Today was blind installation day. A very nice Blind Guy came to the house and spent several hours putting in new blinds in my living room, dining room and master bedroom. Check. One more thing off the list.
While he was here, I asked him to help me move some of my furniture back into the sewing room, which he graciously agreed to do.
So, now I feel like I am back in business. I started making some flying geese units, and completed one more star block. Two done out of 24.
I am really not making much progress on anything this week.
However, it is my daughter Sara's birthday next week, and I am giving her my wrought iron patio set. The cushions are a sad faded mess, so I figured as part of my gift to her, I would recover the cushions with fresh fabric. I have looked high and low for decent home dec fabric at a reasonable price, and have struck out spectacularly. I looked at Joanne's and Beverlys, and their selection was seriously pathetic. Tapestry for crying out loud. Give me a break. So, today I drove 70 miles up to San Jose to Calico Corners, looking for something appropriate and affordable. I told the woman what I was looking for, and she showed me some fabric that cost $59 a yard. Are they kidding? I need 8 to 10 yards of fabric to recover a 25 year old loveseat and easy chair and they think I am going to spend almost $500 on fabric? Really? I do not think so.
I was VERY grumpy when I left Calico Corners. Very grumpy. I drove a few blocks to a Hancock's to see what they might have. I found the whole place depressing. From the guy with the greasy pony tail who greeted me to the messy piles of home dec fabric at the back corner of the store to the long line of people waiting to have their goods cut, to the even longer line of people waiting to be rung up at the cash regisiter. The greasy pony tail guy must have a twin because his doppelganger was at the cash register. Hancock's? How hard could it be to have a neatly arranged store, normal looking employees, and an environment conducive to a pleasant shopping experience? Hello?
I actually did find something appropriate and reasonably priced however, so I swallowed my snobbish attitude and made a purchase. Check in tomorrow to see my progress with that. Hopefully my attitude will have improved by then.
40 responses to “A Little of This and a Little of That”
Hi Nicole!
I have been on a search for upholstery fabric and ran into an interior decorator at Joanne’s last week. She told me that fabricguru.com was a great place for fabric. If you put Robert Allen in as a search you will come up with alot of outdoor fabric that I think is cute and under $10.00/yd. I have my eye on one of the oriental prints & the geometrics. It runs 8.95 and they sell some for 6.95. Shipping is only $4.99. While you might want it done by next week this site is worth a look. Maybe your daughter could even pick the fabric.
Lots of luck!
Pat
P.S. I love your dog tales. Admittedly I found your site because of the quilting, but somedays I delight in other things. Thanks!
Hi Nicole!
I have been on a search for upholstery fabric and ran into an interior decorator at Joanne’s last week. She told me that fabricguru.com was a great place for fabric. If you put Robert Allen in as a search you will come up with alot of outdoor fabric that I think is cute and under $10.00/yd. I have my eye on one of the oriental prints & the geometrics. It runs 8.95 and they sell some for 6.95. Shipping is only $4.99. While you might want it done by next week this site is worth a look. Maybe your daughter could even pick the fabric.
Lots of luck!
Pat
P.S. I love your dog tales. Admittedly I found your site because of the quilting, but somedays I delight in other things. Thanks!
Glad you found your fabric. Wish you could have been with me and Sally at that sale. I also wish I had bought fabric for a valence, since Daniel is insistent that I need one. Now I have to go and find some expensive stuff. Oh, and if your Calico Corners is a sister to the one in Birmingham, I could have told you that they think highly of their merchandise. I’ve never seen such prices!
Glad you found your fabric. Wish you could have been with me and Sally at that sale. I also wish I had bought fabric for a valence, since Daniel is insistent that I need one. Now I have to go and find some expensive stuff. Oh, and if your Calico Corners is a sister to the one in Birmingham, I could have told you that they think highly of their merchandise. I’ve never seen such prices!
I’m sure you’ve already heard of Britex in San Francisco, right? . . . but just in case . . .
I think it’s on Geary St. . . . or maybe it’s Stockton . . . can’t remember . . .
but they have a website and I think you can see what they have on each of the 4 floors of fabric . . .
I’m sure you’ve already heard of Britex in San Francisco, right? . . . but just in case . . .
I think it’s on Geary St. . . . or maybe it’s Stockton . . . can’t remember . . .
but they have a website and I think you can see what they have on each of the 4 floors of fabric . . .
Although I delight in the number of quilt fabric stores, I have found it is next to impossible to find other fabrics these days that are decent quality for a decent price. I think part of it is that less people are do-it-yourselfing any more.
Although I delight in the number of quilt fabric stores, I have found it is next to impossible to find other fabrics these days that are decent quality for a decent price. I think part of it is that less people are do-it-yourselfing any more.
What a great gift for Sara! I am sure she will love it, and love it more because it was yours and you recovered it for her. More great memories to come from the set!
What a great gift for Sara! I am sure she will love it, and love it more because it was yours and you recovered it for her. More great memories to come from the set!
Nicole, Sadly fabric makers think we are made of money. But there are deals to be had if we search out long enough. I was just thinking of IKEA, when I was there last year in EPA they had a lot of great heavy weight fabric for very reasonable prices. Good luck with the re-covering. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Liz
Nicole, Sadly fabric makers think we are made of money. But there are deals to be had if we search out long enough. I was just thinking of IKEA, when I was there last year in EPA they had a lot of great heavy weight fabric for very reasonable prices. Good luck with the re-covering. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product. Liz
Thanks for my morning chuckle over coffee this morning…now I can face my day with a smile on my face!! ;o) Very funny post!!
Take care!! Ohhh…and happy stitching!
Paulette
Thanks for my morning chuckle over coffee this morning…now I can face my day with a smile on my face!! ;o) Very funny post!!
Take care!! Ohhh…and happy stitching!
Paulette
Hope you were fully clothed when the Blind Guy arrived (sorry, very old joke abiout some nuns and the Blind Guy….).
I saw some interesting fabric when I visited Pittsburgh. It was Kaffe Fasset fabric that had been laminated. We have an old “ice cream” table & chairs I want to fix up for my daughte, & that laminated fabric looks like it would fit the bill. The same place also carried fome stuff from Sunbrella, but I did not look at the price.
Another online source that I have found to be good is J&O fabrics.
Hope you were fully clothed when the Blind Guy arrived (sorry, very old joke abiout some nuns and the Blind Guy….).
I saw some interesting fabric when I visited Pittsburgh. It was Kaffe Fasset fabric that had been laminated. We have an old “ice cream” table & chairs I want to fix up for my daughte, & that laminated fabric looks like it would fit the bill. The same place also carried fome stuff from Sunbrella, but I did not look at the price.
Another online source that I have found to be good is J&O fabrics.
There is a fabric store in Hayward (I know, not close by for you) called Bocca Bargoons they sell tons of upholstery weight fabric. They occasionally have sales with 40 percent off everything in the store. Also, Amy ala mode blog wrote about a fabric store in San Jose that sold all types of fabric at discount prices.
There is a fabric store in Hayward (I know, not close by for you) called Bocca Bargoons they sell tons of upholstery weight fabric. They occasionally have sales with 40 percent off everything in the store. Also, Amy ala mode blog wrote about a fabric store in San Jose that sold all types of fabric at discount prices.
Too late for this project, but next time you need fabric for covering cushions try Fabric.com. I got some Waverly outdoor fabric, like Sunbrella, for less that $9 a yard. It is beautiful fabric.
Too late for this project, but next time you need fabric for covering cushions try Fabric.com. I got some Waverly outdoor fabric, like Sunbrella, for less that $9 a yard. It is beautiful fabric.
I just have to share/vent, because I am perplexed. I admit to being a totally self-taught quilter. I average one quilt per year, because I hand quilt each one and have a family. That means over a 10 year period, I have made around 10 quilts of varying sizes, nothing above the intermediate level yet. So why do the ladies at the quilt shops assume I need to take beginning quilt classes simply because I ask a simple question to perfect my technique? BTW I am 45, so I don’t look like a child, though I may look a LITTLE younger. Three shops have done this to me in two days! I just had a question about bindings for heaven’s sake! It makes me afraid to ask questions, because the women talk down to me. Just frustrated.
I just have to share/vent, because I am perplexed. I admit to being a totally self-taught quilter. I average one quilt per year, because I hand quilt each one and have a family. That means over a 10 year period, I have made around 10 quilts of varying sizes, nothing above the intermediate level yet. So why do the ladies at the quilt shops assume I need to take beginning quilt classes simply because I ask a simple question to perfect my technique? BTW I am 45, so I don’t look like a child, though I may look a LITTLE younger. Three shops have done this to me in two days! I just had a question about bindings for heaven’s sake! It makes me afraid to ask questions, because the women talk down to me. Just frustrated.
I am about to be forced into recovering my chair and ottoman and have decided my best bet is to purchase a painters drop cloth (there are tricks to soften it up) for $30 I can buy a 15’x11′ piece of cloth. I will make my own slipcovers and maybe add in some other fabric around the gusset and back cushion.
I am about to be forced into recovering my chair and ottoman and have decided my best bet is to purchase a painters drop cloth (there are tricks to soften it up) for $30 I can buy a 15’x11′ piece of cloth. I will make my own slipcovers and maybe add in some other fabric around the gusset and back cushion.
Gosh, that sounds just like our Hancocks, except for the greasy pony tail guy. The place is always such a mess!
Gosh, that sounds just like our Hancocks, except for the greasy pony tail guy. The place is always such a mess!
What a lovely gift for your daughter! I think giving her the chance to choose the fabric is a good idea if there is a dollar limit/yd, of course, and if you were to decide you want to keep the fabric you found.
I’ve gotten some great heavy fabric on eBay, but once was surprised by the large scale of the pattern. If you ever go this route, ask questions of the seller!
Hugs!
What a lovely gift for your daughter! I think giving her the chance to choose the fabric is a good idea if there is a dollar limit/yd, of course, and if you were to decide you want to keep the fabric you found.
I’ve gotten some great heavy fabric on eBay, but once was surprised by the large scale of the pattern. If you ever go this route, ask questions of the seller!
Hugs!
I had the same problem with fabric being obscenely expensive. AND I could never find a Joanne’s coupon.
I learned they take Micheal’s coupons! So, the week before I need fabric, I go to Micheal’s and buy one of whatever. Then with my checkout I get a 40% off one regular priced item valid the next week starting on Sunday. If you don’t get a coupon, go back and buy one more of something else and you should get one.
Then I take the coupon to Joanne’s, pick out my fabric (one cut = one item) and proceed to checkout with 40% off coupon in tow. They usually will honor the coupon even if the fabric is already on sale – mostly because they are stoked you are spending money with them instead of Micheals.
It’s a lot of work, but I proudly sport $79.99 a yard fabic on my living room valences that I got for about $16.
Happy Shopping!
I had the same problem with fabric being obscenely expensive. AND I could never find a Joanne’s coupon.
I learned they take Micheal’s coupons! So, the week before I need fabric, I go to Micheal’s and buy one of whatever. Then with my checkout I get a 40% off one regular priced item valid the next week starting on Sunday. If you don’t get a coupon, go back and buy one more of something else and you should get one.
Then I take the coupon to Joanne’s, pick out my fabric (one cut = one item) and proceed to checkout with 40% off coupon in tow. They usually will honor the coupon even if the fabric is already on sale – mostly because they are stoked you are spending money with them instead of Micheals.
It’s a lot of work, but I proudly sport $79.99 a yard fabic on my living room valences that I got for about $16.
Happy Shopping!
fabric.com ck them out they might have decent selection & colors we have a shop here called Home Fabrics and they carry a small assortment from 5.99 to 12.99
Good Luck !!!
fabric.com ck them out they might have decent selection & colors we have a shop here called Home Fabrics and they carry a small assortment from 5.99 to 12.99
Good Luck !!!
Nicole, I just saw your post about fabric for covering your patio set. It’s a bit late now, but for future reference some of the major quilt material manufacturers are coming out with a heavier cotton fabric just for decorator things. We had a rep in from Benartex and Moda the other day and she showed some real pretty patterns that were deco fabric only. We wanted to order them for quilters, but they were too heavy. I’m sure others will follow suit if it goes over well. Dar in MO
Nicole, I just saw your post about fabric for covering your patio set. It’s a bit late now, but for future reference some of the major quilt material manufacturers are coming out with a heavier cotton fabric just for decorator things. We had a rep in from Benartex and Moda the other day and she showed some real pretty patterns that were deco fabric only. We wanted to order them for quilters, but they were too heavy. I’m sure others will follow suit if it goes over well. Dar in MO
It’s nice that they are employing the Blind in more than one industry. And Blind movers, wow:)
I too looked in vain for outdoor fabrics that I liked at JoAnn’s. No greasy ponytail but usually not a lot of help happening. Finally I decided that the fabric and effort were going to take up too much of my time and started looking at replacement cushions. JC Penney had theirs for 60% off so I got 6 double cushions (seat and back in one piece) for $23.95 apiece, whereas Lowe’s wanted $40 apiece. Pretty snazzy stripes, too.
It’s nice that they are employing the Blind in more than one industry. And Blind movers, wow:)
I too looked in vain for outdoor fabrics that I liked at JoAnn’s. No greasy ponytail but usually not a lot of help happening. Finally I decided that the fabric and effort were going to take up too much of my time and started looking at replacement cushions. JC Penney had theirs for 60% off so I got 6 double cushions (seat and back in one piece) for $23.95 apiece, whereas Lowe’s wanted $40 apiece. Pretty snazzy stripes, too.
Do you have an IKEA within driving distance. They have great home dec fabric
Do you have an IKEA within driving distance. They have great home dec fabric
Dear Sister’s Choice, I’m sorry that you weren’t led to other options at Calico Corners, as there are MANY outdoor fabrics that are less than $15/yard–especially now, when they’re all 15% off through May 15. Here’s a link to the online selection–and there are many more in the stores:
http://www.calicocorners.com/category/designer+fabrics+for+the+home
/indoor+and+outdoor/shop+all+outdoor+fabrics.do?ViewX=96&page=1&filterBy=&sortby=
Calico really tries to have a wide variety of price points so that you’ll be happy with a purchase that you’ll live with for years.
Dear Sister’s Choice, I’m sorry that you weren’t led to other options at Calico Corners, as there are MANY outdoor fabrics that are less than $15/yard–especially now, when they’re all 15% off through May 15. Here’s a link to the online selection–and there are many more in the stores:
http://www.calicocorners.com/category/designer+fabrics+for+the+home
/indoor+and+outdoor/shop+all+outdoor+fabrics.do?ViewX=96&page=1&filterBy=&sortby=
Calico really tries to have a wide variety of price points so that you’ll be happy with a purchase that you’ll live with for years.