BUBBO | Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this handwoven fabric vintage or used?
A:All our fabrics arevintage, not "used" in the traditional sense.They are deadstock or archival fabrics, meaning they were woven decades ago but never made into final products. They have been stored away, often in family trunks, and are in excellent, unused condition for their age.
Q: What does "excellent condition for its age" mean?
A:We are passionate about preserving the authentic character of our fabrics. This means you may find minor, natural signs of time, such as slight variations in dye lot, a gentle patina, or subtle weaving irregularities. We do not consider these flaws; they are thebeautiful signature of their handcrafted heritage and history.Any significant issues (like holes or stains) are always clearly disclosed in the product description and photos.
Q: Will the fabric shrink or fade?
A:As with most natural, vintage, and even some modern fabrics, there is a potential for minimal shrinkage or fading. We strongly recommendpre-washing a small swatchof the fabric using the cold water and air-drying method you plan to use for your final project. This is the best way to ensure perfect results. Detailed care instructions are provided with each order.
Q: Where do you source these fabrics?
A:We work directly with a network ofgrassroots community activists across rural China.They help us connect with families who hold these precious textiles, allowing us to ensure a fair and respectful sourcing process. This also lets us learn and share the story behind the fabric.
Q: How is this sustainable?
A:By giving these existing fabrics a new life, we actively participate in acircular economy.We are rescuing textiles from being lost or discarded, reducing the demand for new resource-intensive production. You are not just buying a product; you are making a choice to value history over waste.
Q: Do you ship to my country? What are the costs?
A:We proudly ship worldwide! We offer free standard shipping on orders over $88.8 to the US, Canada, New zealand and Australia. For detailed rates and delivery times to all other countries, please see our comprehensive [Shipping Policy].
Q: The color on my screen looks different from the fabric I received.
A:We meticulously photograph our fabrics in natural light to represent their true colors as accurately as possible. However,slight variations can occur due to different monitor settings.The unique, non-industrialized dyeing processes of the past also mean that each batch is truly one-of-a-kind. If matching an exact shade is critical for your project, please message us before ordering—we are happy to provide extra photos or details!
Q: What is your return policy?
A:Due to the unique, vintage, and often limited-quantity nature of our products,all sales are final.We provide extensive descriptions and multiple high-resolution photos from every angle to ensure you know exactly what you are purchasing. We are always here to answer any questions you have before you buy to ensure you are completely happy with your choice.
Q: Why do you sell both vintage, handwoven fabrics and modern fabrics? Where do your modern fabrics come from?
A: This is a wonderful question, and it goes to the very heart of the BUBBO philosophy!
Think of our shop as a curated gallery. Our Handwoven Heritage Fabrics are the "masterpieces"—the one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable works of art that we travel and hunt for. They are the soul of our collection, each with a unique story and a past life.
Our Modern Fabrics are what we call "The Supporting Cast." They are the beautiful, reliable, and high-quality "gallery walls" upon which the masterpieces can shine.
We personally source our modern fabrics from the overstock of high-end apparel companies and designer studios—we call this "deadstock." These are not average, mass-market fabrics. They are professional-grade textiles, chosen by us for two main reasons:
- To be the Perfect Partner: Their colors and textures are carefully selected to perfectly complement our heritage handweaves. They are the ideal "background" fabric for a quilt, the sturdy base for a bag with a handwoven accent panel, or the perfect lining for a special jacket.
- To Offer an Accessible Starting Point: We want everyone to experience the joy of creating. Our modern deadstock fabrics, with their wider widths and more accessible price points, are the perfect, guilt-free starting point for any maker to begin their creative journey with us.
In short, our handweaves are the "why"—the soul and the story. Our modern fabrics are the "how"—the versatile, high-quality tools that help you bring that story to life.