AIBU to feel oddly intimidated by visiting fabric shops?

[WeddingInvitation]

theres something about fabric shops that makes me come over all like I’ve stepped into another universe where I don’t know the rules or etiquette.

Ive got a proper grown up job where I have to deal professionally with lots of people, subjects, risks etc.

I’ve got to take some char cushions to be recovered today and I’m dreading the questions.

I know I want something relatively dog proof that will be a blue colour. But piping or no piping, zips? I’ll be judged… it’s the weirdest thing and I’ve no idea what it stems back to!

If you're a person who feels more comfortable when you know what the 'right' choice is, then the myriad of personal preference but essentially equal options may be unsettling you.

Do you know if you want piping or not, do you know if you want zips and if so what type?

It's common to get low level anxiety when we're out of our comfortable space, so doing some calming breathing before you go in might help!

Wouldnt it be easier to just buy new cushions or cushion covers. I had no idea this was a thing. I get buying fabric and making your own cushions or buying ready made cushions either filled or unfilled. If I needed to replace cushions I would just go to Dunelm or John Lewis or Next.

I don't think I ever go in a fabric shop!

Judged about what?

I sew so I've been in loads. I wish they'd put music on or something. They are too quiet for me.

I quite like going in them. There's usually lots of variety to distract you.
Last time I went I came out with some new plastic table cloth covering and 2m of linen and another 2m with a day of the dead pattern. Both to make trousers. I've never made trousers so this could be interesting!

Just explain that you aren't sure and can they offer you any advice. Will they cover the chairs for you, or are you DIYing?

I love fabric shops, but i always feel slightly anxious I'll do the wrong thing, or it will be obvious i have no idea what im doing! I usually just guess how much I'll need as i never have a specific plan.

I love fabric and yarn shops but I always get overwhelmed and overenthusiastic. I'm ok if I've got an exact plan but left to be own devices I either come out with nothing or all the shop.

Doesn't happen with any other type of shop.

For me it's the maths bit of fabric shopping that causes anxiety, particularly the ones that sell upholstery and curtain fabric. Like how many metres do you want if there's a pattern repeat of 25cm? How many widths per curtain?

I love fabric shops and the people who work in them are usually very helpful and knowledgeable.

Oh no I love them! Mostly go to fabric dept in John Lewis but do go to other fabric shops.

There is a weird superiority with the people that work in some fabric shops, I work in the interiors industry, but at the end of the day they are just selling fabric. If they ask you a question you don’t know the answer to ask for their help, that’s what they are there for. Take a pic of the chairs before you go so they can see what furniture the cushions belong to and can assist. And enjoy it, it should be fun when doing it for yourself, there are no ‘rules’ to follow just go with what you like.

Having a laugh to myself at the idea of char cushions. Just for chars? To cushion chars from falls?😂

I used to work in one! I can promise there was no judgement, loads of browsers, just tell them that you’re a bit of a novice and I’m sure they’ll talk you through everything. Cushions are easy!

Thanks all, glad it's not just me. It's the big square cushions that you actually sit on - not just cushions...see I can't even describe what they are.

They said to just bring in the foam pads and they'll do the rest...

£300+ to make four seat covers…Christ…