I have been a costumer for several years now, and I use a variety of suppliers for my materials. Over the years, I have developed a list of suppliers that are dependable and carry a good quality product. With the beginning of the Nutcracker season I have been an ordering maniac to keep my supply up and get costumes finished and out the door. I will outline the supplier’s information and what I usually purchase from them.
Tutu.com – www.tutu.com
Tutu.com is based out of North Carolina. They offer a variety of supplies and references for costuming for ballet and dance. I purchase the majority of my tutu making supplies here. I purchase everything from Bengaline (Faille) for tutu bodices to the net for the skirts. They have the best materials and prices available to the general public.
If you are interested in learning how to make a tutu, classical or romantic, then check out their yearly seminars. It will be the most fun you have in a weekend of sewing!!
Atlanta Thread – www.atlantathread.com
Atlanta thread is based in Georgia and offers quick shipping and excellent customer service. I buy serger and machine thread here. The prices are reasonable and the more you buy, the more you save. They also have an excellent selection of interfacings by the bolt and reasonable prices. If I am ever in need of buttons for military costumes, I buy them in bulk from Atlanta Thread.
Greenburg & Hammer - http://www.greenberghammer.com
Greenburg & Hammer is based in New York. They have the best prices on spiral steel boning for tutu bodices, and the #6 hooks & eyes, as well as tutu hooks. You can view their items online, but their online store is usually not working. Orders can be phoned in or faxed for fastest service.
JoAnn’s Online – www.joann.com
JoAnn’s online is the companion to the stand alone JoAnn’s stores. They have great coupons and usually have a free shipping one floating around. You can sign up for their online email newsletter and receive coupons and flyers on specials and sales too. I have purchased from them in the past and they are fast and my order is always correct. They have a wide selection of notions and basic fabric. I usually purchase zippers, muslin and pattern ease here.
I also receive the JoAnn’s coupons in the mail and use the 40% off coupons to buy by the bolt in the store. The stores usually have a wide variety of inexpensive trims good for everything from ballet tutus to grand ball gowns.
Fabric.com – www.fabric.com
Fabric.com is based in Marietta, Georgia. This store has a great selection of fabrics, and excellent customer service. You can purchase swatches for a reasonable price, and they have 37” yards for the first couple of yards, as well as reasonable return policies. You can sign up for their email specials and receive coupons through email.
Spandex House – www.spandexhouse.com
Spandex House is based in New York. They have an extensive website and the best prices on anything stretch. They also offer a free swatch service. You can call and say “I am looking for blue stretch” and they will send you samples of a variety of blues in all kinds of different stretch fabrics.
EBay
EBay is a great source for appliqués and fabric. Do a search for appliqués or fabrics and you will find a multitude of trims from very expensive to affordable. Remember when using EBay sellers to check out their feedback before you purchase.
I buy a majority of the appliqués and trims I buy on EBay from “junklady1” http://stores.ebay.com/Junkladys-Finishing-Touches She offers a variety of nice appliqués, laces and fabrics. She usually has a large quantity on hand, which is good for group pieces.
Last but by no means least, my two favorite stand alone stores, Mary Jo’s and Gail K’s. I guess you could say these are my two best “girl friends”!
Mary Jo’s & Gail K’s
I visit Mary Jo’s 2 or 3 times a year on my road trips home, and stock up on laces, silks and any thing else fabulous they have. Mary Jo’s is a huge store in Gastonia, North Carolina, just off of I-85. They have fabrics from quilting, velvets, bridal laces, trims and anything else you might need. They also have a nice selection of stretch fabrics for leotards. Worth a visit if you are ever in the area.
Gail K’s is a “hidden” treasure in Atlanta. They are located on Cheshire Bridge Road just off I-85 in Atlanta. They too, have a huge selection of laces, silks and just the neatest fabrics you have ever seen. This is by far the best place to purchase costuming fabrics in Georgia. The staff is extremely helpful and it is always a treat to visit when I am home. The case of trims and buttons alone is worth the visit. They offer special orders, and if you purchase something and need more, they will be happy to ship it to you.
Happy Shopping!
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