always know what I want until I see it. So I mostly stick to solids. She also has amazing french terry - it's soft, stretchy and just the right thickness. Pictured is a sample of some of her french terry (the plaid is french terry also but with little stretch). One of the big benefits of ordering from Mel is that she has lightening fast shipping. I mean, I don't even know how she does it. Within hours of ordering you will have a shipping notification and it usually doesn't take more than 2-3 days to get to me (California, to Washington where I pick it up at the border).
Black Rabbit (Canada - based out of British Columbia) Black Rabbit fabrics (found on Facebook under Maple Collab Fabric and Notions) does custom knits, third party knits like Michael Miller and Girl Charlee, solid cotton/lycra in both 10oz and 12oz, 4-way stretch french terry, and most recently, toughtek (a durable fabric commonly used for the bottom of booties).
I have ordered custom knits as well as cotton/lycra, french terry, and toughtek from Black Rabbit. Yvonne's shipping is lightening fast - usually shipped within a day. I order mostly all my french terry from Black Rabbit - the best Canadian prices and shipping is free over $200 (flat rate shipping for orders under $200).
Shop Link: https://blackrabbitfabric.com/ (Prices are in Canadian dollars by the half meter).
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