Replies

1. 
   Josefly | Feb 02, 2008 03:31am | #1

   Whether you will find a "good" fabric store in Atlanta depends on what you're comparing it to, I'm afraid. One stand-out is Gail K Fabrics on Cheshire Bridge Road, about 3/4 mile south of I-85, to the northeast of downtown. Gail K has an enormous selection, but you have to prowl around to find things. Their selection of bridal and pageant fabrics, silks, sequined and beaded fabrics, etc., is quite good, in my opinion, and visible in the main area of the store. Plentiful wools and linens swap places depending on the season - during winter the linens are stashed back in a poorly lit area of the store, on shelves that go to the ceiling. (They may already have replaced the wools with the linens by the time you visit.) Cottons, and they have some wonderful ones, are also in the poorly-lighted area of the store. Also the nylon-, poly-, and rayon-spandex knits. (They may already have replaced the wools by the time you visit, though.) Do take a flashlight and comfortable shoes. If you are looking for something special, the staff are very helpful, when they're not rushed with customers, so Saturday and Sunday are not the best days to shop. They're closed on Mondays.The Borders Books on Peachtree St. in Buckhead has a good supply of arts/crafts books, but I don't know about sewing books specifically - I tend to get them from the library.When are you going to be in Atlanta, and where are you coming from? Hope your trip is a good one.

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   mmiller00 | Feb 02, 2008 08:40pm | #2

   Thanks for the info.  I'll check out Gail K's and the Borders.  I'm originally from Chicago but I've been living in Tampa for about a year.  Chicago really had me spoiled and it's been hard adjusting to Tampa, but I do love the weather.  I'm really excited about the trip to Atlanta because it's more of a big city and there was a lot of culture.  Last time I went, I did a lot of kid stuff for my daughter and I was really impressed with the city.  I'm going next week-end and I wanted to visit some places for me.

1. 
   Josefly | Feb 03, 2008 06:37am | #3

   I hope you enjoy this trip as much as you did on past visit(s). As I mentioned earlier, you could be either disappointed or delighted with Gail K. The store is not as organized as many large stores I've been into, like G Street Fabrics in DC, or Mary Jo's in North Carolina, but in a way it's exciting to roam around and find something tucked away - you feel like you've really discovered something terrific. Prices are pretty good, too. Every time I go there I see several local designers wandering around with clients.I imagine living in South Florida would be quite an adjustment after Chicago. I grew up in Florida, so even moving this far north was an adjustment. I still curl up in a ball in the winter. But after so many years of more temperate climate, I can hardly bear Florida without air conditioning, Still, I love to visit there.Don't forget a flashlight!

2. 
   PatsyS | Feb 03, 2008 07:15am | #4

   I agree about Gail K.  You just have to be prepared to "hunt" for fabric.  It's stacked to the ceiling & it's not very big.  Excellent button collection!  And the staff knows their stuff!  Atlanta - as big as it is - really lacks variety.  There are probably a lot of reasons why.  One of the contestants from a prior Project Runway has been spotted @ Gail K's.  They are closed on Monday, so just give them a call.  Sunday is a short day as well.  It's not in a great part of town & getting in and out of the parking lot is a little challenging.  But, if you love fabric, it'll be worth it!  I'm sure Chicago DID spoil you!  Have fun in Atlanta!  Bring your walking shoes!  Great restaurants (in Virginia Highlands, downtown Decatur), places to go (Stone Mountain - shoes again, Georgia Aquarium).  Come back in March - Sewing Expo is at the Gwinnett Center for 3 days!  Have great trip!

1. 
   mmiller00 | Feb 08, 2008 09:16pm | #5

   Thank you all for your advice.