Brand New At San Francisco! Looking for some info...

[Rowdy Vamp Raquel]

     So guys, I'm Raquel and brand new fashion design student at The Academy of Art in San Francisco. I just moved here (A couple of blocks away from Union Square and that area) and I'm looking for some cool and/or crafty places to go to, entertain myself, in walking distance, and on a budget.

So far I've been to Britex fabric store and loved it. I wanted the go to the Craft Gym, but 45$ bucks a lesson?

So does anyone know any good places or tips and tricks for a newbie at San Francisco? Please?

[memphisand53rd]

mmmm, you go to my school! Michaels on Sutter is great, but they're going out of business at the end of September. Utrech, Pearl, Blix...there's tons, but I haven't been to Britex yet. Where is it?

[Rowdy Vamp Raquel]

Britex is on Geary, around Union Square. I've been to Ultrech. What's Pearl?
Michaels? Out of business? Sales?

[catdaddytn]

hi Raquel,  Please fill me in on Britex.  thanks.  catdaddytn

[Rowdy Vamp Raquel]

hi Raquel,  Please fill me in on Britex.  thanks.  catdaddytn

Britex is a 4 story high fabric store. It id seriously heaven for any sewer or fabric whore (like me). It's really beautiful. Some people say that the workers there are snotty, but I haven't seen that. It's located on Geary street, but it's kind of expensive.

[rachelyra]

Pearl on market between 5th and 6th is the best place for good price art supplies, there is also flax further up market at valencia or so, it's a little bit more expensive and scrapbooky.  fabric head into the mission!

also check out this noncommercial arts & fashion discussion event ( http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=195807.0 ) i am throwing tomorrow night to learn about the SF small arts scene.

[franzilovescats]

dear raquel,
i live in chicago but am drooling over the thought of going to the academy of art in san francisco for fashion design. i dont mean to be creepy  but could i ask you some questions about the school?

[Rowdy Vamp Raquel]

Sure, go for it! Just so you know, I LOVE it here!

[obstacleone]

Have you been to Mendel's or Discount Fabric on Haight?  They have some great deals.

[zimfreak]

Fabrix has the cheapest fabric in the city.  It's a schlep (Balboa & 2nd avenue), but it's worth it.

[improvtara]

Discount Fabrics South of Market -- you'll have to run around touching everything for about 15 minutes before you'll be able to focus on any one thing. It's awesome.

http://www.discountfabrics-sf.com/

[kkofibru]

ooh, come take classes with us at the Stitch Lounge on Gough! it's www.stitchlounge.co m

[rachelyra]

Hey there, I thought you bayareans might be interested to know about Pandora's Trunk in her new guise, an arts/design co-op with 11 members in the lower haight.  The artists share the rent and each have a section of the store of their own.  It's a pretty unique business model and one lots of you craftsters may be interested in!  Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about the project or getting involved.

http://pandorastrunk.com

[pipsqueakpirate]

I was just about to mention Fabrix! Its awesome! I would go there for simpler fabrics

P.S
Welcome to the yay area!

[pipsqueakpirate]

Pandora's trunk sounds great
I must go visit the second I get a chance!

[missmuffcake]

I like Pearl as well, it is very clean! I like the supply stores on Haight but things tend to be marked up...I just go in for ideas.