Any Southern California Crafters here?

[BigDisneyOE]

We are coming to So Cal for a couple of weeks before our Wonder Cruise.

I'm a crafter; specifically patchwork, quilting, softies, cake decorating, knitting, spinning and crochet (think that covers the main stuff). I know fabric is way way cheaper in the US than here in NZ, I also know cake decorating supplies are too. I've heard fibre (bamboo and cotton yarn) is cheap too. We are going to be staying in Orange County and Carlsbad but visiting a lot of LA and San Diego. I've been saving my dollars for a big spend on my crafting supplies but I don't know where the best places to buy are. Can anyone point me to their favourite shops to by crafting supplies?

I've worked out I can get about 20 kgs of crafting supplies without my husband grumbling over taking his luggage space.

 

[LilLisaLou]

I have a crafter friend who lives in Los Angeles. What kind of fabric would you be interested in? The kind called "quilting fabric"? I'm not knowledgeable about the different kinds of fabric but I could ask her for help.

 

[BigDisneyOE]

Thanks LilLisaLou - yes I'm interesting in quilting fabric! So much of it is made in the USA and when it gets to my country it's about three times the price of the shop rate in the States. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

Check and see if there are any:

Michaels- they always have a great selection of Wilton Decorating stuff
Joanns they have fabric and misc craft supplies
and if you happen to pick up a sunday newspaper in the area, they should have the sales ads with some coupons in it.

Hobby Lobby is another good store but they are a little further between.

Hope that helps!!

 

[mybestieismickey]

If you can get to the Garment District in downtown LA you will find lots of fabric stores at crazy prices. I haven't been to the area in at least 5 or 6 years, but I do recall multiple fabric places all in the same area. Usually the stores will only sell to the general public on weekends though--or at least that was how it used to be. Some research might be needed to figure out exactly where and when.

I'm sorry I don't have more specific info for you. I never seem to be the driver when we go and I can't remember the street names. I do recall that FIDM and the Staples Center are not far away...

Found a link to the area, might be worth a look
http://www.fashiondistrict.org/

 

[LilLisaLou]

Check and see if there are any:

Michaels- they always have a great selection of Wilton Decorating stuff
Joanns they have fabric and misc craft supplies
and if you happen to pick up a sunday newspaper in the area, they should have the sales ads with some coupons in it.

Hobby Lobby is another good store but they are a little further between.

Hope that helps!!

If you end up going to Michaels or JoAnn's, I'd be happy to save my coupons for you.

They let you use one of each type of coupon at JoAnn's when you go there: 1) newspaper 2) email 3) text and 4) competitors coupon.

 

[BigDisneyOE]

Wow thanks ladies - these are exactly the sort stores I'm looking for. I'll have to get my head around this coupon thing now, we don't really have coupons in NZ but I've seen a few mentions on shows from the US. Particularly being able to redeem so many types of coupons at one place, it's like you have to have a game strategy. I was looking forward to buying clothes as well but my weight seems to have gone up, not down this year. Guess the lack of clothes buying means I'll have more space for craft supplies.

 

[cinderellanprince]

If you are in Orange County, there is an amazing store called M & L Fabrics. The back section is the bargain area and the fabric back there is $3 or so a yard. You have to dig through it all, though. (Personally, that's half the fun) The front has really nice stuff, but it tends to be price-y. Their sister store is in Fountain Valley--Jenny's. I don't quilt, but over hear quilters who come from all over to shop their for quilting fabric.

If you need ribbon, there is a fabulous place called Fabric Barn in Long Beach, CA (although their fabric stock is limited to a few bolts) they have every ribbon imaginable at bargain prices. Parking is on the street only.

There used to be a small family run chain called "Tall Mouse" but they have all gone out of business or going out of business. I don't know how long they are going to be closing out, but the Brea one is having a closing sale now and I heard they had lots of yarn on sale.

Hope this helps!

 

[KPeterso]

Late seeing this, so hoping you have not travelled yet... I am a SoCal knitter, and I would recommend a couple of the local yarn shops in the OC.

Yarn lady - Lake Forest or Laguna Woods (I think)
Sheared Sheep - Costa Mesa or Newport Beach
Knit Schtick - Costa Mesa (although I prefer the other 2, but still a nice shop).

I get most of my fabrics at Joanns if I need it. I am not a huge fan of yarn from Joanns or Michaels, but I am a local yarn shop supporter. The quality is just better from locals.

 

[BigDisneyOE]

Thank you ladies, I've made a note of everything to check out. We are staying in OC for a week and Carlsbad for a week. Husband is getting concerned. Husband is more concerned I've just told him I'm upgrading the sewing machine as well before I go. I was really tempted to by a sewing machine in the USA as they are sooo much cheaper (particularly Juki) in the US than NZ, however I decided it was probably not a good idea as we run on a different voltage and, even though I could get a dual voltage machine, it might be too much of a risk. Of course I'll walk into a sewing machine centre and get all overexcited tho'!

Thanks for the local yarn stores. I'm really looking forward to visiting a few. I want to get 100% cotton yarn as it's expensive here.