Of the many small fabric stores that populate W. 39th Street between 7th and 8th, Chic Fabric is one of the better ones. And it's open on Saturday and Sunday.[Note: Please visit my web site Shop the Garment District for the most up-to-date information about fabric and trim shopping in the Garment District.]
Ever been shopping in one of Mexico's border towns? There's lots of little shops that tantalize you with bright colors and shiny objects, and you think oooh, I'm gonna get some bargains here. But then you get a little closer and you see that while there may be some hidden gems, there's a lot of cheap and tacky stuff for sale.
That's what shopping on W. 39th Street is like to me. There are undoubtedly some fantastic bargains to be had on top-notch fabrics but you'll have to wade through tons of polyester and other man-made fibers to get to them. Because I usually don't have a lot of time to spend when I'm in the garment district, I prefer to head straight for my favorites—Paron's, Rosen & Chadick and Mood—where I know and trust the quality.
That being said, some sewists may only have the chance to shop in the garment district on a Sunday, when very few stores are open. If this were my situation, I'd head to Chic Fabric. Here I think you'll have a better chance of finding decent fabric. I bought some cotton-with-lycra there for $4 a yard, and other sewists have reported being pleased with their cotton shirtings. Knowing your fabrics and your fiber contents helps when shopping on W. 39th because few stores label their fabrics.
Chic Fabric 225 W. 39th Street
New York, NY
212-398-9451
M-F 9:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10 am - 6 pm; Sun 11 am - 5 pm
New York, NY
212-398-9451
M-F 9:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10 am - 6 pm; Sun 11 am - 5 pm
5 comments:
I have to agree with you about these smaller shops. I prefer to shop where I know the quality.
I haven't made it to Chic yet, but Trena has told me that they have inexpensive cotton batiste, so next time I'm in NYC I'm going to stop at Chic if for nothing else but this absolute necessity.
What an apt description! *LOL* I crossed Chic Fabrics off my list a long time ago because I don't have time to waste pawing through stuff...like you I'm in and out of the district and I want to go where I know I can sate my fabric thirst quickly and efficiently!
If you click on the picture, the enlargement is so clear, you'll feel as if you're walking through the front door of that store. Once again: wonderful pictures, great description of the store.
Oh, I'm a huge fan of Chic. Everything I've bought there has been top notch quality. I go straight for the batiste, shirtings, and silk dupioni. I've not found much other than these basics, but basics are basics for a reason, right?
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