Wednesday 8 January 2014

I'm off to the 'Big-Smoke' ...

... yes siree! I am heading south to the fashion capital of Australia ... Melbourne, with it's European lifestyle and unusual climate, it does give the impression around this little country of ours as being more fashion forward and quirky than the other cities. My holiday is only a fleeting 4 day weekend, with poor hubby in tow, but I am sure I will be able to do some damage to the credit card in a few of the fabric stores.
Coming from Brisbane way, I am excited to be able to visit a few different fabric stores. Yes, I know, there is always online shopping, but we all must admit, there is nothing equal to just being in the store, with all the bolts of beautiful fabrics lined up and being able to actually touch each (and every) one.

The lovely Suzy from Suzy Bee Sews has given the addresses of 3 shops she recommends -
* Rathdowne Fabrics
* GJ Discount Fabrics
* Clear It
So let me warn you, by early next week there may not be much left in these shops. And my main aim is to stock up on knit/stretch fabrics. Up this way there isn't a great range of stretch fabrics around. Plenty of cheap poly-blend with poor recovery is readily available, but I am after the good high-quality knit fabrics in a range of types ... jersey, ponte etc. 

In my pattern stash I discovered that there already are a few (what an understatement) stretch patterns that I have collected over the years - 
Hopefully I will come back fully laden with fabric to keep me busy for the rest of my holidays ... 
... and are there any other recommended stores that you feel need my attention whilst I'm in the Melbourne neighbourhood???

16 comments:

  1. I'm sure that you'll have a ball while you are here in our lovely city Judith! If you get the opportunity, I am a big fan of Darn Cheap Fabrics in Heidelberg, and if you're driving they are the same side of town as the other three you have mentioned. They usually have some terrific knits. If you are going to Clear It, The Fabric Store is very near by, and they have beautiful (usually pricier) fabrics too. There are plenty of other great fabric shops if you need more ideas too! Have a great time.

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  2. Sounds like the perfect holiday!

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  3. Sounds like a fun trip - hope you get lots of goodies!!!

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  4. Wonderful Judith, I am so excited for you, and need to know Every Detail when you get back. Looking forward to seeing all your lovely knits purchases. Have a fabulous time!

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  5. You have got some great shops listed and if you can go to Jimmy's Buttons, he has all sorts of buttons and trims, it is an amazing place.

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  6. I second Lara's suggestions - have the most wonderful of times in our southern city! ;) - and if you're here before this Sat 11th, Rathdowne has 40% off all remnants…..

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  7. Sounds like the perfect trip! :)

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  8. Rathdowne is fabulous..I think you will love it. There are some great patterns in that pic of yours.

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  9. The cloth shop in Ivanhoe their website says they have the largest selection in Melbourne of stretch fabrics. This would actually not be too far then from darn cheap in Heidelberg.

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  10. Sounds fun - I have no Melbourne fabric shop recommendations, but I know you'll have s ball!

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  11. I have to say I didn't see a lot of Barcelona on my visit there, other than to walk all the way to their garment district and shop the fabric stores. I think there were supposed to be some famous buildings in Barcelona, lol...and I would love to steal your ecard for my own blog!

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  12. Sounds wonderful Judith, have a super time!

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  13. I was in Melbourne just a few weeks ago. In the city I visited Tessuti, Clegs and Lincraft and then I headed off to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy to visit The Fabric Store. I've been told there's a few good, cheapie places in Richmond, but you'd need to investigate that more as I'm a bit clueless on that part. Have fun, Melbs is the BEST!

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  14. Ooo...I'd love to hear about your trip.

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  15. Enjoy! You are so right... there's nothing better than shopping for fabric in an actual store and being able to touch and feel every bolt.

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