tac·tile

adjective /ˈtaktl/  /ˈtakˌtīl/

Of or connected with the sense of touch
Perceptible by touch or apparently so; tangible
Designed to be perceived by touch
(of a person) Given to touching others, esp. as an unselfconscious expression of sympathy or affection – Source: Google 

I am a tactile person. In school, my best work were hands-on projects that I could make and present to the class or activities where I could actually DO something. Written tests? Meh. So it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone when I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Education (AKA Home Economics Education).  I taught cooking and nutrition classes, interior design, child education(Preschool). All hands-on. Tactile.

Sewing is tactile. That’s why I love it so much.  It’s hands-on all the time. You work with fabrics and other materials to complete a project.

When I go to a fabric store, I find myself spending quite a bit of time just looking and touching all the fabric. Would this make a good bag? Exterior or Interior? What is it made of? Can it take pulling and tugging? I try to get samples if I can to bring home and play around with.  Do you ever do this, or am I just a fruit-loop?

The problem I run into is ordering fabric online. With very little in the way of stores near me I usually do my ordering online. The choices are endless and if you’re lucky you can find a good sale.  But it drives me nuts that I have to buy it without having had the chance to see it with my own eyes.  Reading reviews from popular bloggers and textile artists are my safety net. The feedback I can get from them make me feel much better about buying online.  How do you feel about ordering online if you’ve never “seen” the fabric before? Where are your go-to places for truthful reviews and opinions?

At the quilt show this weekend I was surrounded by fabric. Tactile heaven! I was able to see all the big-name fabric up close which was awesome! My prized purchase were these cute Kokka prints I found at a booth on our way out.  I  knew this fabric was going to be a bit pricey, so I found 1/2 yd precut packs and picked up a few. From L-R: Matruska Dolls Russian Floral,  Ruby Star Rising – Transistor Radio and Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.  I’m afraid it’s going to stay in the celophane pouch because I don’t want to  cut it up!

1. Amy Butler- Alchemy

2. Power Pop Jenean -Freespirit

3. Heather Bailey – Freshcut Morrison – Free Spirit

4. Jane Dixon Garden Party – Andover

5. Melissa Averinos Swoon – Andover

6. Wash Day Ticking Westminister Fibers – Free Spirit

7. Suzy Ultman Critter Community – Robert Kaufman

8. Stof – 123 Play With Me

9. Odyssea by MoMo – Moda

I was also able to pick up these little beauties. Most are about a yard, precut and ready to use.  I’ve seen some of these prints and designers online, but to see it up close and look at the colors and quality was wonderful. The Moda – Odyssea by MoMo (last one) is a heavier weight cotton that is soft but very strong. I was surprised how much heavier a cotton it was than the others. Would make a great handbag!

What are your rules and guidelines for purchasing fabric you have only seen online?