From designer limited-stock to flea market finds, vintage fabric has found an audience in the current MCM craze. Whether you go small with throw pillows and trendy little Bohemian shoulder bags, or reupholster a set of chrome kitchen chairs, Mid-20th Century fabric is available, affordable, and fun to work with.
Online shopping is the fast and easy way to locate vintage fabrics. WarehouseFabrics.com offers mod and retro fabric, many that are one of a kind. Bold solid color and muted neutral Mid-Century yardage as well graphics, whimsical prints and nostalgic designs run in the $11.99-$22.99 price range. On their site you will also find techniques and tips for working with vintage fabric and an informative customer blog.
If you are looking for Mid-Century Modern and retro upholstery fabrics, modern-fabrics.com located in Charlotte, North Carolina is your go-to source. From their humble beginnings in a small Mom and Pop store front in 2007 to their highly recognized online presence in 2016, they are presently sourcing up to 1.000 bolts of discarded fabric weekly. Quality fabric from designers like Maharam, Knoll, and Herman Miller is available in quantities from 1-15+ yards at 40-60 percent below retail. For those with slightly deeper pockets, there are some rare and beautiful designer offerings. Currently listed are 8.23 square yards of reversible Scalamandre Dragon print for $839, 30 yards of vintage French Pierre Frey stripped floral for $480, and 7 yards of 1989 Ralph Lauren Imperial Dragon fabric for $460.
Vinyl is an essential part of MCM decor. Chairs from this era were well constructed and many have survived in great shape . . . except for the fabric. AllVinylFabrics.com is a great source for quality vinyl with 27 solid colors, by the roll or by the yard, starting at $12.99 a yard,
Want the look, but not the expense? Great vintage fabric abounds on eBay, especially in the “craft” categories. A large, and ever changing selection of vintage textiles are offered from around the world. At the time of my research for this column, there were over 659,000 auctions listed! Prices per yard run about half what vintage online shops are asking. Raw silk, cheetah and burlap for reupholstering, and wonderful deep toned velvets are also available, many running in the $4-$6 per yard range.
Remember those pastel floral sheets so popular in the 1970s? Printed sheets provide fabric for many repurposing projects. including curtains and bedspread trim to decoupage for under- construction on furniture. The 1960s hand painted tablecloths make great pillow covers or cloth shoulder bags. Rummage the vintage clothing stores and you are bound to unearth a few cotton gathered skirts, each with 3-4 yards of fabric. These make adorable children’s shorts and tops, or piece the scraps from several to make a throw.
Heavy curtains are a common find at flea markets, resale shops and garage sales. If you are at an estate sale where the home is going on the market, ask if the drapes can be purchased. Many times those yards of vintage fabric is thrown in the trash by new homeowners, so it might as well go home with you!
NOTE: Fabric purchased from flea markets and estate sales may require cleaning before use. Cotton prints can be machine washed on “gentle,” but other vintage fabric can sometimes disintegrate. Consult with a professional dry-cleaner if in doubt. Until next time….Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
