A Small Realization I've had About Choosing Fabrics

Warning: Fabric break-up Impending

Weird time of day for me to be sitting down and posting, but I'll explain. 

I've been stuck in the sweaty, clammy grasp of midterms for a few weeks now, and haven't really had time to sit down at the machine and make something. This is why, if you've noticed, my Instagram has been pretty boring and I haven't shared a weekly make this month. 

Tonight was my first free night in a while, so naturally, I sit down and try and tackle a WIP that I've had on my table for a while, using fabric I hauled nearly a year ago. 

And I just can't bring myself to finish it.
 
Something is off. 

I know it's not the pattern, it's another rendition of my beloved Beatrix Blouse. It was supposed to be a re-make of my Insides-Out version, only made in a red crepe for fall and winter with a bell-sleeve attachment to make the sleeves a little longer. 

Design-wise, this make is spot on. 

It's the fabric, guys. The fabric is garbage. 

Exhibit A: Fabric that doesn't suck. 

It's a thicker poly-crepe that I loved when I purchased it last year, but I keep trying this shirt on and hating it. I can't help but compare it to my Insides-Out blouse, which was made in a rayon voile. It doesn't drape in a flattering way or feel nearly as soft and kind on my skin.

Like, look at that picture there. That delicious rayon voile is so stinking lovely - I wear that blouse around the house ALL THE TIME with a pair of sweat pants because it's so comfy.

But it's not "comfy clothes" at all. 

This is a beautiful blouse, with a facing, darts, and everything else proper clothes should have that feels comfier than any PJ shirt I've ever worn - and it's all because I choose some decent fabric to make it in. 

And now that I've had a chance to sew and wear fabric that doesn't suck, I don't want to go back. 

I think I've finally reached that point in my sewing journey where fabric quality really matters, and when something isn't up to standard, I can tell the difference right away. 

And you know what? I'm a big girl. I can sew bras, I can sew on the bias, I've even made an unblogged pair of fitted trousers. I'm at the sewing level where I should be able to confidently use and purchase proper fabric - so what's stopping me?

Nothing, I don't think, not anymore, not after this big thought came into my head. 

I know this will be difficult. I'm a thrifty-lady at heart, my mum taught me well. I love a good bargain, but there's no point in stashing up more cheap fabric. I'm going to hate wearing it and I'm going to hate sewing it.

I need to stop purchasing crap.  

So I'm breaking up with Polyester, and moving onto bigger and better things. Polyester, we had a good run, we really did. You were cheap, easy to find locally, and great to learn on, but it's time I moved on - For good.

When I looked at the makes I wear the most, none of them were polyester. That was a good hint I needed to reconsider my fabric choices, but now I'm certain. 

But here's where I need your help, readers. I have two big questions for you:

1) What's your fabric-love? I have a serious fabric-crush on rayon, but I'm looking to explore other options. Let me know who I should date next. 

2) Where the heck can I buy quality fabric in Canada without LITERALLY selling my soul. Shipping is expensive, guys, and the dollar isn't so hot. My local Fabricland has a good selections of Rayons in the summer, but not so much for the winter. If you have any options, I'm all ears. 

Until next time, 

Rachel