Right. So you want to get your act together on the patio and design a pretty space to relax and entertain. Tired of your local garden store cushions, you head over to Target and other retailers but walk away feeling less than inspired. What to do?

First of all, you always have the option of working with a designer or decorator who has showroom access and can get you in front of some of the most gorgeous bolts of to the trade fabric in the world. If your budget doesn't allow you to take this route, I've compiled a list of some of the places I suggest for finding fabric for your patio. If you're in the market for other important details, like lawn furniture and outdoor rugs, you'll want to click on all the links below as most of these places carry a bit of everything. But first, let us drool over this porch, complete with curtains and floor pillows. This is so very southern, makes me really miss living in South Carolina because there's nothing like a big front porch used as a room.

My first pick for all weather textiles is a place called Outdoor Fabrics. Yeah I know, totally obvious what they sell with a name like that. They have a vast selection so I encourage you to check them out. Also try Outdoor Textiles.

I can't mention Arthur Lauer without plugging the modern Adirondack chair from the The Cole Collection designed by the great Sheila Bridges. They're coastal Maine meets Marrakesh and they're guaranteed to rock your cashbah. The Bridges Collection is another favorite of mine because I love all the custom upholstery options.

Ballard Designs is another great resource that I mention frequently here on decor8 for finding fabric, though it's not sold by the yard, they specialize more in outdoor cushions.

Also try Tropitone for all-weather fabric. Bookmark Grandin Road because they have it all, especially lots of colorful choices in solids. Lane Venture also stocks fabric galore, many solids and patterns. Kingsley-Bate, too.

You can't mention outdoor fabric without Sunbrella coming to mind. The Sunbrella Store has everything from awnings to umbrellas. I like their stripes collection the most, when I think of Sunbrella I think of stripes.

Frontgate is another great source that I've mentioned here before. I especially like their interactive cushion design tool, you can dress your chaise before you decide on the perfect cushion.

Misc. clicks: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, House of Fabric, Oxford Garden, Smith & Hawken, Hancock's of Paducah, Crate + Barrel, and Calico Corners. Also try Country Casual for cushions and umbrellas, you can also order swatches.

Happy shopping for outdoor fabric and stay tuned because I'll be putting together a list of my favorite patio finds for Spring and the annual doormat round up scheduled to appear on decor8 next week.

(images all credited and linked directly below each photo.)