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Question: How do you shop for fabric?
By Serena Nabeta | November 12, 2008
I know “How do you shop for fabric?” seems like an absurd question to ask (After all we all know how to shop…it’s the how to stop shopping that’s the hard part!), but there are some interesting answers hidden behind that question. Just sit and ponder that question a moment.
Ok, your brain is running with thoughts of driving to a fabric store, walking through the door, finding the pieces of fabric you want/need, purchasing them and then returning home. Or perhaps your thoughts run in the direction of…browsing online at various quilt sites, enlarging the image to see if you want that piece, typing in the yardage you want/need, entering your credit card information and anxiously awaiting for the UPS truck to arrive.
Yep, I know what you are thinking…She has totally lost her mind, what is she thinking asking how do you shop for fabric? We all know how to do that!
Before you totally think I’ve gone crazy and disregard what I’m about to say, let me ask you some follow-up questions that might produce some interesting and quite useful answers to everyone!
Do you shop with a friend or by yourself?
Do you always only purchase what you need? (Ok, I admit, that probably IS a crazy question!)
When you find a piece you like, does the price determine whether you purchase it or not?
How much time do you allow yourself to shop for fabric?
I find it interesting to see how others shop for fabric, so let me answer the previous questions for you…
Do I shop with a friend or by myself? That depends; it’s always more fun to shop with friends and usually I can bounce choices and ideas off each one another, which can really be helpful when trying to make a decision on a piece of fabric. But on the other hand, if I shop by myself, I’m the only one who knows how much I’ve actually purchased (online purchases are great for that!).
Do I always only purchase what I need? Hmmmm, I might have to think about that one for a moment….well, let’s see….you know, I think I can answer that question with a definite and quick “no”. Why else would I have a stash of fabric in my sewing room? However, that isn’t to say that there are times when I quickly find what I need, purchase it and leave without browsing. Although seeing a bolt at the cutting table or catching a view of coordinating prints online can sure be tempting!
Does price determine whether I purchase a piece of fabric? It can and sometime does, but when it really comes down to it, if it’s a piece I fall in love with, I’m going to purchase it no matter the cost. It can also depend on the purpose it is being used for in a quilt or project. A little bit of a more expensive fabric or trim can really complement a quilt and I’m still not investing hundreds of dollars in a small amount to put in that project.
How much time do I allow myself to shop for fabric? If I’m looking to match several pieces or find coordinating fabrics for a new project, I try to allow myself several hours. It takes time pulling out bolts or swatches and deciding what pieces blend together the way I want them to. If I allow myself too little time, I feel I’m being forced to make a decision and it may not be truly what I want.
There’s a few of my answers, now it’s your turn! How would you answer the questions listed above? Drop me an email or post your answers in the comments; it’s always exciting to see how others do their shopping!
If you have a blog and would like to post your answers, just copy the questions above, erase my answers and insert your own on your blog, making sure there is a link back to here. Then come back here and post a link to your post in the comments and we can follow-up on your blog to see your answers.
Topics: About Me, Fabric Stash, Helpful Lessons | 3 Comments »
November 19th, 2008 at 2:15 am
My current shopping habits are looking for fabric that simply makes me smile – whatever it may be. Lately my acquisitions involve around stripes, polka dots and cupcakes. I seldom buy for a specific pattern. I’ll buy fabric and then look for a pattern to use it.
I’ve stopped shopping on-line. No real reason why. I have two or three friends I usually shop with and we go shopping two or three times a year. We go to Marden’s Surplus where fabric sells for $3 – $4 a yard for quilt shop quality fabric.
I seldom pay full price for a fabric unless it really, really speak to me.
November 28th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Usually I fabric shop alone. I tend to be an impulse buyer. Even though I’m fairly new to quilting (less than 3 years ago), I have so much fabric, if I started sewing non-stop today, in five years, I’d still have piles of fabric left over. I find my likes change from time to time – sometimes I’m into pastels, other times I buy bold colors. I’ve bought some ‘ugly’ fabrics because they were good quality, dirty-cheap and paired with the right fabrics, they can become beautiful. I don’t seem to use my stash much – I seem to always sign up for classes at the local quilt shop, then I have to buy fabrics to make the item. Crazy me. I need to re-think this stash!! That’s okay, though. I like looking at all those beautiful colors and designs. One day, I’ll find something to do wtih them.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I have found the most satisfying way to shop for fabric is to do it online, believe it or not. My favorite store is called http://www.iluvfabrix.com. They seem to have fabric that always suits my taste, their pictures are incredibly accurate and their prices are amazing.
If you want to have a peek click the following link (apologies if it doesn’t work……computer stuff is not my forte) http://www.iluvfabrix.com/products.php
Lanny