So you need something to wear to a Halloween party?

...and I am not talking about costumes. Local fabric stores are full of costume fabrics right now, but what if you want to get into the spirit when a costume is not appropriate? If you are looking for inspiration, check out these new fabrics:

First, our luscious Pumpkin Modal. This modal-lycra fabric is super-soft and has gorgeous drape for sexy dresses and tops, tees and loungewear. If you want something warm to go with this spicy fall color, check out this recycled cotton fleece which has ginger and navy flecks on one side and solid navy on the other.

We have three knit fabrics with skull prints now. The black and white prints would make cute tees or corset tops. The pink and black skull print is a lightweight French Terry and would make a great hoodie.

For a dark yet fashionable look, try these two new rayon-lycra jerseys in purple and navy and teal and black. Not only do they feel great, but they have skinny lurex metallic stripes too!

You can add a little witchy touch to just about any design with some black mesh -- add mesh to a plain tee as sleeves, necklines and cut-outs, or sew it onto the bottom of a skirt. We have several kinds -- the fishnet kind has big open holes, power mesh has little holes and can be stretched tight, and glissenet has barely visible holes (like pantyhose). We have had a sudden uptick in sales of the neon lime green mesh, probably because it looks nifty with black and should glow under black light.

I hope that these suggestions have gotten you into the Halloween Spirit!

Pits and Fash fashion show and benefit in Sacramento!

It's a special occation when I can support both independent designers and Pit Bull dogs at the same time.  Lucy's Fabrics is a proud sponsor of the "Pits and Fash" Fashion and Trunk Show in Sacramento, CA. The fashion show features independent designers (of human clothing) and is aimed at raising money for the completion of "Beyond the Myth", an important documentary that looks into the truth behind Breed Specific Legislation.  The fashion show will also promote homeless pit bull dogs that are up for adoption through the Yolo SPCA.

The show is October 10th, 2009, at the RetroLodge at 1111 H Street, next to the Naked Lounge. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. I hope that my Sacramento-area customers can go and check it out  -- it looks like a blast!

I really wish I could go, but my beloved Lucy will be watching from the Bridge -- that is her picture on the goodie bag graphic. Here is an article about the event:
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1263778

Notions make sewing with knit fabrics easier

I have met countless customers at shows who confess that sewing with knits scares them.  No doubt about it, sewing with knit fabrics is not the same as sewing with wovens.  If you mainly sew quilts or woven garments, you will need to add a few things to your toolbox before you get started.  Based on personal experience and customer recommendations, we've collected a nice assortment of notions that will make sewing with knit fabrics easier for newbies and experienced home sewers alike.


One of the problems with knits is that, although they don't ravel or fray, they can run or get needle holes. This problem is solved by using a new, sharp needle on each project and by using special pins for this purpose. Fortunately Schmetz makes a great line of needles specifically for stretch fabrics and Iris pins.

Another challenge with knit fabrics is that they can get away from you or sag. Design Plus Fusible Tape comes in white, black, bias, straight and double-sided versions and it is designed to solve this problem. My customers swear by it and it was featured in Threads Magazine. All you need is a steam iron - each package comes with detailed instructions. Use the straight version for hems, v-necks and straight seams and the bias version for curved necklines, armholes and curved seams.

You may have noticed some clear, rubbery stuff in the shoulder seam of your ready-to-wear knit tops and wondered where you can get it. That's clear elastic, and we carry it in 1/4" and 3/8" widths. It will keep seams from coming apart. You can also use it for ruching effects and crafts such as ponytail holders.

We have a new shipment in of knit cuffs for sweatshirts and coats. The Dritz ones are a little smaller and softer. The Lyle's cuffs are heavier-duty and come in more colors - these are good for men and boys too. We also have Lyle's matching banding for the bottom of a coat or for the waistband of pants.

I hope that these items will make sewing with knit fabrics easier and more fun! If you have a favorite time-saving notion for knit fabrics, please send it to me and I will do my best to stock it.

New way for International Customers to save shipping $$

I love our International customers, but the US Postal Service apparently doesn't love Lucy because they have raised international rates many times over the last two years.

In order to help our customers save money, Lucy's Fabrics has partnered with Bongo International, a freight forwarding service.  How it works:  1) You sign up a for a US address with Bongo - once you have it, you can use it with virtually any US retailer. 


2) We ship to Bongo's warehouse in the USA (FREE for orders over $75!) and Bongo ships to you.  That means that for orders over $75 you only pay Bongo's rates, plus duties assessed in your home country.

This is a great option for heavy, high value and time-sensitive shipments.  For your lighter-weight orders where time is not an issue, continuing to select USPS First Class or USPS Priority is probably your best option. However, Bongo offers more tracking -- we ship UPS to them and they ship DHL to you, while with the US Postal Service tracking is available only on the most expensive shipping method.

Our checkout system for international customers has not changed -- once you have the address from Bongo just plug that in as your shipping address. Or you can still choose USPS and ship directly.

I know it can be difficult to find good apparel fabric, so I hope that our customers find this useful.

Visit our international shipping page to read more and sign up with Bongo International. 

Huge Summer Sale! Cute knit prints for under $5

Fall has arrived in North Texas and everyone is giddy with excitement. So, lots of cute Summer cotton knit prints and swim fabric are now on sale -- supplies are very limited. Check out all sale items here.
I am thinking resort and cruisewear... enjoy!

Fall is here! Some favorite fabrics...

A nice chill is in the air here in North Texas, which is something we always look forward to. Here are some fun things for Fall.

I usually don't get faux fur because it's kind of a pain to handle, but this short-pile leopard is cute and versatile. The print is small enough to use for cuffs and collars, or for kids or dog clothes.

It goes with this chocolate brown solid fleece. I don't usually do fleece either because it's not fashionable, but this has a more high-end feel and would make a great little jacket.

People who have visited the shop have responded very well to these new matte jersey / microfiber prints - great for tops.


And now, orders over $100 get a free puppy! OK, just kidding. I just wanted to share this sweet picture of our little foster puppies. They are 12 week-old American Pit Bull Terriers and are from a massive cruelty bust. The county actually gave the Pit Bulls a chance, which is unusual. So, these two little girls are up for adoption! They have great personalities - their mama did a fine job. Nooooooooo we are not keeping them.