Trip to Metro Textiles in NYC

[kaitlinnegan]

Bob and I had a little vacation in New York in March, and no New York trip would be complete for me without a visit to Metro Textiles. The lovely owner Kashi helped me pick out many beautiful fabrics -- this time all knit prints.

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I had heard on the blog Sewing by the Seat of My Pants that his business has been down since Sandy, which was quite some time ago. Kashi told me this was still the case, and that he is loaded with tons of beautiful fabrics, but no one is coming in to buy them! Our trip was a couple of months ago, so hopefully things have improved by now. But, if anyone out there was considering a trip to the NYC garment district, Metro Textiles is definitely worth a visit. Kashi always has the loveliest knit prints and a variety of other fabrics, with very reasonable prices.

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Mood is very nearby, so we stopped in for a bit. You now have to leave any shopping bags at the door, so I was happy that Bob had the idea to ship the lovelies from Metro rather than carry them back on the plane. I just don't think I could leave them with a stranger! I didn't buy anything, but I had to pay a little visit to a friend:

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[MartySews2]

Kaitlin, I love all of the knit prints that you found at Metro Textiles. I think that I would have to buy something at each store. Lucky you!!! I'm sure that Swatch loved the attention that you gave him. Now, I will be looking forward to see what you make with all of these lovelies. I did recognize your top as one that you made a few years ago. Looks good on you.
Marty

[LeapFrog Libby]

I am practically green with envy. I will soon be 79 years old and my wish to visit New York will never be realized. But That fabric is beautiful and I am so glad to visit by photo with you. Thanks for sharing..

[temom]

Oh how fun! I LOVE that green & teal fabric! I had a friend describe new fabric she had just received, and I immediately thought of what she said when I saw you pics:
"The fabric is so gorgeous you want to pick up a spoon and eat it!"
It is a funny, funny thing to say, but it really describes the delight of the fabric!

So how big are the pieces you bought? I am never quite sure how much I should buy if I don't have an immediate project in mind.

[kaitlinnegan]

I like that statement, Theresa! Very true!

I think they are generally 1-3 yards each. A few might be larger, but I "helped" Kashi clear out some odds and ends. For knits, 1 yard is generally enough for a sleeveless top or part of a colorblocked piece, 1.5 yards for a top with short or 3/4 length sleeves, 2-3 yards for long sleeves, tunic lengths, dresses without a lot of ruching, etc. I usually buy 3-4 yards of a fabric I really like, so I might have enough for 2 garments, or extra in case I mess up. Bear in mind that I am a fabric collector as well as a sewist.

[sewhappyrtr]

It would be a dream to go to those stores and buy fabric!!!
If I was ever in the area I would so visit them and purchase fabric, but I know that would never be the case since I don't see that in my future!!!
They aren't listed on the internet for sales are they???
Lovely fabric you bought by the way!!!
I wonder why the designers from Project runway never went to Metro Textiles????

[kaitlinnegan]

I think Project Runway has an exclusive contract with Mood now. Despite all the other wonderful and weird fabric stores in the garment district, they only ever go to Mood. I don't recall if they have gone to other shops in the earlier seasons.

Kashi does not have an online store, unfortunately. He has a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/metrotextiles -- it says he will send swatches, and he definitely ships fabric, so it's worth a shot to give him a call or email if you have an idea what you're looking for.

[temom]

Thanks for the tip about sizes Kaitlinn. Sorry I didn't thank you sooner, but it is summer, which means I drive Mom's Taxi Service.