Where to find us.
42-44 Chapel Street, Chorley. PR7 1BW
when we are open
Monday- Saturday
10am to 4pm
Sunday Closed
Scroll down to read why you can buy online with confidence
implicity Pattern company was established in 1927 by Joseph Shapiro. Simplicity aimed to create and reproduce patterns that were easy to use and affordable to the average household, being sold for about 15 cents (US).
The idea to create a business that introduced easy to – use, low priced patterns revolutionised the market, becoming one of the fastest growing pattern companies in the world. His approach allowed home seamstresses to create fashionable clothing during the Great Depression, when family incomes were low and times were hard. Within ten years he had teamed up with the Woolworth Company, to hit a larger mass market and by 1934 Simplicity’s first UK base was formed. Our unprinted patterns ended in 1946 and were all printed thereafter.
Simplicity has long been known as a brand committed to sewing education and support. In the early 1940s, Simplicity embarked on a major sewing education program, by which travelling representatives, fashion shows, educational books and literature were presented and disseminated across the country. Such programs cemented Simplicity as the key source for learning to sew and set the foundation for how sewing is taught today.
Fast forward to today, Simplicity patterns are sold in over 60 countries, servicing approximately 8,000 locations worldwide, with Simplicity continuing to produce around 250 sewing patterns per year, through its inhouse design team, as well as collaborating with some of the most talented independent pattern designers in the market.
100% Hand selected top quality fabrics Many stores buy their fabric (especially if deadstock/ex-designer) without ever having touched it. Even during the pandemic we've made sure to only buy fabric we have personally handled.
The bulk of our fabrics are made from natural breathable fibres such as cotton, linen and viscose.
Personal Shopping Video Calls Want to see how a fabric looks in daylight, it's drape or texture? Simply book a FREE personal shopping call with the owner Liz.
You can also benefit from Liz's vast experience and ask about yardage requirements, best patterns for your skill level, etc.
Are you a Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? If you've had your 'colours done' by a colour analyst then you'll know the colour palette that suits you best.
We've teamed up with a colour and style expert so we can let you know which fabrics are your season.
Pantone Colour Matching Check the product description for an image of the fabric colour(s) and Pantone colour number to compare on your computer or the Pantone Colour app. (If the Pantone colour has not yet been added please contact us and we'll get that for you.)
Samples
You can add samples to your order at no extra charge, or order separately at £1 for up to 6 samples.
Liz, I was so excited to open my parcel with the fabrics and other bits and pieces and WOW, these are the best quality fabrics I've ever purchased!!! 🥰
The cottons are so soft, so smooth, you can really tell you choose them with care.
Even the viscose sample is so lovely, great drape yet more of a substance than I've had from other suppliers. I tried crumpling it in my hand and it didn't crease...Please save me some of it because I'll have that with my next order.
Liz Purkis
Vintage Loving Store Owner
My love of sewing and fabrics started early on in my life. My Mum sewed for us and made all kind of things on her green Bernina machine.
I started to sew at the age of 11 and I instantly loved it. I made myself so many things in my teens and worked with so many different fabrics. I continued to sew for myself and then my children as each came along.
Fast forward to 2011 when I purchased The Buttonhole to create a one-stop shop for everything a sewist would want.
Since then I've rediscovered my love of vintage-inspired dressmaking and am building my own retro style wardrobe.
This is what inspired me to create "Sew Vintage Fabulous", a monthly sewing box to help you build your own wardrobe of quality vintage-inspired clothes that fit.
So here we are, I adore getting new fabrics and the ideas of what people might make from them.
Come join the "More Me" Vintage Sewing Facebook Community for advice, to share your makes and meet other sewists.
Remember, if you need any advice, want to check on some fabrics or can't quite find what you are looking for (not all stock is yet on this store) you can book a Personal Shopping video call and I'll help you find what you want.
when we are open
Monday- Saturday
10am to 4pm
Sunday Closed