Replies

1. 
   sosewnem | Feb 21, 2006 06:49pm | #1

   Hi,  I grew up in Unionville, CT, which is close to Hartford.  I'd like to welcome you to CT even though I don't live there now.  It's a great state with alot to offer.

   I went looking for Affordable Fabric's website (which has several locations) and couldn't find it.  I used to go to the one in Rocky Hill, CT, which would be a distance from Danbury, but if you want to go explore, it would be fun.  They sell fabrics for $1.99 per yard and I've found some very nice fabrics there!  It seems most of their fabrics are 60" wide, except for calicos, which are the typical 44/45".  Last year, prior to my daughter's study abroad in Egypt trip, we went there and I bought fabric for several tops and several skirts. (one photo attached below)  I think my total was less than $40.00 and we had some wonderful fabrics -- I just wish I'd bought more of a wonderful denim with just a little spandex in it -- it was a dream to work with and looked wonderful!  (Once something sells out, it is unlikely to find more as their stock changes constantly.)  The girls had to be in long skirts and tops with long sleeves.  The other girls who also went to Egypt for this program wondered where my daughter got her clothes!  They do have other fabrics towards the back of the store which do cost more, but at least 2/3 of the store is $1.99.  You could easily spend a couple/few hours in there.  (I'm in South Carolina now, and I do miss my excursions from Massachusetts there.)

   Here is a link that I did find on my web-search that lists fabric stores in CT:

   http://www.fabdir.com/search.php?SearchString=ct&SearchOption=State&submit=Search

   I also noticed knitting stores listed.

   I hope others from CT will respond so you can make some connections. 

   Be blessed!

   Noreen

    

   
2. 
   carolfresia | Feb 22, 2006 12:46am | #2

   How about that! Threads is located about 1/2 hour east of Danbury. There's a Joann's in Brookfield (close to Danbury)--good for buying patterns and notions. There's also a Rag Shop (crafts, notions, iffy fabrics) near the intersection of Rte 37 and I84. Just a hop up the road from there is The Quilt Shop, which has a nice selection of quilting fabrics, a Bernina dealership in the store, and many classes. Near the Danbury Fair Mall is The Fabric Tree, I believe--I haven't been there in a while, but it's not a bad store. For a really good selection of lovely fabrics, including many designer end cuts, travel south to Norwalk and go to Banksville (they have a website).

   Re: Affordable Fabrics: there used to be one in Waterbury, but they closed a year or so ago. All of us Threads editors were unhappy about that--for $1.99/yd you could get incredible deals on fabrics that were perfect for testing patterns, and many were actually nice for real garments as well.

   And don't forget that it's relatively short train or bus ride into NYC. If you take the Peter Pan bus from Danbury, you'll wind up a Port Authority within easy walking distance to the fabric district.

   I believe that Danbury has an ASG neighborhood group or chapter that's fairly active. Check the ASG website for info on meetings.

   Welcome to the area!

   Carol

3. 
   marg | Feb 22, 2006 03:35am | #3

   Thanks the locations of the sewing stores is really important. We am living in eastern ct now will be moving down to danbury by this summer. I am looking forward to being close to NYC. I owen a Bernina machine so having a dealer nearby will be good. I wonder if there is a house for sale next door to the store? what neighborhoods would you all recommend?

1. 
   carolfresia | Feb 22, 2006 08:28pm | #4

   I know there's no house next door to the Quilt Shop/Bernina dealer, because that's a commercial area (there's a McDonald's next door, actually)--sorry! I don't know much about Danbury even though I drive through a small section of it daily, so I'm afraid I can't give you any leads on neighborhoods. Danbury sort of straddles I84--depending on who commutes to where, your location relative to the highway might help you narrow down your search.

   Carol

4. 
   woggy | Feb 22, 2006 09:11pm | #5

   Hi there:

   I use to live in Norwalk, south of Danbury.  I have a quilt store book for stores located throughout the US and I notice there is a new quilt store on Main Street in Norwalk.  Might want to check that out.

   In Westport, on Route 1 there was a small fabric store that had some very nice fabric.  This store was located east of the main shopping area on Route 1, close to a CVS.  Don't know if it is still there.

   Hartsdale Fabric (it has website) in Hartsdale, NY is a Bernina dealer.  This is a former Stretch and Sew store.  It has lovely knits, as well as other fabric.  It also has classes.  You have to drive all the way into the downtown area of Hartsdale, then turn rigt on the main road.  It use to take me about 45 minutes to get there.

   Banksville has fabulous fabric, expensive but the basement has sale items.

   I live outside Philadelphia now, and I have found some really nice fabric at the Wal-Mart store where I live.  I make my own pants, shorts and pj bottoms.  So you might want to check out the Wal-Mart stores for fabric.

   There is also a Rag Shop on Route 1 east of Darian that had some decent fabric.

   You might want to check the internet for fabric stores in New York, close to where you live.  Might find one or two - who knows.

   Good luck.