Dioramarama: Los Angeles Fabric District

Hooray, it's winter break! It's 2005! Goodbye, stupid 2004. I just got back from California. My mom and I took a trip to L.A. to the fashion district (nee garment district) and hit the textile shops. There are 90+ fabric shops in about a six-block area, which is overwhelming to say the least. Despite giving myself permission to drop a load of cash on fabric, I barely got anything. There just wasn't a lot of the stuff that's in my sewing repertoire. In my non-expert opinion, you're better off going there with specific projects in mind, else you'll effectively shut down, like I did! If you're looking for something basic, you'll be able to find a bargain by going through all the smaller shops and haggling. Also, the variety and quality of home dec fabrics thoughout the district seemed to be far better than the fashion fabrics. I was expecting to find unique castoffs from clothing manufacturers, but it seemed like everything was of the cheapy boring Joann's variety. There were TONS of faux fur, too, which I though was interesting.

Michael Levine, the biggest and most established store in the district, had the best selection but the highest prices. That's where I got my haul:

That's a mustardy uphostery fabric remnant, some sweet stretchy nubby wool suiting, a bit of retro barkcloth and a border print, and a load of black gingham.

Michael Levine's had a bucket of free purse frames (limit two per customer) which of course I took advantage of:

Since the fabric haul was not living up to expectations, the money burning a hole in my pocket had to find another outlet:

Oh no! New hobby! My recent Pashupatina purchase lit the beading fire. This was all from a place called Bohemian Crystal, which had an amazing selection of glass beads. Since I was under time pressure I neglected to get anything in the purple or gray family, which is just so sad. Now I just have to get all the tools and learn how to make things.

Many more updates are on the way. I am returning to a regular posting schedule, so stay tuned.

Those metal things in the second picture are for coin purse type things- missing the fabric of course.

Could you please tell me where the fabric district in LA is actually located? I want to get a lot of home dec fabric. We are moving and I need to start from scratch again.

Thanks,
Pam

Go to 9th and Maple or 9th and Wall. If you exit the 110 at 9th and go into the city you will hit Maple - park and you are there

can you tell me where Blacks fabric store is located in the LA fabric district?

I will be in LA in June and am looking for remnent fabrics for cushions for my sofa. Where do you suggest I go?? Thanks for any help.

Hi. I am desperate to find brown fabric with large white polka dots. I need apparel fabric, that would be good for make a scarf.
Any suggestions???
Thank you,
Betsy