:( In January I found a darling quilt using fabric from In the Beginning. I went online to find the fabrics and pattern, and no one had any of the fabric except Hancock of Paducah. They had a few of the pieces, but not the pattern. I still have not found the pattern. Then, I found a darling baby quilt in the April/May issue of Quilt featuring some Michael Miller fabrics. I found the 3 main fabrics at one store, but no one shows the one needed to really make the quilt pop. I am almost ready to quit reading quilt magazines so I won't be so disappointed when I find just what I want and can't find the fabrics. Using something else won't work on these, either.

Thanks for letting me vent.

You go ahead and vent. I know the feeling well. Wish I could help you but not this time.

Venting is good for the soul. Everyone needs to do it in order to let it out and not pull our hair out or kick the dog. :D

Try looking at it from this angle: if you make the pattern to exact specifications, including the same fabrics, it won't be very much different from hundreds - if not thousands - of others being made at the same time by other readers and pattern buyers. considering the value of your time and the cost of fabric + other materials ... might that be similar to walking 20 miles to the store to pay $200 for a $35 mass-produced quilt?

i can't speak for anybody else ... and wouldn't criticize anyone who disagrees, but i'd find any pattern that will only look good done one way to be much too limited and limiting to be of much interest.

Describe the fabric under classified and swap........someone may have it or can tell you where to find it good luck :-)

I had the same problem with McCall's Quick Quilts Magazine...they told you how to make the quilt and who designed the fabric...I fell in love with that fabric...i went everywhere by land and interenet to find the fabric to only find out they discontinued it. I was really put out over it ...why would they advertise the fabric if no one could no longer get it...pretty frustrating..and yep, I wasn't so devoted to that magazine any longer. I thought they should have said in the article it was discontinued............... I had tried, to fine that fabric ,the same day it ( article) came out.!

Hang in there. It'll be back sooner than you think.
Four or five years ago I saw a quilt at Martingales made out of fabric featuring Dick and Jane characters. Being a retired teacher I fell in love with the quilt but could not find the fabric anywhere. Now look. Michael Miller has Dick and Jane fabric everywhere. I can now make my quilt. Life's great you just have to be patient. (Not one of my strongest virtues! "I want it now and I want it delivered!") :D

I had the same problem with some Hummingbird fabric I wanted in a quilt magazine I saw a month or so ago. It took many emails to the manufacturer but they gave me a list of stores that ordered the fabric in the southern states.

I emailed and called several stores and found one that got their order in and they were happy to send me an order. I even ordered 3 yards more than I needed because I realy like the fabric and plan to use it in other quilts.

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. That's one of the best things about this board and all of you. :-) :-)

Try Ebay and Google. I have found fabrics that way.

Barb C

I agree Patrice... I never make a quilt exactly like the picture or pattern.. I tend to tweak things and use my own fabric choices.

Barb C

Barb, isn't it the individuality of similarities that keep us so enjoying each others works.....is for me! isnthatodd......have you checked at missingfabrics.com ? They may have it.

I recently purchased some fabric from the Needlework Sampler collection by Fabric Expressions for RJR. I searched Google and Ebay and I did finally find enough to make a quilt. I also used "discontinued fabrics" during my search and that it where I had the most success. I posted my search on RJR, and the funniest thing happened: the one response I received was from a fabric shop about three miles from my house! Good luck; keep searching and you'll find what you're looking for or else you'll find something you like even better.

I found Fabric Trends magazine to be very helpful in knowing what new lines are coming up, so I can watch the fabric shops for them. They feature at least one quilt made up with the line, and directions.

It comes out 4 times a year, I believe, and it really gives a heads up for those of us who "have to have" that fabric! :wink:

There are some patterns that are made specifically to showcase a particular fabric. One that comes to mind is the "He Loves Me" line that includes a very wide border fabric. The pattern maker also designed the fabric. Her name excapes at the moment, but then she came out with another fabric line called "Fushia" that also gives the same effect in this pattern. Any quilt shop that orders her patterns usually also orders the fabric. Nancy Halverson is another designer of fabic and patterns meant to show how to use her fabrics. Interestingly enough, these patterns and fabrics take on an entirely different look when coupled with your own flair. Sometimes a new fabric line will come into the shop that I realize is calling my name. Sometimes it also says something like " Wouldn't I look good in a (insert your favorite pattern here)". Other times I will scour the store for a pattern that would showcase the right balance. Other times, I spend hours looking thru my collection of quilty magazines or books.
Are you really sure you want your quilt to look just like someone elses? If that is the case, and you can't find the fabric locally, google search the fabric line. If a magazine lists that fabric line today, then it is available somewhere or about to be delivered to the local shop. The shop owner will know whether that fabric is on order or not. Our shop often gets the magazine prior to the delivery date of the fabric.