Firstly, thanks to Handmaiden for such a useful “this is” theme!  I’m really looking forward to expanding my fabric shop knowledge.  Although I already have a few favourites of my own!  I’ll start off with my locals:

For bag supplies, interfacings and patterns, it has to be Nicole Mallalieu Design.  Nikki is a font of knowledge and such an incredible help with all things bag related; Leah administers everything beautifully and knows the products inside out. 

For great value dress fabrics and terrific trims, with staff who actually know what they are talking about, definitely Darn Cheap Fabrics.  I love this shop!  They stock dress fabrics of all types, and have a nice line in quilting fabrics as well.  Whenever I go in here I end up walking out with not only what I was looking for (often a rarity with Lincraft and Spotlight who never seem to have the colour or length zip that I want) but some other lovely bits and pieces as well.  They’ve got three brick and mortar shops around Melbourne.

Let’s not forget GJ’s Discount Fabrics!  They’re at 443 Lygon Street, East Brunswick.  No website.  As well as a fantastic selection of quilting and craft fabrics, they have special occasion/dance fabrics, loads of dress fabrics, and pre-cut remnants.  Oh, lots and lots of stretch fabrics as well.

Then there is Amitie, of course.  They are so well known that I am probably preaching to the converted.  The range is superb and the staff very helpful.

Ballarat Patchwork and Quilt Fabric Delights are Australian retailers that sell their fabrics online and have an excellent range.  Retro Mummy (also Australian) specialises in Japanese cute fabrics and craft books, and stocks fabrics from independent Australian designers.

And online from the US?  I buy fabric from Z & S fabrics, Sew, Mama, Sew!, Pink Chalk Fabrics and Reprodepot.

And let’s not forget the local op shop!  Often an excellent source of unusual fabrics at great prices (although the fibre content can be a mystery) and a great spot to get pillowcases for yet more pillowcase dresses!  I made this one last week:

Did that seem like a string of advertisements?  It’s not meant to be – but I do love all these retailers!