There is a wonderful quilt shop in the Chelsea area - City Quilter on West 25th Street,between 6th and 7th Avenues. They have a great selection of fabrics and the staff are as helpful as you want them to be - help if you want it but they leave you alone if you want to browse and take your time. I used to be able to walk there during lunch, but my company moved last year. I still manage to hop a subway once or twice a month for a quick shopping trip.
Good luck with your job search.