I was eight years old, sewing a scrunchie on my grandmother’s old rattler machine, when I became completely hooked on making things.
From the start, I loved texture. Movement. Fabric that didn’t whisper - it spoke.
For a while, I lost that spark. Everywhere I looked, it was florals, pastels and traditional “pretty.” Beautiful, yes. But not me. And when you can’t see yourself in the fabric, you slowly step away from the table.
Everything changed when I travelled to Amish country.
I learned how they deliberately stitch a small mistake into every quilt - because no one is perfect. I discovered that during the Depression, flour sacks were printed with pretty patterns so women could turn necessity into beauty.
Fabric carried story. Resilience. Quiet rebellion.
That’s when I realised - my passion wasn’t in playing safe.
It was in left-of-field designs.
In bold prints that demand attention.
In deep, saturated colour.
In creativity that doesn’t ask permission.
I came back to sewing when I understood that my way was valid - mistakes, colour clashes and all.
Fabric Cartel was born from that moment.
We’re here to inspire a new generation of creators - quilters, bag makers and sewing enthusiasts - who crave modern fabrics and brave ideas.
This isn’t just a fabric store.
It’s a community.
Inclusive. Supportive. Colour-obsessed.
A place where bold ideas are welcomed and “different” is celebrated.
Because creativity should feel like freedom.. and there is power in making it your way.
Virginia
Head Honcho & Colour Devotee
