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Member since 12/5/05
Posts: 360
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Posted on: 6/1/06 8:55 AM ET
Mine are:

1. searchable - the way some sites are organized is just strange.

2. swatches available - I don't mind paying

3. A description of fiber content - "blend" doesn't give much information nor do such terms such "as onion skin" "peachskin" or "buttermilk". It took me ages to find out that these are just fancy ways of saying "heat rash on a roll".

4. takes on-line payments - even I have a PayPal merchant's account and I don't even own a business.

5. Good selection at resonable prices

nice but not required:
Offers more than one shipping method. I like that if I'm in a hurry, I can pay more and get faster shipping.

What have I left out?
  
Member since 4/15/05
Posts: 1290
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Posted on: 6/1/06 9:57 AM ET
I like the photos that EOS does, showing a ruler on one to relate the size of the print and at least one more showing a large piece of the fabric draped. With the photos I would like a good description of the fabric content, colors, and weight.

Also, if I am paying more $$ to buy fabric from a noted sewist or pattern designer, I expect to have some recommended patterns listed. It gives you a better idea about the suitability of a fabric to your project.

I don't purchase on E-bay or any merchant who only accepts Paypal.

I also like to be able to buy some notions on the same website. Not required, but nice. I don't have the storage space for a huge on-hand supply of threads, linings, etc. So, many times I need to order notions at the same time I order fabric to avoid a trip to Hancocks, Walmart, or Joanns. Two separate orders means more S&H costs. I don't know why more don't offer thread matching for Gutterman or Mettler threads with the option to buy.

Most companies have an automatic confirmation e-mail, but some do not. I wish they all did. When the package ships, I like a link to the tracking info so I know when to expect the package.
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Elizabeth
  
Member since 9/13/03
Posts: 301
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Posted on: 6/1/06 10:09 AM ET
In reply to Sew*Confused*Jo
Having just received a box of yummy fabric from Textile Studios, I have to say it is my personal favorite site for garment fabric. Emmaonesock is second, though I haven't ordered from them in a while. I like the size of both sites..not too big. I don't like to shop, even on-line. Prices are reasonable though not "discount". Quality is top notch, which is what I would prefer. Fabrics arrive cleanly packaged with clear invoice.

From TS, swatches can be requested and the way fabrics can be viewed is easy to navigate. Catagories like "New", "Skirt", "Top", etc. make it easy to get right to what type of fabric I want. Fabric descriptions are fiber content along with project and coordinate suggestions. As for emmaonesock, sewing suggestions and full scale pictures are wonderful!

Both companies give quick email response to a questions. TS actually has a PERSON answer the phone if I make a phone call for clarification. I have never been displeased by any of the fabric I have ordered, though some fabrics have turned out to be used for a different project when I see the fabric in reality. I don't often ask for swatches. I have learned to buy quickly if I like something as it won't be there long. For both companies, I am comfortable with purchasing the fabric I want and letting them pick a coordinate if I describe the project to them.

Over the years, I have been disappointed with discount fabrics...both on-line and from chain stores. I would rather have a few sites I trust (I forgot to mention Christine Jonson) than a lot of sites where it is more of a gamble.

TS just sent my fabric Fed EX so I am pleased with that also.

NAYY, but just a happy customer. Each site offers sales and remnants but most of the time I don't hit them at the right time. Over all, I always get more than I expect so if I hit a sale, great. If not, that's life.

For notions and interfacing, I like www.thesewingplace.com and http://sewexciting.blogspot.com


-- Edited on 6/1/06 10:11 AM --
  
Member since 5/4/03
Posts: 524
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Posted on: 6/1/06 10:32 AM ET
In reply to Sew*Confused*Jo
A few things I like that haven't been mentioned:

The fabric is packaged with content and yardage information attached to the fabric or the wrapper, so I don't have to do the record keeping myself (because I never do it).

On tricky knits, the right side is indicated on the information sticker.
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Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 6/1/06 10:42 AM ET
Quote:
With the photos I would like a good description of the fabric content, colors, and weight.


I'd expand this to include a weight description that's more than "medium" or "6 oz" ... I also like to know in terms of what one would be most likely to make with it. I.e., pants weight, blouse weight, etc.

I also really like being able to look up past orders.
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Member since 10/20/05
Posts: 1185
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Posted on: 6/1/06 11:28 AM ET
In reply to Debbie Cook
Quote: Debbie Cook
I'd expand this to include a weight description that's more than "medium" or "6 oz" ... I also like to know in terms of what one would be most likely to make with it. I.e., pants weight, blouse weight, etc.

Yes yes yes. Sites that just have pretty pictures - even if the full content is listed - just do not get my business yet. I'm clueless, and need the suggested uses. Very big part of why I'm a fan of fabric.com. They also do the sticker thing, which is very very nice.
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... but what do I know?
  
Member since 12/5/05
Posts: 360
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Posted on: 6/1/06 12:04 PM ET
I forgot one of the most important things - color. I can understand that color can be very subjective so some companies are reluctant to describe color. Just a general desciption with the usual monitor disclaimer is nice. I don't want to order a swatch of navy if I'm looking for black.
  
Member since 4/20/05
Posts: 989
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Posted on: 6/1/06 12:40 PM ET
In reply to Sew*Confused*Jo
I'm not good at choosing coordinating fabrics. I like when coordinating fabrics are suggested or grouped together. I like vogue fabrics for that reason.
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Member since 12/7/04
Posts: 879
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Posted on: 6/1/06 1:58 PM ET
I like to have care instructions included in the fabric description. I will not buy dry clean only fabrics. Some sites also include how to sew the individual types of fabrics that they sell. I always download these tips if I am buying their fabrics.

Manhattan fabrics is a site that I use fairly frequently. It is easy to navigate based on your needs. In the advanced search section one can search by color, fabric weight, weave,etc. Delivery is prompt. On my computer the photos are accurate as far as the colors displayed.

I also check how long the site has been in business, Pattern review reports on the business and return policy.
I do buy quite a bit online, sometimes getting swatches and sometimes not. I haven't ever been disappointed with the quality that I have received.
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Sewing and reading about sewing are daily pleasures.
I hope to use up lots of stash in 2023. I am also starting to give away fabric, tools, etc that I am not going to use in an attempt to downsize.
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 6/1/06 2:47 PM ET
I like Lucy's Fabrics because she not only has the picture, which as had been mentioned is always subjective and depends a lot on ones monitor, but because she tells you what weight the fabric is, what sort of item it is good to make out of it, and what the content is. I have bought several lengths of fabric and have been more than happy. Her site also shows you what other colors each fabirc you select comes in. When you get the fabric she includes some swatches of newer things in stock. I just wish she had more fabrics because I love to order from her.Lucy's Fashion Fabrics
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