Replies

1. 
   Nik-ki | Aug 28, 2006 07:01pm | #1

   Hi, Terry:

   I am a return sewer after years of abstinence and only know the main stores:  Vogue, Jo-Ann's Superstore, Fishman's, and Hancock's.  Have a safe and fun visit.

1. 
   dsrtrt2 | Aug 28, 2006 07:26pm | #2

   Thanks so much for answering me.  Can you tell me anything about Vogue & Fishman's?  Any tips would be greatly appreciated. 

   I am going to see my daughter who I haven't seen in 3 years and my grandson who I have never met.  So this is a very special trip. 

   Terry

2. 
   Musicmaker | Aug 28, 2006 09:30pm | #3

   I was in Chicago earlier in the summer, and made it to the Vogue Fabrics in Evanston (the metro/train from downtown Chicago goes almost to their door). I can recommend it highly...lots of fabrics, lots of patterns, lots of buttons, lots of notions. FYI...it has quite a few rooms, and you have to pay in each room for what you get there.

1. 
   dsrtrt2 | Aug 28, 2006 10:42pm | #4

   Thank you for the info.  I have added Vogue to my list.

   Terry

1. 
   nursewing | Aug 29, 2006 03:15am | #5

   I am interested in what you think of the Vogue Fabric store in CHicago. I am interested in the Home Dec Fabrics though.

   Thanks

   Nursewing

3. 
   shannonmgarvey | Aug 29, 2006 08:58pm | #6

   Hi. I'm a costume designer and I live in Chicago on the near north side of downtown. You have to visit the Textile Discount Outlet Store. The address is 2121 W. 21st Street and the phone number is (773)847-0572. This place is HUGE and an amazing treasure of any sewer. It's been well over a year since I've visited (I was away from Chicago for a year), but its like a huge warehouse with 4 floors of fabrics. They also have plenty of notions and patterns. Amazing selection! The only drawback I find is that you don't always find prices on the bolts or fabric information. They can give you that when you go to the cutting counter. It's off the blue or pink el line. I would also call before you go because in the past they have kept some odd hours. My garment construction classes use to take field trips to this place. You will NOT be disappointed. :)

   Hope that helps!

1. 
   dsrtrt2 | Aug 29, 2006 09:34pm | #7

   Thank you so much for your input.  I printed out all of the fabric stores in and around Chicago & I've been highlighting the ones recommended here. 4 floors!! I don't think I can carry a bedroll, too.  Just kidding.  I think I will need a portable dolly tho.

   What a fascinating occupation! One of the things I want to do in my life was to make an era dress, particularly one from the Civil War time.  The only problem is I'm not sure what I would do with it once I was finished.  It would be ashame to have it just hang on a hanger.  I was thinking I would donate it to maybe a theatre company.  Do you have any suggestions?

   Thanks again!

   Terry

1. 
   Becky-book | Sep 06, 2006 04:27pm | #9

   Civil War era clothing..... living here in the south, there are several re-enactors groups and a kind of living history village at Stone Mountain Park so there are lots of opportunities to see period clothing at work.  Do you have any "working" museums near you? They would probably appreciate some help with outfitting their workers!

   Becky

1. 
   dsrtrt2 | Sep 06, 2006 04:59pm | #10

   Hi Becky,

   I live in Arizona but I know we have some re-enactment companies.

   Thanks for the idea!

   Terry

4. 
   GarmentQueen | Aug 31, 2006 03:28pm | #8

   A definite must see in my book is Tender Buttons (946 N Rush St - telephone number 312-337-7033).  They also have a location in New York.

5. 
   marijke | Sep 09, 2006 06:35am | #11

   I found a little "hole in the wall" store filled to the gills with fabric in downtown Chicago.  It's between the Palmer House Hilton and the Art Institute, I believe it's Monroe Street.

   I bought some imported African cottons there, but didn't explore all the other fabrics.  I believe there's some marked as "vintage."

   Marijke