Independent designers offer many contrasting fabrics

Dear Julia: I like to sew contrasting fabrics, like the yellow polka dot and striped dress pattern I’ve attached. I’m having difficulty finding fabrics like these. Is there an online fabric shop where I could possibly find a good selection of contrasting fabrics? Thank you. — Linda K.

Hi Linda: I also like contrasting patterns, especially in home décor. The classic combo of stripes and flowers is one of my favorites, similar to stripes and polka dots. The pattern you sent, the Moneta Dress, is by Sprout Patterns, a sister company to Spoonflower. Have you tried looking there? Spoonflower.com has more than 500,000 different designs from independent designers all over the world to choose from. You even can design your own fabric!

Another great source is HawthorneThreads.com. I think it has the style of patterned fabrics you’re looking for. Try searching with the “theme” option. You’ll find categories like dots, stripes, florals, chevrons and much more.

One more place to try would be designer Amy Butler. She has a great eye for mixing patterns. Her fabrics typically are used for quilting and craft projects, but they also can be used for clothing. Just make sure the fabric is suitable for the pattern you will be constructing. Good luck, and let us know what you find!

Dear Readers: In a previous column I mentioned Jill F.’s suggestion of using leftover wedding fabric for a burial gown for stillborns. Because this idea was something that I had never thought of, I was surprised to get several more readers writing in with the same suggestion. I thought it would be worthwhile to share their stories as well.

Marilyn M. of Norfolk, Va., writes:

“A couple here had a stillborn birth. Added to that unimaginable grief was the fact that there was nothing on the market small enough to be used for his burial. Fast-forward a few years, when the mother, Heather, had an ‘Aha’ moment. She accepts gifts of used wedding dresses and veils to make tiny burial outfits (no charge) for stillborns and very small preemies. What a wonderful idea and, I imagine, a comfort to the parents of the lost child. Heather took my ‘no way is it ever going to be an heirloom’ (styles do change drastically) wedding dress and veil for this use.”

Mrs. S. of Lake Charles, La., wrote in about a group of seamstresses who do the same thing in Lake Charles. She shares: “People donate wedding gowns, and the group deconstructs them and uses the fabric, lace buttons, etc., to make wonderful clothes for grieving parents to bury their little one in.”

It’s wonderful to see such kind acts from fellow sewers. Keep up the good work!