Part FOUR: Picking Out Fabric (my kind of candy store)

Stoffa, tela, schmata.  Different languages for the same word:  fabric.  Fabric shopping is like going on a treasure hunt in a giant candy store.  Will I find the perfect prints?  Will I discover something totally unexpected and brilliant?  Most of the time, the answer is YES.  I have four favorite places that I go in downtown, Los Angeles.  These fabric houses do not carry remnants or "end of bolts".  They get special prints specifically made for them.  I'm only interested vendors that carry the best, hiqh quality fabrics with a unique selection.  

I know, it looks totally overwhelming. Over time, I've learned where all my prints like to hide. It'a a sixth sense. The fabrics just "call to me." And they usually call from the most out of reach places. Yep, I spot one at the very top!

Sometimes I'm looking for very specific prints or solid colors.  But usually, I'm just looking for something new.  The prints are inspiring and often "tell me" how they want to be used.  It's fun to just be in the moment and see what I can create from what I find on any given day.  Because TwirlyGirl does only small production runs of every style, I get to go shopping for fabric often.  It's a real joy! 

 

Once I've decided on what I want, the vendor needs to roll each print separately to determine the yardage.  This is a good time to check for damages, as well.  The white behind the fabric is actually a light which illuminates the fabric.  Very rarely do we find a roll that has flaws, but it does happen.  It's always best to catch any issues BEFORE the fabric is bought, cut and sewn!  

After I purchase the fabric, we load them into the delivery van where they are taken to the cutting house.

There about 20-25 rolls packed inside.  Each roll is about 70 yards - that's about 1610 yards all together to play with... my kind of playground.
Now it's finally time to start figuring out what fabric goes with which style.

Part FIVE:  Mix vs. Match, let the games begin!
Next post: June 6th 

Leave your questions or comments below.  We LOVE your feedback.  Or email us at twirlygirlshop@gmail.com or visit us at TwirlyGirlShop.com.
Thanks so much for being a part of the journey!
Cynthia