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5 Favourite Canadian Fabric Shops

May 2, 2019

My 5 Favourite Canadian Fabric Shops

I have to preface this post stating that I was not paid to promote any of the fabric shops that I discuss in this post. These are my honest opinions.

When I first started sewing, I noticed how few online fabric stores there were in Canada. The choices were so incredibly slim, with the majority of stores only selling quilting cottons. Although local fabric stores had a large selection of fabrics, I found there was not enough selection on modern designer fabrics, particularly when it came to fabrics outside of cottons. As we all know, this limits what Canadian sewists can make.

I was envious of the large selection of fabrics that were available in the US. Some companies also had the option to pick your print and the type of fabric you wanted, from minky to knit to cotton. I mean that is pure luxury, in my opinion. In fact, when my son was born, I caved and purchased a few prints from these US stores but with duty and currency exchange, it was splurge in every sense of the word.

Since then, so many stores have been popping up online. This is still nothing close to what the US has to offer but it has been so wonderful that there actually is choice and selection. I get quite a few questions about where I shop, so I thought I would share with you, my top 5 favourite Canadian Fabric Shops that I personally have shopped with so far. There are still quite a few stores I have yet to purchase fabric from  – so inevitably I will have a part 2  for the post at some point.

1. Thread Counts Fabric

There is just so much to say about this rural fabric shop in Manitoba. I recently purchased some knit fabrics to make my baby bummies and Roo Romper pattern. Since then, I have add more fabrics to my wish list from this small shop. Well, they recently had a flash sale which I had missed out on as I had forgotten to put the order through while watching Game of Thrones. I had messaged Hannah, the owner the next day through Instagram inquiring what she could do for me, and she re-applied the discount code for me. How incredibly kind of her.  I splurged on this one but I have some fun plans for this fabric haul in the next month.

Shipping cost: $8.49. Purchases over $99 is free.

The baby romper

2. Simplifi Fabric

This online store located in a small town in Ontario called Iroquois has been around for several years now and focuses on organic fabrics. They have a wonderful selection of natural organic textiles including bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, soy and lyocell. I purchased their bamboo fabric years ago and have used it for several projects including my bandana bibs and my reusable makeup wipes. The bamboo fabric was so incredibly soft which is perfect for baby items and it is incredibly absorbent.

Shipping cost: Based on location. Purchases over $200 is free.

DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

3. Weave and Woven

I came across this small shop located in Dundas, Ontario while I was hunting for Riffle Paper Co fabric. This fabric is so hard to come by in Canada, but sure enough they had it in stock last summer! If you recall, I used the fabric to make an Ogden Cami by True Bias earlier this year. The shop carries some wonderful modern fabric and I just want to buy them all! They constantly update the website with new designs and prints. They carry all types of fabrics from cottons to rayon.

Shipping cost: $10. Purchases over $150 is free.

Ogden Cami by True Bias

4. Fabrications Ottawa

I bought quite a few modern quilting cottons from this store last time I was in Ottawa. If you remember my most recent haul post, I bought several prints in the Moonrise collection. Even with the amount of stores in Canada offering quilting cottons, there is still not enough that have the modern prints that I am drawn to. Fabrications Ottawa has a large and fun collection to choose from! They also sell a variety of fabric types including chambray, linen, rayon, knit, flannel, cotton lawns, and much more.  I have made some reusable straw bags and a blanket scarf from fabric that was purchased from this small shop.

Shipping cost: $10 to 15. Purchases over $100 is free.

5. Fabric Spark

Another great shop with a large selection of fabric located in Toronto, Ontario. In fact, I have been shopping from this store for several years now and it was one of the first online stores with modern fabric that I could find back in the day. If you recall, I purchased two knit prints from Fabric Spark to make some fun harem pants for a baby shower.

Shipping cost: $8 to 11. Purchases over $150 is free.

I absolutely love that I have the ability now to order from these stores and support other Canadian women led businesses! As a small shop owner, I know how important it is to root for our community and support these small businesses. The only negative is the high cost of shipping.

Pro tip: Wait until you few projects to buy fabric for and then buy enough fabric to get free shipping. 

Follow along on Instagram @kukarudesigns.com or facebook at kukarudesigns. Tag me in your makes because I would love to see and share them over on Instagram.

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Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! Retro boxy tee hack gives me all the summer vibes! This time I decided to use the #MNjarrah to make a t-shirt using leftover striped cotton jersey fabric that I had purchased from @blackbirdfabrics last year. I am finally making my way through my fabric stash! This was a make it work moment with limited fabric and a stripped print ah! If you have sewn with stripes you know...getting those lines to match up is something else. This tee is far from perfect but I LOVE it so much!

The base was a sleeveless Jarrah Sweater. I altered the pattern by making two sleeves (check the blog for details) and shortened the hem all while trying my best to keep the stripes matched up... I would say 85% of the time it worked! Check my stories for the bloopers :)

Do you have any favourite tshirt patterns?
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Pattern: Jarrah Sweater @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: Striped cotton jersey @blackbirdfabrics 

#mnjarrah #meganneilsenpatterns  #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew #sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #handmadeootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #blackbirdfabrics #kukarudesigns #memadeeveryday #retrofashion
It has been some time since I introduced myself. L It has been some time since I introduced myself. Let me know if you have anything in common!

1. My name is Kusala prounounced Ku-sa-la (it means good karma)
2. I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada when I was 2
3. I have lived in 4 Canadian cities including Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
4. My first creative hobby was playing piano. I played until grade 9 royal conservatory at which point I did not want to be hassled to practice and promptly quit ha! 
5. When i was younger I took traditional Kandyan dancing lessons and even performed on Parliament Hill
6. I have killed many plants in my lifetime but still love to think I have a green thumb
7. I work in health research
8. I have naturally curly hair but hated the look growing up so I always straightened it. Sometimes  I would straighten it just to curl it again. I’m finally embracing the natural curls.
9. I live in loungewear and that is the majority of my wardrobe
10. I am a mama to two boys who are home with me while I’m on maternity leave. I’m thankful that I get this year with them and I know how lucky I am to be able to be at home for this length of time. They are my inspiration for my kids sewing patterns.
11. Sewing and diy is my creative outlet and has helped me through this pandemic.

I hope you got to know me a little better.  I’m excited you are all here and following along my chaotic journey.

#mnjarrah #jarrahsweater #imakemyownclothes #sewcialdistancing #isewlated2021 #sewistsofinstagram #ilovesewing #memade #memadeeveryday #ootd #diyfashion #sustainablefshion #isew #sewfashion #statementsleeves #heart #heartfashion #fashionsewing  #sewersofinstagram
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #memadevalentine2021 #diy #introduction #pigeonpinkredparty #pocwhosews
For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fu For Galentines day, we pair a sweatshirt with a fun tulle skirt...

..and call it cozy high fashion ha!

I had been searching for weeks for a pattern to make with this beautiful dreamy pink leopard print terry fabric I purchased from @simplififabric and just could not settle on one. I finally decided to make the leap and use it to make the #mnjarrah– view  A.

Anyone else have anxiety trying out a new pattern?

Even after cutting into it, I questioned my choice but I am so glad I trusted the process. Since this fabric is not fleece-lined, it actually has the perfect amount of drape for a lightweight cozy sweatshirt for the Jarrah!

I had a lot of fun dressing up and wearing heels for #galentinesday ! I also wanted to participate in some online valentines day sewing community challenges this year which gave me the extra motivation to finish this make on time!

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Skirt : Handmade by me - self drafted. Tutorial on the blog.

Pattern: Jarrah Sweatshirt @megannielsenpatterns 

Fabric: dusty pink organic French Terry Fabric @simplififabric 

#mnjarrah #memadevalentine2021 #pigeonpinkredparty #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #valentinesday #galentinesday #handmadeootd #sewcialists #ootd #momstyle #simplififabric #kukarudesigns #MNjarrah
Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popul Let's talk about throw pillows and the oh so popular pom pom pillow...

I was watching a video on @alexandragater channel recently and came across these super cute pom pom pillows. Since then I have seen them everywhere online. It is the perfect combination of the boho chic style that is all over Pinterest! 

These pillows retail at SUCH a high price point. I found one at @hm but they have been sold out for months! So I decided to DIY a pom pom pillow for the nursery to add that fun pop of colour to the room! 

The tutorial will guide you through sewing two different styles of pillows a simple zipper cushion cover AND a pom pom pillow BBC!

For the pom pom cushion I used a beautiful luxe velvet cotton that is so soft! The zipper cushion was made from a heavy weight linen in the colour canyon. As for the yarn, I used what I had in my stash but any thick yarn will work!

I love how this adds a fun pop of colour to the room!
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Throw pillows: handmade by me
Fabric: velvet cotton and linen @spoolandspindle
Let’s talk about loungewear... It seems like 20 Let’s talk about loungewear...

It seems like 2021 is starting off the same as 2020 in terms of fashion trends. Loungewear is still having its moment this year with loungwear sets and rompers trending. Seeing that I will be at home for the forseeable future, I needed a few more cozy pants and I knew I had to sew up another pair of Hudson Pants . 

For this make, I used a beautiful brushed french terry from European Import that I purchased from @simplififabric last year. 

This fabric is honestly the most cozy material I have ever worn! It has a stunning muted touch on the outside and warm, ultra fuzy inner lining.

These pants pair well with a t-shirt and zip up hoodie :) I chase two kids around all day, and cozy pieces just make it easier to play with them.

Also I used my new @babylocksewing serger for these pants! I have to say the serger does a beautiful job in finishing off the knit seams and I KNOW it will withstand lots of stretch. However, the sewing machine is super simple to use since I know it so well. It still made a beautiful pair of pants which ultimately is what you want at the end.

________________________________

Pants: Handmade by me
Fabric: European import brushed French terry in khaki @simplififabric
Pattern: Hudson pants by @truebias 

#hudsonpants #truebias #sewersofinstagram #sewcreative #memadeeveryday #sew ##sewingblogger #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sustainablefashion #isew #iheartsewing #ootd #memade #ilovesewing #isewlated2021 #isewedpants #loungewear #handmadeootd #sewcialists
Let's talk about window treatments... I definitel Let's talk about window treatments...

I definitely had some mild anxiety when I fully understood how expensive home ownership can be! From adding storage units everywhere in the house, furnishing additional spaces and ….

…the cost of window treatments.

I wanted to add some hygge vibes into the nursery. It was a bit lack luster on the comfort side of things. These DIY custom curtains were less than $130 to make and install. I was able to get the look, length and quality that I envisioned for the space. 

You guys! This was the first time I hung up this #ikea racka curtain rod all by myself. Yes it may be only a curtain rod but I am so dang proud of myself.  I now have this new found confidence for using power tools ha!

The details on how I got this look are up on the blog! 

________________________________

Fabric: Cotton/linen blend from @lensmillstore 
Curtain rod: Racka @ikeacanada 
Curtain hooks: @ikeacanada 

#lensmill #localfabricstore #kwawesome #kwcraft #sewersofinstagram #crafting #canadiansewer #customcurtains #customdrapes #curtains #roommakeover #nursery #nurserydecor #sewcreative #sewist #sewingblogger #craftsastherapy #sewialdistancing #isewlated2021 #ilovesewing #customwindowtreatments #interiordesign #handsewn #custommade #ikeahack #ikeadecor #ikeabedroom
I’ve had a weekend full of failures... If you w I’ve had a weekend full of failures...

If you were following along this weekend I thought I could finish my Hudson Pants. Turns out I could not get my serger to cut through three layers of fabric and it kept getting jammed and I ended up with broken thread as well as broken needles. After adjusting the machine, I found it a bit better. The project did come to a halt as I am now waiting on some needles ha! Any helpful tips for the serger/over locker?

Then onto sewing a curtain. I used the wrong pleating tape and the Ikea hooks I bought were too small! So, last night I had to order more supplies. It’s surprising how a couple items add up. Anyone else feel this way?

Oh and today when I tried to install one of the curtain rods that I bought nearly a year ago, it ended up being too short! 

Sewing is never perfect and it can be pretty messy sometimes. This weekend just ended up being more messy. I guess that’s part of the ride. 

#sew #sewingproject #sewersofinstagram #sewceative 
#memadeeveryday #sew #sewcreative #fortheloveofsewing #sewist #sewingblogger #sewing #handmadewardrobe #imadethis #ilovesewing #homesewn  #createmakeshare #etsy #etsyseller #makerstrong #craftsastherapy #sewingmakesmehappy#creativelifehappylife #sewallthethings #diyfashion #serger #overlocker #sergertips
I have been quiet this week.. I took a break from I have been quiet this week..

I took a break from sewing and creating this week. It has been a heavy week in more ways than one. Personally there has been some major life decisions in the background that are exciting but also emotionally heavy.

And now a fresh new year and we are back into a state of emergency and stay at home order. Of course this has not changed much for me since I’ve been following the same guidelines for nearly a year now. Yet, there are still so many feelings around the loss of normalcy, loss of connection and loss of routine.

I know many of you are in a similar position or having similar feelings. I have found that taking a moment to process all of those feelings and sit with them has been has been a such a game changer both physically and emotionally. Know that this moment in time is not going to last forever. 

I will be starting some new projects this week to focus my energy. I find sewing and crafting a way to channel those feelings. 

How are you all doing?

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