Burda Style For people who sew

Anyone here from Central Florida, and have a favorite fabric store they’d like to share?

I live in Ocala – North of Orlando and Tampa. The only non-quilting stores that sell fabric here are Joann’s and Hobby Lobby. I’m happy to travel to a larger city to shop, but I don’t know where to go!

Any suggestions would be wonderful. Thanks!

Feb 16, 2010, 02.34 AM by distie

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8 Posts

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  Feb 18, 2010, 11.59 PMby modblue75

  Hi…I’m in the same boat. Ocala just doesn’t understand the need for a locally owned fabric shop. I’m heading over to Tampa this weekend to see if I can find that smallish, friendly fabric store that will take the time to get to know you. I’ll let you know if I find anything over there.

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    Feb 19, 2010, 01.11 PMby distie

    That would be great! I’d rather buy fabric in stores than online, just so I can see the colors and feel the fabric in person.

    I’ve had a bunch of people recommend buying fabric from ebay though, so I might look into that too.

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  Feb 21, 2010, 01.59 AMby modblue75

  They have Hancock over there in Tampa along with Joann’s. Its a good place to buy fabric but I like to hit the smaller indie shops. I found a place in St. Pete called FIBEROLOGIE online and they have a store. I wasn’t able to make it over there (had the husband with me) on this trip but next time.

  When it comes to fabrics, I’m like you and need to see and feel the fabrics. Plus its always great to be able to go home with “that perfect” fabric. So far I’ve had great results with online shops such as: sewmamasew theneddleshop ciaspalette Whipstitch Fabrics and don’t forget about etsy.com

  :o) lisa

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    Feb 21, 2010, 03.19 AMby distie

    Thanks for the list of online shops!

    My husband and I travel to Orlando and Tampa quite often, so I’ll keep any eye out for good fabric shops. I’ll let you know if I find any!

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  Jun 25, 2011, 12.24 PMby minniemeanie

  Did anyone ever find a nice, (finer fabric) store in the state of Florida? I have am in the same situation here in Ocala! Sad to think JoAnns and Hancock is the best Florida has to offer! If you anyone finds a nice store please post! I will go just about anywhere to find one! I am a tactile shopper and shopping online is not much fun. If any of you Ocala girls want a road trip, I’m interested. Thanks!

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    Jun 25, 2011, 12.33 PMby distie

    Nope! Not in Ocala anyway. I’ve been getting fabric online from Etsy or going to JoAnns.

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  Jun 27, 2011, 03.50 AMby ryannloves

  I go to college in Orlando but drive home to visit my parents in Jacksonville. I’ve seen a billboard sign while driving of a locally owned fabric store around the palm coast area. Next time I go that way I’ll double check what it’s called!
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  Sep 18, 2011, 09.23 PMby SueK026

  I have been tossing around the idea of opening a fabric store in the Ocala/The Villages area that would specialize in fashion fabrics. I would love to hear from those of you who live in the Marion/Lake/Sumter County area regarding what it is you seek in a fabric store and whether or not you’d patronize a shop that carries high quality apparel fabrics but one that wouldn’t be able to offer the deep discounts JoAnn Fabrics does.

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    Sep 18, 2011, 09.44 PMby distie

    That would be wonderful! I’ve been buying most of my fabrics online, and just getting simple notions and linings from JoAnn’s since it’s convenient.

    I would definitely go to a shop that has higher quality fabric than JoAnn. I prefer seeing fabric in person, since you never know what you’re going to get when it comes in the mail.

    For fashion fabrics, JoAnn’s has tons of solid color fabrics in lots of different colors, but i’m always disappointed when I try to find fashionable prints or more elegant materials like lace. I think that’s what I would hope to find at your store (since you really can’t compete in price with things JoAnn carries).

    If you opened a store in the area, maybe we could hold BurdaStyle club meeting there! That would be a great way to get customers in your store on a regular basis :)

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  Sep 25, 2011, 10.44 PMby SueK026

  Thanks for your feedback distie. I like your idea about holding BurdaStyle club meetings. I’d also like to find experienced sewists who could teach more advanced classes in things such as tailoring, shirtmaking, pattern-making, etc.

  Of course, this whole idea is just a glimmer right now. A lot depends on how much of an investment I’d have to make and whether or not there’s a local bank that would consider a business loan. In today’s economy, you never know. If I get enough interest, I will definitely take further steps in this direction. If it works out, you’ll read about it here.

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    Sep 25, 2011, 10.48 PMby distie

    Keep us updated! I hope everything works out! :)

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  Oct 19, 2011, 12.10 AMby ErikaB3

  check out The Sewing Studio (www.sewing.net) on 17-92 in Maitland and also in Lake Mary check out the Bernina Sewing Center (www.sewithappens.com)

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    Oct 19, 2011, 12.58 AMby distie

    Thanks! I’ll check them out! :)

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  Oct 19, 2011, 01.22 PMby abby12

  I get all my fabric online, saves time and money.