Last week I ordered a couple of bits of fabric online and slowly (oh, frustratingly slowly) it has made it’s way to me (on the back of a donkey I think) and honestly? I’m a little disappointed. I don’t think I’m experienced enough really to risk buying material without touching it first so it’s been an expensive lesson. Don’t fret, it’s not unusable, just not quite what I expected.
First up is my eagerly awaited red and navy gingham. This actually arrived in reasonable time and I can’t fault the buying process but I’m still not sure if I would have bought it had I felt it first. It’s 100% cotton, “perfect for dressmaking” and £5.99 a metre. I bought it with the Simplicity 2444 in mind (I have been admiring this dress all over blogland). I’m not sure now, I love the colours and the check but it’s a bit light weight and will surely need a lining. It’s not like other ginghams (probably why they’ve described it as a check), it creases very easily and seems more like a voile really. Plus, when I washed it there are a couple of flaws that I’m going to have to cut round, PLUS it’s now in the sale at £4.70 (grrr!). If you really like it, you can get it at Remnant Kings, but remember postage is £4.95 (gulp).
Second up is this squiggle number. I wasn’t sure if I should buy this or not as the postage was (for the amount of fabric) remarkably steep at £5.95, I did order it with something else but that was tiny! Anyway it took 7 days to get here (I know!) and now I’ve got it in my hands I’m wondering how I’m going to sew it (slippy, slippy). It feels a bit like lining fabric, not the soft satiny drape I was hoping for. Oh well, moan over, it might be just what you’re looking for! If so, you need to head for Croft Mill and it’s called ‘Lost Cause’ which describes me quite well after my uneducated purchases!
On a brighter note, if you want to buy the Simplicity 2444 pattern, go to Jaycotts. I got it with 50% off at only £3.38! This was probably my most exciting parcel as it contained zips, cottons and the pattern and nothing excites me more than a parcel of notions with my address on (well, that’s not strictly true …).
But, there is more (sorry, this is a long post isn’t it). I went to a proper shop with proper bolts of proper fabric and a proper real life lady to serve me with a smile (well she didn’t smile but maybe she was hungry). I bought this dobby and (proper) gingham, all cheap as chips, no postage and no disappointment.
Ooh, and there’s that red and blue check again, creeping in on the good guys!
Now I just have to find somewhere to put it all! Have a lovely weekend.
sylkotwist 
I love the dobby! And I agree I like to feel fabrics – isn’t half the fun running your hands across the bolts?
Oh I know, I find the whole shopping for fabric experience exciting! Even if I come out of the shop with nothing, just looking and touching is enough!
Oh I feel your frustration! I buy most of my fabric online and I have made some serious mistakes which takes the shine away when a parcel arrives! But I only have one tiny fabric shop within driving distance so I usually take the risk of ordering online where the choice is so much bigger. Croftmill has been the cause of much heartache… and yet I keep going back for more! I have just ordered some cotton jersey from the US: even with shipping it is cheaper than the UK, and several sewing bloggers have recommended the shop (GirlCharlee). I suppose that’s the best thing to do – watch out for other people’s successes and stalk the shops!
Thanks for the US tip, it’s ridiculous to be cheaper even with shipping – I will go and have a nose and see what’s on offer!