I FOUND A FABRIC STORE THAT ROCKS MY SOCKS IN MONTCLAIR (NORTH NJ)

[skarinja]

So, on Watchung Ave. in Montclair (near West Orange, Verona, Glen Ridge, etc.) there is what appears to be a small fabric/sewing store called I've Got A Notion! Inside however, it's rather large with a nice selection of fabric (not too many styles but lots of colors in each type), great selection of lace, lots of zippers, thread, buttons, even my necessities like FrayCheck and Polymark fabric paint. My point is.... it's my new replacement for Rag Shop. Ever since it's gone out of business I've been going to the garment district in the city every other weekend or so to pick up 12 buttons or buy some fabric. Sadly enough, the garment district is closer to me than any Joann's or anything. But I'm excited beyond belief that I now have I've Got A Notion.

[procrastinating]

Thank you!!  I was wondering where else to go! 

[mir]

how are the prices?  i ask because the only store near to where i live has pretty steep prices, so i wonder if it's worth the gas money to drive (about 30 minutes) to montclair.

[skarinja]

The prices aren't amazing, but aren't over the top. There's never a snag or great deal but they're pretty typical I'd say. There's also a store in East Orange called Central Fabrics or Fabric Land or something like that with Fabric in the title that is pretty cheap but smells bad. Like no joke, it just doesn't smell good which makes it really hard for me to buy stuff.

[KidWithKemikals]

on the topic of fabric stores in Jersey.. has anyone spyed some punky looking plaid?
I want to make a pair of punk pants and havent seen anything online as far as fabrics go
and frankly I dont want to drive 40 minutes up 17 (which is usually packed) to get to Joannes

[yellie]

There is a really good one in Paramus on Route 17. I'm not sure the name but I will look around for it

[sugaree]

i think i just saw this store when i was driving on 17 last week.  my friend pointed it out to me - it's a real little place, right?  looks very mom-n-pop?  please let me know how it is if you stop in and i'll do the same if i stop by.

[Ambimom]

I used to live in Cedar Grove and went to the Montclair store at least twice a month.  They had the best remnants there!  I haven't been back since I moved to Bergen County 10 years ago.  I also used to go to Cloth World off Route 23 but they closed long ago. I bought my first serger there.

The store in Paramus is the Fabric Center on Route 17, across from Globe Shoes.  It's a large store with a huge selection.  It's been there for decades.  The store itself is kind of shabby chic.  They haven't updated much but they will have most of what you are looking for.  The prices are not the lowest, but they are reasonable.  Hint:  park in the back not in front of the store or you'll have a hard time maneuvering the tight entrance.

There are some really good finds in downtown Newark in the same area where the old Hahne's department store used to be.  I bouth some fantastic Harris Tweed that was only a few dollars a yard.

The lack of fabric stores in North Jersey is depressing.  When all else failed, there always was the Rag Shop, but they're gone now too! For some reason, I have the impression that there aren't many sewers left in New Jersey.  Maybe the trend is shifting back.  I hope so.

[CRAFTSBYVERONICA]

There's Central Fabrics on Central Avenue, East Orange and of course Halsey Fabrics, Halsey Street - Downtown, Newark

[JerseyGal]

 I just found this site...
I live down the street from I've Got a Notion and do go in occasionally for odds and ends but find them full-price, although you are paying for quality.

Has anyone else been to Fabric Warehouse in Belleville?  I've been going there for MANY years.  It's a REAL warehouse (they used to cut the fabric and fold it onto bolts there years ago - they are a middleman for fabric stores).  Address: 681 Main Street, Belleville Phone: 973-759-8080.  It is a warehouse and looks like one.  Play by their rules (e.g. no strollers - leave the kids home) and you'll do well.  I love this place!!  It's not fancy but prices are great and if you go there often enough, you'll find what you need.  Also has a 99 cent store there, decorator fabrics, notions, etc.  Parking is in a lot beyond the store;  it's in an industrial area.  You have to like this kind of bargain place (I do!) They also have a store in Rahway at 970-C New Brunswick Ave. Phone: 732-882-0007.  Go in and sign up for their e-mail notification of sales.
I miss Rag Shop and we don't have too many alternatives anymore.