Another thought about fabric quality - I often use BOTH sides of fabrics to get a lighter color for contrast, so I ALWAYS look at both sides. Someone mentioned that lesser quality fabric dyes don't show on the 'back' - so I guess I've been doing something right without knowing it!

Mardens has a web site. Plug in Mardens Fabric and there you are

Fabric that doesn't show it's pattern on the reverse side is stamped fabric and the colors will fade in a shorter time. Fabric that is the same on either side is woven of dyed threads so color lasts longer.

I've just been pricing some fabrics up and thought you may be interested Iin some of our Average prices over here....Moda Jelly rolls and Layer cakes....£22.50. Moda animal prints...£2.50 per 1/4 metre. Solid colours £1/50 per 1/4 metre . 8 fat quarters....£17.10!
Those prices are the reason that I trawl round the charity shops at every opportunity! (And I've made a few quilts that are a mix of polyester /cotton )
Mind you, I'd start chopping up my clothes if I got really desperate for fabric! lol!

Karen xx

karenmay,
why is fabric so expensive in england?

I guess I was asleep in world economic class too. Makes no sense to me fabric cannot be imported there the same as it is here. The boat could make a pit stop there on the way here!

I have always thought it is because the raw cotton has to be imported. England doesn't have a good climate for growing cotton. Aside from the costs of transport, I suppose imports are all taxed at a high rate.

I think you're probably right about that...and we also have VAT (value added tax) added which is 17 1/2%

Karen xx

Many ladies save up and get to Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Lancaster Co. PA) and do a years worth of shopping there. Look up our favorite B&B..Frogtown Acres. Reasonable rates, centrally located and great people. I have met many an out of country lady there for the great shopping. hapytlk

But the thing with Mardens is that you have to be willing to take the time to dig thru... The one in Brewer always felt dirty...