Is there quilting fabric to be found in the garment district?
 

I have a chance to take a bus trip to the garment district in NYC. I've been trying to find out if there would be places there for a quilter to shop. The trip sounds exciting for garment sewers but that's not me anymore.

The trip coordinator is on vacation so I have not been able to get any info from her.

Anyone have recommendations for me?

Thanks,
Debbie

I would think any fabric merchants would be wholesalers in that area. Many years ago, when I was just starting out quilting, we would go the garment district in Chinatown in Boston, on certain days, the factories would put out big bags of scraps in the rubbish. We got a lot of fabric that way. Some good for quilting, some not.

Not so much 100% cotton but there are the most wonderful button and trim dealers too. I was kind of disappointed because I did not do either sewing for clothes or home dec. For me to need buttons, I need a specific project so I just looked in amazement at the actual choices. Imagine walls completely covered with selections. Mind blowing but I did not buy anything.

Even the fabric at the shop used by Project Runway does not appeal to me.

If it hadn't been for the garment factory rags bags we wouldn't have Eleanor Burns.

There was one I went to visit but I am sorry I do not remember the name. It was in the big book of Quilt shops. Fascinating spot as it catered to all kinds of material including very expensive ($600+ a yard) yard goods that must have been for show costumes. Not much cotton but great to browse in.

I'd like to hear more about this.
Thanks,
Debbie

You bet, go and have the best time. Many of the stores there have 100% cotton fabric, I have been and bought fabrics.
It is so much fun! Have a good time.

I have no idea ... though I bet instead of the traditional quilting cottons, you might find a goldmine of fine cottons.
Think of .... mens shirtings, ladies blouses, and more!

My sister has a beautiful quilt made fully from men's shirt samples for Harry Rosens Stores (high end mens wear). And the samples were huge, so lots of pieces from one sample.

Do you watch Project Runway? If so you must visit Mood. I think Big City Quilts might be near by. Are you the only quilter in the group?

She helped support her husband and children by making and teaching sewing. She couldn't always afford the fabric so she gathered the thrown out cuttings from the garment factories, hence the first book Log Cabin.