Where can I buy heavy cotton fabric?

[littlecupcake]

I've bought myself a sewing machine, had a go at making the bag in the Cath Kidston 'Sew' book and would like to have a go at some other bags, but without the CK price for the fabric! I live in Berkshire and haberdashery shops seem to be limited, so can anyone recommend anywhere that I can buy some heavier fabric (Cath Kidston calls it cotton duck) in some nice bold patterns and colours, and at reasonable prices? I'm a bit wary of buying online because I cant feel the thickness of the fabric, so what should I be looking for in the description so that I can avoid some of the flimsy fabrics that are beautiful but more suited to dressmaking?

Many thanks!

PS any links to great tutorials or blogs for ideas and inspiration would be great :)

Try John Lewis they have loads of fabrics available by the metre, I'm sure you would be able to find some heavy cotton in their range of curtain fabrics.

Thanks, Boggler, I will have a look :)

Cotton fabric called "sailcloth" is heavy-duty, comes in plain colours and available from yacht-chandlers (to make smock-tops) if you have one nearby.

IKEA, if there is one near you.

There are some free tutorials on U-handbag, plus lots of useful supplies.

Dunelm has a good selection of fabrics including some heavyweight cottons. Post a picture of the finished bag I'd live to see how it turns out.

Another vote for ikea- lovely quality, cool patterns. And cheap!

Haven't checked in over the weekend. No Ikea near us (yet - they've got planning permission though :D ) but we're down the road from Dunelm Mill. Will take a look, thanks. Will post photo of bag when it's done. Thanks all.

I think Cath Kidston do mail order.
Have you tried them?

Oh sorry.
They do have some in the sales as well.

on dh's phone Blackberry thing so hope this works ...

Norfolk textiles

oh no, that's oil cloth - not the same thing is it?

Maybe here instead?

calico laine

Have also bought from Ian Mankin before now but a bit ££££££££££