Fabric and wool shopping, Melbourne

Having a blast in Melbourne, thus the lateness of the post.  Fabric-wise, twas another extremely successful day.  So I thought it would be helpful to give for you today a list of highlights in my explorations here…

The first shop I visited yesterday was:
Cleggs,
60 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
ph (03) 9654 7677
Verdict; small but varied range of all sorts of good; little bit of knitting yarns, little bit of embroidery and craft supplies, little bit of fabrics.  The range of laces and lace borders was fabulous and had me hooning across the store as soon as I spotted the discreetly placed shelf of lacy treasures…!  After much awed contemplation I bought a series of black lace borders to make a layered camisole…  Also medium to good range of lace and sequinned fabrics on the bolt, some reasonably priced

Tessuti Fabrics
141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
The verdict; not cheap, but a very good range of very yummy fabrics.  Couldn’t decide what to get.  Everywhere I looked new possibilities called their siren call out to me.  I seriously spent a couple of very indecisive hours in here.  Eventually bought a selection of muddy coloured summer weight fabrics for summer dresses but may have to visit again before I go back home…  This place is well worth it.

Morris and sons
level 1, 234 Collins Street, Melbourne
ph (03) 9654 0888
Biggest range of knitting wool I’ve seen, like ever.  Bought four colours of sock wool,  muddy autumn-y solid colours as I crave these in my sock collection.

RetroStar Vintage Clothing Company
upstairs in the Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
a collection of amazing and incredible secondhand clothes, lots of which are worthy of museum status.  Nowhere else have I seen all in one place Texan cowboy boots, American college jackets, cheerleader jackets, an immense collection of band Tshirts, plaid flannel shirts, menswear including Lacoste sportswear, cashmere jumpers and cardigans, shirts galore, jackets, army disposal gear, womenswear from years and years back that will have you gasping in amazement at each new discovery; this place has to be seen to be believed.  The decor alone is unique and real entertaining.  Warning; not cheap though…

and today discovered The Fabric Store
184 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (still within walking distance of central Melbourne)
ph 9416 4455
Verdict; a huge range of really good fabrics, all in a reasonable price range.  Lots of end-of-bolts from designer ranges.  This is well worth making the trip out to see it, it is within walking distance of central Melbourne but if you buy up big like I did you may find the walk back somewhat burdensome… just saying.  Hard to leave this store without spending up some.  As with Tessuti’s, indecisiveness also plagued me bigtime here (so much choice!! man…), but I had an appointment with the next very important stop so bought lots of fabrics as I don’t want to trudge back out there again.  Oh, another plus point, the girls are very generous cutters.

Koko Black
Royal Arcade, Melbourne
No visit to Melbourne is complete without a visit to this cafe.  I can’t remember the occasion I first discovered this little gem, but since it entered my radar I will go here once a day when in Melbourne.  Sometimes twice a day.  The Belgian hot chocolate is to die for.  Seriously.  This is divine stuff.  One cup of this nectar of the gods and you will commence a lifelong love affair…  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Later edit: Alannah Hill fabric outlet, 188 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, is right next door to the Fabric Store.  Well worth a visit too!  Hint; bolts and bolts and bolts of Alannah Hill fabric are upstairs 🙂

My outfit today wasn’t very exciting, so I have no wish to bore you with a photo, but this will give you a chuckle…  for wealthy parents who have furnished their own wardrobes to bursting point with ultra-expensive designer gear and need another spending outlet: (now we’ve seen everything…)