I apologize in advance for not really knowing how to phrase this question. I have some of their fabric, and some of the prints are what I would consider normal, with there being no texture to the fabric other than the threads, and others have formed a print by having what seems to be something stamped on top of the fabric. I'm not sure what it's called, but it's usually on a monochromatic print.

If any of you followed that and know what I'm talking about, do you know how to tell ahead of time which prints are which? I don't want to order any of the latter.

Thanks

I'm guessing, but maybe a tone on tone fabric, or a tonals?

I can't answer that, but I have ordered from them and have gotten the same thing. I agree, I would rather not have the printed designs on the fabric. Have you washed it and if so, how is it. I haven't used mine yet.

I know what you mean. It's kind of like the stuff on tee-shirts, almost feels like a transfer. I washed it and it stays the same. I finished a top with D9P blocks and made sure it was one of the narrow pieces. I don't want to get anymore of that kind of fabric. I ordered a charm back of their new "quilting" fabric collection to make sure it wasn't that type of fabric, and it isn't. I may order some yardage; it's cute.

Are they white fabrics? Joann's used to have white tone-on-tones with designs that were like a rubber-y stamp on the fabric. The motifs wouldn't dye either. I remember hearing people complain about cutting and working with it. But I haven't seen anything like it in years.

Did you recently buy this fabric? Do you have a link to the product on their site?

I don't like that either. That's why I don't order from them because you can't tell (at least I can't)

Could you post a picture?

What I got was in the Around Town collection. Two fabrics, The Heights and Sunshine Park are printed that way.

Wow, I would have never guessed from the pictures it was anything other than printed.
http://www.connectingthreads.com/AroundTown_CD142.html

What they are talking about is printing that is kind of raised off the fabric--almost like it's embossed.

I got that. But there is no mention of it on the website (unless I missed it), and from the picture, there's no appearance of texture or depth. In a picture of. let's say, dobby fabric, you can tell that it's not just a flat fabric.
I'm going to order a bit to see what it's like. Now I'm curious.

That's what we're talking about. We can't see that it's not just flat fabric. You must have excellent eyes or a very good monitor. You are right about no mention of it on the website. I've ordered from many many online companies and Connecting Threads is the only one that has fabric like this. Not all their fabric comes this way but I can't tell what is and what isn't.

It is the rubbery stamped-on motif like MTS described. I don't get a good press with it, especially with "The Heights" piece. I wondered why they did it that way. The "Hustle and Bustle" fab is like any other fabric.

this is not exclusive to Connecting Threads fabric. you'll find the same characteristics in a variety of brands, from discount priced through the most expensive.

methods for producing different prints vary widely. you might even find fabrics from the same manufacturer that were printed using different methods.

like everything else, each customer is going to like some of the results and be ... shall we say ... less than thrilled with others.

it's one of the many reasons many people insist on buying their fabrics in person.

i buy most of my fabs online. needless to say, i have often been ... hmmmmm .... surprised when i opened the boxes.

I have been thinking of buying from them as some people really like their stuff and some people just plain hate it,now I know why. I think I'm sticking to tried and true places.

I order from Fabric.com and have never had any of those problems.

I have ordered fabric only once and it was from CT's...Repro Civil war fabric and did not notice that, now I'll have to reck since I haven't worked with it yet. It's a project on the list...I don't like ordering online because you can't feel and really see those patterns online.

Thanks, guys. The fabric I have is from quite a while ago, and most of it would be considered those from their basics line, I believe. I have only seen this sort of fabric once before, in WOW fabrics at Joann's or the LQS.

I still buy from CT, they have good clearance sales and I buy a lot of those fabrics for backings. If I want to buy something new that comes out, I'll either order a charm pack first or give them a call.

Patrice, you make very good points. The fabric I got from CT was a long time ago and didn't like it because of that print process but not all the fabric I bought had it. But because I couldn't tell beforehand I didn't order fabric from there anymore. I still get other things from them especially their thread which I have read some people don't like because of the lint production which I don't mind. It is just a personal preference and I didn't bother to post about it. There is nothing wrong with the quality of the fabric--fabric quality is great.

I didn't realize other places had prints like this so I'll be on the look out because I too order alot of fabric online.

I have noticed this also on their fabric. Some fabric I have bought and it was printed normally and others looked stamped. I washed this fabric to see what would happen to it and it ended up looking fuzzy. The stamped design sort of fuzzed out. Which is really too bad because the thickness of the fabric and the silky feel otherwise is good. But I don't want any fabric that's stamped either. When I put in an order now for batting and thread, I will buy a charm pack or two of the lines I'm interested in to see what the fabric is like beforehand. That way I'm not out a lot of money and I can probably use the charm packs for something LOL.

Connecting Threads has a wonderful guarantee. They will take back ANY of their fabric, even cut yardage. If you are not happy with it, call them and tell they why. They will happily take it back.

One of the top reasons I LOVE dealing with CT...their customer service is GREAT. In general I love their fabrics.

Honestly, I wouldn't consider this a "problem", because all the various fabric manufacturers use this printing method for some fabrics. It's only a "problem" for a person who doesn't like it. So.....

Who else uses this stamping? I've never seen it from other manufacturers and I really don't like it at all:<

I'm with you!

I buy CT fabrics a lot. I haven't noticed any like what you are describing. CT use to sell other fabrics not made for them so many that have ordered in the past may think all their fabric is the same as before. They have the best customer service, all the reps are friendly take charge of the problem. They don't have to ask the 'supervisor' for permission.

Don't be discouraged to ever buy from CT. They are the nicest people to work with. Ask if the print you want is stamped before purchasing. I have used them often and like their quality of fabric and prices are good and clearance is fantastic.