Last week, I walked into Gray Lines Linen, (notice that the store signage reads "Gray Lines", while the website reads "Gray Line") with no idea what to expect. Linen isn't necessarily "my thing", so I didn't understand why one store would be dedicated to linens only, and I had never sought this store out specifically. Why did I go in? I had an inquiry from a person who was looking to make liturgical garments. Apparently, this is the go-to source if you want to make traditional, quality garments for clergy. They absolutely have what she needed. The staff was exceptionally personable and knowledgeable, giving me full information on the products they offer, and enthusiastically extended a business card to me for future reference.
Gray Line Linen |
| 260 W 39th Street, Store #4 New York, NY 10018-4410 M-F 9-6:30 Sat 10-5:30 212-391-4130 |
"Gray Line Linen, offers 5 different types of solid linens: handkerchief linens, warsa linens, barry linens, judy linens, and yarn dye linens. The width of each linen is 58/60". Due to the natural characteristics of linens, colors are subject to variations.
At Gray Line Linen, we have been providing linens and fabrics to customers across the country for more than 20 years. During this time, we have earned a highly favorable reputation for our amazing prices, our fantastic customer service, and our beautiful linen designs."
Used for upholstery, apparel, bed sheeting, table runners, etc., linen certainly has more variety than I first realized. From the most formal, sedate, traditional offerings, to the more fashionable, colorful, and textural ones, the store is extremely well organized and tidily presented. Be sure to visit their website for more information.
My impression as a shopper in this store:
Gray Line has a very clear view of who they are and who they serve. You'll notice that there are no wasted words on their website. Since this is a very no-nonsense business without cute stories or gimmicks, this is the place for you if you know what you need. Employees are eager to help or explain/describe the products to anyone with a plan in mind.
I sewed 2 pairs of linen trousers this summer with fabric from Gray Line. I thought they were very helpful and the fabric was great and reasonably priced.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
DeleteJust wanted to comment that I was there after christmas last year and had a wonderful experience. The staff was very friendly and the fabric I purchased was wonderful quality.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that!
DeleteI have ordered from them and found their linen to equal a premier linen company for a better price!! thanks for the reminder...I need some fine linen for a project!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! This blog is fulfilling its purpose with this post, then!
DeleteI visit the Garment District once a year, and always spend at least a full day there. I love seeing and feeling fabrics in a variety of shops, but mainly buy from Grey Line. I love linen, and nobody does it better.
ReplyDeleteGreat to know. Wow - judging from this feedback, looks like there's some linen in my future, eh?
DeleteMore customer love for that store! They have a chair inside the door where you can rest your weary feet for a moment, drop your bags, and browse with your eyes. The store is nicely air-conditioned, too, which sounds strange to mention, but on a hot summer shopping day, it's a 39th St. oasis. Staff has always been friendly.
ReplyDeletePrices are great, and look up high for sale bolts. The store is neatly arranged and brightly lit. It's hard to beat their selection & price. If they don't have what you need, they have swatches for ordering.
I found some amazing 19" wide linen at this store. It's Russian, coarsely woven, and has different colored stripes on a burlap-colored background. They've had red, green, blue, orange, & multi-colored stripes in the past few years. All you have to do is pre-wash it (separately, because the water will be the color of brewed tea!), dry it, hem the ends, and you have a table runner. I've also bought some to make a tote (with wooden handles from Joyce Trim). In the store, walk all the way down the main aisle & take the first left. This linen will be on the wall on the left. It's also shown on their online slide show -- look for the stripes & the metal shelving.
I never know quite what to call this store, either, with their sign, their site, and their cards. Fifty Shades of Gray Linen?
Ha! I am happy to see that you have found this store, too! I have walked right past it for years! What glowing reviews - and the 19" linen sounds perfect for planning a Thanksgiving table for the family this year. I'm on it!
DeleteIt sounds great for kitchen towels also
DeleteThey were one of the first stores I ever went to in the GD. I always come out of there with something, whether I have immediate plans for it or not.
ReplyDeleteThey have a "Table Runner" category on their website. Looks like they have more stripe varieties than ever before, and it's only $7 a yard. They say it's 18" but mine's 19" + change unwashed & 18.5" washed. It would be absolutely perfect for a Thanksgiving table runner! Plan to wash it first (I did mine by hand in the sink), because it will bleed that natural linen color & shrink up a bit. Also, it smells "burlap-y" until you wash it, and feels very coarse. It will soften after washing.
I think I picked up a wider piece of that, too, on one trip. I'll have to dig in my stash to see.... Yep -- I've got a 42" wide piece with green stripes. Glad I looked, because I need to make that into a tablecloth before my annual Halloween get-together!