Do solids make your heart go pitter pat?
I’ve mentioned Connecting Threads’ fabric before and I just want to be clear – they have no idea who I am. I just love their fabric. Most of my Dear Jane fabrics are from there and they are my go-to source for solids. Reasons:
1. They’re often less expensive. They cost $4.96 a yard and unless I have a coupon, that’s more than I pay for comparable quality solids locally. If you spend $50 (contiguous US only), shipping is free. Even so, I watch for sales because I always like a deal.
2. The company has a strong commitment to ethical labor practices and works only with international manufacturers who meet their standards.
3. The fabric looks and feels wonderful! I haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with Moda’s Bella Solids, but I frequently use Kona Cotton. In comparison, Kona is heavier and thicker – qualities that I appreciate for some projects. Connecting Threads’ solids are a little lighter and silkier, and have a sheen that I find attractive. I like Connecting Threads better for smaller, more intricate piecing which is why I’m using it in the Dear Jane quilt.
4. Colors! Lots and lots of colors! While they do not come close to Kona’s range, they offer more than 50 different solids, primarily in clear, bright colors.
Here’s the thing: They’re having a sale. Thirty-three (33!!) solids (and several tone on tone mottled prints) are on clearance for just $2.96 a yard. I assume they’re re-vamping their colors, but whatever the reason I jumped on it.
From left to right, the colors are:
Brick, Persimmon, Carrot, Apricot, Butter, Sprout, Kelly, Turquoise, Aqua, Teal, Cornflower, Cerulean, Bluebird, Persian Blue, Royal Purple, and Iris. In front are Sandstone (top) and Ash. You can click on the picture to see it on Flickr, where you can view it much larger.
Piecemeal Quilts 
I love connecting threads fabrics too! I am using them for my PS2 quilt along. I too love the silkiness.
I am going to look. I love solids. I went to a Gwen Marston workshop and she used only solids and I was hooked after that. I have to force myself to use prints.
I ordered yardage of a couple for backings. Seeing your pictures makes me wish I’d ordered some of all! Haven’t received my order yet!
I’m going to have a look too. I’ve made a Dear Jane and I found it was a lot easier if the fabric had a high thread count and was lighter, I found Kona Cotton a bit too thick for my liking.
Ah yes, I do love solids and those are very pretty. Thanks for the comparison between Kona and Connecting Threads – as a novice this kind of information is very helpful.
Now, if only I lived in USA instead of far off Australia …
Thanks for the info. I’m going to check it out!
I love solids and I’m excited to try the Connecting Threads options (a good sale always gets me!!)
I love solids and I would love to be able to order from connecting threads! I don’t really understand their policy on international shipping as I order a lot from the US and I’ve never had any problems
i like the connecting threads solids, too. they don’t feel as stiff as Kona.
thanks for the blog comment. good luck with your curves 🙂
i LOVE connecting threads, too! their solids are great. i agree, they are softer and a bit finer than Kona cottons. your colors are just delicious!
I’m really enjoying those Connecting Threads solids too. Much prefer them to the Kona cottons–they’re softer. I’ve also used RJR’s solids and I have to say they’re really, really nice and excellent quality fabric; but if I’m paying retail….well, a dollar’s a dollar.