Full stop, I'm not the seamstress in the family. I managed to cobble together my own Halloween costumes as a teenager with relative success and managed to pass that sewing class in my freshman year because powering through a relatively straight seam is possible after practicing sewing on fine-line paper a few dozen times. Now and then I get ambitious, relearning the basics for a Christmas project or an ill-fated costume we shall not speak of ever again.
Thus, I appreciate locations that sell craft or upholstery-worthy fabric that doesn't cost $14.99/meter (... Fine, yard, you and your confusing imperial system). I do not need supple suedes or lovely, delicate crepes that will end up a ball of knotted thread at the bottom of my sewing machine as I try in vain to disentangle the bobbin and the needle. Truly it's not always that bad, but deal with an expensive material as a neophyte sewer, and it swiftly becomes disenchanting.
That's where Discount Fabric Outlet is a masterstroke of brilliance. For the advanced crafter, here you can supply your closet with all manner of fabrics from broadcloth to fake cur in reasonable amounts for an unbeatable price. Under four bucks a yard, no coupons needed? Done. For the newbie, like me, you can buy yards of cloth for that curtain or project at a completely reasonable price, and know you aren't ending up with a mediocre product.
The caveat of course: you don't know what you're going to get. The stock changes regularly and can be entirely out of season. Come in the dead of winter for that draping linen or a soft turquoise roll patterned in butterflies! Mid-June, there's Santa. If you can live with the unpredictability, you can stock up for a season and score some amazing deals. I do mean amazing. My very much sewing savvy sister-in-law snagged gorgeous slick material we were pricing at $20-40/yard at fancy stores and it's every bit as luxe and lovely.
Expect a hodgepodge, and better yet, expect that you will need to do a bit of digging to find your treasures. The tables are well laid out to make it possible for you to search by colour and type. Staff knows their work. You tell them what you want and you're off to the races. "Red stuff," I can say, and they nod and find me the right red stuff. My sister in law says something fancy about a light denim-blue cotton-blend with a stretch and they nod knowingly and find the one bolt that matches.
I've thought coming in here before you decide on a project is often more fun than having a specific idea in mind. You can find your inspiration among the sartorial promise, if you can be patient and do some prospecting.
The current location near the old House of Optical building has plenty of parking, good light, and easy access. Ironically House of Optical moved into the old Discount Fabric freestanding shop just up 14 Mile, so how is that for fun?
Come on in. I don't want to share this secret because it's my happy fabric haunt, but now you can get in on the lovely deals. read more
