Djenne Collection - Clothing and Fabric - Store Review

 I can't believe I've never reviewed this store.  It is a gold mine filled to the brim with African attire and Ankara fabric.  It is a must shop at store located on west 95th Street in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

Djenne Collection

1759 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL  60643

The store is huge, or it appears to be huge.  At the front of the shop are accessories, jewelry, skin care, and all kinds of scents for the home.  Clothing is throughout to the rafters, literally.  In the middle of the store is Ankara fabric heaven.  At the back of the store, there are tailors and seamstresses.  You rarely see them.  But every once in a while, someone will emerge from the back of the shop.

I have shopped there numerous times.  In the passed, I've had clients who wanted an African styled garment for Black History month.  Most recently, Calumet Middle School, has commissioned stoles made of Kente clothe.  For one of my recent projects, I wanted to use Ankara fabric for it.  Djenne is the place to go!

The staff is always courteous and helpful.  You are greeted with a smile and a helpful attitude.  Great place to shop.  I only wish there were more ma and pa shops like this around town.

This is one of my favorite things in the store, a symbol chart.

As you can see, I took lots of pictures at my last visit, in February, to give you an idea of what the store looks like.

Happy shopping!

Cennetta

Soutache - The Cutest Little Victorian Button and Trim Shop

I have the pleasure of working at Soutache this month and in April.  Now that I'm retired from the University, I am able to do something related to my favorite hobby.  Soutache is located on the near north side of Chicago.  Maili has moved across the street from her previous location.

If you remember, I mentioned Soutache in the Chicago PatternReview post back in 2011.  I didn't really review the shop at that time but would like to share a few thoughts on it now.

First, I'd like to say that I love the layout of the store and presentation of the goods.  It's vintage style reminds me of a Victorian shop.   At the front of the store, one side of the store is ribbon/trim and the other is buttons.  The middle of the store is displays and floral.  At the back feathers, bridal, and findings.  Upstairs is a large work/storage room where small classes can be held.  Rhonda Buss and Susan Khalje hosted their winter workshop there. 

I bought ribbon, feathers, and buttons.  The prices are competitive considering the quality of the goods.   Maili is the sole proprietor and occasionally has part-time staff come in to help out.

 

Shoppers are like kids in a candy store.  Some come into the store looking for something unique and special for a custom garment or fascinator/hat.  Last Tuesday, an author of a sewing book came in to buy buttons for a military style jacket featured in her new book.  She bought $65.00 worth of metal buttons.  Everyone who stops by appears to have a great appreciation for the quality of goods that Soutache carries.

If you are in the Chicago land area, consider stopping by Soutache.  The address is:

2130 North Damen Avenue

Chicago, IL  60647

773-292-9110

Soutacheribbons.com

Happy Sewing!  I mean Happy Shopping!

Cennetta

Sandra Betzina Power Sewing Retreat - Part III Shopping

Early Saturday morning Dan (Sandra's husband) picked us up at the hotel for a full day of shopping. We shopped at Stone Mountain and Daughter, Thai Silk, and Eddie's Quilting Bee. Everyone was excited to shop for fabric. Our first stop was Stone Mountain and Daughter. Sandra's class received a 20% discount on non-sale items.

Stone Mountain and Daughter Fabrics
2518 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-6106

The ladies of the Sandra Betzina Retreat talked about Stone Mountain quite a bit before the shopping trip. So I was very interested to see what they had to offer. Stone Mountain carries a variety of apparel, quality knit, quilting fabrics, and suiting fabrics. There are notions, patterns (including a large number of independent pattern makers), trims and buttons. There was something for every price level and fabric preference. They even offer sewing classes. I enjoyed the myself.

My bundle of fabric was shipped to my home. I didn't want to take any chances with my luggage being over the weight limit. LOL I mainly purchased knits and one boucle for another french jacket. No, I haven't finished the first one yet.

The prices were comparable to those at Vogue in Chicago. And that 20% discount was great. The sales people were exceptionally polite and helpful.

The overall shopping experience was pleasant. Throughout the store, they hung garments made to advertise uses for the fabrics they sold. Many of the samples where made from the independent patterns, which was very refreshing. It gave me an opportunity to see finished garments that stretched outside the norm. They gave me a greater appreciation for the details, something often lost in the photographs and illustrations on a pattern sleeve.

If I'm ever in the San Francisco area, I would definitely stop by, discount or not. LOL It's that great a store. I plan to sew some of the fabric I bought this fall/winter season.


Thai Silks
252 State Street
Los Altos, CA
650-948-8611

Thai Silks is full of exotic, exquisite silks. They specialize in silk. I was overwhelmed and couldn't decide what to buy. So many beautiful silks at competitive prices and I didn't have a single "special" project in mind for any of them. Bummer. My shopping experience was strictly looking in this case.

The store was clean and well organized. The silk was on rolls instead of the usual bolts. I didn't see a lot of notions and trims.

They stocked a few gift items. They also have an online store, so if you are looking for a special silk fabric, you consider Thai Silks.


 Eddie's Quilting Bee
480 South Mathilda Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408-830-9505

Sorry. I didn't get any pictures while in Eddie's, but you can visit their website and take a virtual tour. They carry everything related to quilting. There were tons of fine quilting fabrics and notions. They also carry necessities for non-quilting projects including trims, books, and the magazines commonly found in fabric stores. They also have teaching facilities. One of their sewing instructors, Karen S, who is also a model for Sandra, came to assist at the Marine's Memorial Club from 4 to 10pm. Karen's willingness enabled us to continue working on projects into the night. Her mom even came to a visit and helped me design a a trim for my French jacket. Thanks, ladies.

Karen pictured above wearing one of Sandra's jackets, "Power Sewing ToolBox"

I enjoyed myself again. LOL I purchased three knits from Eddie's. They had a superb collection of ponte and jersey knits. Their staff was incredibly polite and energetic. Eddie's also gave us a nice discount on regular priced items.

My fabrics from Eddie's, I've already sewn two garments using the ruffled and brown knits.

The store boasted an excellent selection and was very clean and organized. There were sample quilts hanging throughout the store. The shelves were well stocked. I would shop there again and I don't even have to go back to California to do it. They have an online store. So you can shop from the privacy of your own laptop.

Last, but not least was Britex's. It wasn't specifically listed on our shopping tour but it was minutes away from the Marine's Memorial Club, and we all made at least one trip there. As part of our education, we toured Britex with Sandra and Ron guiding us through the various departments of the store. Britex's has everything! Their fabric section is vast; every color, every fiber, and a wide range of trims and notions.

Britex
146 Geary Street
San Franciso, CA 94108
415-392-2910

They have a huge section of imported goods that you won't find anywhere else. Britex's is definitely high end. You won't be disappointed. All in all it was a great shopping experience. Sadly, I only came away with thread and trim for my French jacket.

I would shop there again, but only for something special. Of course I highly recommend this store. The merchandise is of the best quality and the sales staff is outstanding.

That's all for now! Happy Sewing!

The New Rainbow Fabric Store on Roosevelt Road

Here is another Chicagoland store review. I think you will really like this shop. It is located directly across the street from Vogue's Fabric (#2).

New Rainbow Fabric Store
620 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60607
312-356-9979
www.newrainbowfabric.com
sales@newrainbowfabric.com

After shopping at Vogue Fabrics, I decided to check out New Rainbow's new location. They were previously located about three doors east of the new location. The store is larger and has more fabric.

The prices are competitive and the beautiful fabric is well organized. The staff is all smiles and very ready to assist you. There isn't anything to dislike about the shop. It's clean and well lit. They also stock assorted notions: buttons, trims, rhinestones.




I didn't buy anything during my visit, but I will come back soon. I saw a few fabrics I'd like to purchase. DD saw a few things she'd like to have as well.

If you are planning to come to Chicago for the May, 2011 PR Weekend, this is a good shop visit. On Roosevelt there are several stores within walking distance: Vogue's, Fishman's, and I. Sach's. I'll continue to scout the area for other shops.

BTW- I told the owner about the upcoming PR weekend and that I would like to post a review on my blog about the store, she kindly gave me a hand full of coupons to share.




So sewing queens, that's all for now.

Stay Tuned!

The Chicago Fabric Sales Company

Sandra standing at the entrance of the store.

The Chicago Fabric Sales Co.
222 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Il 60604
312-322-9094

Last Saturday Sandra Young (Coordinator of the Haute Couture Fashion Show) and I spent the day shopping. Our first stop was at Buddy's shop, The Chicago Fabric Store. Sandra frequently shops at Buddy's and has bought many unique fabrics to create her one of the kind outfits. So she offered to take me to Buddy's fabric shop. I found at least ten fabrics I wanted to buy that day, but settled for three pieces: two woolens and one assorted fibers. All will be made up real soon. Lol

Sandra bought a piece of the floral knit on the corner.

Upon meeting Buddy, his face was familiar. During our chat Buddy revealed that his family has been in the fabric business since the 1920's and that his shop has been in several locations in the Chicago Downtown area. One of their locations was on Adams. I remembered shopping there in the early 80's. It was great chatting with Buddy. Sandra has been a faithful customer for many, many years and was familiar with all the locations of the shop.

The shop is loaded with all types of fabric: woolen, silks, polyesters, coating. You name it. The woolens that I purchased were very reasonable. Normally, you might pay $20.00 per yard, but Buddy's wools were priced at $10.00 and $6.99 per yard. Good deals. The print that I purchased is assorted fibers, I think, was priced at $4.99.

I had a great time shopping at Buddy's with Sandra. She has a little list of shops in the Chicagoland area of interest. They may not be as popular as Fishman's and Vogue's. But they are sure satisfy to a craving for beautiful fabrics and other sewing goods.

BTW- The Patternreview Weekend in Chicago is scheduled for May 13th through 15th. I'm looking forward to meeting all the fabulous sewists. Tina Wong is the host of the event. On Facebook people are invited to make suggestions on things to do in Chicago. I'm sure fabric shopping is very high on the list. So I plan to post information of a few stores the group may want to visit.

Parting Shot: This write up is posted on the front store of the shop.