Where do you get your fabrics from?
- Charity secondhand shops, I go often and if I see good fabric I get it whether I know what I’ll do with it or not. I look for fabric that has not been used because it is more likely to be in really good condition. I avoid curtains as they can have sun damage and the fabric might not last long. It’s a good idea to check the condition of everything very carefully. I also look for buttons, beads, clothes that I can repurpose for the fabric and things like unused zips and threads. I was also lucky enough to find a plus size dress maker’s dummy for AU$50 a few years ago.
- The clearance table at Spotlight (fabric retail chain stores in Australia). I find a lot of retail fabric costs more than I want to spend, often I could end up spending more for the fabric than I could get a dress, skirt, etc for at a cheaper department store. So now I do the clearance table only, and I stock up when I see good stuff for AU$3 or AU$4 a metre.
- Wholesalers. Local and online wholesalers generally have things you won’t see in retailers, their prices are considerably cheaper, however some don’t sell to the public and they will have a minimum purchase, for some wholesalers that might be 10 metres/yards of each fabric, for others that might be a 100 or 1000 metres/yards. So it’s best to call and check before you go visit ones in your area. Online wholesalers often have a sample book they will sell you, so you can see and feel the fabrics before you buy. Wholesalers are good if you have sewing buddies and can buy a lot and split it up or if you have other people you make for.
I don't do much sewing but when my girl need a costume, I get fabric from a local shop.
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