Fabrics for Tops

Some have asked where to get fabrics for making the tops. There are a couple of places I like.

First, I want to say this about the amount of fabric I order. I make my tops by the medium size. If I’m very careful how I cut, I can get a short sleeve Laundry Day Tee out of 1 yard of 60″ fabric. If I want an elbow length or 3/4 length sleeve, I need 1-1/2 yards. Many of the places that sell knits will sell only by the full yard so I end up having to get 2 yards, or, I can make the sleeves and neckband from a contrasting fabric. I never mind ordering 2 yards when most of the fabrics are in the $6/yard range. With 2  yards, I can get myself and Addie a top (Jolly Ranger Raglan). Not all the fabrics I use are “little girl” type fabrics but some are.

Here are the two main places I love buying fabric.

Girl Charlee Fabrics – I’ve placed several orders with them and always been happy with the product and the service. They’re having a sale through tomorrow (30% off). There should be a popup sale ad when you go to the site. They have a $7.95 shipping rate and I think no matter how much or how little, that’s the going rate for standard shipping.

My last order with Girl Charlee was $72 and it was enough fabric to make 9 adult tops and 2 Addie tops.

Cali Fabrics – I’ve also had great fabric and great service from them. They have free shipping with a $99+ order. I try to hit that amount when I do order so I can get free shipping. My last order with them was $135 and it’s enough to make 12 adult tops, 5 Addie tops, 2 pairs of adult leggings and 1 pair of Addie leggings.

Think about going even to Walmart and buying 12 adult tops, 2 pairs of adult leggings, 5 child size tops and 1 pair of child size leggings for $135. That’s less than $7 for each item. It doesn’t take long to make the cost of the coverstitch and the new serger worth it.  

Some of the tops will be for Nicole. I also bought the Rhapsody Blouse pattern, which uses woven fabric. Cali Fabrics had some lightweight wovens on sale for about $4/yard so I bought enough to make four tops using that. Those will be great for here in the summer. There are lots of sleeve options. I think I’m really going to use the heck out of that pattern.

Besides the fabric being reasonably priced, who can put a value on having fun in the sewing room?  🙂