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| Tons of waterproof fabric options at B&J Fabrics |
But I'm on a quest to find ultra-soft cotton to make a nightgown, so last week I decided to see what B&J had to offer. I was happy to find the store has some excellent choices for me, particularly the Italian cotton shirtings (so soft!), but I was even more delighted to find how much I enjoyed shopping there. The store was hopping with customers, but I still was able to get the undivided attention of a young sales associate who swatched away for me and made excellent recommendations while we chatted about her infant son.
And my initial assessment that everything at B&J is too pricey is off-base. There are plenty of very decent fabrics under $20 a yard. B&J has one of the best selections of waterproof fabrics in the Garment District, most priced between $15 to $35 a yard. A raincoat is on my list of spring sewing projects, so I'll be back, and you should give this store another look too.
Good review.
ReplyDeleteWow and wow. What a great review. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI just picked up what I think will be an awesome raincoat pattern (Sewing Workshop Soho Coat--sample looked great in the store), so I'll be interested to hear what fabric you pick. I'll be purchasing from afar.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I went to B & J, several months ago, they also had a great selection of cotton batik fabric for about $12 a yard.
ReplyDeleteAnd somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they have the best selection of Liberty of London Tana Lawn in the City. In addition to the cotton, they had some L of L jerseys and corduroy.
I always feel less overwhelmed there then at Mood, and I'm also a bit afraid of dogs, so the Mood mascot doesn't help.
Lindsay T:
ReplyDeleteWith this new blog you should continue the "tour" series you started on the other one. Here are some suggestions:
Where to go in the Garment District or its environs* for
--Fabric and trim for a Chanel-style suit;
--High-quality tailoring supplies;
--Sew-in and fusible interfacing (The closing of Greenberg and Hammer creates a big vacuum);
--Thread;
--Sportswear fabric;
--Hardware;
--Specialty work, e.g., pleating, embroidery.
--Muslin.
*The GD officially ends around 34th Street. But obviously, there are useful stores below it and elsewhere.
Maybe also include a note on whether they have a web site, or will ship to other parts of the country.
ReplyDeleteSome of us, alas, live in a garment sewing wasteland...
Hi LindsayT
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your garment district shopping guide was great when i visited NYC in september this year - keep the reviews coming - we dont have mant good fabric and notions stores left in Sydney :(
Wendy from Sydney Australia
Thanks for this review. I've only been to B&J once, when I was still fairly new to sewing. Everything was gorgeous but I definitely had the same feeling you used to - that B&J was too rich for my blood! Now that I'm more experienced I probably would be less intimidated by some of the prices, but it's great to be reminded that they do have some more affordable fabrics. You've changed my mind!
ReplyDeleteB&J is a place to go once....just to say you've been. Prices I saw were too high for me, but I enjoyed looking.
ReplyDeleteLiberty prints can also be found at Purl Soho, BTW.
Fabric.com carries lots of Liberty similar price after conversion to cost in London Also I find a lot of them at Brittex in San Francisco where I hail from
ReplyDelete