Wednesday, February 17, 2016

More Thoughts on Fabric Shopping

I had thought about this post since having a question about it at the guild meeting last Monday. I saw Diane's thoughtful  post HERE and am following up with my own blog post. 

My fabric shopping has changed with my quilt style. Almost always I stop by Fabric Depot when I head into Portland- it's right on my way to my daughters. It is huge and can get overwhelming if you are just going in without a plan. 


 First, look what I saw the last time I was there. This lovely display of Victoria Findley's new fabric line and a wonderful story that I took the time to read. Congrats Victoria!!
And then there is rows and rows of beautiful fabric.



Lovely Lovely reproductions. 

 Oh wow! I haven't seen these before. Carolina Blues by Paula Barnes. I LOVE them!
Even with 30% off everything I think 9.45 is more than I like to pay if I don't have a plan for the yardage..  Unless I'm  looking for something really specific I rarely purchase yardage at Fabric Depot.

This is my favorite corner (remnants) and it suites most of the quilts I make- scrappy. 


 Here's a fun piece of reproduction. 

A gorgeous piece designed by Laundry Basket Quilts
 Lots of fun modern pieces too!

The last time I was at Fabric Depot I did purchase 1 yard of Bella solid- Fig Tree Cream for the 1857 quilt, but I also found these lovely reproductions on the remnant rack. The blue one is by French General and the madder is a lovely repro by Judie Rothermel. I also grabbed that great piece of linen. All 3 of these were about $7. I'm happy making purchases this way.

Now you know why most of my quilt backs are pieced with various fabric! I forgot to show you the back of Jill's Jewel Box on Monday. These fabrics came from her stash as well.


Have a wonderful Wednesday! I'm finally feeling better.


28 comments:

  1. lori, interesting and eye-catching post...can see why it is such a tempting place...we are lucky to have marden's--a great place to treasure hunt as nothing is labeled by mfgr or designer, just put on the shelf by color family...

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  2. What a great shop! But I don't blame you... those prices are high... but great selection! You found some great pieces at bargain prices.

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  3. I can't remember the last time I made a backing out of just one fabric. I think it is fun to turn over a quilt and find a variety of fabrics. I think that Fabric Depot would put me over the edge! So much fabric.

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  4. Wow - that looks like a fun (and dangerous) place, but $13.49? That's too much! Love the pieces that you bought. I used to piece back all the time, but haven't for awhile - I need to start doing that again. I have a huge stash that needs to be used!

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  5. I've only been to Fabric Depot one time as I don't go into Portland very often. You have a very good reason to go there and the added benefit of being near FD. We tend to go to Salem much more often. I'm going to talk a little about buying fabric in my next post.

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  6. What a great place to shop for quilt fabric. If I ever got to Fabric Depot, I would buy a bunch because I know it would be a one time deal. Your method of shopping there works for you as it is somewhere you can return to. I think I have purchased online from this store. I always turn to stash first, the local quilt shop next, and then online third.

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  7. Unless it is Kona Snow or something standard I usually buy clearance fabrics as well. Almost all shopping online, though...I'd be swooning in that Fabric Depot! :)

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  8. Thanks for the tour, now I don't have to go shopping today! The prices are high out there. Most fabrics at my favorite quilt shop (Cyndi's Busy Thimble) are around $11.00. I must admit I don't even look at the price there. I just load up, chat and go home. I love the back of Jill's quilt too!

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  9. Had to laugh at Wendy's comment. Having been to Cyndi's last year, I know what she means.
    Looks like a dangerous store, but the remnant corner appears benign.
    I love to shop remnants. So much of what I do is with scraps, so I don't need yards of them. A nearby quilt shop has great clearance sales on yardage, so that is where I go to stock up for backings, sashings and borders. Now and then I have to buy yardage to meet a specific need, and it is painful to do at full price!! : )

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  10. What a great store that one is. So much lovelies in there, it would make my knees weak lol. I wouldn't pay that much for the fabric though, (it's even more expensive in Canada, believe me) not matter how gorgeous. I always start in the clearance section. They don't have a remnants section in my LQS. ;^( Most of my backings are pieced too unless the front is made with very small pieces and has lots and lots of seams then I'll got for a wholecloth. Very interesting and fun post. Thanks for sharing. ;^)

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  11. I just have 2 words to say : lucky you !
    I read all the comments and ladies, don't buy fabric in France ! It's between 17,8 and 20 $ for one yard ! Be happy to buy some fabrics at this price ! :)))

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  12. I've been to Fabric Depot several times when I visit my sister, but somehow we missed the remnants. Last summer I bought sooo many 30's prints--$2 for half yard. I literally left some clothes at her house so all the fabric could come home in my luggage!

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  13. Wow. Fabric heaven. I ve ever seen a shop like this. I do most of my shopping online which leads to sometimes unfortunate surprises about scale and color

    I'm glad you feel better

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  14. I've been around Portland many times but never made it there. It can be fun to look at so much fabric but I get overloaded. You made some super finds in the remnants though, lovely fabric and a good deal.

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  15. Interesting to see how the bolts and remnants are displayed there. I would definitely be overwhelmed by that much choice!

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  16. Looks like a wonderful store! But I am with you, I would head right for the remnants!

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  17. I've been to Fabric Depot a few times, and have never seen the remnants rack. I usually go with a list, then I'm done and out of there. Sure will check it out next time. $9.50 is reasonable price since most of the quilt shops by me (Salem,OR) have their fabric from $12-13.50 with batiks being more.

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  18. I am a remnants girl too. Sale racks and remnant sections also keep things from being one fabric lune, one designer heavy in my stash. Great post!

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  19. I am a remnants girl too. Sale racks and remnant sections also keep things from being one fabric lune, one designer heavy in my stash. Great post!

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  20. Fabric Depot looks like the kind of place that might make me hyperventilate. That is a serious fabric selection! I think you have worked out a good plan, and I too love a good remnant or sale section. You made some good choices!

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  21. Wow, glad to hear that you are okay and on the mend from the ER visit. Fabric Depot's prices are as spectacular as their selection, so thank you for the armchair tour of the place! Prayers for your health are sent.

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  22. O.M.G!!!! This place should be called Fabric Heaven!

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  23. I so envy you girls in USA with your fabric choices and prices.< sigh> I know our $$$$ are different, but I would be thrilled to be able to buy such good quality fabric for under $10.
    Down here in NZ we are paying in most cases, over $20.00 plus per metre (which is 3" more than a yard)

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  24. Lots of pretty fabrics, amazing.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  25. WOW!~ I think I'd faint if I saw all that fabric. The last time I saw that much was in Lancaster.
    How awesome that you can visit this shop!

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  26. I am like you, Lori: I head straight to the remnant section of our stores. I wish we had fabric stores like this in central Ohio. But then I get overwhelmed when I go to our small stores, even when I head in with a list. So many fabrics capture my attention and then I can't choose. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
    --Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)

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  27. This is a Amazing , I really wish to have a fabric store like this in Catania, instead we have just little shops with few lines of fabrics. When I'm in Houston visiting my son, usually I visit JoAnne fabrics or to Hobby Lobby to do some shopping. Lucky you!!!!

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