I went fabric shopping in New York City! Garment District Fabric Haul

[@Mamahubes]

I teach sewing and design to HS students in CT but it’s a 70 min train ride to the Garment District of NYC. I take my students there 2x a year. The best selection is in NYC. I have found smaller sellers with fabulous prices since I’ve been in there over 20 years. If you are flexible you can get great bargains and fabrics that you can’t find anywhere else. Metro textiles is my favorite. A small place that also has a $4 wall of fabrics.

[@SewSewLounge]

I will have to check out Metro Textiles next time! I only had a few hours in NYC so I only had time for a few stores.

[@Linda-xb4oy]

I love ❤️ mood fabric store. After spending hours in there it’s time to go home 😂 The cape fabric is fabulous. Perfect choice.

[@SewSewLounge]

I could have spent all day at Mood! So glad you like my fabric for the cape. I just couldn’t resist ❤️

[@lovly2cu725]

NYC and la both

[@Lois-u3w]

Ty for shopping in new York . I always want to go there. Bring more videos please

[@SewSewLounge]

I always wanted to go shopping in NY too. Now I want to go back!

[@maritzakincaid4303]

I'll be in NYC tomorrow ! My one and only "must" go to is Mood! I am purposely packing as lightly as I can so I have room for all the yardage I'm planning to pickup. Of course, if I can't fit it all in one suitcase, I'll be purchasing a second one to bring back with me. Last time I was in NYC was 1992 and Mood was not open to the general public, so I am BEYOND thrilled to get there this time, definitely a bucket list check-off!

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes!! I’m SO excited for you. It’s everything you hope it will be plus the staff is super nice and helpful. Have a fabulous trip ❤️

[@toniwilson3827]

Wonderful choice of fabrics ❤👍🏾

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! I really like them and look forward to sewing them up ☺️

[@scottydog6539]

I used to shop in the Garment District years ago. I loved it there. Omg. It was a wonderful time

[@SewSewLounge]

It was a dream!! I can’t wait to go back 😍

[@dottiemathews6853]

that cape coat pattern brought me back some wonderful memories. i used to have a coat like that when i was in high school. it was a white fleece wool coat. it was so pretty! i loved it! this was back in the 1970's.

[@SewSewLounge]

I love it! It’s such a statement piece. Unfortunately I don’t get to wear it often because winters are super cold in Texas.

[@sphhyn]

I went to NY last November and visited a couple of shops for fabric and trims and buttons. The selection of what you can get is amazing ! I was particularly amazed by a shop that offered only stretchy fabrics for leggings , sports wear , dancing costumes and such. They had hundreds of fabrics. Amazing ! I just had to buy some because these fabrics are hard to get in Germany , especially the printed ones.

[@SewSewLounge]

That sounds amazing! I only had a few hours in the city so I went to stores recommended by a friend. Next time I will plan to send a few days just wandering fabric and trim stores in the garment district!

[@carolsloanes4938]

Sometimes you've just got to have that special pricey fabric to make your dreams come true. I really enjoyed the New York Garment District shopping spree.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yes! My sentiments exactly.

[@skoop0808]

I would love to spend about a day in Mood. I loved watching you going through all the shops; it definitely fed my addiction for all things sewing!

[@SewSewLounge]

Mood is magical place. So glad that came across in the video and glad you liked it ❤️

[@dottiemathews6853]

i think that Pierre Cardin print would look fabulous in a VonFerstenberg wrap dress pattern

[@SewSewLounge]

Good idea! But then my sister might steal it 😂

[@jenelleburton1903]

Very interesting!❤❤❤ Thank you for taking us with you!

[@SewSewLounge]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@connieadams5010]

Oh my goodness!!!! I have to go to New York!!!! I have always heard that people from New York really aren’t very fond of Texans. I live a little north of Houston in Cleveland, Texas. After seeing your video, I’m going!!!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@SewSewLounge]

I’ve driven through Cleveland and had lunch at your local Whataburger 😂! I have to say I was really surprised at how nice and friendly everyone was in New York. You hear about people being rude but everyone I met was friendly and helpful. The garment district is just amazing. You will have a fabulous trip!

[@lovly2cu725]

La has mood also

[@patriciac4562]

Mood! Definitely on the bucket list! Can't wait to see what you make with your finds!

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s on my list to go back!! Apparently they also have stores in LA and Miami, so they are on my list too.

[@heatherstewart7131]

Loved shopping with you. Loved all your choices.

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lifesbanquet4501]

For someone who gets overwhelmed in Joann, I would probably run shrieking from the button and trim shop!

[@SewSewLounge]

It was intense and I have no idea what to do with trim.

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Your Joann must be better than my Joann.

[@brendaescalon2175]

Mee too

[@leeannoneal4847]

Wow, that fuschia and plum wool looks stunning against your skin and hair! That cape will be a piece you will wear for the rest of your life! Beautiful, as were all of your other choices.

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww, thank you. I feel in love with it when I spotted it at Mood. I'm hoping to sew it up this weekend since the weather will be cold all of next week!

[@Upcycledbaglady]

New subscriber. Love your content. Looking forward to visiting mood on our trip to New York. You have lived my dream. Congrats!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww thank you. It was my dream too!! I’m sure you will have a wonderful time at Mood ❤️

[@paulaneary7877]

OMG! That first store with all the trims! OMG my mouth is watering for all of it! That fabric you bought for a dress, I think would be VERY cute as a skirt and a bolero or short jacket. Sort ofa full skirt. IDK. It is so beautiful that anything would be great, right?

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you so much!! Good lead for that fabric-I still haven’t made anything with it, but 2024 is the year to make that happen 😉

[@jeananne2408]

Thank you for taking us shopping in New York fabric district. I always wondered what it would be like.

[@SewSewLounge]

You are welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video ❤️

[@pjacksreads536]

All beautiful choices. I can’t wait to see your makes. Mood is my dream shopping spot ! I’ve never been.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s truly and amazing fabric store. I wish I’d had more time to wander around and explore.

[@janellvincent8046]

Looks like so much fun!! Beautiful trims and buttons.

[@SewSewLounge]

It was incredible!

[@janetmaffy5375]

I love Mood in LA too. Spent $2400 there, mostly on fabric for a bigger costuming project for 4 people, but still...and sateen from Mood is my absolute favorite to sew with. Their voile and lawn are a close second.

[@SewSewLounge]

I was in LA for a conference a few years ago and really wanted to go to Mood LA. Between Ubering there and back and getting to the airport in time for my flight it would have been close. But I know how I lose track of time when I’m looking at beautiful fabric. Visiting all the Mood stores is on my to do list!

[@AllieCasey]

Always fun to shop NYC. Thanks for the big button shot. I used to work in that building (1411) and across the street in the green building (1407) in the decades I worked in the fashion biz. Next time also try Metro Textiles and M&J trimmings. Loved we you bought.

[@SewSewLounge]

I never had the confidence to go to NYC to work in the fashion biz. That’s so cool that you did! M&J trimmings was on my list but I ran out of time. I’ve got the opportunity to go back in November so I’ll be sure to check it out along with Metro textiles!

[@karlamullen7387]

Between London and NYC you’re definitely ready for the tropics! Lol😊

[@SewSewLounge]

I know, right 🤣 I’d go anywhere to shop for fabric!!

[@yasmincheree]

I’m obsessed with these fabrics they’re so fun! I want to learn how to sew so I’m obsessed with watching fabric hauls😂

[@SewSewLounge]

Watching fabric hauls is the perfect way to get inspired to start sewing. Good luck!

[@deborahduthie4519]

The shiny colourful fabric with the sheen, (a little bit stretchy) would look fantastic on you, as a just below calf length, full pencil dress with a skirt peplum from the hip bone longer at the back and around too shorter at the front. Showing a flat tummy. Save the scraps to trim a broad brim hat. A three quarter length sleeve Bolero jacket. Magic!

[@SewSewLounge]

Now THAT would be quite the outfit! I’m not sure if I have enough fabric but it will be some sort of dress.

[@Rima-vj5tp]

You had me at Shopping! Wow, such beautiful fabrics and trims. Love your fabric choices and I look forward to seeing your makes from them. Thank you so much for taking us with you to these lovely and unique stores!

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@nataliajessen776]

I used to go to B&J about 25 years ago. The store was located on one of the nearby streets then. They had small floor in between 1 and 2nd was selling the remnants of fabric for fraction of the price. Sometimes 2 remnants of the same fabric, if you are lucky... I still have those dresses and tops I saw from that fabrics .Some of them I still have and am going to make Fabulous top and dress for upcoming September's family gathering

[@SewSewLounge]

That is awesome. My friend who worked in the garment district told me to go. They had such beautiful fabrics. Unfortunately most of the ones I fell in love with had less than two yards in stock. That’s the only reason I didn’t buy more from them.

[@maryjostrain5440]

Can't wait to go to the garment district one day!

[@SewSewLounge]

It's really awesome. I can't wait to go back!

[@nichadaye1007]

I’m glad that I came across your vlog . I live in Connecticut and I wanted to go into the city. I love fabric and trimmings. I will go to the stores you went to.

[@SewSewLounge]

Give yourself plenty of time!! There is so much to look at ☺️

[@nichadaye1007]

Whatever I don’t get to see, I’ll make another trip there. It’s a 1 hour train ride. Thanks again.

[@SewSewLounge]

@@nichadaye1007 you are very lucky to live so close!

[@nichadaye1007]

I would love to go to London. I’ve never been there. You were lucky. Scared to fly that far.

[@hindlmissaoui5203]

this is the best video I ve seen in my life. Thank you very very very much :)

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww you’re welcome. It was so much fun to make. Shopping at Mood was a dream come true ❤️

[@TheEvie202]

The plumb herringbone is awesome.

[@SewSewLounge]

It’s one of my favorites. It sewed up beautifully using a Vogue cape pattern.

[@abundantlyinspired]

I haven't been back to the Garment District in about 3 yrs, so thanks for your glorious tour!!!🥰🥰❤️ I still remember the first time I ever went: I had gone into Mood and two other stores and still hadn't bought anything because I was so overwhelmed!!! I started to cry because I'm from such a small town and had never ever seen anything like it before!! After that, I did snap to it and got quite a lot in several places. 🤣😂❤ I love what you purchased.

[@SewSewLounge]

Awww thank you. I would have been overwhelmed at Mood too but I had pattern info with specific fabrics I needed to buy. Glad that you enjoyed the tour ❤️

[@sharonwisinger5162]

Love your choice of colorful fabrics.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thank you! 😊

[@TheEvie202]

The Pierre Cardin is beautiful❤ for a dress cut on the bias.

[@SewSewLounge]

I love it. I’m still trying to find the perfect pattern for it!

[@Heyreneesews]

Thank you for sharing❤️ I would be interested in going to Fabscrap. It’s in Brooklyn. There’s a quilt store called Gotham that looks fun. Otherwise, I would go to Mood to see all their Zimmerman fabric they have left.

[@SewSewLounge]

There are so many stores it’s unbelievable! Glad that you enjoyed my video ❤️

[@janellvincent8046]

Mood Fabric store was my favorite.

[@SewSewLounge]

My favorite too. I hope to go back and spend more time there.

[@lovly2cu725]

There is one in lo s Angeles and online

[@anaugueto4695]

Thanks for the cork Sissy! Can’t wait to make a fancy rose gold tote bag!

[@SewSewLounge]

Aww ❤️so glad you like it!

[@toniwilson3827]

Beautiful place indeed ❤👍😊

[@SewSewLounge]

It really is incredible. I can’t wait to visit again ❤️

[@kittymecham]

Ohhh, I need to go!!!!! All beautiful choices!

[@SewSewLounge]

You won’t be disappointed!! It’s so magical

[@lindaabraham8715]

In the higher end stores, I wonder if they take the trouble to cut the fabric on grain.

[@SewSewLounge]

You know I was so excited about being there and shopping, I wasn’t paying attention at Mood. At BJ they cut the fabric in a back room so I didn’t see if the cut on grain.

[@JohnSmith-qj6bj]

I take the train ( about hr,20 mins)up to N.Y. from Philly once a month. Mood fabrics being the priority, but I always stop in that store down the street from it,the store with all the feathers . Just recently discovered PACIFIC. The store you showed with the button on the cardboard, I never knew about,but I'm anxious to check it out on my next visit,so thank you for that. I discover a new store with each visit which is always fun. You could paint that bucket purple, with spray paint if it metal. Or you could use a funky purple fingernail polish.

[@SewSewLounge]

I wish I was that close to fabric shopping in NYC- but I’d spend my whole pay check on fabric 🤣

[@thomasinagoss5904]

For anyone who never been to Moods fabric store it’s a must to put on your bucket list. At first it can be overwhelming. Its nothing like the experience of JOANN or Hobby lobby. The fabrics district is the place to go.You won’t be disappointed. The prices of the fabrics can be expensive. For a beginner I would not recommend mood fabrics store for a new sewer. The fabrics is just too expensive to mess up. My opinion only. But the experience is great.

[@SewSewLounge]

Thanks for your comment Thomasina. The fabric district is definitely the place to go in NYC. Mood is quite the adventure, which I why I went with a plan. I looked at my receipt and the raincoat fabric was $18/yard and the two linen ones were $16 and $18, which is comparable to full priced fabric at Joanns. I have to disagree that Mood isn’t for new sewers. Just seeing all of the fabric options is extremely inspiring. And there are lower priced fabrics if you take the time to find them. Making a sample in a cheap fabric first is a good way to test out a new pattern before using the “good” fabric.

[@nysunflower9439]

I live on Long Island and have always wanted to go to fabric stores in the city but I find it intimidating. You’ve inspired me to just do it. Also, I LOVE your glasses and need to know where you got them. They totally rock.

[@SewSewLounge]

Go to the city and shop!! I was totally intimidated too, but everyone was so nice. My glasses are Swarovski; I got them at Costco a few years ago.

[@dillismoore432]

That print would look great as a shirt dress with a full skirt

[@SewSewLounge]

That’s the plan-now to find or design the right pattern!

[@nancyhorton6814]

Oh my goodness, golly! I would love to go to New York City for restaurants and museums, but the fabric districts! If anyone knows of buying tours, please post. I live in S.F,CA, Thanks!

[@SewSewLounge]

I am not aware of any specific tours to the shops in the garment district. I put my list together based on blogs posts I found and recommendations from friends who worked in fashion design in NYC. My list had more shops that time allowed; now I have to go back 😉

[@geritavares6031]

H yes buying tour let me know i am in ft laud

[@denisekirszenberg7279]

Tropical prints good for sundresses

[@SewSewLounge]

Oooh that’s a good idea! Now I just need to find the right pattern.

[@hyeni100]

I’m a noob to this. What is the usual protocol when purchasing a piece of fabric? Do you bring the entire bolt to the counter or do you tell an employee what fabric and they come and get it for you?

[@SewSewLounge]

It kind of depends on the store. In general you take the bolt to the cutting table yourself. At Mood some of the bolts are on high shelves so you’d definitely need help to get to them. All of the employees there are super nice, so just ask ☺️

[@susyalvaradoguzman8059]

Que lindo como deseo ir a un lugar como ese

[@SewSewLounge]

Las tiendas de telas eran increíbles!

[@rhondaa18]

Great fun to get a glimpse of Mood from home sewist perspective (not Project Runway). Did you fly to NY? Did you intentionally leave room in your suitcase for fabric? Definitely good idea to go in with specific patterns and probably a budget in mind 😊

[@SewSewLounge]

I did fly to NYC but stayed across the river in NJ with my boyfriend’s family; I only went fabric shopping in NYC for half a day. I did take a very large suitcase and vacuum packing bags to make sure it all fit!! Next time I’ll plan to stay in the city and bring two suitcases 😂

[@Life50Plus]

Thanks for sharing. I will be in NYC in October, so I will definitely head to Mood. But I better go with a plan! 🙂

[@SewSewLounge]

And plan to stay for at least two hours, even though you need at least four! 😉

[@dillismoore432]

A nice wrap skirt@

[@SewSewLounge]

I can’t wait to sew it this year!

[@4gma59]

Wonderful! Thank you for this video. Enjoyed it so much!

[@SewSewLounge]

Yay! I’m so happy to hear that ❤️

[@jodirauth8847]

Did you happen to see any French hand sewing trims?

[@SewSewLounge]

I did not know to even look for such a thing!! I missed it!

[@rncine]

Too bad they don’t hold sleep overs😂 Thank you for this exquisite video, it was fantastic. Some of the trims you saw, people buy it to trim homemade books and junk journals (they can be made of books too)

[@SewSewLounge]

Omg 😍 sleepovers at Mood-that’s a fantastic idea! I’m glad you enjoyed my video. I can see using those trims for books. Come to think of it they would make great bookmarks too!

[@tracyfrost]

I preferred BJ fabrics found fabrics there lovely.

[@SewSewLounge]

Everything I loved (and could afford) at B&J was almost out of stock. Of the 5 fabrics I chose only 1 was available in the 2.5 yards that I needed. All the others were less than a yard 😢. Glad to hear that your fabric haul was successful!

[@TheEvie202]

@ tracyfrost I agree 100% with BJ fabrics. Small business and sells quality.

[@SewSewLounge]

I had a really hard time finding fabric at B&J. Everything I wanted was sold out or had less than 2 yards left 😢

[@marelleq1506]

Pierre cardin print. 40's type dress. A la grace Kelly. Fitted type. You have nice figure Shorter sleeves. Pockets.

[@SewSewLounge]

OMG that's totally what I was thinking!! Glad that you can envision it too. Now I need to find a vintage pattern!

[@AnnSchuster-u9m]

Definitely make a jacket, not a skirt out of that blue and purple sateen cotton. I’d just love the store “mood”.

[@SewSewLounge]

I ended up making a dress. I’m sure you’ll come across that video 😉

[@dillismoore432]

I could spend a day Inwood Fabrics

[@SewSewLounge]

We got a late start that morning otherwise I would have been there all day!! Next trip to NYC!

[@genevastevenalvarez1950]

Mood

[@SewSewLounge]

It was so awesome. I can’t wait to go back!

[@cutiedoggy475]

B and J is super expensive

[@SewSewLounge]

That is true! It was a challenge to find something I could afford. Most of the fabrics I liked were $50 and up.

[@stache1954]

I went there about twenty years ago and they were rude even back then, when all the bolts were available to peruse.

[@TheEvie202]

New York fabric and millinery district is not what it was 30 years ago. All the jobbbers are gone and QUALITY is gone. All you find now is lots of polyester. You think this is a lot, P &S Fabrics , along with many others, were amazing . The good fabric stores are gone due to outrageous rent! The London stores still sell quality.

[@SewSewLounge]

My friend worked in the garment district years ago and most of the shops she recommended to visit weren’t in existence when I went. Very sad 😢