What makes a good fabric shop?
It depends on what you are wanting to do and with my interests being quilting and dressmaking I am on the lookout for a variety of shops and on- line stores.
Local to me, my most favorite shop is Masons in Abingdon, if you can’t find it there, it’s probably not available. You can go in and buy one button at 2p or you can purchase all kinds of fabric in 10cm increments. They have accessories, sewing machines, thread, wadding and much much more. https://www.facebook.com/masonsfabricshop/
I am very lucky I have Banbury Sewing Centre, Bicester Fabrics, Bicester Wools, Freelance Fabrics and Witney Sewing and Knitting Centre all relatively close to me. Traveling a little further afield, I love visiting Birmingham Rag Market which normally runs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Tuesday being the best day for fabric. I love browsing all the Indian fabrics which are so decorated in embellishments and always brilliant vibrant colours but if you are looking for a bargain then the £1 a metre stalls are always worth a look.
If you are visiting the Rag Market, the The Fancy Silk Store is a must as it is right by the market. https://www.fancysilkstore.co.uk/ This store is set over 4 floors and you cannot see the walls for fabrics, every inch of this shop has fabric including bridle, curtain, dress, furnishing, evening and theatre fabric. If this wasn’t enough, Barry’s is another one to visit a short drive away.
One other store I must mention which Vicky and I came across at the Knitting and Stitching Show at the NEC, Birmingham and visited in Bradford is Bombay Stores, the UK’s largest Asian Department store. https://www.bombaystores.co.uk/
A little further afield in Florida last year I researched possible fabric stores to visit whilst on holiday.
I have to admit I also had some fabric posted to our hotel from an online retailer while out there.
A couple of my favorite on-line stores at the moment are Elephant in My Handbag https://www.elephantinmyhandbag.com/ , Flamingo Fabrics https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/ and The Fat Quarter https://thefatquarter.co.uk/ I use a lot of jersey and french terry and the first two are great for this and The Fat Quarter is brilliant for quilting and patchwork fabrics.
My latest discovery which was right under my nose is The Tartan Reel in Brackley owned by Janey. I went to see Janey a few weeks ago regarding Carry on Quilting and we chatted for ages about fabric. What struck me most about Janey’s shop is her wall of Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton. Every colour you could ever ask for. Our chat resulted in a part time position working with Janey, what more could I ask for?
Take Care
Stephanie