In this issue of Country Living,
Sarah Richardson's island cottage is featured.
The minute I saw the cover I knew it was her room.
It screams her name.
(Besides, I remembered that quilt.)
The writers break down a few of the rooms.
They even name some of the sources.
All the fabric in the cottage is Schumacher...at least the ones they listed.
Of course if you are a normal person, like me, Schumacher is out of reach.
It's "To The Trade" only.
But at the back of the magazine they actually tell you how to get the fabric.
They listed 4 sources for companies who sell directly to the non-trade consumer.
These companies act as the middle man between the fabric houses and you.
In other words, they act as the designer, without the designer price.
Of the four sources, L. A. Design Concepts was the easiest to use.
They explain exactly how it works.
The items sell for about 20% over cost.
Pretty good if you ask me.
Their home page has a slide show of over 100 items.
It's worth the visit just to see this slide show.
So just out of curiosity I emailed them and asked about the cheetah fabric
in Sarah's main room in the cottage. LOVE it.
I had to find the item name, number and colorway on the Schumacher website first.
A few hours later I received a lovely response from Ryan, my interior designer.
He gave me the price and availability.
Now...a couple of things to keep in mind.
1. It's discounted but it's not inexpensive. You are still talking designer fabric.
One yard of the cheetah print is $49.20.
I totally agree with what I know you are thinking.
Too expensive.
BUT...if you bought one yard and made a couple of great pillows
think of the statement they would make.
And for fifty bucks? I think it just might be worth it.
2. Make sure and request a swatch before you order anything.
Computer monitors are all different.
You could order what you think is yellow and end up with mustard gold.
All sales are final. There's no going back.
So be patient and order a swatch.
I requested a few swatches today.
I'll let you know when they arrive and if I end up placing an order.
One thing I hope they don't have is a minimum order.
If so there goes my idea of getting just one yard right out the window.
Don't forget to come back Wednesday night for Open House Party!
Sarah Richardson's island cottage is featured.
The minute I saw the cover I knew it was her room.
It screams her name.
(Besides, I remembered that quilt.)
The writers break down a few of the rooms.
They even name some of the sources.
All the fabric in the cottage is Schumacher...at least the ones they listed.
Of course if you are a normal person, like me, Schumacher is out of reach.
It's "To The Trade" only.
But at the back of the magazine they actually tell you how to get the fabric.
They listed 4 sources for companies who sell directly to the non-trade consumer.
These companies act as the middle man between the fabric houses and you.
In other words, they act as the designer, without the designer price.
Of the four sources, L. A. Design Concepts was the easiest to use.
They explain exactly how it works.
The items sell for about 20% over cost.
Pretty good if you ask me.
Their home page has a slide show of over 100 items.
It's worth the visit just to see this slide show.
So just out of curiosity I emailed them and asked about the cheetah fabric
in Sarah's main room in the cottage. LOVE it.
I had to find the item name, number and colorway on the Schumacher website first.
A few hours later I received a lovely response from Ryan, my interior designer.
He gave me the price and availability.
Now...a couple of things to keep in mind.
1. It's discounted but it's not inexpensive. You are still talking designer fabric.
One yard of the cheetah print is $49.20.
I totally agree with what I know you are thinking.
Too expensive.
BUT...if you bought one yard and made a couple of great pillows
think of the statement they would make.
And for fifty bucks? I think it just might be worth it.
2. Make sure and request a swatch before you order anything.
Computer monitors are all different.
You could order what you think is yellow and end up with mustard gold.
All sales are final. There's no going back.
So be patient and order a swatch.
I requested a few swatches today.
I'll let you know when they arrive and if I end up placing an order.
One thing I hope they don't have is a minimum order.
If so there goes my idea of getting just one yard right out the window.
Don't forget to come back Wednesday night for Open House Party!
17 comments:
I love Sarah Richardson's cottage. It's on an island in Ontario all by itself. Can you imagine living on a tiny island of rock and trees surrounded by water? It would be pretty but I think too quiet for me. :-) Good luck with the fabric. Pamela
That is great that you can buy that expensive fabric much cheaper. Can't wait to see if you like that fabric in person.
Great tip Ann. I always get so annoyed when a source says "to the trade only". Glad there's a way around it.
I'm looking forward to your next post.
Hugs,
Babs
I love just about any room Sarah R. does. I hope this works out for you. I cannot sew but have always been a complete nut about beautiful fabrics.
I'm hoping you get that leopard print, Ann!! blessings ~ Tanna
Want to know how to make that yard of fabric go further if you buy it? Only use it for the front of the pillow and do a solid on the back! I have done it many times. Works like a charm.
Oooh, isn't this exciting. I hope this works out for you and there is no minimum to purchase. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story. :)
Hi Ann!
That doesn't sound so expensive and especially since the group of fabrics you showed us were all so reasonably priced!
I think every room should have one good fabric splurge.
:)
Can't wait to see it.
xx
A
Ann great thoughts and tips. You can get a lot out of a special piece of fabric. Pillows, a bench etc!!
Come and join my new fashion Giveaway from Fresh Produce!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I remember watching her home being built and decorated. It was so funny seeing her septic tank floating to the island. Cracked me up.
Thanks so much for this information Ann. I will definitely have a look.
Oh Ann, what a find. I think you should go for it. I can see those pillows now! I'm thinking we'll be seeing a future post!?
I love making pillow covers and switching them out. If you guys them, $50 for two is pretty inexpensive. Good call!!
Fingers crossed hoping you get your fabric!
xo Cathy
Great post! Hope you get your fabric!!
'Please visit our new website www.tableandtop.com'
I watched them redo her place on TV. It was fun. When we redid the living area in our old house we did just like you suggested. There was one very expensive fabric that I wanted to use but it really was cost prohibitive. So I only got enough to cover a small antique settee I had. It was perfect and made quite a statement in the room.
I enjoyed this post, too! Love the cover of the magazine and will remember your helpful hints! I have a huge fabric store nearby that I need to visit one more time before we go to Florida! ♥
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