I am starting to sew again. If you have a quilting shop nearby that is a good place to start. WalMart doesn't have much to choose from any more. I've been told that Hobby Lobby is a good place to shop for fabrics, but I haven't been there in a long time, so don't really know.

I'm a regular at JoAnn Fabrics, we're getting to be on 1st name basis....I used to just sew but now I mainly quilt...Quilting shops really do have quality fabric but you will pay...JoAnn's of course is going up also...Most Walmarts are doing away with the fabric department but most of their fabric was pretty good...As always, you have to check out what you're buying.....
Love to see to see people sewing and quilting again.....But a word of warning, it does get addictive......Happy stitching!

Wallmart was great--they had such cute fabrics for $1-2/yard, but all the Wallmarts near me are closing their fabric depts, one by one. Joann's is way too expensive anymore and I can never find anything there I like. There is a little independent fabric store in the town where we're moving. One of those old places with all kinds of fabrics, stacked up here and there. Only stuck my head in once to check it out, but guess that's where I'll be shopping from now on.

Don't forget the sheet dept, though--if the fabric is a type/style you can use, sheets are often much cheaper than buying yard goods. Back when I was sewing professionally, I often bought sheets to use for my smocked children's dresses.

All of our fabric stores here have really shrunk in size. Not only is the selection limited, but it is hard to find good quality fabric at a reasonable price. I know this is going to sound strange, but I go to thrift stores and look at drapes and other large pieces. You can find some unique and very nice material there. I really check it over and it has to be in very good shape. I have used it for all kinds of sewing projects. I have made pillows out of skirts, etc. I have found wonderful silk, velvet, corduroy, leather, linen and very expensive designer home decor fabric there at a tenth of what it would cost per yard at a fabric store.
Clare

Also as mentioned above, you might check the Quilt shows. They often have vendors that sell unusual fabric. You will pay more but if you want an unusual print and don't need a lot it is a good place. Their fabric is usually around up to $9. a yard. They also have good quarters for quilts.
With the economy getting the way it is. I am hoping sewing comes back.

I buy all my fabrics online. I am a quilter and I'm always looking for great deals. There are so fabulous online fabric stores that have great deals, beautiful fabrics and fair shipping rates. And you don't have to pay sales tax! So you really save money in fuel for your car, the time spent driving around and you can shop at your own pace. I after you know the names of the reputable fabrics it's really easy to choose what you want!

If you Google "online fabric stores" that will get you started.

Susan

Several KT peeps posted online fabric sites you can order from when I was looking for "coffee type" fabrics to make a valance last winter....
I really like to see the fabric in person, but when you can't find what you want this is great!

Here is a link that might be useful: Fabric.com link

I get a catalog in the mail from Keepsake Quilting in NH. They have beautiful fabrics. I buy at WalMart when I want John Deere or a college logo. We have one quilt shop here and it has a nice selection.

I purchase my fabrics from fabricguru.com. Great selection, great prices, outstanding return policy, one flat rate s & h ($4.95) for any amount of fabric you order, knowledgeable staff.
I've been ordering from them for years and am extremely happy with them...the link is below (and I have no affiliation other than being a satisfied customer LOL).

Here is a link that might be useful: Fabric Guru

Thanks for all the ideas! I'll be checking those links out.

I don't sew but when I go to Hobby Lobby I can't resist looking at the fabics they have such cute ones.....Stac

The only place we have now is Hobby Lobby, however, unless it's a remnant, I only purchase when there's a 40% coupon.

Hobby Lobby and Joann's. I think I am pretty stocked up on fabric now. I had a great stash before, my daughter's mother in law gave me a whole bunch of fabric. I haven't even had time to go through it. I want to get back to sewing, but haven't found the time yet. Have to get that sewing room tidied up first!!!

Sue

I used to live near a really great fabric store, but I moved, and now I'm 35 miles away.

My daughter is expecting baby in early August, and she asked me to make some baby items for her. I found some fabric locally, but I had to order the rest online.

It seems that sewing now is limited to quilters, and that is the only fabric available in local stores.

My favorite place to buy cotton fabric is a local quilt shop as they will generally have a better grade of fabric than Hancock's or WalMart. (Our WM's don't have fabric anymore or much of anything really, craft-wise, too bad.) I do like to be able to feel the fabric before I buy it as sometimes the thread count is inferior for mixing with other fabrics.

There are 2 quilt shops in my area, a couple of other places that have Hawaiian fabrics and other "oddities" and I buy a lot of fabric when I'm in FL at Rainbow's End QS in Dunedin. They have about 18,000 bolts of cotton, it's a blast to go in there!

I buy a lot online, too- Etsy has a large selection if you search under supplies and Ebay has a lot. I go to quiltshops.com to search for specific fabrics when I'm on the hunt for a certain piece, that's a wonderful way to find more of what you need. I WISH there was a JoAnn's nearby as they carry some great fabric lines that no one else does, but I can order online.

Hobby Lobby has basic fabrics but nothing special anymore- ours have cut their fabric dept by at least half, it's kind of pathetic but I can get some good solids and accessories there, like quilting supplies, zippers, etc. Hancocks is still the best for zippers, though. I have to drive an hour to one of those. 35 minutes for anything else. Online shopping saves me time and gas.

Again thanks for all the tips and ideas gals. There is a JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby in the town where we shop. I'll have to make it a point to stop in and look around them the next time I'm in town. I've just kind of been in the mood of sewing. Thought I'd like to try making some cute aprons or totes.

Our Wal-Mart is the only place left here that carries fabric. If they stop, it will be a real pain to find material. It's good to know there are good places to shop on line, but I love walking around, feeling the fabric and just taking it all in. Is that silly?