For those of you that sew you’ll understand the important art of stash building – you know when you have to buy any gorgeous material that you see because your stash obviously needs more building done to it ;)!
I have discovered that the best way to stash build is to explore the delights of all the fantastic American on-line fabric shops. I know that I should support my local shop (and I do when I can) but we are talking some pretty major savings. I’ll give you an example – Amy Butler (or any other of your yummy designers) fabrics retail here in Australia for around $28/metre – those exact same materials are sold in the US for around $8.50/yard. Of course I need to pay my post as well but USPS do a flat pack envelope that you can fit about 8 yards in for $14.95, so it works out less than $2 a yard extra in postage. What can I say – I’m a student, I’m a thrifty girl, I just can’t justify spending nearly 3 times the price for exactly the same material ! I’m glad I shared that with you – my guilt is slightly reduced :).
My most recent order was delivered yesterday (just about a week from ordering – not bad). I was so excited! I ordered from the Fat Quarter Shop who I hadn’t used before. I had a lovely email from Kimberly to keep me up to date with the progress of my order and as usual I had lovely customer service (gotta love the Americans for that ;)).
This is what I found when I opened my envelope:
I thought that was fab that it was in a zip lock envelope as the US post envelope is only cardboard so if it got wet your fabric would too!
So this is what 8 yards looks like (I got 2 of the fabrics with 1.5 yards to make some PJ pants for me and probably another apron with the other). Mmmmmm yummy colours jumping out:
I thought I’d just add in what the fabrics are – top left to right:
Art Gallery Fabrics: Alhambra II Garden Cashmere Cameo
Amy Butler – Soul Blossoms Lemon Daisy Paisley
Art Gallery Fabrics: Alhambra II Green Granada Arches
Bottom row left to right:
Alice’s Wash Day blues Cream Embellished Floral (Circa 1880 – how cool!)
Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman: Confections Pink Cupcakes and Sweets
Amanda Murphy for Robert Kaufman: Swiss Chocolate Chocolate Lovely Lotus
Amy Butler – Soul Blossoms Tangerine Disco Flowers
I’m very excited and just need to work out what to make now! I often need to sit on new fabric for a while before I do anything as I can’t bear cutting into it! 😳
ooh!! SO jealous of your new stash! I made a great A-Line skirt with some amy butler fabric, I love it….they are such gorgeous colours and great prints….very cute. As for the snap press….ha ha ha…love it. Pls share any good sites for fabric purchase…I will be finished soon too…hmm…mind you I think I am supposed to be saving up for something aren’t I! xxx
The only 2 I’ve ordered from so far is fabric.com and now the Fat Quarter Shop. There are heaps on etsy but the postage thing is confusing – they charge you per item then refund you which I dont’ really like.
I was slightly gutted about the press as about 2 weeks after I got my they had a 50% off for the GNHDU (Great Nappy Hunt Down Under) but never mind I wanted it and I saved my text-book money for it pmsl!!! If you need anything poppered just send it or if we come for a visit at any point I’ll bring it with me!!
Watch this space about the savings – there may be changes to the plans ;).