Over the years my trusty mail carrier Dawn, aka "Barney" in her purple snow suit, has delivered yards of fabric and various supplies to my mailbox and directly to my doorstep. UPS and FedEx also regularly, and carefully place my packages where rain and snow won't spoil them. I appreciate their delivery service and the fact that online offerings mean I can shop in my jammies :-)
Today I thought I would share some simple tips for shopping online. Here goes:
Today I thought I would share some simple tips for shopping online. Here goes:
- First of all, buy local whenever you can. Online shopping is great but it’s important to support local businesses and be able to see and touch the fabric. However, there are many products stores simply don't carry and fabric selection can be limited, or non-existent locally.
- Speaking of shoppping local, I'm a big fan of the buy online and pickup in store policy at my local *Joann Fabrics. Sometimes it's easier for me to find what I need on the Joann site, order, and have it waiting for me at the store. In fact, my DH usually does the pick-up for me so I lose none of my precious sewing time at home.
Joann Fabrics has a shop online, pick up in store option. You can click the *link below to learn more.
For all online fabric shopping I recommend the following:
- Look up the return policy before you buy and make sure you can live with it.
- The ability to buy swatches is another asset when buying online. If it's really an important project, or the fabric is pricey it's worth it to play it safe and order a swatch first.
- Don't trust the colors on your computer. You may be pleasantly surprised or sorely disappointed.
- The scale of a pattern is an all important factor. Some sites have a measuring tape, coin, or some other reference so you know how big or small a pattern is in real life.
- Pay attention to fiber content. If it's 100 percent synthetic it could be beautiful, but it could also have an unnatural look that's not as pleasing as natural or blended fibers. I often buy fabric that is a blend of both synthetic and natural fibers for the best of both worlds.
- Be aware of fiber content and care instructions. 100 percent natural fibers often mean more care, possibly needing ironing each time it's washed or perhaps needing dry cleaning. Check the description carefully. Make sure it fits your lifestyle.
- Look for a description of the weight of the fabric and compare to pattern requirements. If you need fabric that drapes make sure it fits this category.
- Sales are great but don't be tempted to overbuy. It's not a bargain if it sits and never gets used.
- Before you click the buy now button check your yardage requirements carefully and be sure to buy just a bit extra, especially if the fabric is likely to shrink. There's nothing worse than not having enough and being unable to purchase more.
- Ask for discounts if you are buying in quantity or you belong to guilds. They may have a special offer for you.
Fabricdotcom, is one of my go to sources for fabric I can't find locally. Note that the link below is an *affiliate link but I will tell you that I've been very happy with the many products I purchased from them over the years. Check out their current sales by clicking the image below:
Black Friday sale begins at 6:00PM ET on Wednesday 11-27, ends Sunday 12-1, 11:59AM
Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if this post has been helpful for you. Happy Sewing!
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