*Reposted and updated*
Anyone can take you on a shopping trip. Let's face it; a basic tour... "Here's a store! Let's go inside!" - That doesn't take much skill or knowledge.
Here's the thing. Since I am in the district all the time, talking to store owners, looking at what's new, and discovering what's special, I curate a really useful selection of stores, respecting your time, their businesses, and recognizing their ability to cut special deals when appropriate. There are more stores than most people have time to explore, and while some of them are otherwise invisible, talk to enough people and you can find any of them... eventually. Below, I am offering a list of some stores for those of you who would prefer to organize your own explorations. I made this list in 2012, and while much of it has changed, much of it hasn't...
Let's say you are in New York City for a week. Or a day. Or a few hours. Or even a few minutes... You may read this blog, and get jazzed by the descriptions of a variety of stores, but which ones do you visit? Well, that depends on what you want to make. Are you easily overwhelmed by too many stores and choices? Are you on a budget? What season is it? Do you know what you need, or do you need input and encouragement?
You can always plan to come with me on a guided tour. My September 28th tour is full, but there are still plenty of spaces open for the November 2 tour (this was a long time ago...). If you like the fun and support of shopping in a group, with an organized plan, discounts, and lunch, come with me! Even if a guided tour is not your cup of tea, keep reading...
With full awareness that I have been walking the district for years, and have grown very comfortable with these stores, I know that it remains a mystery and a maze for many others, and non-professionals are often intimidated by the frantic, constant hustle-bustle of the area. For shopping on your own, this blog gives you plenty of reviews and ideas for places to go, so I'll organize some choices for you, to make planning a little easier. Of course, there are many more, but this will get your feet wet. Click through the links for all details on any of these stores.
For the designer/fashionista type:
New York Elegant Fabrics
Paron
Fabrics & Fabrics (new, expanded Lace Star)
B&J
Mood
Metro Textiles
For the crafter/accessory/home dec maker type:
New York Elegant (upstairs)
Leather Suede Skins
Leather Impact
Day to Day Fabrics
Botani
Pacific Trimming
Mokuba
Daytona
Beads World
Mood
Printed cottons:
Material World (window - front of store - Alexander Henry prints)
Rosen and Chadick (window)
NY Elegant (center aisle)
Shirtings:
Rosen and Chadick
New York Elegant
High quality, Classic fabrics:
Rosen & Chadick
B&J
Elliott Berman
For the Explorer/Adventurer/Bargain Hunter:
Truemart
Metro Textiles
Its a Material World
Formal/Bridal:
Sposabella
C&J
Fabrics & Fabrics
B&J
Costume:
Fabrics World
Spandex House
New York Elegant
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
Dersh Feathers
M&J Trimming
Swim/Lingerie, Dance, Sport and Stretch:
Spandex House
Spandex World
Fabrics World
Notions and equipment:
Steinlauf & Stoller
SIL Thread
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
Daytona
Panda
Buttons:
Pacific Trimming
M&J Trimming
Tender Buttons (not in the garment district, but not to be missed!)
Zippers:
SIL Thread
Steinlauf & Stoller
Daytona
Pacific
Panda
Botani
Patterns and books:
Paron
Daytona (very small, very haphazard selection)
Fashion Design Bookstore
Butterick (order online)
Onion (order online)
McCalls (order online)
Vogue (order inline)
Simplicity (order online)
Burda (order online/buy publication)
Folkwear (order online)
Vintage and Old Patterns (order online)
Vintage Pattern Lending Library (order online)
Linings:
Guide Fabrics
Services:
Getting snaps, studs, etc. applied
Getting buttons covered
Buttonholes
Grommets applied
Scissors sharpened
Pleating
Fusing
Dressmakers and teachers
Whew! I think I need a nap... and this represents juts a SLIVER of the district. Seriously. Come on a tour (click the link at the top of the page) if you wanna hang out with the big kids...
Labels: Elliott Berman Textiles, fabric stores, garment district tour, Metro Textiles, Mood Fabrics, NY Elegant, NYC fabric shopping, Rosen and Chadick Fabrics, SIL Thread, speakeasy tour