(mostly) Modestly Priced Supplies On-Line

Before I start, I wanted to show you this dress I made from Kohura's Clothes. I just love this pattern and added a vintage button and vintage french ribbon from Charlotte as a closure. This is my favorite so far, but its still to big for Livy.

I had a question from a reader about where I get some of my supplies. As most of you know, I try to get all my materials second hand - from thrift stores and the like. I just like finding fabric with a history and that is way too close to the trash bin. I like the eco-friendly aspect of it.

But when I can't get what I need from the thrift store or if I'd like a little japanese fabric (I just love japanese fabric), I turn to the sources I've listed below. I also seek places that take PayPal so that the proceeds from my Etsy sales fund the next batch of goods that go up on Etsy.

LINEN ($5-$7 per yard): I love to sew with linen, but was having a hard time finding quality linen at good prices. I ran across all sorts of colored linen tablecloths at thrift stores, but I never seem to find natural or brown colors. I finally found fabrics-store.com. What a great place for inexpensive linen and they take PayPal! They've got all sorts of colors and thicknesses from sheer to canvas. I have yet to place an order, but I've heard its great.

WOOL FLANNEL ($8-$10 per yard): There are a few I've found affordable wool. First, Chloe's Toes Boutique has a limited selection. Another option is Fashion Fabrics Club which has great prices on just about everything and a huge selection of wool flannel.

WOOL FELT ($8 per 18" square): Magic Cabin has a great selection of wool felt. They even have a 14 color felt pack for $35. You can find a better selection of wool felt, felting supplies, and roving at A Child's Dream Come True. Neither one accepts PayPal though.

CORDUROY: The Fashion Fabrics Club carries a huge line of stretch and 100% Cotton Corduroy.

CANVAS: I love the selection at Hart's Fabric. They take PayPal.

ORGANIC AND NATURAL FABRICS: My favorite store is Near Sea Naturals which carries nearly everything you need to sew organically. You name it and they have it: wool, hemp, cotton, and blends of tencel and silk. They have knit and woven fabrics in very pretty colors and patterns. I expected their products to cost a bit more, but they are EX-PEN-SIVE. You can find some seconds and thirds on their site though. They do accept PayPal.

OILCLOTH: Hart's Fabric is also good for Oilcloth at a great price.

JAPANESE FABRIC: My three absolute favorite on-line stores: SuperBuzzy, Purl, and Reprodepot. Each one has a fantastic selection of Japanese fabrics and kits, but other notions and trendy fabrics. Each accepts PayPal.

JAPANESE CRAFT BOOKS: The cheapest Japanese craft books I've been able to find are on Yesasia.com. Don't be intimidated by the foreign language, just click English. The only problem I've had is searching for what I want. I generally look for kids clothing patterns and finally found them under "homemaking" (I think). Their books are at least 1/3 less than any other source I've found and FREE shipping for any order over $25 anywhere in the world.

LEATHER: I found just plain leather hard to find. I was looking for scrap leather in neutral colors to make baby shoes and found Brettuns Village. They sell a bunch of different thicknesses and colors. They've got great prices, take PayPal, and have FREE shipping. What could be better.

LEATHER BAG HANDLES: They seem impossible to get sometimes. I've found Tall Poppy Craft has some vinyl and leather.


Thank to those of you who've asked about or commented on my materials. I've been meaning to post about my favorite on-line shops. Let me know if you've got any others that are just fabulous and inexpensive while still of good quality.