Where can I buy?

[Heather H.]

Hello, As well as quilting, I love to make all the little cute snowmen dolls etc., I get patterns from the US to make, however in Australia it is very difficult to purchase the embellishments shown in the photos of the patterns. Could anyone point me in the right direction to be able to purchase mini wreaths, rusty bells, very tiny birds and nests PLEASE? I have looked at the site for Joann's but they don't ship here. I have searched the internet myself, but I am not having much luck. I have been buying novelty buttons from the US, but they are not as ideal as the little mini decorations. I can only hand make so much.
Keeping my fingers crossed that someone can help me.
Happy sewing,
Heather

[ANNE E.]

Hi Heather,
Here are a few places I found

http://www.softexpressions.com
http://www.gregory-knopp.co.uk
http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk
http://www.picknshop.co.uk

I just Googled ....embellishments for quilting and lots of sited came up.
Hope this helps
Anne

[Catherine S.]

Heather, I tried googling miniature Christmas ornaments and found lots of interesting things. I don't know about international shipping though. Good luck.

[Heather H.]

Thank you Lorra and Anne for your suggestions. I have found what I want on one site but the shipping cost is the 'killer'. The items are not heavy at all and when I selected $40 worth of bits and bobs, the shipping cost was $46! Here lies the problem.
Never mind, I will keep on making stuff and will keep looking. I buy quite a few supplies from US shops including heavier fabric and rulers and the shipping is no way near that expensive. Many stores offer half price international shipping these days and that really helps.

For interest, in Australia we are paying $20-$26 Australian dollars (AU$1 =US$0.94) for a metre of patchwork fabric (3 inches more than a yard) and I can buy the same fabric in the US for US$10-$12 + shipping, as you would be aware. Every patchwork and quilting item is at least double the price. I think we have been 'conditioned' into paying so much.
Of course, I do believe in supporting local stores, so I still buy things here..............................we are all 'impulse buyers' aren't we?...................that is all part of the patchwork 'condition'.



Happy and successful sewing,
Heather

[ANNE E.]

Heather,
Fabric in UK is around £12.00 metre.... $20 au....$19.00 us.
I only buy fabric when I know what I need it for......except for all those fat quarters that fill the drawers in my sewing room.
Postage here is prohibitive even for a small package. Sometimes the company's selling on line have free postage and that is when I try to buy.
Other than that I support my local (very small) shop.
If you can get to one of the quilt shows you may see something.
I know Australia is a very big country (my son lives just outside Melbourne) so you may not have any shows near you.
Any way good luck in your search
Anne

[Heather H.]

Hello ladies,

After much searching, I found the site I was looking for..................so for everyone in Australia, there is a place to buy miniature embellishments,rusty stuff, doll hair and craft, novelty buttons and so much more!!!!!

The site is:
http://www.catncartcrafts.com/store/Default.asp
I hope this will help many others. The postage and prices are very reasonable too and my order was shipped very fast.

I can now make my 'Snowmen Splats' (Happy Heart Patterns) as they are pictured. I am making one for all the girls I work with for Christmas.

Happy sewing to all,
Heather

[Norma H.]

Good for you. I'm sure others in Australia will benefit from your sharing this link

[ANNE E.]

Heather, what a great site. I'm glad you were able to find what you wanted.
Anne