Pitt Trading – Page 2 – Measure Twice Cut Once

Posted on 10/06/201810/06/2018 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Emma Bralet versions by Lifewithmycubs

One of the main reasons I do Everyone Deserves Pretty Lingerie week is because I really do think everyone does. They are such a fast make and can be used as stash busters to use up leftovers from other makes or a chance to indulge in some beautiful lace and trims. Because you need so little you can actually make your own lingerie quite cheaply when compared to designer pieces.

This week Julia from @lifewithmycubs has well and truly caught the lingerie making fever. Each style she makes just keeps topping the last for amazing use of lace and trims.

She picked up all her fabrics and trims from Pitt Trading and all weekend long they are giving a free gift to all online purchases. It’s a beautiful selection of vintage lingerie trims from a factory that was opening in the 50’s and 60’s.

I love how she has showcased the versatility of the looks you can achieve from sporty to cute to luxury in lace.

Posted on 09/06/2017 by Susan Goodwin — Leave a comment

Everyone deserves Pretty Lingerie: Seamwork Alamda robe

The moment I saw the Seamwork Alamda regrammed by Sophie from Ada Spragg I knew I had to give it a try, I really liked the sleeves and front tie and was smitten.
Cue a few weeks after that and this gorgeous silk came into Pitt Trading. Besides the lilac there is nothing here I normally like, peach, animal print all usually end in a big NO from me. This however I found irresistible. So I grabbed some.
In the meantime I’d read a few reviews and almost all of them complained about how short the gown was. Now not being blessed in the leg department I didn’t think I had much to worry about but when I cut it out I cut to the very longest length possible.
Then like so many great projects it got packed into the “current projects” box and left for a year. Not the best that’s for sure.
Then a few weeks ago knowing I was bound for hospital, I grabbed it from it’s super large zip lock bag, French seamed the sides, shoulders and attached the bands and created the bands. It took like no time at all! Seriously fast make.

I didn’t like the way the neckline was finished by just turning it under and topstitching. It seemed a bit down market for a garment that is a huge fabric eater and due to the fact I used silk I wanted a better finish. So I cut bias strips and created my own binding. Silk bias binding is certainly a thing you cannot rush so I spent an enjoyable afternoon carefully ironing it into place.
The bias finish went on really well except I want to do a better mitre on the corners.
I also cut the front ties longer, in fact I cut them the entire width of the fabric. This allows me to either wrap it around me or tie it in a very huge looping bow at the front. It’s cute but I probably wouldn’t do this next time as if you are just quickly throwing the gown on you can trip over the long ties.

Overall I really like it as a gown, it has good coverage but allows for plenty of movement, the silk is wonderfully lightweight yet keeps you warm and the whole thing packs to practically nothing.
Definite win and would make again.

The weather has been atrocious the last few days and I’ve missed getting some extra photos of this make, am hoping I can add some more in soon!

Pattern: Seamwork Almada very luxurious would make again
Alterations: narrow bias binding to finish neckline and front edges, super long front ties
Fabric: Designer silk from Pitt Trading

Posted on 29/11/201628/11/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Roarsome swimsuit

Sometimes a fabric is just so roarsome you have to have it.

When this panel came into Pitt Trading I knew it would make the perfect swimsuit (or should that be purrfect). I’m in the midst of my Christmas present list and knew one of my nieces would love this.

I made up a swimsuit block for her age and got to cutting. Using a lightweight interfacing I could see through it to place the face in the correct position.

For the back I added a centre back seam purely so I could cut the back out of the sides of the panel and use the remainder of the panel for another swimsuit.

To keep it smooth on the inside it is fully lined with all seams enclosed. Clear elastic was overlocked onto the legs, arms and neckline then turned under and topstitched with triple stitch zig zag. This was not so great, occasionally my machine would clog on the bobbin. This normally doesn’t happen at all so it was somewhat frustrating. It’s fine but not perfect and that’s somewhat annoying for me.

I only wish I could be there Christmas morning when she opens it up!

Fabric: Nylon Spandex panel and swimwear lining from Pitt Trading

Trims: clear elastic from the stash

Pattern: my own

Alterations for next time: fix the topstitching!

Posted on 31/10/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Return of Simplicity 8048

Sometimes you like a dress so much you just have to make another one, so that’s what I did! You may remember the African Wax print fabric I made into Simplicity 8048?

Well I love wearing it, the swishy skirt, the flatness around the waistline and the overall fit is super comfortable and flattering to wear. I had been given some fabric for my birthday from the lovely Dale whom I work with at Pitt Trading. We are there on Fridays together and love coming up with plans for all the fabric. She thought this fabric was perfect for me and so gave it to me as a gift. So sweet!

It’s a polished cotton but so lightweight that it’s practically a lawn. Seriously it feels like a cloud it’s so fine. I wanted to be able to wear it to work so I added a cotton voile lining to the bodice and a cotton poplin lining to the skirt. The voile keeps the bodice super lightweight while the poplin gives the skirt just a touch more body and weight. Last time I added pockets, this time I omitted them as the fabric is so lightweight I was worried about draglines if I put anything in my pockets.

I did a fully bagged out lining so no edges are showing and did a decent (but not brilliant) effort of putting in the invisible zip. I used a zip I had on hand so it’s actually a pale grey colour.

Now I cut this one out without reading my blog notes from before and so didn’t alter the top neckline. It “puffs” ever so slightly above the bust in the strap area. If I stand very straight and pull the bodice down to my waistline it fixes the puffing. My guess it it’s a touch tight over the bust and is pulling up to find the path of least resistance. It’s vaguely annoying but not annoying enough for me to pull apart the dress and remake the bodice. Hopefully a different bra will fix the issue? If not I’ve noted it for next time.

Fabric: Polished cotton from Pitt Trading, given as a gift from Dale

Trims: invisible zip from the stash

Pattern: my own bodice plus Simplicity 8048 skirt

Alterations for next time: see if I can sort out that neckline bubbling issue.

Posted on 05/10/201605/10/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Boho Baby Romper

As many of you know I work a few days a week at Pitt Trading. The selection of fabrics and trims there are some of the very best in Australia. To show these off we often make shop samples to show customers new ways of using what the store offers.

I’d seen lots of boho baby inspiration around and wanted to how this new style could easily be attained using some cool trims like pom poms and bodice inserts.

A lightweight 100% cotton poplin was chosen as the base, it’s so pretty yet light and breathe able so great for summer wear. I added some tiny pom pom trim and a crochet motif as well.

Using Simplicity 1594 which I’d used once before,

I made up the romper without any of the ruffles included in the pattern. All construction was fairly straightforward except I added the pom pom trim around the leg opening and omitted the straps.

The end result is super cute and has been a big hit with customers so it’s a great shop sample.

Fabric: Cotton poplin from Pitt Trading

Trims: pom poms (available in more colours and sizes) and crochet motif (just one of many available) all from Pitt Trading

Pattern: Simplicity 1594

Alterations: added pom pom trim to leg and omitted straps

Posted on 29/02/201629/02/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 6 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Simplicity 1873 insertion trim edition

Sydney has been hot, like hot hot and it’s unrelenting so even overnight it doesn’t cool down very much so it’s been an endless amount of feeling too warm. Which is kind of nice because yay summer and also kind of over it, would like to not constantly feel hot and sticky.

It was on one of these hot days that I was working at Pitt Trading and by the end of the day I declared it was far too hot to be wearing a skirt and a top. I purchased one of my favourite new fabrics that has only just arrived instore along with some insertion trim with the plan of making a dress. If you want the same fabric you can get it here or come instore.

Pressed for time and wanting a sure fire sewing win I went with Simplicity 1873 which I have made before with much success. Construction wise it was very much like what I’ve done before. Slight sway back adjustment, invisible zip at centre back, no linings or facings I’ve just used bias binding around the neck and armholes. I was pretty happy with my invisible zip.

The only big departure from previous editions was the addition of the insertion trim. I cut the skirt panels 5cm longer than I normally do, constructed the entire dress and then proceeded to measure 10cm up from the raw edge of the skirt. I cut along this line and overlocked the new hem of the skirt.

To place the insertion trim in, I stitched the edge of the trim just above the finished line of overlocking, turned it under and topstitched it down. Then taking the 10 cm circle I cut off, pressed it half with the iron reducing the height to 5cm, overlocked the top edge and pinned it to the lower edge of the trim.

Some slight fiddling with the seams helped it line up correctly as it was slightly larger in circumference than the insertion trim due to the nature of the flared panels of the skirt. Repeated the stitching, then topstitching and hey presto insertion trim and pretty hem.

I’m so happy with it as the insertion trim really lifts it out of the homemade arena and into a more fashion item. It’s certainly the type of garment that I’m aiming towards with my makes this year, more fashion less plain sewing.

Fabric: Polished cotton from Pitt Trading, insertion trim also from Pitt Trading who have one if not the biggest number of trims instore anywhere in Australia.

Dress Pattern: Cynthia Rowley by Simplicity 1873

Alterations: Added the insertion trim as explained, other alterations as per previous editions of this pattern, I cut the skirt width as per the pattern this time and didn’t add extra volume.

Posted on 02/11/201518/01/2016 by Susan Goodwin — 13 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Simplicity 1873 cotton sateen edition

For the month of November I’m trying to follow along with #BPSewvember on instagram. The idea of the beautiful Amanda from Bimble and Pimble was lots of fun last year, so I’m in for another round. Today’s theme is Like a BOSS. I thought it appropriate to talk about this dress which has THE BEST invisible zipper insertion of my entire sewing life (seriously it’s got to be all downhill from here this one is so perfect).

Pushed for time after procrastinating for too long I ended up cutting the dress Wednesday night, making most of it Thursday night, freaking out that it didn’t fit late Thursday night, brainstorming ideas on how to get it to fit Friday at work, trying it on with a different bra Friday night, rejoicing that it now fitted and then finishing up almost everything Friday night including the zipper of perfection that went in at about 10.30pm, flying out early on Saturday morning and finishing the hand stitching while sitting at our accommodation drinking tea about 2 hours before the wedding. Hectic, oh yeah! But totally worth it.

Here’s some photos on how it all went down.

Cutting out using the top floor stairwell (which does not have an overhead light just a window and the light was fading) as the fabric didn’t fit in our apartment and I needed to see flowers to avoid potential flower boob disaster.

Trying to not think about accidentally bumping my scissors off the fourth floor to land on the tiles below.

Adding in some pre made satin bias binding as I ran out of time for fully lining and I hate facings.

The zipper of perfection which I put in LIKE A BOSS. I use a regular zip foot not an invisible zip foot to insert. This was the first go no hand basting in place and very minimal pinning.

Hand stitching view.

Sneaking a photo with the Groom’s car before heading off to the wedding.

Laughing with the Englishman after the ceremony before the food.

The Cheese cake which made my dress feel too tight by the end of the night. But wow delicious!

Fabric: Digitally printed cotton sateen from Pitt Trading

Dress Pattern: Cynthia Rowley by Simplicity 1873

Alterations: Based on the last time I made this pattern I did a sway back adjustment. I had no time to test it though. So I took the risk and cut straight into my good fabric. The risk paid off and it worked. Despite zipper perfection and good back fitting I don’t have a single photo from the day of the back of my dress.

The fabric is so beautiful I decided to add some fullness to the skirt. Now this is already a VERY big skirt but I thought the weight of the sateen could hold it. The front and back panels were extended to the full width of the fabric but I kept the angled seams so it wasn’t just adding in a straight piece of fabric. The side panels had an additional 12cm per side added in. I sewed all panels of the skirt together and then on the larger pleats made them deeper. On this pattern as with many of the Cynthia Rowley styles, the pleats go one direction and then swap to the other direction. It makes for a very swishy feeling skirt and with the added width it made for a really beautiful feeling skirt.

Posted on 31/08/2015 by Susan Goodwin — 12 Comments

Sewing Adventures – Japanese top and Tsurah Designs skirt

This past weekend there was a Sydney Spoolettes meet up with everyone invited to come to Pitt Trading for some Spring Fabric Shopping and indulge in some Cupcake Dolly cakes (just up the street from Pitt Trading).

I work Saturdays at Pitt Trading so it was fun to see the Spoolettes on work time and I grabbed the opportunity to get some photos taken of my new work top while at work. Huge thank you for Maria for taking the photos for me.

This is Top G from the Japanese pattern book Kristy nicknamed rectangles and circles with head holes.

This is one of the first times I’ve had problems understanding a Japanese pattern. Mostly because there was no way my neck or arms were ever going to work with the tiny pieces allowed for the neck and arm bands. So I calculated out my own bands and used them instead. I also cut the front neckline down a little lower as I don’t like things pressing against the bottom of my neck it makes me feel gaggy. I also twin needled down the neck and armbands. Fist Pump for twin needle stitching like an absolute dream and making the finish look so pro. I love my twin needle.

My fabric is a poly/lycra I bought from Pitt Trading. I like to wear their fabrics when I work there as I find it can be a good icebreaker with customers to talk about the fabrics and sometimes you see a fabric made up and it sparks a whole bunch of ideas you may not have thought about earlier? This is the same quality I’ve used for the Burda Swimsuit and the Nookie Bikini. It’s soft handfeel yet super stable to sew with and has a lovely drape. It really does work for so many patterns and styles.

Talking always talking..

Overall I like the top it feels lovely and swishy on and is a great loose fit through the torso which I so like to wear as it’s so comfortable. Some people find the boxiness of some of the Japanese styles a bit overwhelming. I like the odd shapes as it gives me a chance to experiment with drape and proportion. At times like now when I’m feeling less than svelte I find it nice to still be able to wear an interesting piece that isn’t super fitted or super clingy. It gives me a chance to approach dressing on a different level than just trying to cover up what isn’t currently working for me.

The skirt I’m wearing is the Tsurah Designs straight skirt, which I pretty much live in at work (I now have 4 of them, you can see another one here) for me it’s the perfect ponte skirt. It takes about 30 minutes from cutting to hemming and BAM! new skirt. Love it.

Top Pattern: View G from rectangles and circles with head holes.

Alterations: dropped front neck, increased length of neck and arm bands, bands were attached and then twin needled down. Also no hem, the lycra doesn’t fray so I just cut super straight and left it raw.

Fabric: Printed Polyester/lycra purchased at Pitt Trading.

Skirt Pattern: Tsurah Designs straight skirt, made many times before.

Alterations: Shortened skirt to suit my height.

Fabric: Grey Marle Ponte purchased at Cabramatta.

Posted on 18/02/2015 by Susan Goodwin — 17 Comments

Sewing Adventures: Drape Drape inspired dress

I had a post written on this dress and all that was waiting was some nice photos to go with it. My first attempt at getting The Englishman to take photos on our walk to the train station led to some very derp faced awkward arm style posing. So I thought, no worries will try again another time.

Then disaster struck. The dress got accidentally put into the washing machine the right way out not in a wash bag. It got mangled against the agitator of the machine and the entire wash ended up with super fine velvet particles all over it and my dress lost quite a lot of spots and was quite ruined … Sad. So now in addition to a ruined dress I get to delight you all with with some wonderfully derpy photos of me from the original attempt at photos! So onto the story of the dress.

Sometimes a fabric inspires the dress. That was certainly the case with this dress. I saw the fabric and just had to have it.

A knit featuring multisized velvet spots that have an ombre effect. Really that’s pretty much a perfect fabric in my books. It reminded me of the phases of the moon or planets with the way the colour shimmered across the velvet.

Thing is, I didn’t have a pattern that would do this justice. So I dove into the stash and come up with some lackluster options. I wanted it to fold and move and ripple to show the amazing fabric off. So I started scouring my Japanese Pattern books and settled on the front cover from Drape Drape (book 1). **

It however requires over 3 metres of fabric. I had just 2 metres. I started searching blogs looking for reviews of the Drape Drape series. I’d always admired the simplicity of the drape tank which I knew Lizzy was a big fan of. She even had a photo of what the pattern piece looked like on her blog.

That photo sparked an idea.

I grabbed my size 14 Baseball Singlet from the Basics Collection and set out to use it as a base to recreate the pattern piece from Lizzy’s blog.

To start I cut a piece of interfacing to match the folded width of my fabric, I didn’t have any pattern card wide enough to use so that’s why I used the interfacing. I used the fold line as the grainline and with some measuring worked out that the centre front needed to be at a 40 degree angle. Using a protractor app on my iPhone I managed to get it all lined up. I traced the top half of the Baseball Singlet, angled out one side to become an aline skirt as I just extended it to the length I need. The other side I drew the shape to mimic the drape drape pattern. I then cut the interfacing along what would be the fold line to slash and spread the pattern to add even more volume into the drape area. The front and back of the pattern are identical.

I quickly ran up a toile using some slightly heavier knit fabric and realised I need to alter the draped side armhole to avoid flashing quite alot of side boob. I reshaped the armhole and went straight into cutting out the real fabric. I made it up using the overlocker and as it has 2 shoulder seams, one side seam and one straight line it went together in moments. I pulled it on relishing the lovely slinky feel of the knit. Then I looked in the mirror and I’d made a lovely velvet sack. Pretty, but oh so sacky and not at all flattering.

The next day I spent the commute to and from work sorting out a solution. If I cut an aline singlet dress out of swim mesh I could use it to bag out* the neckline and attach it at the hem to create a bubble hem. It wouldn’t totally do away with the sack look but it would at least make it look deliberate.

Apart from forgetting you can’t bag the neck and armholes of a dress that only have one side seam (you just end up with an endless donut of fabric that you can’t wear as a dress but makes a fetching infinity scarf). It went together well. The only other alteration was to slightly pleat the draped armhole which still had slightly too much drop under the armhole.

Totally derp photo, complete with tape stuck to my shoe, sometimes I just fail at life.

In this photo it looks like the armhole cuts in at the back but it didn’t? can only assume it had dropped a bit and I hadn’t straightened it out before I took the photo?

The beautiful drape.

I wore it to our Sydney Spoolettes Christmas get together and have worn it to work many times since and it’s so comfortable. As it basically doesn’t touch the body it’s good for big meal days or just when you need to be cool and comfortable. The fabric helps make it look dressy and I fear if I remade it in less spectacular fabric it might be more garbage bag than dress?

Pattern: Drape Drape inspired dress that was created from the Baseball Singlet from the Basics Collection.

Fabric: Knit velvet spot purchased from Pitt Trading. As some of you may know, I spend a few days a week working retail at Pitt Trading. It’s so fun being surrounded by such beautiful fabric. I’m not asked to write about my fabric purchases in any way but as the selection there is quite fabulous you will see pieces from there pop up in my weekly makes more often. If you ever happen to be instore please don’t be shy and say hello!

*bag out means to fully enclose the neck and armholes with lining. Often referred to as the Burrito method. I can’t bring myself to say the Burrito method as the correct sewing way is to turn it inside out and twist and honestly if you did that with a burrito you’d end up with beans in your lap. For me it’s technically incorrect on both a sewing and food level and just can’t bring myself to use incorrect terminology. Sorry!

** This is an affiliate link, if you happen to buy from Book Depository then I get a small amount in return for suggesting the book to you. These links will appear every so often but only for pieces I truly do recommend.

Posted on 14/11/201419/06/2019 by Susan Goodwin — 32 Comments

Fabric Shopping in Sydney

This year Sydney has been host to a whole lot of international and interstate sewers and its been wonderful to show them the city. With more visitors coming soon I thought a round up of Sydney Fabric Stores would be useful for travelers and locals.

I’ve grouped it roughly by region and for ease have assumed that most people would be traveling from the city for approximate travel times. I’ve also edited it (May 2018 to take out stores which have since closed down).

City and Surry Hills

The Fabric store good for quality fabric, designer ends of rolls and the best selection of Merino in the city.

21 Cooper Street Surry Hills. Open 7 days a week: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5pm, Saturday: 10am – 4pm, Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Closest transport:5 minute walk from Central station, approx 20 min walk from the main area of the city.

Top Tip: Sign up to their newsletter so you can find out when sales are on as the sales on Merino are often fantastic.

Greenfields primarily a wholesale stockist but will sell to the general public. For haberdashery such as elastics, piping’s etc you need to buy the entire roll. Zips must be bought in batches of 5 (same length, style, colour) and fabric can be bought for as little as 1 metre but it will incur a cutting fee. The first floor is all trims, you can go in and look behind the counter and bring the rolls to the counter to purchase. There are virtually no prices on any of the rolls, check the end of the aisles for pricing or check at the counter. The second floor is fabrics, choose your fabric from the black folders in front of the counter. Pricing is on the cards. Almost all fabrics are solid colours as they do not often carry prints.

Good for stocking up on basics like threads, zips, elastics and plain coloured fabrics. Plain poplins, silk cottons, silks and satins. Greenfields is not necessarily the easiest place to shop as it is not set up for general browsing. If you have basics you use continuously and want to save a great deal of money then its great to come and buy in bulk, it’s not good for finding small amounts of trims.

30 Ann st Surry Hills. Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.45 Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm. Will close for a few weeks over the Christmas/New Year time.

Closest transport:5 minute walk from Central station, approx 20 min walk from the main area of the city.

Top Tip: on the first floor in front of the counters there are bags of trims and accessories for around $5 to $10 you can be lucky and get 50m of underwear elastic or piping for only a few dollars a bag.

Tessuti good for designer fabrics and special occasion fabrics. Stocks Liberty and Nani Iro.

110 Commonwealth st, Surry Hills. Open 6 days a week. Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am – 5.00pm

Closest transport: 5 to 10 minute walk from Central station, approx 15 min walk from the main area of the city.

Top Tip: check the remnant table as there can be some bargains mixed in there.

Photios Bros – Sadly NOW CLOSED DOWN. good for beads, costume jewellery, original vintage trims, feathers and sequins. If you are stocking up on trims for dance, costume or vintage clothing then Photios Bros is a must. Many of their vintage trims are actually pieces they have had in stock since the 50’s or 60’s (or earlier) yet the prices are reasonable.

~~66 Druitt St Sydney (directly opposite the side of Town Hall). Open 6 days a week. Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (closed for 1 hour between 1.00pm – 2.00pm) Saturdays 10.00am – 3.00pm~~

~~Closest Transport: Town Hall Station. Located in the city.~~

Top Tip: the costume jewellery is exquisite. If you need a bit of sparkle to add to an outfit by either a brooch, earrings or even tiara then this will be the best quality you can find at extremely affordable pricing.

Close to the City

Take a ferry from Circular Quay across to Balmain East and pop into Home Industry

Catering for homewares they specilaise in Upholstery Fabrics which make a perfect addition to your home and are fabulous for bag making too. It’s a beautiful store and well worth a pop into.

South of the City

Pitt Trading good for designer fabrics, high quality day and evening wear, amazing lace fabrics. Widest selection of coloured trims, elastic, laces etc in the city. I feel like Pitt Trading is one of Sydney’s hidden gems when it comes to fabric stores, well worth a look.

274 Rocky Point Road Ramsgate. Open 6 days a week. Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30 pm Saturdays 9am to 5pm.

Closest Transport: Catch a train to Kogarah station, head out of the station and turn right past the fruit store and walk about 300m up the road until you see the public toilets, cross over to the other side of the road to the bus stop in front of the Westpac bank and bakery. Catch the 476 or 477 bus, you will be on the bus for less than 10 minutes before you get off just a few stores down from Pitt Trading. Approx 40 to 50 min from the city.

Top Tip: allow yourself plenty of time to take a good look round as it’s like an Aladdin’s cave packed with pieces so you need a good few laps round the store to have a proper look.

The Remnant Warehouse good for dance and swim fabrics, kids fabrics, some designer offcuts and quilting fabrics

490-494 Botany Road, Alexandria. Open 6 days a week. Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30 pm Saturdays 9am to 4pm.

Closest Transport: Catch a train to Redfern Station and then walk to Regent street and catch the 309 bus. The store is on the right hand side and painted bright pink, you will be on the bus about 5 to 10 min. From the city the whole trip would be around 30 minutes.

Top Tip: check the remnant table as sometimes they have vintage fabrics on there which are quite unusual.

West of the city

Cabramatta not just one store but a whole selection of stores. Great for bridal, evening wear, bargains and general wackiness. It’s hard to do a trip to Cabramatta and not turn up at least one absolute must have bargain piece.

Open 7 days a week with the majority of the stores being open 9am to 5pm.

Closest Transport: catch a train to Cabramatta station. As you come out of the station head to John st. On both sides of John st you will find a selection of fabric stores.Approximately halfway down John street is a large open plaza area, if you go down this street there are a few more fabric stores just past the intersection. Time from the city approx 50 minutes.

Top Tip: It’s often a good idea to go through and check your prices at all stores and then come back and buy as some stores have the same stock at different prices. Cabramatta also has some amazing food, be sure to make some time for lunch while you are shopping and enjoy the delicious food on offer.

All over Sydney

All over Sydney in various suburbs you will find Spotlight stores. They are great for kids fabrics, craft supplies and dress fabrics. If you are looking for a one stop shop type store than seek out a Spotlight. They are all over Australia so if you are traveling to multiple places there is a pretty good chance you will come across a Spotlight somewhere in your travels.

Hopefully this helps you out if you are traveling to Sydney, I hope to add more to it at a later date but these would be my top picks. If you’d like a shopping guide or some friendly sewing faces to have a meet up with feel free to get in contact with the Sydney Spoolettes. We are always willing to take visiting sewers on shopping exhibitions or even just meet up for a meal and a chat.

Sydneysiders if I’ve missed out any favourite spots, add them in the comments and I can update the post as needed. Thanks!