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BROWSE
THROUGH
WEDDING SUPPLIES FOR YOUR WEDDING |
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Our Ask the Expert staff recently received a question about finding appropriate
and attractive fabrics and trims for a wedding gown and bridesmaids' gowns. If
you are considering sewing a bridal or bridesmaids' gown (or having them made by
a dressmaker), the "right" fabric is one of the first steps to success and
satisfaction.
In some areas, fabric shops are numerous, well-stocked and prosperous; in others
they may be small and limited. In yet other areas, many fine independent fabric
stores and even small chain fabric retailers are being squeezed out or taken
over by larger chains which offer better prices but not always better selection
or service. Fabric retailing has certainly changed a lot since my mother and I
spent a lot of our free time fabric shopping when I was young!
If you need good quality bridal fabric and trims, and don't think you have
many options, keep an open mind.
Most mid-sized cities-- and even many small towns-- have a local fabric chain
nearby. I have noticed that these chains, like Joann's and Hancock, for
example, do not always have a wide selection of bridal fabric in stock.
However, MOST have good special order programs. Do not hesitate to ask a
manager for information and a chance to look over their swatch/color cards to
see what else is available.
Small independent fabric stores also often have the capability to order you
other fabrics and trims as well. Understandably they cannot afford to keep
large amounts of these costly and specialized fabrics and trimmings in stock--
but most are happy to help find them and order them for your project. Always
ask about these options!
If you really do not have good local fabric resources, there are many mail-order
and internet companies that carry bridal and special occasion fabrics. Home
seamstresses have long depended on mail-order companies like Home-Sew and Newark
Dressmaking for miscellaneous fabrics and notions. Most of the established
mail-order fabric companies also are now on-line. There are also a wide variety
of newer internet companies who also sell different types of fabric, trimmings
and notions. Below are just a few examples of fabric resources you can access
through the internet:
http://www.thaisilks.com/
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/fabric-apparel---fashion-fabrics-bridal---special-occasion.html
http://www.benraymond.com/
http://www.sewingfabrics.com/home/bridalfabrics.cfm
Of these businesses, I have personally only done business with Thai Silks, but
this is a cross-section of the types of fabric resources available on-line, if
your local options are limited. Do not be discouraged if at first you have
trouble finding the fabrics and trims you seek. There are many resources
available, no matter where you live or what your budget.
Happy shopping and sewing!! |
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Mini Hershey's Chocolate Bars
Be the sweetest couple around: Give
your guests Hershey chocolates in personalized
wrappers
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Undecorated Bubbles
Celebrate with
colorful bubbles! Trust us, blowing -- and catching
-- bubbles is more fun that pulling paper out of
your hair.
From $3.89
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Wedding Program Papers
Create your own ceremony programs
with our easy-to-use papers and your laser printer.
These do-it-yourself sheets are preprinted on one
side with a wedding-theme design; the other side is
blank. $7.75/pack of 100 |
Printed Unity Candle, Tapers,
and Stand
Includes 3"x 9" banded unity candle,
holder, and two 6" dripless taper candles. Choose
from white or ivory candles, silver or gold
accessories, and black, silver, or gold printing.
Gift boxed.
$ 55.98 set |
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Sparkling Cider Mini-Bottles - Case of 12
Toast guests with this delicious gift filled with
Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. These mini champagne-style
bottles feature a choice of two designs on a matte gold or
silver sticker. Give them as gifts or serve them during
toasting time.
From $ 34.45
Personalization Included |
Personalized Ribbon
Decorate
favors, accent bridal party gifts, tie balloons or
bouquets, even place a strip along reception
tabletops $25.50 /per 100 ft.
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Fabric Resources for
sew-it-yourself/dressmaker gowns
