Date: 11/28/04 6:20 AM

Hi! I'm sure there has been a UK group before but I've never found it. This can be our little place to discuss fabric sales, pattern prices etc!

Please join me!

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http://clares-stuff.blogspot.com

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Subject: Uk sewers! Date: 11/29/04 1:28 AM

Hello Clare, I'd like to join you in a UK group discussion.  

I have found it difficult to get a good variety of fabrics especially knits here.  The USA has much more choice, but import tax has to be added if I buy more than £18 worth of fabric and postal charges make it even more expensive!   Have you found any good online fabric sites in UK?

Also I really need/want to find a source of boiled wool for some casual winter tops.  Do any UK members have any suggestions?

Chris
-- Edited on 10/5/05 2:35 AM --

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Chris

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Date: 11/29/04 3:45 PM

I know what you mean about knits! I really struggle, especially to find plain ones!

I get most of my fabrics from Abakhans in Manchester...they do sell some knits but it's pretty hit and miss what patterns and colours they have... when they had plain purple jersey in I almost bought the bolt (I wish I had!. I've not found a decent mail order site yet...most seem to be bridal, dance or curtain fabrics! I'll let you know if I find a good site.

At the moment I am trying to find a source for Burda magazine... WHSmith usually sell a couple of issues but by the time I get there, they've sold out! I need to get a subscription ASAP!

I do think dressmaking seems to be a lot bigger in the US don't you think? They even have TV shows about it...not to mention all those pattern sales!

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Subject: Uk sewers! Date: 11/30/04 4:10 AM

Hello again Clare,

Have you tried Leon's Fabric Superstore in Chorlton, Manchester?  They advertise in Sew Today magazine along with another store called Barry’s in Birmingham.  I have travelled to Birmingham (40 minutes on the train) to Barry’s where I have seen some nice, unusual fabrics there including knits, slubby silks and linen, all at reasonable prices.  Perhaps someone will soon chip in with some good UK online sites.

Re: Burda – have you tired ordering the mag from your local newsagent?  My local obliges even it it’s for one copy.

I think dressmaking has taken a big nosedive here in England – it may be something to do with our inability to source the right sort of fashion fabrics and the cost of patterns – NEVER a 99c sale here - oh how I wish there was!
-- Edited on 4/7/05 8:47 AM --
-- Edited on 10/5/05 2:34 AM --

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Chris

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Date: 11/30/04 5:32 PM

I've not tried Leons yet...I'll have to check it's on a bus route first! I've just been to Abakhans for a winter sale preview evening...I was quite restrained and only spent 6 quid! I bought 5 metres of black jersey for 50p a metre, then 15% off...so it came to £2.12! I think 5m should keep me going for a while. I also got some purple T-shirt fabric and some printed stretch mesh stuff (a metre or so for 34p). I would have bought more but I have loads of stash to sew through at the moment!

Funnily enough, when I lived in Morecambe I had no problems getting Burda magazine, but now I'm in Manchester I really struggle to find it...I don't even know where my nearest local newsagent is!

I think that in England people used to sew because it was cheaper, but now there is so much cheap RTW (i.e. Primark! it often costs more to sew clothes than to buy, especially with the cost of patterns and decent fabric.

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Date: 12/1/04 2:36 AM

Wow, those fabric prices are good!!  I've just looked up the train times and fares - Manchester is about 2 1/2 hours from here and the fare wouldn't make a trip worth my while for fabric shopping alone Do they do mail order by any chance?

RTW clothes can be cheap here, but clothing is also cheap in the States.  To get something to fit me I have to make it myself or do an alteration (and I hate to deconstruct).  Waistbands always 'swim, on me.  Oh for some $99 pattern sales here  

Could you put in an order at Smiths for the Burda mag?

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Chris

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Date: 12/1/04 7:00 AM

Hi, I'm not in the UK (I live in Quebec, Canada) but I lived in London for a year and half (that was was 4 years ago!! ) so was interested by this discussion.  I know that when I was there Borders carried Burda magazine, I don't know if there's one in your area...

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Date: 12/1/04 2:01 PM

ChrisK
Here's the website

http://www.abakhanfabrics.co.uk/

They don't do mail order, but they do have branches across the northwest. If you sign up for email updates they will let you know when the sale preview evenings are...that's when the best bargains are available! The stock varies but you can be rest assured that I NEVER leave that store empty handed when I visit...

I have reviewed this store..have a look for my review!

ladylola...thanks for the suggestion...I think there is a Borders in Manchester...I just have to find it!

Just got my January issue of Prima. There's a nice pattern for a camisole and sheer cardy/jacket. (I'm still sewing Octobers Chanel style suit...keep a eye out for a review...it's going well so far!

TTFN

Clare X


I think th

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Subject: Uk sewers! Date: 12/1/04 2:08 PM

Thanks for the suggestion Ladylola.

Clare, I am assuming you live in or near Manchester and there is a Borders there.

Borders
Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road
Manchester, M17 8AR
Tel: 0161 202 9908

Mon–Fri 10am–10pm
Sun 12pm–6pm

I saw the December edition of Burda in Smiths today, you could try giving them a ring and asking them to put one by for you.
-- Edited on 10/5/05 2:35 AM --

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Chris

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Date: 12/1/04 2:14 PM

Clare, I just looked at the website - what amazing prices!    All the stores are too far away from me.

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Chris

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