Testimonials

"Darrell Thomas Textiles...where dreams turn into reality! When I run into a roadblock, Darrell and his staff always seems to have the right solution. The sewing classes always are both instructional, insightful and to say the least "entertaining"! They are far, far from the perfunctory sewing classes of elementary school. Darrell's ready to wear line for the plus size figure is a major discovery. Smart, versatile and down right stunning. One of the many reasons why Darrell's creative genius just keeps growing and growing. Thanks Darrell. "

"As a Maritimer with limited access to fine fabrics and buttons, I find Darrell Thomas is an essential resource when it comes to sewing couture-quality clothing. Their friendly staff offers advice that is always relevant. Online purchasing is easy and deliveries arrive promptly.I couldn't sew without them! "

"I am an experienced Ottawa-based fashion designer shopping often at Darrell Thomas Textiles. The selection of silks is spectacular there and the one-of-a-kind buttons just add on the glam. My clients were always very happy with fabrics purchased at Darrell Thomas Textiles because of a high quality and beautiful colors of the material! Often I decorate my garments by using buttons from their collection as well, they are just a beautiful and artistic addition to my designs. Thank you, Darrell, for all your help and knowledge, your friendly attitude is highly appreciated! "

"Hi Darrell, Thank you for getting the fitting just right on my new pants. They fit to perfection --I look thinner and taller. I continue to be impressed by your knowledge of sewing, the quality of the fabrics you carry and the commitment of you and your staff in helping everyone who comes in. Your generous spirits helps make Ottawa home. "

"Besides being the best shop in town for supplying fabulous fabrics for garment making, Darrell Thomas Fabrics is community oriented and generous with sharing projects and techniques. The Ottawa branch of Sewer's Forum enjoys annual meetings held after hours at the store, and we love you! "

"About a year ago I had a bit of a crisis in which I discovered that I had no artistic outlet in my life. After a sleepless night I realized that sewing might be a good fit for me (I love clothes...duh). Anyways, Darrell and his colleagues have helped me turn from an inexperienced, nervous moth of a sewer, into a confident and eager butterfly. There is no doubt that I will continue my tutelage with Darrell and his lovely fabrics. "

"Darrell Thomas textiles has the most beautiful fabrics and the most cheerful, helpful staff anywhere. I am one of the 'regulars' who drops in to see what new fabric has come in or just to say hello. Darrell and his staff are always cheerful and helpful whether one is looking for one button or five yards of silk. "

"Darrell Thomas Textiles is a wonderful textile resource for anyone who sews or wants to have custom clothing made from amazing fabrics. Darrell is a fabulous designer too. I have bought some of his clothing designs and truly appreciate the personal service he has given me. Finally, comfortable clothes that fit and look great! I'm also a fan of the "cat rescue" scrap bags, which contain wonderful silk and wool treasures for the quilter or craftsperson. Thanks Darrell! "

"There is no other textile shop in Ottawa that is as creatively engaging, inspiring, and organized as this little gem. The proprietors are masters in their art and have left no stone on the path to great Pieces unturned. They really are so good that I just want to take them home and sew for days! A great place to start and finish outstanding creative projects. Thanks guys! "

"I have always found the quality of the Darrell-Thomas textiles to be second to none. One would be hard pressed to find finer fabric in Montreal, Toronto, of NYC. As well, the enthusiasm, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff is particularly noteworthy. "

"Darrell Thomas is my go-to sewing store... great selection of notions, fabulous fabric, knowledgeable staff and fab connections as well as one of a kind evenings with wine and a Lady from Chanel. Only at Darrell Thomas...and PS: i look great in the purple knit vintage Anne Klein!!"

"As a custom dressmaker, I am often asked by clients to help them select fabrics and notions for the garments they want me to make. With such a limited selection of good quality fabric stores in Ottawa, I am always happy to refer them to Darrell Thomas. Many times I find myself making the trip to the store to find just the right button and I have never left disappointed. Darrell and his staff are knowledgeable and always helpful. I really appreciate the newsletter which keeps me up to date so that I am able to pass on sale and course information to my clients. Thank you for bringing such a good quality and selection of textiles to Ottawa."

"I travel to Ottawa at least on a quarterly basis and when I fly in, I book an earlier flight so that I can visit Darrell Thomas textiles. I have found that purchasing designer buttons and replacing those on purchased clothing adds a special touch to coats, suit jackets and blouses. I used to shop for buttons in Italy when I traveled there, but I have found that the buttons at Darrell Thomas are better, easier to find and more cost effective especially when there is a clearance sale. LOVE IT!!!"

"Darrell has an incredible fountain of knowledge of what to use, and how to execute, any sewing project I happen to come up with. He carries a choice range of textiles to "die for" and "those buttons"! So irriresistable to sewers and collectors alike. I dont think there is another fabric like this in Ottawa. In fact, I know so. "

"I'm a crocheter and visit the shop to purchase buttons. I have always been very impressed with the huge selection of buttons. Darrell Thomas is the place to find the perfect button to adorn one of my hand crocheted creations. I also love the helpful staff and recommend the shop to everyone I know. So if you're looking for buttons for something you are making, bring your project to the shop and I'm sure you'll find the buttons you have been dreaming about. "

"I would like to thank Darrell Thomas Textiles for the sophistication, style and the luxury of fine fabrics that the store brings to Ottawa. As well as the depth of knowledge and the professional information provided to support clients, the classes given by the owner are innovative and inspirational. We are very fortunate to have this resource at our fingertips. I sincerely hope that we have many more years of enjoyment to share. "

"Since taking Darrell's sewing classes, I can make anything I want, in the style and colour I want and best of all everything fits me! I have to thank my friend Jane for introducing me to Darrell and his shop. I always come away with a smile on my face. "

"I have been a client of Darrell Thomas textiles for a few years now and have always had courteous service with a smile. The staff is very helpful , choosing just the right fabrics and notions and I love the high quality materials. Courses are fun. A great treasure trove for sewers. "

"I don't sew a ton so I usually go to Darrell Thomas for little things like buttons or notions or a meter of this or that and I always receive attentive, personal service. Their fabrics and buttons are so inspirational and their beautiful new location shows off their stock so well! I also love knowing I'm supporting a local small business when I shop there--a business with heart since they are so dedicated to supporting the cat rescue!"

"If you are looking for charming, personal service for anything to do with textiles, from buying thread and buttons through the creation of a whole ensemble, you can do no better than to visit DARRELL THOMAS. It's always a joy to be greeted with enthusiasm for any purchase no matter how tiny or how large."

"I met Darrell over 20 years ago when he was garnering his expertise in Montreal and then Ottawa. Selections from his well-chosen fabric and button stock have become staples in my wardrobe. I welcome his comments and suggestions as we exchange ideas. I enjoy each and every trip to this fabric candy store. My mother, now in her 80's, discovered the store a while ago. She looks forward to her trips to the store and she is currently accenting her wardrobe with made-to-order items. In a nutshell, Darrell loves what he does and that excitement is contagious!"

"Good morning Mr. Thomas. Last night my husband and I dropped in looking for buttons. I had been told about your store by a coworker . After visiting with you I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. I hadn't been in a store like yours since I was in college in Toronto. Thank you for the wonderful chit chat and for bringing back memories. When you said you knew the old Dress Maker Supply Store and it had gone bankrupt I thought holly cow someone who knows what I am talking about. I could tell my husband was having fun listening to us. You made my evening and the buttons I found were absolutely perfect."

"Hi Darrell, it’s been a while since I’ve dropped by, but I want to take advantage of your latest newsletter to send greetings to you and Thomas, but also to compliment you on your enthusiasm and your upbeat mood. I am happy for you that the business is going so well … but with your creativity, how could it not? You bringing in those select designer pieces highlights your flair and uniqueness and gives your ‘boutique’ that special cachet that attracts clients from all over and keeps us faithful to Darrell Thomas! Congratulations on your ever increasing sense of business and I hope to drop in as soon as I am able to get back into sewing!"

"This past summer, I had the pleasure of taking two sewing classes with Darrell Thomas – one featuring the Origami jacket, and another one to develop a personal skirt pattern and upgrade my sewing techniques.

I have sewn since I was very young, having learned at my mother's knee and in home economics classes at school. My skills were adequate as long as my figure matched the patterns I purchased, but over time my figure became less (or should I say more?) than standard and I gave up sewing for myself.

Darrell, however, has taught me how to adjust my patterns to fit my own figure. I am really pleased with the results of my undertakings and, best of all, I have regained my enthusiasm for sewing and confidence in my abilities.

Darrell is an outstanding teacher. He strikes just the right balance between perfectionism and pragmatism. For instance, why labour over a hand-sewn hem when a machine-sewn hem produces an entirely satisfactory result? As an instructor, Darrell is patient, relaxed, professional, entertaining, never pedantic, and very generous in sharing the knowledge he has acquired from his lengthy experience.

It is always a pleasure to drop into the store to see Darrell and his wonderful selection of fabrics and accessories, and I look forward to working with him again."

"Shopping for dress shirts has always been a challenge for me because arm and shirt length was often too short.  I  was also making frequent visits to my local tailor to have the side seems brought in to eliminate shirt bulk at the waist.  As you all know tailoring prices are not cheap therefore my $90 shirt ended up costing around $130 after tailoring charges. 

One day as I was looking for shirts in a clothing store I asked myself : " What kind of skills would it take to build a tailor made shirt and where could I acquire these skills in a timely manner?".  These thoughts triggered my search to find a shirtmaker that would take me in.  At first it was not easy, many of the schools I had contacted where disorganized and apprehensive about teaching me the tailored shirt.   After one week of googling and querying Canada 411 for shirtmakers, I found Darrell at Darrell Thomas Textiles 3 blocks from my apartment, now is that a coincidence? 

My first conversation with Darrell was very encouraging, he took the time to explain to me the steps required to make a tailored shirt and a few days later my first lesson was booked.  I chose to take private lessons as I had never touched a sewing machine in my life and I did not want to slow anyone down in a group setting.  My first lesson with Darrell was fantastic, he made me feel comfortable and he took the time to outline a customized lesson strategy before my arrival.  His plan kept me focused throughout and allowed me to achieve my goal in 3 months.

Darrell you have truly set me free.  I am now making my own shirts and I have not purchased a shirt from a clothing store in 1 year.  My handmade shirts now exceed in quality compared to manufactured shirts that are sold in clothing stores.

Thank you Darrell"

"I first met Darrell over the phone. I was interested in doing some sewing lessons, and even though  I had done many over the years, at different places, including going to some Toronto studios.,I was still looking  for a place in Ottawa that had sewing lessons for clothing. When Darrell answered the phone I was immediately impressed with how friendly he was. When I arrived for my first sewing class, I met Darrell in person and loved how funny and excited he was over teaching others how to sew. I had never met someone who loved sewing so passionately as I did, and who got excited over the thought process of creating something with a sewing machine. It was contagious! As I continued to take sewing lessons from him, he encouraged me to continue doing what I loved so much to do, praising my work  at the same
time. He even encouraged me to go the extra step and think about designing. He really believed in me, and saw something in me that I had only kept to myself, the idea that others might like what I sew. He was so encouraging, and always ready to answer any questions. I always went home after a class full of enthusiasm. There is nothing like having someone believe in you to raise your confidence level to new heights. 

Darrell,  a great big thank you for everything, I am enjoying my new design course immensely, and I will always remember you as one of my first believers! You have no idea how much my meeting you has meant to me, so thank you."

"I took the designer skirt course from Darrell in spring 2005. At first I thought the pattern we were using was a bit plain, but then I realized that it was the best blank canvas on which to learn proper fitting and professional finishing details, and on which Darrell showed us some pattern variations like box pleats, linings, etc. I also used it as an opportunity to use a beautiful, rich silk fabric from Darrell's collection, and I couldn't be happier with the finished product! I get compliments every time I wear it, both on the fabric and the fit. I wholeheartedly recommend Darrell's shop as well as his courses... being around someone so knowledgeable and so passionate about sewing is a real inspiration and learning experience. Thanks!"

"As an amateur tailor, I've found Darrell's woolens to be second-to-none. The quality of the fabric makes one feel as if one were shopping in Milan or London or New York!"

"Shopping at Darrell Thomas Textiles is always a pleasure. Upon my first visit to the store, I had virtually no sewing experience. The beautiful selection of fabrics and buttons inspired me to sign up for a pillow making course. Darrell was such a wonderful teacher. He was able to entertain a class with a wide range of sewing experience and everyone came away having learned a lot. After one class I was so confident I purchased my own sewing machine. Thank you very much to Darrell and his wonderful team for offering such a wonderful experience!"

"After many years of not touching a sewing machine, my daughter challenged me back into sewing by asking me to make her high school graduation dress. To make matters worse, she had a particular dress in mind (Kate Hudson's yellow stunner in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"). Of course, I could not find a pattern, just something kind of close. Darrell was an immense help all the way through, from helping me lay out the adapted pattern in the store, to providing advice on the phone, to helping out in the final days before the dance with a neckline that just wouldn't sit properly. I was particularly happy that he had an extra yard of material when I had to re-cut the neckline and try again. Thanks Darrell for helping my daughter look stunning and me look like a hero!"

"Having discovered The Darrell Thomas fabric shop has been the delight of my days. The fabrics are heavenly, colour, texture and notions to die for. The sheer artistry of the shoppe's look is very inspiring. Quality is fabulous. To visit is experiencing top quality service, enthousiasm and know-how shared so warmly. The infinite attention to detail by all personel when I am putting a look together is so exciting. Classy yet a lot of fun. One feels transported to the shops in Paris or Rome. Thank Heaven for a real awesome place to shop. I am already looking forward to my next visit."