When it comes to buying supplies, the first place I go to are the local bricks-and-mortar stores. Small business is hard work, and it is important to support these businesses where possible.
If I can’t find what I need at a local business, then I tend to prefer to look at online businesses that are Australian owned and operated. Many of these are family run, small businesses and I think that they need my dosh more than the super huge chain stores.
There are a number of ‘go-to’ websites that I visit for my supplies:
- Crafty Mamas Fabrics: Lisa’s store has a huge variety of quality European and Australian knit fabrics. This is the first place that I bought knits from, and I think I have probably spent a horrific amount of money there.
- Wattle Hill Fabrics: Susie store has a range of cotton wovens and quality knits. I like that she dabbles in other fabrics, with denims, flannel and double gauze. She starting stocking some amazing elastics that are way too much fun to use.
- Bendigo Woollen Mills: I like the simplicity of the website and range. I like that you can buy 200 gram balls of yarn. I hate weaving in ends almost as much as I hate unpicking. The 100% Alpaca yarn they produce is too gorgeous. I buy some in every colour, because it is just that spectacular.
- The Fabric Store: This place has beautiful fabric. Expensive, beautiful fabric. Lots of liberty prints and merino knits. I bought a merino/polyester sweatshirting from there that has been really good to work with.