🧵 My Best Buy This Year – Contrado Fabric Swatch Packs
If you’ve ever bought fabric online and thought, “What have I done?” the moment it arrived — you’re not alone. I love fabric, obviously, but I’m the first to admit I don’t always know what something will feel like just from a name and a GSM. So when I found Contrado’s swatch packs, it felt like I’d unlocked a sewing superpower.
I ordered two: the Classic and Natural fabric packs. They were only a few quid each and honestly… I haven’t shut up about them since. Each little swatch is printed and labelled (hallelujah!), and they cover everything from smooth crepes to oilcloth, soft satins to teddy bear plush. Yep, teddy bear plush — you can imagine how that felt.
I’ve always dabbled in soft furnishings and the odd clothing alteration, but recently I’ve been itching to start actual dressmaking. I’ve joined a local social sew group and picked a pattern for some silky nightwear. But then came the hard bit — picking the fabric. Enter: swatch packs. I narrowed it down to three lush poly options — Butterfly Smooth Crepe, Silk Sensation, and Lustrous Seduction Poly Satin. All drapey, dreamy, and perfect for dipping my toe in before braving the 100% silks.
To be clear, I didn’t buy these packs to place an order — I bought them to learn. To understand fabrics better. And now? I’ll be reaching for these swatches all the time. They’ve already become my go-to for comparing weights, drape, and finish when I’m dreaming up a new project.
There’s even a leatherette pack (tempting!) and a set of label samples if you’re into branding your makes. And yes, you get 10% off your first order if you do decide to take the plunge.
I’m now planning to make little mood boards using my favourite swatches — one for bag making fabrics, another for dreamy nightwear, because let’s face it, those are my sewing obsessions. And let’s be honest, any excuse to cut and stick things while sipping a glass of Prosecco sounds like a perfect evening to me 🥂.
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