Fabric Stores Keep Closing - What Now?

Whether it's your local independent fabric supplier or big box stores like Joann and Calico Corner, it seems like it's harder and harder to shop for material.

Here in Los Angeles County where I live, that has included not only the brick and mortar locations of Joann and Calico Corner but also small retailers like:

• Momen Plus in Torrance that specialized in Kokka and other Japanese cottons

• The Cotton Shop in Redondo Beach that carried fabulous fine textiles

• The Fabric Store in downtown LA with awesome silks and wools (though their New Zealand stores are still open)

• Shelbi Ranch in Solvang, easily the most insane fabric store in this hemisphere

Adding to these losses, several of my favorite Fashion District fabric suppliers have closed due to slow business, increasing rent, and property damage.

So as a fabric seller and fashion designer in the apparel capital of America, I feel the pain of having fewer fabric shops to choose from. One of the things that I miss the most about these stores closing is being able to stop in and get my creativity flowing just by seeing new prints in stock. For me, I often stop into local fabric stores to support them and get inspiration (and deals).

If you're already a customer of Ellesby Fabric, you know that shopping online is already an option. Etsy is still one of the best places to go for selection and individual service online. But what about the ability touch your fabric and match your colors in person?

Always get a swatch when possible online!

Ellesby Fabric has been on Etsy for ten years. In our experience, we know that issues like different screen resolutions, color variations, and misinterpretations of fabric descriptions can abound when shopping without seeing and feeling the textile.

I always recommend getting a swatch first (when time permits). At Ellesby Fabric, you can order a swatch of whatever fabric you'd like here SWATCH LINK. Just let me know in the checkout comment box or via message to clarify what you want.

But if the thing you miss the most about going to a physical fabric store is happening upon a crazy deal or raiding the clearance sales, check out Whatnot. Whatnot is a fairly new platform that mixes live selling and bidding - like a combination of the Home Shopping Network, Tiktok, and Ebay. The sewing and crafting community is small but supportive on the site, and the deals that you can get are unreal. You'll have to be willing to buy something based only on someone showing it to you and telling you about it right then, but Whatnot sales are very interactive. If you want to check it out, you can sign up with this link (https://whatnot.com/invite/EllesbyFabric) and get US $15 off your first winning bid from our Ellesby Fabric sales. Most items go for well below $15!

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While Michael's Craft Stores are currently making room on their sales floors for Joann's fabric and notions, in my opinion, the prices at both retailers have always left something to be desired. What do you think? Will Michael's have a happy marriage with Joann, and will you, the customer, get good prices and selection?

Tell us about some of the fabric stores that you miss in the comments below!