Did up a quick feathered fleece for a friend last week and even though I have shown these many times on my blog they are one of my favourite things to quilt! Simple yet so cuddly for a new baby or toddler and they make great gifts.
I purchased 4 yards of ‘pale banana’ fleece from Jo-Ann’s online shop. First time ordering from that site as they have just started shipping to Canada this year. Very please with how fast the fabric arrived and love the quality of this fleece. I use to buy my fleece at Fabricland, a Canadian chain fabric shop, but their poor service at the shops and insulting marketing system has turned me off shopping there. They mark up a fabric worth$10 retail to $20 then make you buy a membership to get 50% off. That has bothered me for a long time now so I decided last year to no longer shop there and haven’t missed going there a bit. Sorry for the mini rant but I’m just wondering if other Canadian quilters feel the same way about that shop or if it is just me?
Here is a link to a tutorial I made a few years ago on how to make a feathered fleece throw. http://tamarackshack.blogspot.ca/2010/12/fleece-throw.html
I haven’t shopped at that particular shop, but in general, having to buy memberships irritates me. I have bought into Fabricville and will not be renewing. I also have a beef with local shop owners complaining about cross border shopping. I understand they need us to support them, but with easy access to online shopping or making that trip to the US, I feel they need to change how they support our habits to keep up with this fast paced quilting world. I have always been told that Marden’s and Jo-Ann’s sell lower quality fabrics, yet I have purchased fabrics from both stores and like you, have been very pleased with the quality AND the service, on top of the great pricing. In retrospect, I realize the majority of my fabric purchases in the last 10 years have been from BC, Maine and Toronto. I live in NB.....
ReplyDeleteis that two layers of fleece? Great idea!
ReplyDeleteFeel the same way you do about Fabricland. It is hard on the LQS because the quilt shop fabric quality is much better but the pricing is not competitive. I live in a border town which makes it even harder for them to stay competitive. Most quilters around me do their shopping online or through their travels.
ReplyDeleteHi There! I feel the same way about Fabricland! Don't shop there any longer. Have had great service from Joann's!
ReplyDeleteI must try this sometime. Is it fleece on both sides? Love your feathers.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea!!! It looks so soft!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, marvellous quilting! I really have to find time to make one like that, it would be ideal for practicing free-motion quilting :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute and cuddly!
ReplyDeleteFabricland customer service is the worst service I have ever had. I must admit I do shop there only for convenience if I need something quick, but would prefer to shop anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya!! As jennifer stated; I am the same there...no more memberships. It is frustrate me!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love your quilting on the fleece...I have to try that....is it just the 2 layers of fleece?
I've not seen this before, so I am glad you are sharing again. I would love to make one! Do you have a previous blog with the details?
ReplyDeleteYes I made a tutorial and it's on my side bar. Here is a quick link.
ReplyDeletehttp://tamarackshack.blogspot.ca/2010/12/fleece-throw.html
Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI love this Kathy! This looks like a fun one to try! Thanks for the link to your previous post! I must go back and start at the beginning of your blog to see what you've done! You are such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAs for Fabricland, I use to shop there when I lived in Ottawa. I can't say I ever had a problem with them but the selection of cottons for quilting left much to be desired! Since moving to the USA, I've thoroughly enjoyed shopping at JoAnns and I also love to support my local quilt shops.
I stopped shopping at Fabricland years ago for that very reason! I will go in now and then when they have thread on sale. I'm willing to give them $1 for a spool of Gutterman, but won't pay their ridiculous fabric prices, even when there's a sale.
ReplyDeleteThat is so luscious!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post and the rant!