Hey ya’ll!
Happy summer sewing, its Suzanne Todd again and I am excited to talk about – FABRIC!!!
First, is there anyone of us who doesn’t love (hoard) some good fabric?
Don’t judge me and I won’t judge you… but I might have several cabinets and closets full….and I am not sad about it! In fact, I love it!!
When I first started sewing, I bought mostly from my local chain store. I mean, it’s good for some things and definitely has its place; but there is a whole world of luscious and exquisite fabrics out there to experience! And I want to share a few of my “go-to” favorites with you.
For time’s sake, I will break it down into 3 categories - Ready to Ship, Semi- Custom, and Custom.
- Ready to Ship
The Fab Clique
https://www.thefabclique.com/?page_url=99 #afflink
Why?
Yes, there are many great companies out there and I have probably ordered from most of them, but I always go back to The Fab Clique and here is why.
Price: Quality
The pricing is consistently reasonable, typically under $9.00 per yard with bundles specially priced $16-$20. You can’t beat that!
I feel that the quality far outweighs the price! It is a tremendous value! SHHH! Don’t tell Dhee we don’t want her to raise prices… LOL!
I simply adore everything on this site!
Turn Around Time
SUPER FAST! Since all fabrics are in stock, they ship out immediately!
Once I even contacted the owner through PM, as I was in a pinch and needed additional yardage to complete a project, she was quick to respond and immediately shipped out the extra I needed. I was relieved and finished the garment on time, whew! Dhee is fantastic!
Variety
The Fab Clique carries a variety of prints and solids. I typically find something I love and must have, as well as a coordinate to match!
I love seeing the fabric on the models and getting a “real life “ feel for how it will look on me.
Cons
Since this is a ready to ship site, what you see is what you get. You cannot adjust the base of any fabrics.
Worthy of Note
The Fab Clique offers monthly subscriptions that are fantastic!
The Print Package is my personal fav! 3 yards of a mystery print each month for $35 INCLUDING SHIPPING!! SO fun!
There is also a Solid Subscription Package for $25 each month, great way to build your solid stash! Ask me how I know…
Their Facebook and Instagram pages are well run!
Dhee does a super creative job showcasing the new fabrics and showing them on different models! The monthly subscriptions have a Look Book with additional information directly from the sewist with fabric tricks and pattern details. This proves helpful when ordering online since not being able to actually feel the fabric. It’s wonderful to hear from fellow sewist!
You will see videos of how the fabric actually moves and handles while being worn on “real people”. As well as some how-to, sew along videos on the site.
Because this is a popular site, it is easy to see the fabrics sewn up in a variety of styles and sizes. There is definitely something for everyone.
- Semi-Custom
Ash and Elm Limited Textiles
https://www.ashandelmlimited.com?sca_ref=412490.nwYNUKAMXR #afflink
What is semi-custom fabric anyway? Well, it is a term I kind of made up, LOL!
Ash and Elm does “in-house printing” in the US, so there are no pre-orders. Their site has new designs added but keeps the entire catalog available for order on any of their bases.
Price: Quality
The typical pricing is $9.99 per half yard or $19.99 per yard. I like that I can order in half yard increments since it is a little pricier and I want to be more exact on my quantity.
I have sewn most of their bases and can say with confidence that quality is superb!
I especially LOVE their Luxe DBP! It is worth every cent as it handles amazing and gives one of the most professional finishes that I have seen! Their swim is thick enough to give good coverage yet glides through the machine like “butta”!
Turn Around Time (TAT)
Because of their “in-house printing”, they can offer 2-4 week TAT.
This is a family-owned business, so they control most everything in the business making it a faster alternative.
Variety
Amazing designs is all I can say! Something for every taste, including tie-dyes and solids.
New designs come out frequently and panels are offered with backs.
Con
I can’t really think of any. LOL! Price, maybe, but design and quality make up for it.
Worthy of Note
Ash and Elm run weekly specials and fantastic sales every so often. I always stock up on the sales and purchase a variety of bases for whatever project I might come up with.
They also offer free shipping on orders over $150.
You have to try their Lux DBP- thank me later! LOL!
Their Facebook and Instagram pages are well run!
They are always showing their fabric in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as their new designs.
From time to time, Brandy, the owner, reaches out asking what customers would like to see. It is kind of fun to feel that you have some input.
- Custom
What is custom order fabric anyway?
Typically, this type of company runs pre-orders with a turnaround time (TAT) of 8-12 weeks from the time the round closes. Designs can be ordered in a variety of bases and quality is superior.
I have 2 that I favor, for many of the same reasons, but yet one big difference- their designs!
The Styled Magnolia
https://www.thestyledmagnolia.com/
Price:Quality
Fabric is ordered in half yard increments typically for $16. Ordering this way helps me maximize my spending by only ordering what I absolutely need.
Quality is fantastic! Custom fabric always is! Plus, you choose your favorite base.
Turn Around Time (TAT)
Pre-orders is 8-12 weeks from the close of the round. They do offer a retail collection of in stock designs. However, you cannot vary the base. It is as presented and typically come in 2 yard increments. This collections ships super quick!
Variety
Super fun! Their designs are always outstanding!
Very unique and eye-catching!
Many one-of-a-kind type designs are offered.
If the current pre-order does not delight you, they offer a Pick-a-Print collection that can be order each month with many of their past designs available.
Cons
TAT on pre-orders is long. Be sure to plan appropriately.
I can assure you that once you get that shipping notice though; you will be standing by the mailbox!
Not as budget friendly as some ready to ship companies. Worth it though!
Worthy of Note
The Styled Magnolia has some of the most unique and attractive designs out there! Their quality is superior, and fabric sews beautifully!
I know, it seems pricey. But choose wisely and make a muslin before cutting into these “pretties” if you feel it’s needed.
You will adore whatever you make with these fabrics and will have one-of-a-kind creations.
Their Facebook and Instagram pages are well run!
They always shows their fabric in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as their new designs.
This is where you will find great communication and updates on shipping and rounds.
Their fabrics are well worth the wait and price
Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics
https://ohsoprettycustomfabric.com?aff=70 #afflink
Price: Quality
Fabric is typically $24.95 per yard and quality is awesome.
Their colors are so vibrant!
Again, custom typically is super special!
Fabric washes well and maintains shape. And you choose your favorite base.
Turn Around Time (TAT)
Pre-order is 8-14 weeks from the close of the round.
Each month, they run 2 rounds on the 1st and 15th.
They do offer a large retail (ready-to-ship) collection that ships quickly.
Variety
Here is the big difference in my custom fabric favorites.
Oh So Pretty features more super fun and whimsical designs!
You are free to let your inner spirit run wild!
I particularly like the coordinates to the pre-order collections. They accentuate the flair, color, and whimsy of the main designs in a more subtle way. Just personal preference, so many adore the main prints, too.
Their Countless Coordinates, Glitter, Fabulous Florals, and Alcohol Inks are some of my absolute darlings!
Cons
TAT on pre-orders is long, be sure to plan appropriately.
I can assure you that once you get that shipping notice though; you will be standing by the mailbox!
Not as budget friendly as some ready to ship companies. Worth it though! Check out those glitter prints, oh my!
Worthy of Note
Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics features some super unique and fun designs!
The Coordinates and Floral Collections are always available in pre-order and tend to not change, just get larger with more beautiful choices added!
Try their bamboo and DBP, they are divine!
Their Facebook and Instagram pages are well run!
They are always showing their fabric in a variety of styles and sizes, as well as featuring their new designs.
Shipping updates and round opening/closing are easily found here. And communication is great!
Their fabrics are well worth the wait and price!
There you have it! My two cents worth….
Happy sewing ya’ll,
(Written by: Suzanne Todd)
