Where do you buy fabric (economically, by the yard)?

[Sparkly]

I'm really missing JoAnne's, not to mention the days when there were various other fabric stores all within easy reach. Like most other things, I'm shopping online. Any recommendations?

At the moment, I'm looking (again for my granddaughter!) for cotton-ish gingham or calico dress material, for her one-year birthday party dress later this month! I'd like to sew a 3-pieced outfit - a puff-sleeved dress, matching bloomers (diaper cover, actually) in a pattern, then a white or solid color pinafore over that.

My daughter had something similar 30+ years ago, but I was buying hand-me-downs from a neighbor Mom in NYCity. (Her two girls were not much older, the clothes were beautiful, she had exquisite taste, and importantly, they were cheap. She said she needed the money because her husband was giving all their savings to Scientology!)

Anyway, I'd love recommendations especially for low-cost fabrics, and/or ones that can be purchased in increments (not whole yards).

Thanks in advance!!

[applegrove]

1. When I was sewing masks for covid in that first month,

for family, used a very expensive Adrianne Vittadini pattern sheet. It was very thick and 100% cotton. Next I ordered some quilting squares material online. In all different patterns and colors. The material was so thin and so weak. I was embarrassed to make masks out of it but the people I had promised it to didn't want the old sheet masks.

I'm just saying you can never tell what you are getting online so be careful.

[Figarosmom]

2. Dont know now

I read that someone bought Joanne's but no word on if they will continue selling fabrics. I don't like going to Walmart or hobby lobby. Walmart has a bigger selection than hobby lobby and if I had to choose I'd prefer Walmart over the Jesus freaks. I guess a goggle search may bring up different places to shop on line for vintage fabrics and stuff.

[Ilsa]

3. If you only need much smaller amounts of yardage, try

a locally owned quilt store. The fabric will be pricier, but the cottons are excellent.

Good luck.

[fierywoman]

4. When I lived in Los Angeles, I used to go to Michael Levine's in downtown ...

the remnant tables at the back of the apparel store were amazing!

Have you tried googling for "fabric stores near me" ? I'm now outside of Seattle and have discovered some interesting places by doing that. I agree, unless you know the store, online stuff is very iffy and mostly disappointing.

[fierywoman]

5. Just remembered something -- have you tried looking in a goodwill (type) store?

Someone I knew found really interesting fabric there.

[HeartsCanHope]

6. I'm interested in this, too, Sparkly.

Every place I've looked at online is super expensive. You might try Etsy. I've found lots of bargains for small amounts of fabric this way. Lots of sellers, too. That's what I did during COVID for masks. AsianFabrics is one seller that I liked. Also kekkstore, a Canadian seller. The material from both sellers was lovely and good quality. Read the reviews carefully on Etsy and you can get an better idea of the quality of the material. I will be watching to see what others say. Good luck.

[moniss]

7. I can recommend

that you look for stores in Amish country that also have a web presence. I know that sounds a bit contradictory but there are some who do and also some people acting as "intermediaries" so to speak. As you know trying to buy bulk online through many of the "normal" places can be very iffy with quality issues or fabric being misrepresented. Some of what gets presented as a certain material may actually be so thin it becomes a joke.

First stuff I remember shopping for was in the basement of the "Monkey Wards" store and the Ben Franklin Five and Dime. Here is a link to a store in PA that I have purchased things from with very good results and they are so very nice on the phone. Solid fair pricing also. Everything I've gotten was well packed and shipped well. Good luck.

https://goodsstores.com/

[mnhtnbb]

8. Do you live near a big city?

There is a woman on Instagram who shops for large pieces of fabric--like old sheets/throws/quilts-- at large thrift stores and turns them into fabulous tops/dresses/toddler-baby outfits. You can see what she does here: https://www.instagram.com/poppyluclothing?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

[jmowreader]

9. If you like online, Fabric Wholesale Direct is where I buy mine

Hawaii Fabric Mart also looks interesting, and they have more than just aloha shirt fabric.