*I did search through the DHE catalog and did not find any of these items in the catalog*. So I hope it is okay to post these businesses.
Here are a few resources for fine fabrics and leather.
You can get fabrics samples free from Fox Brothers in Somerset. Look through their selection and request those samples. The samples I received were plenty big enough to make a whole suit, or a lady's cape, or a ladies walking suit. Minidolls.com - Wool
For fine silk, plain and patterns. Linen, cottons, and just about anything you could want. I send to NY Fashion Center. They have great sales, but you can also order swatches which are VERY generous in size. Enough to make a garment unless a dress has volumes of ruffles and flounces. If you can go together with some miniature friends and join their "swatch club", you get 50% off their swatches. They also have a great selection of leathers. I bought only swatches and had plenty to make my chaps, saddle bags, reins and even a couple pair of boots.
Swatch Club Membership Fabric – Designer Fabric by The Yard
NY Fashion Center Fabrics - Online Fabric Store
My main silk source is is Golden Silk Fabrics on Ebay. They have a HUGE selection of silks. Nicole is very easy to deal with. She will also send samples for 10 cents. I've been buying from them for years and never received a bad piece of material. http://stores.ebay.com/Golden-Silks-...p2047675.l2563
For silk ribbon...2mm and up I buy from "Thread Art". They have he best prices I have ever found and amazing sales. They also a variety of needles and threads for tiny projects. Embroidery Thread | Supplies | Designs | Embroidery Blanks | Rhinestones
Doll Artist's Workshop, as I mentioned in another thread, has a nice selection of wools in dollhouse scales. Click on "See All Colors" to bring up more patterns and colors. Considering her quality, I find her prices very reasonable. Minidolls.com - Wool
Like many of you, I also hit the local thrift store (we have one) for fabrics, old hats, jewelry pieces and whatever else I can find. If I am lucky, I find super great bargains and nice silk garments. Timing is everything.
Hope these suggestions will help some. Btw: Most of these don't carry duty because of the low amounts of purchase.