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Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952
Posted on: 5/22/07 0:21 AM ET
I've been looking for flannel to make PJs for my husband, but can't find any suitable fabrics in my local fabric stores. Many of the fabrics in-store are summer-weight cottons and knits. Are there different seasons for fabrics, like there are for RTW clothing? I don't like to buy fabrics online. Will there be a wider selection of flannels in-store in the Fall?
Posted on: 5/22/07 0:30 AM ET
Yes, there are seasons for fabric. Not quite as much as RTW, but it's much easier to find winter fabric in the winter, etc.
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Liana
http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/
http://artisanssquare.com/sg/
http://www.pbase.com/lianasews
http://sewintriguing.blogspot.com/
http://artisanssquare.com/sg/
http://www.pbase.com/lianasews
Posted on: 5/22/07 1:03 AM ET
If there are any quilt shops in your area, you might try stopping in. They generally will have flannel fabric all year round. Because of the amount of fabric it takes for adult pajamas, you can usually get a discount for buying the remainder of the bolt. Quilters' fabrics, cotton and cotton flannel, are really wonderful to work with.
I used quilters' flannel exclusively for flannel shirts and pajamas for my late husband.
If there was anything he learned in the 15 years we were married, it was to tell the difference in quality of quilters'
fabric (both cotton and flannel). Did I spoil him? OF COURSE!!!
Priscilla
goal for 2007 is to finish cleaning sewing room--patterns, threads, and notions are all organized, now for the fabric
I used quilters' flannel exclusively for flannel shirts and pajamas for my late husband.
If there was anything he learned in the 15 years we were married, it was to tell the difference in quality of quilters'
fabric (both cotton and flannel). Did I spoil him? OF COURSE!!!
Priscilla
goal for 2007 is to finish cleaning sewing room--patterns, threads, and notions are all organized, now for the fabric

Posted on: 5/22/07 1:07 PM ET
In reply to Kgrrl
JoAnn's and Hancocks always get in new flannel prints, plaids, etc. in the fall. Usually they keep a fairly good supply year round, though. At least, that's what I've found. Some of the flannels from these stores are decent and some aren't. I've never really been happy with the plaid flannels as they're usually a twill and stretch out like crazy, especially at the knees and elbows. I like the plain flannel weave better, although you'll be hard pressed to find a plaid one in plain weave flannel. There are some higher end plaid flannel twills that don't stretch out as much, but you won't find them at JoAnn's or Hancocks. Lots of the online stores will send you samples before you purchase, so you may want to consider that, too. Unfortunately, I haven't noticed too much of a difference between fashion and quilting flannels at JoAnn's. You may want to check out a quilting store for better quality, but remember, with the higher quality also comes the higher price. You're probably looking at a minimum of $5.00/yd., too. Also, I think a 4.5 oz. - 5oz. weight flannel is a good weight for pajamas. Sometimes it's listed on the bolt end, sometimes it isn't. All the "fashion" solids I've seen at JoAnn's are very lightweight......................suitable to wear in summer air conditioning, but they also tend to fade and not hold up year after year. Now, if you love to sew, don't mind making pj's more frequently, and don't mind sewing with a lesser quality flannel (JoAnn's printed flannels aren't THAT bad, they're not as lightweight as the solids), then buy at JoAnn's or Hancocks. JoAnn has frequent sales (not as often in summer, though) on fashion flannel for $2.00/yd. and sometimes in Dec. for $.99/yd. Like I said, some of it is of a decent quality. Make sure you purchase enough to allow for shrinkage (an extra 1/2 yd. to be safe), and wash and dry it three times before cutting out your pattern. Serge or pink your cut ends before washing. I guess you could make very deep hems on the pants and sleeves, too, just in case. I've found flannel generally shrinks more in length than width, although there is some width shrinkage. Good luck in your search. 
Edited for clarity.
-- Edited on 5/22/07 1:26 PM --

Edited for clarity.
-- Edited on 5/22/07 1:26 PM --
Posted on: 5/22/07 4:03 PM ET
Thank you for your great (and fast) advice.
-- Edited on 5/22/07 4:05 PM --
-- Edited on 5/22/07 4:05 PM --
Posted on: 5/22/07 6:27 PM ET
In reply to Kgrrl
Do check out Wazoodle. It's a Canadian company, and it typically has a good selection of high-quality flannels. I've ordered from them before and was impressed with the quality and service. LeAnne, one of the owners, posts here sometimes and she has an impressive knowledge of textiles and is great about sharing information. I'm sure you could email the company and get good advice.
Off topic, but I didn't know there was such a thing as really high quality flannel. However, I bought some recently from a local store to underline a velvet robe for my dh (no, he doesn't deserve it, and no, it's not finished). I liked the flannel better than the velvet! I want more...
Off topic, but I didn't know there was such a thing as really high quality flannel. However, I bought some recently from a local store to underline a velvet robe for my dh (no, he doesn't deserve it, and no, it's not finished). I liked the flannel better than the velvet! I want more...
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