I was looking for materials for a wolf costume (don't ask), and ventured to the wild and windy trading streets near Shields Road Subway, to see if the CPFS (that's Cotton Print Factory Shop to you) could save me from traipsing into town. Well, South Side fabric hunters, be reassured - this is indeed your fabric Mecca, as Devin M. accurately described it! As it happens, I was actually looking for the 'mince' fabric on the top floor, or rather the more cheap and cheerful crafting fabrics like coloured poly cottons, fake fur, felt and other shiny things that are a bit too blingy for grown up curtains and cushions, but are perfect for kids' decor or fancy dress costumes. To be fair to the last reviewer, I think their stock in this area has been expanding recently (for example, the introduction of fat quarters for patchwork etc.). so I'd probably upgrade that 'mince' to 'eclectic'! They certainly had some fun printed cottons and Chinese-styled satins that distracted me from the task at hand. The range of heavier upholstery fabrics on the bottom two floors is vast as well, and what sticks out across the whole three floors out is the sheer choice, the range of colour choices, and the very competitive prices.
I also have to say that all of the staff are absolutely lovely. I must have had four or five different bales of fabric to get small snippets from, and nothing was too much trouble or too little a quantity.
I didn't try the coffee shop, but I liked the idea - there's little in the surrounding area, so I will probably be very tempted by an additional treat the next time I visit. Because there will be a next time!
The only small niggle that I have is that it would be nice to see CPFS carry a few more 'extras' other than curtain tie-backs. It would be great to be able to pick up crafting odds and sods like stuffing, eyes and all the other things that rival stores carry. I'm sure they must have had threads and even buttons somewhere, but I don't remember seeing them! The store does seem to be more geared toward upholstery than dressmaking at the moment, but for anyone looking for choice and cheap fabrics, it's a must-visit. It's definitely my first port of call for fabric now. read more