brit_kitty

Does anyone here from England have any tips on where to buy great fabric? I live in the Midlands and have yet to find even a store that sells reasonable fabric for quilting. I almost always buy a ton of stuff when I'm in the US which is usually every couple of years but would love to know of a few good places more locally. I've also looked at web sites in the US, places like Jo Anns etc but sadly none of them ship to the UK. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :-)

me0wp00

Im in France but even when I pop over to the uk im shocked at the price of fabric. I almost exclusively use online shops in the US.
Fabricshack is great and Amanda's doing half price shipping so we get 8/9 yards for about 7$ shipped. I have bought from hancocks but they charge 20$ shipping... Missouri quilt co I've just bought from and it turns out that if you email them and only want a priority envelope sent, they'll refund you the difference between what their site quotes 30$ and the priority envelope price (14$)..
Fat quarter shop are good...most of the us stores will ship here with the exception of Jo Anns... and batting is difficult to get shipped cos of the size...but you've got cotton patch or creative grids I think isn't bad.
Hope this helps :O)
Pippa

k3n

I buy online from various suppliers - Lady Sew n Sew, Cotton Patch, Tabby Cat, Barnyarns and Crafty Quilter are a few. Hannah's Room is great if you like batiks. Jaycotts and Asdings for general supplies. If you google, you'll find their sites. I also have a great LQS 5 minutes away at Barrington Patchwork and another about 40 minutes away at Midsomer Quilting but as I'm in the West Country, it's probably a little far for you to come. :-D

And yes fabric here in the UK is more expensive than in the US but I like to support our native businesses - if we don't use them, we'll lose them. :-D

Panchita

I agree with k3n re support your native stores. I am fortunate to have a LQS in my hometown (Liberty Bell in Chester - they also do online sales), but will buy online from the Cotton Patch (Birmingham-based, might you be able to visit?) and Pelenna Patchwork to name two.

Otherwise it can often be cheaper (even with postage) to purchase from the US. I have been very happy with fabric from Venezie Fabrics and Sew Fabulous - and of course with fabric from members here. Many US shops will happily ship abroad - unfortunately Connecting Threads (which seems to be a favourite of our US members) won't, but there are plenty of others out there.

k3n

Look out for import duty and VAT though - fabric suppliers aren't allowed to put 'gift' on the envelope as I've seem some ppl suggest/request. In fact this amounts to fraud and/or tax evasion.

MTS

FYI -
Hancock's of Paducah is having free int'l shipping on orders over $125 (US over $30).

Offer expires Sept 26.

Use code FREESHIP in promotional code box during check out.

http://hancocks-paducah.com/

If you haven't shopped on the site before, just be aware that all fabric prices are for HALF YARDS.
You will get a continuous cut if you order 2 or more, but don't think you've hit a bonanza when you see the price.
Because, sadly, it happens.
Just a heads-up.

Not enabling. Just informing. :mrgreen:

NAYY.

brit_kitty

Wow thank you so much ladies for all of that information. I'm always amazed too at the cost of fabric in the UK. I really appreciate all your help I shall check them all out.

Candela59

I'm not sure if they ship to the UK but www.whittlesfabrics.com has wonderful prices and a huge selection. I also do a lot of purchasing on ebay just by watching auctions and bidding on things that are the price I want to pay! I've noticed that a lot of the sellers do ship internationally. Hope this helps a little! :mrgreen:

Tirolgirl

I am in Germany - and believe me, our fabric prices are going through the roof! I am ordering quite a lot from the UK (actually I am trying to cut back!) - here are a couple websites I have used:
pelennapatchworks.co.uk
quiltroom.co.uk
new-threads.com
I am sure there are more - but don't tell me!!!
Greetings from Bavaria

brit_kitty

Thanks for that, I also use ebay too have found some excellent bargains there.