Pages

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fabrics For the Rest of Us

Do you ever feel like the fabrics options that we "ooh" and "ahh" over are just too expensive? 

 Maybe I'm alone here, but I love beautiful fabrics and hate their often too-high price tags. Sure, options from Kelly Wearstler, Kathryn Ireland, Lee Jofa, Trina Turk and the rest of the lot make us giddy with their designs; but I'll be the first to admit that I just can't afford the $80+/yard prices, especially if I'm looking to spruce up a pillow, sew some napkins, or refashion a roman shade.

There's no shame in being on a budget, am I right?

I've written about my love for vibrant printed patterns many times here on this blog, but until recently I was at a loss for a new, untapped source for great fabrics.

Well, tah-dah, I found one: Alexander Henry, a company that produces bold, modern prints in cotton. Alexander Henry largely produces fabrics for quilters, and I could see these prints used beyond the blanket at the foot of your bed.
Here are just a few of my favorites I've rounded up for your enjoyment:
"Joy of Life" in red abstract, $2.99 per half yard / "Anja Floral Paisley" in dove, $4.49 per half yard

"Taupe Stripes on Cream" in cream, $9.99 per yard / "Zanzabelle Safari Zikat" in green, $2.49 per half yard

"Vie en Rose Floral" in dove, $2.99 per half yard /"Sage Flowers on Cream" in cream, $9.99 per yard

"Anja Floral Paisley" in black, $2.13 per quarter yard / "Africa Spinning Stick" in red pink, $2.99 per half yard

"Amelie" in rose, $2.99 per half yard / "Still Life" in multi, $4.49 per yard

Okay, so no, these aren't upholstery-weight fabrics, but why not use these lightweight cotton options (with lining, of course) for a fabulous pair of drapes? Or a shower curtain? Or a table runner? Or a bolster pillow?

And...no need to go through a decorator for "to the trade only" fabrics. Be sure to try Etsy and Ebay, as well as online fabric stores, for the very best price.

Fabrics for the rest of us, and we didn't even have to sacrifice style.

6 comments:

  1. Ooh, love these, especially the Africa Spinning Stick. Couldn't agree more about fabrics. I'm so drawn to Schumacher and Lee Jofa but my budget does not agree. I only worry about the weight of quilting fabrics, but some are pretty substantial. Thanks for sharing this source! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the Anja Floral Paisley! Great colors and fantastic prices. Thanks for sharing your discovery!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's great! Love some many of the fabrics you posted! What a discovery! Thank you for sharing! I'm off to check their website.

    http://www.scavengenius.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an awesome find! I love. And the prices are insanely great.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, I can't wait to check it out...love those colors, patterns...and prices!! Take care, Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is such a great find - thank you so much for sharing. I'm always looking for inexpensive, fun fabrics. These are so darling!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear your thoughts!