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House of Fabrics

February 3, 2020 by Bubbly1 Leave a Comment

Sewing Revival amidst Closing Fabric Stores

While I have long been a committed sewist, my time for it dropped dramatically when I went back to school in the early 2000’s. I had only visited Yardage Town a couple times, usually for ribbon, and never bought any apparel fabrics there.

Two weeks ago, learning that Yardage Town was closing, a friend and I visited the Vista location. I can’t tell you how much I wish I had a reason to make a special occasion dress. Their fabrics are BEAUTIFUL. Yardage Town has a considerable selection. And, just like the article says, the chain stores do not carry most of what Yardage Town offers.

In the 80’s, being a student at Purdue University, I frequented Neuwelt’s fabric store in Lafayette, Indiana. I bought some of the fabric for my wedding gown there the last time I visited in 1992. Sadly, Neuwelt’s closed not long thereafter.

Moving as I had to Orange County, Californ, I found and developed a very serious love affair for Left Bank Fabrics in Newport Beach. My retirement fund and bank account would look SO much better if I’d never discovered that place. Gorgeous French brocades running $300/ yard, beautiful Italian wool suit fabrics at $125/ yard. I never bought as much there as I wanted to, but I did buy some. I still have some of my gorgeous Left Bank Fabrics fabric that I have not yet sewn up. When I went back to school, my wardrobe needs changed, and I found no need for the silk jacquard prints I still have. Not wanting to waste the fabric, it still hangs in my craft room closet, some 25+ years after I bought it. Since I am no longer in college, I am hoping occasions will arise that justify me making a dress or blouse from that fabric. Sadly, Left Bank Fabrics closed over 20 years ago. Its been a bike shop for a long time.

I bought most of my wedding gown fabric and laces from House of Fabrics. They, too, closed, and most locations became a Joann’s. While I love Joann’s, they no longer carry the fabrics I made my wedding gown of. Just Saturday, I was lamenting this with a friend of mine. We decided a trip to LA’s garment district is in order. I guess the good part of all these fancy apparel fabric stores closing is that my bank account will no longer suffer. With none of the gorgeous fabrics nearby, I won’t be tempted to buy and “age” my fabric, as I have in the past.

I am told that M&L fabrics in Santa Ana, a place I now recall visiting over two decades ago, still has a fantastic selection. I guess a road trip to OC is in order as well.

Happy sewing!!!!!!

Filed Under: Sewing, Uncategorized Tagged With: Garment District, House of Fabrics, Indiana, Joann's, Lafayette, Left Bank Fabrics, Los Angeles, M&L Fabrics, Neuwelt's, Purdue University, Santa Ana, Vista, wedding gown, Yardage Town

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