Update on Paron Fabrics' Relocation, Plus Moving Sale

Note: Paron has since closed.

Paron Fabrics is leaving its W. 40th Street location for a spot on W. 39th.

[Note: As of 2/7/12 Paron's is still at its 40th Street location. A person who answered the phone at Paron's said they will be there for another two weeks.] 

Paron's is getting ready to pack up and move to their new location at 257 W. 39th Street (across from Dakota Braids & Trims), and all fabric has been reduced. Everything in the main room is 30 percent off, and everything in the Annex is 60 percent off. You can tell they haven't added any new inventory in awhile, and the pickings in the Annex are really slim, but I was able to grab the last 2.5 yards of a patterned wool I first coveted months ago, now 30 percent cheaper. Store employees tell me Paron's will open in its new location around the beginning of February, and that this week is the last week they'll be open at W. 40th. I'm looking forward to visiting the new location, and fingers crossed that they keep the Annex.

Current Kwik Sew and Burda patterns are not on sale, but you can find out-of-print Vogue, Butterick and Burda patterns for $2 each in the Annex.

Find of the Week: Waterproof Trench Coat Cotton, $5.99/yd

You'll never know what deals you'll find at this store at 257 W. 39th Street.  Ignore the tacky signs at the storefront

Now why didn't fabric store Gate 232 have this trench coat cotton before I paid over $20 a yard at B&J Fabrics for my raincoat fabric?! $5.99 a yard is an amazing price to pay for this quality cotton fabric. I am no expert in determining levels of waterproofness or water resistantness, but it passed the Google-aided tests I administered on a swatch yesterday. (But you know what, at only $5.99 a yard you can't really hate me too much if this fabric doesn't keep you dry enough to your personal satisfaction.) Comes in light khaki and navy, and has a very sturdy hand perfect for three-season rain wear. Look for it in the middle of the store on the right-hand side.

That's the khaki trench coat cotton in the center.

I dropped water on a swatch and it sat like this on top of the fabric for an entire afternoon, until I got tired of the experiment. I was also unable to breathe through the swatch, which is a sign it is waterproof on both sides. Again, don't take my word for it, though; perform your own tests before you buy.

Make Your Own Sequin Dress for the Holidays

DKNY Sequin Dress, $345, Bloomingdales

Sequins, sequins, sequins! Holiday Fashion 2011 is one big sparkly mess. You, you smart little sewist you, can whip up your own little one-of-a-kind sequin number for far less than you'd pay in the better stores. Just head over to NYC's Garment District, specifically the north side of W. 39th Street. Most of the stores there have loads of sparkly sequin fabric priced between $10 and $30 a yard; feel free to negotiate your way to a lower price with the sales staff. The stores I'd start with are G&R, Gate 232 (this store keeps changing owners and names; just look for lots of tacky signs in the window and on the street), and Logo. And if you have any tips for sewing sequin fabric, please comment here. I may be sewing my first sequin dress and I could use some help!

G&R Fabrics

G&R Fabrics

Worth a Look: Designer Fabrics at Prime Fabrics

I stopped into Prime Fabrics on W. 35th Street yesterday for another look at a store that's still new to me. There were a few fabrics that really caught my eye, including these:

The photo does not do this Prada-esque fabric justice. The colors are bright and vibrant and scream Prada Spring 2011 to me. This is 45" wide, silk ribbed faille with lycra for a little stretch (stable knit). Absolutely gorgeous; I was quoted $18/yd.

Every fashion magazine on the newsstands now has a blue-and-white spread. This midweight poly/cotton print with big butterflies would make a great dress or skirt. Quoted $10/yd.

For your stunning beach coverup. Armani cotton lace that looks like macramé. Quoted $25/yd.

Tis the Season for Bargains on Fabric

The department stores may be packed with holiday shoppers but it's quiet in New York City's Garment District. Seems acquiring fabric is the last thing on folks' minds right now. However, it's a great time to score some deals on fabric because the stores still want to make money. Earlier this week I walked away with nearly two yards of designer metallic brocade from a mid-level fabric store for only $6.50! Tell the store owners or staff what you're willing to spend and take it from there. Let me know what you buy, ok?

Find of the Week: Cashmere Knits for Holiday Gifts

Magaschoni cashmere infinity scarf, $210, Bloomingdale's. You could make one of these scarves in cashmere for a fraction of that price.

Once again, anything in cashmere is hot for the holidays. Why not make cashmere infinity scarves for your friends and relatives? Mood Fabrics in NYC's Garment District has tissue-weight cashmere knit for $60 a yard, 64 inches wide. You could get two scarves out of that. Or, you could make a double-sided scarf, like this Burberry scarf at Bloomingdale's: One side is cashmere, the other is wool you have (maybe) in your stash.

Find of the Week: Warm Coat Linings at B&J Fabrics

B&J Fabrics has Sunback lining for coats and jackets in loads of colors, even some prints, like this paisley above.

A relative of mine just bought a really cute duffle coat at J. Crew Factory, but after wearing it this weekend she realized it wasn't going to provide her much warmth. So I told her I'd replace it with a heavier lining fabric, known as Sunback or Kasha lining. It's satiny on one side and like a soft flannel on the other. Really boosts the warmth factor without adding bulk.

I called the fabric stores in the Garment District I thought might carry Sunback lining: Mood, Rosen & Chadick, NY Elegant and B&J. Mood only has it in hunter green ($12/yd), Rosen & Chadick carries only a couple of colors and charges $20/yard, and NY Elegant has several colors at $12.99/yard.

But B&J has oodles of colors, even a print or two, at $10.95 a yard! That's lower than the online prices I've found for Sunback lining. I never thought B&J would be the winner in this category, but there I go again, underestimating this store. I bought two yards of Sunback lining in a paisley print (photo above). Call them at 212-354-8150 and ask for swatches, or visit their web site: B&J Fabrics. Tell them Shop the Garment District sent you!

Note: I swear I saw Paulina Porizkova buying fabric in B&J when I was there. Had to be her.