Fabulous Fabric Finds
by Janet Montie
http://www.fcfabric.com/
My mother came of age during the Great Depression, and
learned to quilt of necessity, using scraps of fabric from
home sewn clothing. They weren't always crazy quilts; most
of them had some pattern and design, but the fine-tuned
color schemes that are possible with today's range of
available fabrics weren't happening then. When she married
a prosperous farmer, and had her own family, she continued
to enjoy quilting, but now she also had better fabric
options, and could make even more beautiful quilts.
There was one fabric store in particular that she found in
a town more than an hour's drive away - and this was back
in the days when people thought twice before driving that
far. But going to this quirky fabric store was well worth
the trip. I have vivid memories of going to visit The
Featherman's store. I don't know why we called him by that
name, because his was purely a fabric store, with every
kind available in the world it seemed to me as a child. The
really good stuff was in the main room showcased on rolls,
not bolts. In another part of his labyrinthine shop were
tables and tables of remnants - velvet, brocade, silk,
chiffon, heavyweight cotton and corduroy - he had it all.
This shop was filled with unique fabrics, and it often
comes to mind as I wander the aisle of another of the
fabric super-stores wondering where has all the quality and
variety gone?
Fabric treasures can be difficult to find at times. If you
are making quilts, clothes, or gifts, the fabric that is
perfect for the project sometimes just can't be found at
the local store. Over time, it seems like quality fabric in
unusual and beautiful colors and designs is becoming harder
to discover. There is a solution. Now we have the option to
locate the perfect fabric at an affordable price by going
online.
>From vintage to the newest designs, a variety of patterns,
colors, and textures, can be easily discovered online. For
you vintage lovers, this can be the only avenue for finding
amazing, high-quality vintage fabric. In addition, patterns
and ready-made projects with the fabric already cut can be
found in many online stores. Handmade clothing can be a
great way to save money and create your own originals.
Handmade clothes can serve as beautiful gifts year round;
they make people feel special and beautiful due to the
unique patterns and styles.
If you're a quilter, you know how difficult it can be to
find a store carrying quality quilting fabric. Trying to
find the perfect fabric for your new pattern or your next
project has become extremely easy in the past few years.
Several wonderful on-line quilt shops have appeared on the
scene to meet all our quilting needs. Time and money can be
saved by the fast, quality services offered by these
companies.
Whether you're searching for fabric to make quilts, gifts,
or clothing, let technology lend you a hand. Find unlimited
choices at affordable prices by going online. If you like
to be able to feel the texture and weight of the fabric and
see how it drapes, that is one thing you'll miss. However,
the sites with excellent pictures and superbly written
descriptions help mitigate the problem of being unable to
touch the material. The trade-off is worth it. Online
fabric stores save you time and money while providing
literally millions of choices. Type the word fabric in your
search engine, and you'll see what I mean. Plus, it's fun
to shop from the comfort of your own home.
Janet Montie, quilter and author, contributes to
First Class Fabric,
offering free information and resources
for crafts,
quilting, and sewing. Articles by Dana can also
be
viewed at The Quilt Box and
FYI Craft.
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