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. RevivalFabrics.com offers mod and retro fabrics, 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 $13.99-$24.99 price range. On their site you will also find a nice selection of authentic vintage patterns. It is important to remember when shopping for patterns that the sizing used in the mid-20th century was not the same as today. Case in point, Marilyn Monroe’s dressmaker recorded her as a size 14 in the early 1960’s. By today’s standards she was a size 8. I recommend that to avoid disappointment that you pick up a couple of patterns locally before you order online….just in case.
If you are looking for Mid-Century Modern and retro upholstery and drapery fabrics by the yard, 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 2020, they are presently sourcing up to 1,500 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. Like to see and feel your fabric choices before buying? They offer an online application which allows you to select up to 4, 2’ by 2’ swatches per week.
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 clients ranging from the U.S. Air Force to Disney and McDonalds, All Vinyl is a source that has served thousands of satisfied customers. In addition to in-stock fabric they offer a “Vinyl Fabric Finder” option. To have them do a search you simply answer a few questions (color, texture, design etc.) and they will do the leg work for you. Price per yard starts as low as $11.99 plus shipping.
Want the look, but not the expense? Great vintage fabric abounds at local antique malls and charity resale shops. Remember those pastel floral sheets so popular in the 1970s? Printed sheets provide fabric for many re-purposing projects including curtains and bedspread. The 1960s hand painted tablecloths make great pillow covers or cloth shoulder bags. Rummage through 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. If you are looking for a bargain but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home you will find a wide selection of fabric currently on eBay and Etsy.
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 should be laundered 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
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates. Linda is not taking clients at this time.
