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Choosing fabric for a sewing project is fun part of the process because you pick your own unique colors and prints.  On the other hand it can be frustrating if you have a difficult time finding the specific fabric type you need.  Another challenge is looking for fabric prints that are scaled small enough for dolls clothes.

Today I want to share with you a fabric resource I found while making the Fringe Swimsuit for my new book My Doll, My Style.  Recently I ordered more fabric from them and was reminded how much I appreciate their services.  Let’s take a look at this fun fabric shop, The Fabric Fairy.

A great source for knits

You’ll find both woven and knit fabrics at The Fabric Fairy.   It’s good to note that they carry a wide variety of knit fabrics, which is nice, since knits can be harder to source.  Click the “Fabrics” tab on the menu bar to explore the selection and search by fabric type, designer, subjects, or colors.

Detailed fabric information

When you are looking at a specific fabric on The Fabric Fairy site there is a text box on the page labeled “Fabric Information”.  It is loaded with helpful information and I especially appreciate that it includes the Fabric Stretch.  The two numbers they list with the Fabric Stretch are the stretch percentage and the stretch direction.  These are the most important things to know when checking if the knit fabric will work with your pattern.

All of my patterns that use knit fabric, in my shop and in my new book, include the stretch amount (percentage) and the stretch direction, (2-way or 4-way) needed for the project.  It is super helpful that The Fabric Fairy includes this information about the fabric to take the guesswork out of buying knit fabric online.

Below is an example of the Fabric Information for the Heart and Daisy Foil Fabric at The Fabric Fairy.

Scale

When sewing doll clothes, taking into account the scale of the fabric print is important.  The Fabric Fairy helps you out by listing the fabric on their site with a ruler across one side.  For example looking at the ruler in the photo, I was able to estimate the width of the stripes on the Tribal Stripes Swimsuit fabric.  I new it would be just the right scale for doll clothes.

In terms of scale, look for how much of the print repeats in 1 inch.  Then estimate the size of the pattern pieces.  I used this technique when choosing the fabric below.  Using the photo listing with the ruler on the fabric,  I estimated that the stripe print repeated an average of 4 stripes for every 1 inch of fabric.  The sewing pattern was about 6 inches long, so there will be about 24 stripes across my pattern piece.  Knowing the scale helps plan out the project and whether it will have the look you want for doll clothes.

Fabric matching service

The Fabric Fairy also offers a fantastic fabric matching service that makes me feel like I have a personal shopper in the fabric isle!  If you need to pick out two different fabrics for a project it can be a real challenge.  It is hard to tell the true color of fabric looking at pictures on a computer monitor.  They solve this by offering a hands on approach with someone at the shop pulling fabric and matching it side by side.

I saw their service advertised on the website, took them up on their offer and gave them a call.   They were very helpful in looking for solid colors that matched the print fabric I had picked out.  They matched a mint green, turquoise, and pink.  I chose the pink pictured below (it’s sold out now) with the Heart and Daisy Foil Swimsuit fabric and I’m very happy with it!  You can also reach them by email to coordinate the fabric match you are looking for.  Check out the fabric matching service, appropriately named the Fairycare Service since they take good care of you!

I hope you enjoyed this look at The Fabric Fairy shop.  I love to share products and companies that make the sewing experience go more smoothly!

Happy Sewing!

Anna