Anywhooo...Michael Levine is one of those places I've gotta get to. So when Elizabeth sent me an email a couple of weeks ago asking me about this new internet fabric place, Low Price Fabrics, I was intrigued. I did go on the website and mosey around but I bought nuthin'. Somehow last weekend I ended up on a link to their site, don't ask me how because I don't remember now...is that my old age showing?
However, the link I followed took me to the Free Spirit collection where they had alot of the Van Gogh rayons in colors, prints and patterns that weren't available on fabric.com's site. Now I loved those rayons when they were at fabric.com but I didn't love the price ($14.99 per yard). Because of that I purchased just two pieces and only then with one of the site's discounts - like 20 or 25% off - but can I say again that those are two really vivid and amazing pieces of fabric...one of which you will see in a finished garment soon!
Now if you've followed the link above (come back, come back, don't get lost in the fabric goodness over there!) you will have noticed that those beautiful and luscious rayons are $6 a yard! Yes, let me repeat that, they are $6 a yard!!! So you know I bought some...well I bought a few...but we won't discuss my fabric piggyness tendencies ~ oooookay! *LOL* Let me just say that as long as there is fabric to be bought, I will never be depressed!
So what I really want to discuss besides the beautiful fabric, of course, is the wonderful buying experience that is LowPrice Fabrics. Seriously peoples, they took my money so easily and then delivered the goods so well that I WILL be giving them more, money that is! The website was uber easy to use. The cart held my goods for over two hours because I had to get up from the computer to attend to something in the house and when I came back the fabric was just where I left it! Two points/stars for that because I hate having to make a cart over because of fabricbuying interruptus!
I received an email at every part of the process. One when I checked out. One when they shipped the fabric...and here is another place where they got gold stars - a UPS notification of when the fabric shipped and when it would arrive. Be still my heart! No worrying about when it or if it will show up. The anticipation factor was high because I knew when my fabric would arrive and I had the ability to track it cross country!
Lastly here's what put them over the top and gave them the gold four star notification award...they have it set with UPS so that you also receive a notification when the fabric is delivered! Peoples, do you know how wonderful it is to have that UPS notification pop into your email box in the midst of a long hard day and to know that a treat is waiting for you when you come trudging home!?! Awesome...just awesome!
Now let's discuss, packaging. Y'all know that I love me some Fabric Mart...love them I do. But their packaging leaves much to be desired. Let's just say that there are two considerations you should always make when receiving a box of goodies from Fabric Mart...is it going to rain or snow anytime during the time you think your goods will be delivered? Because there is a chance your box could get wet and if it does, so does your fabric. Also you need to be very mindful when you're gleefully slicing that box open because you could inadvertently cut through your fabric, this is experience talking here people!
Here's how my package from Low Price Fabrics arrived:
The package as it was left by the garage door
The box without the plastic covering
Opening the box to see the goodies inside.
The fabric in a Michael Levine Store bag.
Finally the block of fabric encased in plastic
The Low Price fabric packing while not on the artistic level of say Emmaonesock, Farmhouse Fabrics (with its gingham bows) or Sawyer Brook Fabrics is so much better than Fabric Mart. And of course the goods were spectacular!
So what am I saying here? I'm saying that if you live outside of the LA Garment District and you want to experience a little of it in your corner of the world...mosey on over to Low Price Fabrics and see what wants to come home with you. Now to my International Sewing Sistahs, I'm going to leave you with a link to their shipping details (here) so you can figure out if they will ship to you.
Finally, while I love these pieces, I will be adding them to the collective (get the Star Trek nod there! *LOL*). They will be assimiliated and their special talents will be used in the future when they are called to active duty. Gawd I'm really Trekking it aren't I? But I did want to share this marvelous experience with you and if, like me, you have no fabric shame or "off" knob, surf on over and check out the fabric goodness that is Low Price Fabrics. I'm sure that you will come away with something...even if it is only a contact fabric high...
...as always, more later!
Thanks for the great review of another wonderful fabric buying experience. Each time I order from Fabric Mart, I am disappointed with the packaging. My last order came in a Burger King box. Gotta wonder - was it snagged out a dumpster? Ugh, the thought of it. No bag, no protection, nada.
ReplyDeleteI am off to check it out - my 'off button' has been on the blink lately...
Oh, you are such an enabler! Which, as you know by now, is a great compliment!
ReplyDeleteLow Price Fabrics is like a breath of fresh air! What a wonderful experience! Didn't buy anything yet--still window shopping, but wow, am I impressed. Thanks, Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteBad, bad, enabler! I have been on a fabric diet after moving and seeing how much fabric I REALLY own... and now I think I'm going on a binge!
ReplyDeleteReally, thanks for the input and the website. Looks fantastic!
Thank you for the info!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on a great place to order fabric.I really can't wait to see what you make with all that beautiful fabric!
ReplyDeleteI love ordering from the Michael Levine Low Price Fabrics website. They are my go-to place for Bemburg lining. The website is so easy to use, and for me, next day delivery (due to proximity). Also, yummy Michael Levine fabrics without the 10 freeway, Downtown LA madness, and parking? Heck yeah.
ReplyDeleteDang you! I am NOT gonna go look at that site! No, no, I am not....
ReplyDelete'scuse me, I need to ...umm.... go feed the cats....
I was just at Michael Levine's today. I LOVE that store. They take ASG discounts in person, maybe they do on-line as well. 10% isn't anything to sneeze at these days. I got a stretch lace in a jewel tone aqua, a rayon lycra graphic print, a tribal print spandex for a bathing suit, and a beautiful floral print stretch lace. Two of the fabrics came from the loft which is $2.50 per pound. Please come visit and I can take you to that wonderful store like I did Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, such a timely post. My last few fabric mart deliveries have come in meatball boxes and they've been far enough apart that we're always puzzled as to what the heck it is sitting on the porch. I myself discovered the low price fabric website last week but what's even more awesome than the site is that I'm actually going to the LA fashion district store with Mimi G. and about 50 other folks, next Saturday and I am GIDDY! Your fabrics are beautiful I can't wait to see them in person.
ReplyDeleteIt is now bookmarked. Just, you know, in case. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I have sliced into the contents of a FM box before, too. Fortunately, it was only interfacing, but, cheeze louize, it was crammed in there!
Thanks for another source... I think! ;-)
Not really low price, and I shudder to think of the shipping to London, but a wonderful selection of fabrics for warm weather and sunshine! Those Van Gogh rayons are tempting. You're right the price on those is competitive at $6. I just keep reminding myself that I live in London, and it is cold, wet and rainy here!
ReplyDeleteyour fabrics look wonderful. I confess the only on-line purchase I made was for some sued I have NEVER bought fabric's on line, however I think you guys in the USA have a much wider selection of vendors to choose from.
ReplyDeleteI am looking specifically for some burnt orange fabric to make a jacket, and looked for an on-line supplier and just can't find what I am looking for - perhaps I am looking in the wrong places.
Oh wow, thanks for bringing this to my attention! I LOVE the fabrics you purchased. Off to check out the site now.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic. I would send them a link to your review to let them know how pleased you are. It will make someones day.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you are indeed an enabler, seriously!) now, i think it's time for a self-help group, for me at least...
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful. I look forward to seeing what you create with them. I may have missed it, but how much yardage of each did you purchase, and how wide are they?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this tip, Carolyn! I'll check it out :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the new fabric source!
ReplyDeleteDROOL. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that website. I'm always looking for new places to order fabric! Greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteWow, such beautiful fabrics! I can't wait to see what you make of them. And thanks for the link--I'll be ordering from them soon.
ReplyDeleteYour new haul looks spectacular and I do love rayon so I'm hopping over there now. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThose are some people who know to take their fabric seriously. yay! more fabric to buy!
ReplyDeleteI mean... boo! I'm not looking! (sneaking over to the fabric link....)
I had the exact same experience! They were positively wonderful and living in the west, I received my package 2 days after I purchased it. It was fabulous! Also, I emailed them concerning the sewalong I'm currently hosting and they were wonderful to work with! They've definitely got my business!
ReplyDeleteI do not believe in fabric diets! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI did get to Michael Levine while on a business trip to LA this year and am sure you would love it! Big selection of yummy fabrics. I wonder why they don't market their online store as Michael Levine?
I love Fabric Mart, too. I love how they label each fabric with what it is and the care instructions. That said, one time I received fabric from them and the box was an Edy's Ice Cream box. LOL
Another great resource. Thanks (I think...) for letting me know about it.
ReplyDeleteDon't blame it on me!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my what beautiful fabrics! Looks like another wonderful resource.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I really needed another fabric site to drop my money! Now I'm off to check it out. The fabric is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing the new fabric source! I knew nothing about this one! Love your fabric selection and your story too! I'm paying them a visit now!
ReplyDeleteNew car note? New fabric? New car note? New fabric? You'd think this choice would be easy. So very evil! Thank you, I think!
ReplyDeleteI emailed them and asked if they shipped to Australia. Here is the response
ReplyDelete"At this point we are only shipping to the US. Within the next week or two we should have our international shipping available online. Please keep checking back. We will be using the USPS"
I'll be checking back!
Thanks so much for adding another shopping opportunity! (I am still moving fabric and stuff from my ex's house... resist the urges...). I have been to Michael Levine in LA a couple of times, and it is my favorite store (along with Fabrics and Fabrics for silk prints). And now I can shop from home!
ReplyDeleteThank you for making my weekend fun! I sure did mosey on over to low price fabrics...ordered the same fabric you did except for the orange. Mine will be 2 maxi skirts and a top. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI visited Michael Levine last October when I attended a conference in LA. Great store. I was blown away by the garment district and broke out in thrill chills. I'd probably hyperventilate in NY's garment district. LOL
Anywoo. Did you see your site featured on their blog. Pretty cool, huh? http://lowpricefabric.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/love-all-you-bloggers/
ooooo....thanks for sharing the link! that looks like a beautiful block of fabric!
ReplyDeleteThe fabric you chose is totally gorgeous! Rayon is rapidly becoming my favourite fabric to sew and wear (both knit and woven).
ReplyDeleteThanks also for the heads up on another online fabric store (and reassuringly great feedback about it) - I've just contacted them to find out if they ship to Switzerland (even with shipping it's pretty certain to be less expensive than the fabric out here, or a plane ticket back to London!).
I guess I am too late. I went online to LowPriceFabric and could find not one of the Van Gogh rayons. I found a few other nice pieces for maxi skirts, however. I am going to think about them for a while. I need skirts for a vacation trip to Michigan in August, and I do want to look good. Lately, I have been loving the feel and flow of a maxi and they are so popular now. No black knit tubes for me though; I want something fancier, 6-gore, A-Line with a bit of gather at the waist and 2" elastic waistbands to match.
ReplyDelete