Who ever thought Victoria Beckham and I would have something in common!
Really? Actually yes, WE DO.
In the 1920’s Linton tweed came to the attention of the House of Chanel due to producing exclusive and high end fabrics. Linton continue to this day to design and manufactures only the highest quality fabrics, woven in an area called Caldewgate, Carlisle, a small city situated close to the Scottish border and near to the famous Lake District.
Okay, so I’m not rubbing shoulders with Victoria
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In 2009, Mrs Beckham showcased her Autumn / Winter collection using Linton Tweed at New York Fashion Week. The starting price for pieces of her collection ranged from £850.00 to £4,900.00.
You can even catch glimpses of Michelle Obama, the first lady of the United States of America, donning Linton tweed.
Okay, so I spent an interesting Saturday at Bamber’s Sewing Machine Centre where they were hosting Linton tweeds who brought with them, and displayed a wonderful range of designer fabrics, some with 20% off the recommended retail price.
A bargain for such gorgeous fabrics!
I went along to see if I could find some suitable fabric for an up and coming winter time sewing project. Together, I want us to make an easy winter coat so was rather excited at the prospect of purchasing some top of the range fabric.
I wasn’t disappointed.
Linton had a great deal of fabric for sale and the quality was second to none!
I also found the Linton staff to be friendly and knowledgeable on all aspects of fabric care, the fiber content of certain pieces and gave general advice on suitable linings to be used with their fabrics.
Jenny Bell (Linton) at Bamber’s
This is an annual event in which Linton show off a sample range of fabrics. These type of events really do allow the fashion sewer to see true quality and give you, the potential purchaser, the distinct advantage of viewing a great range at some great prices.
Here’s what I bought -
Linton displayed fabrics that ranged from £22.00 per meter up to a more expensive, £50.00 per meter on a roll. They also had some one meter lengths for £15.00 (buy one – get one free), which I thougth was great value.
Look out for a sew-a-long this winter featuring these fabrics!
The Bamber’s Experience
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I have to say that visiting the Bamber’s Sewing Machine Center came as a pleasant surprise. Unlike their old store situated in the city center of Greater Manchester, this newer venue has allowed the family business to expand into fabrics, notions and all things sewing.
I honestly felt like a kid in a candy store, walking around wide eyed. A place I will certainly recommend to any fashion sewer and a place I shall certainly visit again. Just take a look -
A selection of cotton and cotton blend fabrics. There are many more to choose from.
A great way to display fabrics, allowing the fashion sewer to really visualize how a fabric can look when made into a completed sewing project.
I have not shopped for fabric at Bamber’s before. As we all know fabric shops are few and far between these days, with some resembling nothing more than a teenagers bedroom with fabric stashes scattered all over the floor, and very little thought as to layout or customer satisfaction.
I found that Bamber’s have brought in a great collection of fabrics and notions including concise ranges of cottons and wools. I urge you all to take the time to travel there. There is something for everyone, no matter your level of expertise.
After speaking to Alan Bamber, one of the owners about the event, it was nice to hear how committed the company was in offering its customers designer luxury fabric along with their many years of sewing machine know how.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without a little purchase!
An example of the quality wool fabrics on offer at Bamber’s.
If you spend good money on fabric, then make sure your interfacing is top quality standard.
Overall, the event is one you can spend a full day at, learning from the company and industry leaders, obtaining the odd inside secret, and speaking to other shoppers about their experience from the day.
It really was a joy to buy fabrics in this type of environment!
Please feel free to contact me about this, or any other post. Its always great to hear from fellow fashion sewers.
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Happy fashion sewing,
Colleen G Lea
(read more about Colleen at linkedin)
