On the way up I stopped first at Sew-Fisticated Discount Fabrics in Dorchester, a neighborhood in south Boston (Lambert's Plaza, 735 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122, (617) 825-2949).
However, there were almost no wools, and the small pile of “coat weight” material was of poor quality (to be fair, it was only $3.99/yard). The store has a few cabinets of new patterns and a small wall of zippers in the back. Ultimately, I picked up a few yards of wool-looking thick cotton material for pattern test-runs.
A warning
Go for: silk dupioni, 35 cent pant zippers, sweatshirt material (haven’t seen that anywhere else).The next stop was WinMil Fabrics in Chinatown, downtown Boston (111 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 542-1815).
WinMil ultimately was my favorite fabric store in Boston. It has a fabulous selection of beautiful, high-quality wools, at the cheapest prices for wool I’ve seen: $6.98 - $12.98/yard, with most being in the $7 - $8/yard range.
Regretting that I didn't buy a yard of this for a skirt.
The cashmere blend wools were $12.98/yard. It also has a large wall of suiting fabric. There were a few racks of knits and polyester-blend materials, and a smaller selection of cottons (including some lovely ginghams, which I imagine there are more of in the warm months). There are OOP patterns in the back of the store: $5 for Vogue patterns, $1 for all others. The staff were mostly young, funky art students who were very friendly.
Go for: some fun knits, but primarily the high-quality wools and suiting.
The second Sew-Fisticated outpost is in the Twin City Plaza off the McGrath Highway on the Somerville/Cambridge line, just across the Charles River from Boston proper (14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143, (617) 625-7996).
This store was nicer than the Dorchester location, and the fabric offerings were much better - undoubtedly because this store is in a more affluent area. However, few of the fabrics seemed to be very high-quality. The front of the store houses home décor, trim, and silk and polyester blends. There is a small collection of woolens, knits, and cottons in the back. There were nice madras plaids and other cottons, including some fun African prints (labelled as having been made in Africa) which would be great for summer skirts or dresses.
Go for: tafettas, madras plaid.
The reviews on yelp.com of Sew-Low Discount Fabrics in Cambridge (473 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, (617) 661-8361) were hilarious:
“Don't be scared of the cluster of confusion, the cover of dust on anything solid and the strange stare downs by the staff......you are on *their* turf after all....................”
“It's cheap and they have what you are looking for. Even if you are matching a fabric you bought 6 years ago in Missouri. Yeah...they did!”
“I do feel that their laces are a bit lacking and I'd personally love even more colors of cheap acrylic yarn. But that's not what you're going for. You're on a mission for loud, proud aggressive fabrics that force you to take them home.”
The store was as interesting as reported. It was rather musty, with tight rows of fabric stacked to the ceiling – totally endearing! It had a large, nice selection of wools - larger than WinMil, though the prices were more expensive (most I checked out were over $10-$15/yard). There was a large mountain of faux fur, and a nice grouping of cottons (including mutliple colors of swiss dot for $3.99/yard).
The greatest aspect of the store were the 2 cabinets of 1980’s patterns at the back of the store. Vogue patterns were $1, all other 50 cents (making WinMil’s pattern prices seem downright exorbitant). Looking for a Christie Brinkley romper?
A boyfriend jacket for your tween?
I would have *loved* this circa 1987.
A “Super Saver” brand pattern?
This bold shoulder shape is actually so hot this year!
Pictoral evidence of the truly cyclical nature of fashion.
You should be able to find it at Sew-Low.
There was a section of notions and trim, including 20 cent buckles and a mix-and-match button tub. The store also had serger cones and 2 for $1 thread.
I hope they mean with money.
Go for: large selection of wools, chiffon, swiss dot, awesomely bad 80’s patterns.
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I forgot to stop at the notion heaven, Windsor Button, when I was in Boston. I’ve heard that it has a great selection. I’d love to hear of any other Boston (or southern New England) notions or apparel fabric stores I should visit!