Friday Focus: Jane Smith Fabrics

Article Added: 08/05/2009 16:22:41
This week’s article focuses on Jane Smith’s fabrics, a specialist fabric shop based in Essex. As well as selling a range of different fabrics Jane also offers a made-to-measure service for evening and bridal wear.

You have a wide selection of fabrics available – can you give us some project ideas of what artists and designers could use your fabrics for?
We sell some nice silk floral fabrics, which are ideal for making summer clothing. The silk fabrics are fantastic for evening wear, which is particularly relevant with the student summer balls coming up. There are also some great cotton fabrics with striking patterns that would be perfect for daywear. Our lace fabrics are great for making corsets with a difference, while some fabrics can be used to make unusual bridal gowns. I also have bags of silk off-cuts available, which are good for patchwork hangings.

Do you regularly stock new fabrics?
I have recently stocked some new patterned fabrics, which I anticipate selling well this summer. One is a brightly-coloured geometric print that is guaranteed to turn heads. I have also just stocked a reprint of an original 1940s pattern featuring grey and yellow flowers, which will be ideal for creating some classic designs.

What fabrics do you find sell well and what do you predict will be the fashion this summer?
I find that most fabrics sell well as the great thing about designing your own clothing is that you don’t have to follow trends. I’m not really in favour of “this year’s look” – I like people to be individual.

What do you think are the benefits to designing clothes yourself?
Making your own clothes is not necessarily cheap but you always get something more personal. Making clothes yourself means that you get what you want and not what fashion dictates. And of course you can be absolutely assured of the quality.

Do you offer a swatch service?
I do offer a swatch service which is completely free of charge. Not all fabrics are on the website as some photograph poorly especially some silks and anything black, so you can always get in touch if you are looking for something specific but can’t find it online.

Can you tell us more about the courses you run?
I run a six week course covering all sorts of aspects of dressmaking. Students come along to learn about the craft and then work on a project. Some of the students attending at the moment are making silk dresses, while another is making a large collar – so there are a good variety of projects being worked.

Could you tell us more about the made-to-measure service you offer?
The made-to-measure service encompasses everything from bridal, evening and daywear, suits and coats. I can work from sketches, copy old favourites and some pieces just evolve on their own. Each of the dresses can be individually designed for each client and beautifully handmade to order. Alternatively if you have your own ideas we can work with you advising on fabrics.

For more information about Jane Smith Fabrics please click here.

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