Inner city fabric and buttons

Yesterday my friend and I went on a fabric and buttons trip together. She had never been to any of these shops before, so I was introducing her to some wonderful new delights.

Our first stop was The Remnant Warehouse in Alexandria. I’d never been to this shop before either, only learning of it recently. It was fabulous! There was a whole shop of dance fabrics, and having a daughter who does gymnastics, that’s always of interest to me. They had a great range, at great prices. I picked up a couple of offcuts which were very reasonably priced. One of them was marked as having a flaw – which it did have – but I know that I’ll be able to cut around it successfully.

Next door was the main fabric shop, with dress fabrics and quilting fabrics. I didn’t actually look at the quilting fabrics, but my glances in that direction showed me that they had a very large range. The dress fabrics were interesting, and also well priced. I picked up some very nice fabric to make a pair of pants from, for only $5.95 per metre. I also got the rainbow of poplin fabrics I needed. So all in all, I bought fabric for pants, fabric for a dress, and fabrics for a leotard all for less than $35. I was very pleased!

While we drove there on this occasion, I noted previously when looking it up, that The Remnant Warehouse is only a short walk from Green Square train station if you’re wanting to get there via public transport. I’ll definitely be visiting them again.

Our next stop was All Buttons Great and Small in Newtown. Amazingly, there was a carparking spot right outside the door – certainly not what we were expecting! Perhaps someone had only just driven away.

On entering, we stepped over the cat happily sleeping right near the doorway. If its been stepped on before, it obviously hasn’t learnt its lesson! Along the left and back wall are buttons, buttons and more buttons. My rainbow daughter would have approved as they are displayed in blocks of rainbow colour.

There was an amazing range of buttons, which the shop girls told us are sourced internationally. The shop owner goes on a buying trip internationally every two years. What fun that must be! There are also the “special” buttons displayed under glass in the shop counter, which were pricey, but might just be perfect for that very special garment.

My friend had wanted to go to the button shop as she makes chokers from buttons, and was interested in seeing a new range of buttons. I think she had fun choosing!

We then headed over to Surry Hills to visit The Fabric Store. Neither of us found anything to take our fancy there, but that’s sometimes the way things go. We drove the few streets to Tessuti, but couldn’t find a park easily, and it was really time to be heading home to collect the kids from their various places of schooling, so we gave it a miss. Tessuti will still be there next time!

It was great fun, and there was lots of talking in the car there and back. I think we might do it again some time!