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Categories: Fabric Stores, Leather Goods [Edit]
Neighborhood: DowntownMon-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Fabric stores excite me...the possibilities are infinite...especially here!
I zip into the parking lot next door, but that's only if I know I'm only gonna be no more than an hour and will spend at least $20 bucks. (validation rules)
If I'm going to be longer, than parking is about 4 bucks through the alley, north of M.Levine's.
Hot dog alert! Hot dog alert! One must consider the hot dog car post Levine's...bacon wrapped goodness with a plethora of dressings. Classic.
So...we plan on being here for awhile; got my list.
Trims, Tapes & Ribbons - Endless love! They have everything from basic necessities to wedding needs.
Knitting Section - This is a fairly new department. They have needles and yarns for any level of knitter. Very well priced in comparison to the boutique knitting stores.
Fabrics - You can spend $2.00 - $80 dollars a yard - whatever your budget allows and whatever you'd like to spend, they have it.
If you go on the weekends, it's pretty crowded. If you go close to a holiday it's even more crowded.
Grab a calendar they print out and go back on a sale day. It's so worth it.
People thought this was:
Michael Levine's is a decent fabric store. It's fine... really. It's got most things ( although no heavy weight cotton, which strikes me as odd) and some other odds and ends. It's got a nice calendar system of discounts going, and the organization is ok.
And yet, I find it unpleasant. The pricing is totally based on what the inexperienced buyer is going to be drawn to (oooh sparkly, ooh leather) and not on how much these things actually cost. There's also something a bit odd about their customer service. Its not that the people are generally rude, because Im used to that. It's the blank stares that I get when I ask simple questions.
Example
Me:Do you have wires to thread a merrow machine?
Employee: A wha?
Me: An overlocker? *picks up hem of shirt to show seam*
Employee: Blank stare.
It also irks me that when I was buying linen, there was a half yard left on the bolt when they measured out my fabric, and the man was adamant that it was going into the trash, and no I couldn't buy that at a scrap discount. Wasteful.
They also have no idea what to do if you are trying to return or exchange something. It took three employees to exchange a c-thru ruler.
Okay, so you're in a rush.
Your fashion instructor gave you an assignment:
"Make a trendy new top for Fall, heavy on stripes, open shoulders a plus, billowy if you want -- I'm thinking satin, but have it done by tomorrow, 'kay? Class dismissed!"
Aaargh!!!
So you head to the Downtown LA Garment District because you know that's where all the bargains are, right?
You're right. If you've got the time, patience, parking fee (expect to pay $3 for 15 minutes at most lots, or $8 to $10 for all day privileges) and legpower, you can find everything you need Downtown, for cheap.
But you don't have that kind of time. You're in a hurry!
Michael Levine's got it all -- all the material you want, all the samples you want, all the zippers, threads, buttons, and sundries you need. Ample service, too!
The tradeoff, of course, is cost. You can't bargain here, unlike every other store Downtown. So yeah, if that bolt of fabric says "$11 per yard", that's what it costs. One tip, though -- don't buy your muslin here. It's a rip off, and you can get it for about half the price right next door.
If you've got a major project to do, bring [lots of] money -- yours, or mommy's. Whatever.
M.L. is a big store, so you can get lost for hours here, just browsing and imagining all the future clothes you'll make someday -- I hope you bought all-day parking (or brought lots of quarters for the meter), sweetheart.
The good news is, however, that it's one of the few shops in the Santee area of the Garment District to offer public, unisex restrooms -- which basically means all the people shopping within and without come here just to use it.
If there's a lot of girls in front of you, prepare to wait a loooong time.
Good luck on your "trendy new top for Fall" that needs to be heavy on stripes.
I agree with you, TOTALLY.
Your teacher's crazy!
People thought this was:
The best. I love Pat the trims gal. Very helpful and patient! i come here at least once and week
great prices and selection
This is an amazing place to go if you don't need much help. I typically go knowing what I need and the people are always really nice and interested in what I'm making. The one time I went without researching my stuff first, I didn't get too much help... I ended up having to ask somebody I recognized from my school's nearby fashion campus to help me!
They have tons to choose from, and trims to the wazoo. It's truly a treat!
Parking can be a pain, but what do you expect, it's downtown.
Their hours are a little short, but then again, it's downtown.
I love michael levines....my only complaint is that I always, ALWAYS get overwhelmed by choices and end up leaving with several projects worth of fabric.
Staff is helpful, stuff is organized, parking is validated. The end.
At Michael Levines you'll be able to pretty much find whatever you need, ranging from tons of different fabrics, zippers, buttons, velcro, bag straps, yarn, beads, even bra straps.
It is a little pricier than the independent surrounding shops but it's convenient.
You wouldn't want to spend hours here because it's ugly. LOL. By ugly, I mean the place is ugly, it's like a warehouse filled with fabrics & "crap" with horrid lighting. (I would know since I spent an unbeatable amount of time here scraping out "items" for projects. =)
If you have time, I recommend shopping at the surrounding little shops in the fabric district, it's cheaper and you can bargain..
People thought this was:
YAY! i really like this place, great selection! fabric, trim,etc., etc...you name it! it was kinda hard to get help, but once i did the ladies were so friendly...i can't really compare prices (new to this), but i'm glad i made the trek downtown for the selection alone!
Michael Levine is a one stop shop. All the newest textures and designs for apparel and there's a full line upholstery shop across the way. I'm new to sewing and I feel so inspired every time I visit this store.
Prices are excellent and the variety is superb. Parking is so easy, they have their own lot. It's about $5.00 to park which is well worth it. You know what I mean if you've ever gone downtown. Explore your creativity and give it try.
This store has every kind of fabric you could want. But it's expensive. I often find the same exact fabrics in the little neighboring shops along 9th. If you have the time to hunt around , you can save $. Some of the small shops specialize in only lace, or upholstery or silk...
Michael Levine has all of that, and stuff you didn't know you needed.
People thought this was:
Good fabric selection TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I ended up leaving the fabric that had been cut for me because I was unable to find one sales person who was willing to walk even 3 feet to help me find the appropriate notions. After asking four people I gave up. One guy in the back - tall and handsome - was so rude I felt like I'd interrupted his dinner table. I will NEVER go back there and am willing to pay more at a store that will provide good customer service.
Longtime browser, yet to be a first-time buyer (beyond something like a zipper).
Michael Levine is the place I go to run my fingers over the bolts aisle after aisle flirting with the Amy Butler's and Alexander Henry's and dance around in my mind about all the things I would want to make (or try pathetically to make).
Most of the other places in the area specialize in something (silks, zippers, something), but Michael Levine's has a bit of everything and resemble a typical quilting/fabric store in that it has plenty of notions and sewing patterns. At the same time, if I want some notions real quick, it's possible to have a short buying trip and be off along my way. Especially on Sundays with free parking on the streets.
I lament when I think about Michael Levine. Oh, their so-wonderful fabrics. and oh, my so-empty pocketbook. But at least imagination is free.
Oh, one more thing because I can't find a separate review for their Loft store. It's soooo much fun. Sure, it looks a bit depressing to labor through deep cardboard boxes full of fabric. But it's actually pretty fun. At $2/lb, it becomes a game guessing how much everything weighs. I have found some awesome things here, not just fabric. Plus the staff who work here are super nice. They'll even cut up large pieces of fabric so you can buy a smaller yardage.
People thought this was:
Mike Levine is one of the most exasperating love/hate extremes you can ever experience in regards to shopping. it's just so fuggin' great and so shitty at the same time. I have such strong feelings pro and con i feel like some kinda schizo and it really needs a 2.5 stars because despite what the Yelp caption reads for the three stars above, everything is NOT 'A-OK' in the Land of Levine....
Case in point. Been here many times over the years, especially following my vintage clothing buying binges, looking for random buttons and trying to match fabrics to repair. also, for looking for upholstery fabrics to rehab vintage mid-century furniture on the other side of the street (their other huge warehouse).
Do I ACTUALLY do the repair work myself?--ummm, nah i leave that to the PROs (more evidence my DIY streak is very selective indeed).
So...prior to my last visit, i usually find what i'm looking for and walk out with it (after paying, of course :) 95% of the time. this is why Levine is the shizzle--YET, immediately boomerangs around to bitch-slap me with non-competitive price gauging (b/c they ARE the fabric superstore)...
Ok, so last visit, i was on a mission to find a particular closely-matching color/pattern/fabric for a mid-century chair. i knew this was gonna be a serious archaeological dig so i made sure to set aside the entire day and not invite anyone to come downtown with me (cuz inevitably i always seem to find peeps aching to do the fashion/fabric district thang at moment's notice upon dropping the news)....
several hours and many dozens of fabric books later (the laid out fabrics are too generic/best-sellery to even pay attention to, ya gotta hit the books right away), i finally nailed it. i found that needle in a haystack and proudly waltzed up to the counter (at closing) to special-order it. the clerks told me that it's a 'special special order' (whatever that means), and that i'd have to call back in the morning and speak to the fabric buyer to get it ordered.
the sequence went like this the next day:
1. called back 2. fabric buyer 'busy,' puts me on hold. never comes back to phone. 3. i call back again. 4. fabric buyer says she's busy again, takes down my name and the fabric info, says she'll call back with price and order details after speaking with manufacturer, in a few hours.
5. 3 days later she calls back, tells me said fabric style has been disco'd. She's really rude about it when i ask her for other suggestions, tells me that's the best she can do.
6. I NEED to have that fabric. It's a large fabric co. I find the fabric co. on web. I call them, and tell them Mike Levine told me to piss off, there is no such fabric in stock from manufacturer.
7. Manufacturer tells me this is all some kinda bullshit story and the fabric was never discontinued, in fact they have hundreds of yards in stock.
8. I am ecstatic. Here's my credit card let's get this party started.
9. Manufacturer tells me i can't buy it direct cuz I'm a loser. hmmm. oh, no wait, that was someone else--who told me that. :O) but seriously, i need to buy it thru a sales rep cuz i have no wholesale license.
10. I call the rep. She hooks me up with Big Y Yardage Outlet (niiiiice!) in City of Orange. I'm well on my way to reupholstering that chair! Finally.
To Mike Levine and the rude-ass fabric buyer there: You lucked out again--Big Y can't compete with you on selection, so i am forced to return to your most expansive emporium of un-value.
Can you guys stop lying to your customers? WTF?
...And there's Review #100 under the belt.
I can promise you many more warm fuzzies of positivity on #101.
And......we're DONE.
People thought this was:
I remember spending a lot of my barely legal summer in this neighborhood, looking for trims and tiaras for one of my best friend's debut/cotillion. It was in the Santee Alley I first learned of the bacon-wrapped hot dog, found the courage to bargain for a good price as well as places like Maple Craft and Michael Levine.
Michael Levine is like kid in a candy store fore people who love to sew and stitch. Even if one's not so inclined in such craft, just a walk through the place inspires you to want to make or have something made of all the material surrounding you. I can probably spend all day looking at all the buttons they have.
Tucked away in a small corner is their yarn section. Though small, they've got a rather decent and varied selection of the fine yarns (none of the Michaels or Jo-Ann variety), but again, is a bit on the pricey side. I would rather support a smaller, Local Yarn Store (LYS) and keep them afloat by purchasing from them. Still, if you're desperate for material (Such as being the only store open on a Sunday that has the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle kit in stock), it's the place to go in a pinch. They also have the largest color selection of Cascade 220 I've probably ever seen. When I was there, they had one woman working the section, and was so nice to get me a fresh item instead of the display. She was also very knowledgeable and familiar with all of the items they carry, as well as great suggestions for projects and techniques that would go with each yarn.
They do have a calendar of discounts and specials, which may make the purchases worth your while, but that may just even things out with other business around. This place has the advantage of having everything you may need under one roof with knowledgeable staff and a credit card machine.
As I said before, if you don't have other projects you have to tackle, walking around the store is a wonderful spot to gather some inspiration with what you can possibly make with things out there. Go on a Sunday, when the Saturday rush isn't there and street parking's free. All I ask is that you don't take my parking spot - call me first and then we can carpool.
People thought this was:
I don't know how to sew but whenever I come to this place, I feel inspired to learn how to sew because of their cool fabric selection.
I was like a kid in a toy/ candy store when I found out that Michael Levine also sell knitting yarns! Not just any yarn, they have novelty yarns, high end yarns, beautiful alpaca, cashmere, merino, cotton, cotton blends, some very exquisite and expensive yarn made in Italy and Peru with different colors and designs. Brands like Classic Elite, Tahki, Muench, etc.
They also sell Addi turbo knitting needles, bamboo needles,books, and cool project ideas. Basically...a knitter's paradise. SO MUCH to choose from!! The boyfriend had to drag me out of this place. I left $65 poorer but ecstatic to have a bagful of cool looking yarn to knit with and 2 turbo needles!
A great one stop place for knitters!
I wanted some Amy-Butler-like fabric designs and had the choice of browsing through all downtown LA shops to find what I was looking for, or just head to Michael Levine because of their large selection. Michael Levine it was.
They have a very large selection of fabrics, ranging from designs that make you cringe to designs you can't seem to let go. I believe this particular store carries the regular clothing and like fabrics, while the one across the street is more for the home and upholstery. The $2/lb clearance location is also fun to browse through. Anyway, coming back to this one. The staff wasn't particularly friendly or readily available, but it wasn't too bad. Prices were decent. If you had the time and patience, you might be able to find some of the fabrics on the many surrounding stores at lower prices.
I ended up finding too many options so it took me a while to narrow down my selection. My only suggestion is that they should carry cute Japanese fabrics - I have yet to find a store that carries these.
People thought this was:
Oh... Michael, Michael, Michael Levine.
When I lived in downtown LA during my FIDM times, I frequented Michael Levine every Sunday... churchgoers you can relate. Yes, I went every Sunday. All of the employees knew me. That's the secret. That's how you get swatches cut for you. That's how you get 15 swatches cut, not 10, as that is the "supposed" number. Now I just went by today to pick up a button and they have a ton of new employees, but look for the older ones. They're actually nicer and know where shantung is.
Prices are decent here... you won't get the incredible .99 deal from the Persian man next door, but I'd pay an extra $5 for my roll of polyester chiffon knowing that it is polyester+chiffon.
Michael Levine really is my go-to for most of my fabric needs... I'm really just too lazy to dig around all those random shops on Santee or on 9th between Los Angeles and San Julian. But believe me--I've been to 95% of those stores.
Just don't buy zippers here. They're expensive. And you probably won't find the right length you need. I just sign up for the Joann's newsletter, wait until I get my 40% off coupon (every month) and buy my zippers there. Parking WAS free along the streets (9th, specifically, between Grand and Hill is more plentiful) until the stupid city added prices to the meters on Saturdays. It is still free Sunday, the meters. I don't like parking in the lot. It's pricey, the attendant is creepy, and you have to spend $20 to have parking validated for an hour. Frankly I don't want to spend over $20 and then deal with a perv while I'm trying to haul my ass out of there.
Michael Levine does update its inventory regularly, I'm really digging their eco-friendly fabrics collection (small right now, but steadily growing). I remember I walked out with probably a roll of Tencel. They also have a decent selection of high-quality and specialty yarns. I buy my dotted paper, manila paper and muslin here too.
Michael Levine may not be student-budget friendly, but if you feel that it's too 'cheap' for you, you can go to International Silks & Woolens or Mood, both in West Hollywood and stock on some fabrics worthy of dressing Keira Knightley in her next period piece.
People thought this was:
Oh holy hell! This place is awesome! And I don't really get why people keep calling it expensive either. Sure, compared to downtown's average dirt cheap prices this place is decently steep, but in the rest of the world Michael Levine's would surely still be considered a discount fabric store, and without the sleazy downtown salesmen ("for you, twenty dollars, sweety." wink wink.) Gross.
I've never had a problem with the service, and their selection is absolutely killer. They have everything from real leather pelts to designer fabrics to run of the mill cheapo stuff, tons of buttons and patches and pretty much everything you could want or need to sew whatever. And lucky for me there's a bunch of sewing machine repair shops nearby, so look out Michael Levine! I'm about to give the FIDM kids a run for their money as your best customer...!
People thought this was:
Wow. Talk about selection and mind boggling choices to make. So many great great fabrics and prints to choose from, as well as notions and other stuff. They're often pretty busy so it is hard to get someone to help you with something, especially if you look like a student. Also, some employees' attitudes could use minor adjustments, but other than that this place has seriously everything you could ever want from a fabric store.
Michael Levine Inc is another overpriced and overrated fabric-sewing-anything-you-need-to-make-things store. I want to say that it's almost more expensive than Jo-Ann's. But they do have everything and anything you can think of.
There are rows and rows of fabric tables. But like I said, ridiculously expensive. It almost makes no sense to try to save money by making your own stuff. This store is for the person who probably makes things to sell and also hikes up their prices. *Note: I didn't get a chance to look at their clearance sections, so I'm sure they have pretty good deals there.
I'm not giving the huge warehouse the 4 stars. The four stars go to the Michael Levine Discount Loft across the street that sells the scraps from the retail price ML warehouse for $2 a pound. They even sell the huge cones of thread for about $1. The cool part is that most of their scraps are usually more than 2-3 yards. I got a bunch of cool stretchy fabric for skirts/dresses and and small accessory fabric for things like totes, purse lining, etc.
The clerk weighed it and it came to about $16! After the math was done, it seems as though I got all that fabric for about $.70/yard. Pretty good deal.
I strongly recommend this place (the Michael Levine Loft across the way) to anyone who is looking for cheap, inexpensive fabric for fun sewing projects. As for the Michael Levine Inc retail store, it's still worth visiting if you're into crafts, sewing in particular. Hey, they may have sales or clearance bins that have just the perfect thing that will help create your work of art.
People thought this was:
Hi daaarlink, hello I'm really expensive fabric. Look at me, I am sooo impressive and expensive. Suuuure, the people who sell me are too cool for school, but look at me, daaaarlink, look at my fabulous form and color palates. Oh, I can't even stand how brilliant I am.
Yeah, that's the voice in my head I hear when I go to Michael Levine. And yes, they have a great selection, but jeez, the prices are so high that I just can't get behind it without feeling like they got me from behind, if ya know what I'm sayin....and I think ya do.
Phooey.
People thought this was:
when i was a student studying fashion design, i would try to blaze thru downtown traffic to find parking and buy fabrics and trimmings at michael levine.
oh so much to choose from! it was always frustrating and exciting being able to pick from thousands of items. and expensive when you compare the prices to the surrounding area. i can get fabric for a dollar a yard in the fashion district, but levine's is a little pricier... only because they have everything!
i wouldnt travel out of my way to buy a new pair of scissors or what not, but it was definitely a life saver when i couldnt find that just-right black stretch fabric anywhere.
People thought this was:
Remember when mom took you back to school shopping? Did you buy the fancy jeans or were you more of a five-pairs-stock-up-socks-in-a-tube kind of kid? Michael Levine falls in the middle. It's not the most luxurious fabric store but it's also not the most expensive. It's like the Macy's of fabric shopping.
Here's what I bought:
a pattern that's out of stock everywhere else
$1 a yard fall floral Kors knockoff on the sale rack
Amy Butler prints
Organic batiste
Knit prints at $2 a pound at the Loft across the street
Tips:
Stop here after you've scored at the cheaper places.
Go to the Loft early: when the store is empty, they'll cut your remnants
If you can't find a salesperson, create your own pile on a cutting table and stick one of the 'hold' signs on it
People thought this was:
Picture it....1997 I'm a senior in High School, Prom is approaching and I'm broke as a joke! I need a dress, I've been to all the prom dress shops and department stores in the malls and admired the pretty shiny dresses, but have no clue how I would be able to afford any of them on my non existent budget. ENTER MICHAEL LEVINE.
I asked my aunt who is a seamstress if she would help a homie out and make my dress. She had made some dresses for my cousin's proms, graduations and engagements. She said she would love to. She drove me to Downtown and we walked into Michael Levine armed with the piece of paper I had sketched my vision of what my prom dress should look like on, oh and maybe $40 if I even had that much.
I knew what I wanted the dress to look like and what type of fabric I wanted it to be made with. I found my fabrics in no time. My aunt was able to tell the employee how many yards we needed and off we went to buy string, fringe and zipper from the other end of the store. I walked out of Michael Levine having spent less than $25 on dress materials.
No, my prom dress wasn't beautiful, it was probably one of the ugliest dresses at the prom, but you know what.... I could care less because it weren't for that dress I wouldn't have even been able to attend. My aunt was able to make the dress, a small purse and even a little matching jacket all with the fabric we got for under $25 (granted when she first told me she was done and asked me to come try the dress on she had sewn it with the fabric inside out so she had to re-do it, but whatev... she's old ok!)
Michael Levine saved my broke ass and I'll forever be grateful. I've been back there a few times... and nowadays I can afford to have a bacon wrapped hot dog from the cart across the street : )
People thought this was:
This is definitely a fabric mecca for those of you who are cloth crazy like me. I have been shopping here for over ten years! After I mastered the pen and paper during my childhood, I took on the needle and thread.
I've used fabrics from ML for my prom dress, formal events, pillows, dresses for weddings, baby blankets for friends, bags, pj pants... and yes, I can help you reattach that button :o)
You will consistently find a good selection of awesome fabrics here. There are a vast array of novelty cotton prints - hawaiian themes, cartoon themes, sports themes, african, asian, gingham, florals.. you name it. And a wide variety of cotton eyelets, lace, wool, and leather to choose from as well. The remnants section in the back can be a gold mine for those with a good eye. The notions area has tons of cool stuff - gold colored iron on letters, to reels of cute ribbons, to zippers in every color of the rainbow. And they have those gorgeous feather boas up in the front!!
Keep an eye out for their monthly calendar, so you can catch deals on patterns and certain fabrics. There is always SOMETHING on sale, and their regular prices are generally pretty good. Street parking is tough, but there are a lot of pre-pay lots in the neighborhood.
People thought this was:
Michael Levine is not inexpensive, to say the least.
But it's a great selection and if you want something special you can definitely find it here.
I love their collection of trims, have bought great leather & suede scraps, gorgeous velvet and there is always something to be found on sale.
I shop here for inspiration.. simply looking at all those great fabrics (and there is something for every budget..... ) gets the creative juices flowing.
Great place.
Update:
I'm liking Michael Levine less and less these days....mostly because their customer service needs some serious attitude adjustments. Yes, often times I HAVE to come in for swatches but the service reps. here tend to run from you as if you had the plague. I've gotten, "I'm busy, find someone else" more than once and this happened to a lot of my fellow classmates. Fortunately, I've found my GO TO GAL for this and I'm not stupid enough to reveal her name and lose her. haha. Anyhoo, I will still come to Michael Levines and do still love their selection, but I just wished their people were more helpful.
Original Review
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Wanna find me during the week at lunch? I'm probably here at Michael Levine. Like the rest of my fellow classmates, I make a mad scramble for Michael Levine during lunch to find the most awesome fabrics for my design projects. That's right, I said awesome.
Yes, it's a fact that ML is a huge store and there are a lot of fabrics. And yes, the fabric choices can be hit or miss. But, my overall experience here at ML has been extremely positive. The staff are prepared and quite knowledgeable. There's also a great trims and notions department.
Have a sewing question or not sure about your fabric choices? Ask one of the sales staff for assistance. Most of them are able to let you know the type of interfacing or yardage needed.
Great place to walk around and get inspired and also great for quick in and outs. Very busy between 11-1....but if you want to see me, come then! =)
People thought this was:
What can I say about Michael Levine? I have a total love/hate relationship with this place. It's like a Joann's super store of the fabric district. I only go when I'm running out of time or as a last resort. Or when I'm sick of being pressured by fabric salesmen!
I love how organized their fabric is and there are great prints. You will definitely get inspired just walking through the aisles. Great for swatches, but if it's the weekend, bring your own shears.
Prices suck. If you are patient and have the time, shop around. You'll save yourself a lot of money. OK they're not terrible, but I don't believe anyone should have to spend more than $2 for a yard of knit (which you can find in their clearance section). The workers are not happy to be there. Good luck finding someone to cut your fabric. The notions are well organized and they have different discounts everyday so grab a calendar on the way out. I guess there's some kind of parking lot where they validate, but I never have any luck with it.
I want to make a dress."
"Do you have a pattern?"
"No."
"Do you have a sewing machine?"
"No."
"Do you have the supplies?"
"No."
"...Do you even know how to sew?"
"Well...no. But I think I want to wear peacock feathers in my hair. That would go well with the hypothetical dress, don't you think?"
"...Right."
One of the perks of working downtown is the close proximity to the fashion and fabric districts. On a lunch break, I got four yards of chiffon, and, after checking every 'trim' shop from here till Olympic, I finally found dress-making nirvana: Michael Levine's.
It's a little bit pricier, but they have EVERYTHING you could possibly need, including peacock feathers. I bought a few yards of chiffon down the street, and found everything else I needed at Michael Levine's.
And hey, for someone with no pattern, no plan, and no sewing skills whatsoever, my dress didn't turn out half bad.
People thought this was:
My new found love. There is something for everything. Fabric for every occassion. I love quilting so definitely the quilting fabric collection is incredible. They also have a 20% discount for anyone with a resale business licenses.
They are a little pricy. But after the 20% discount and no tax, it is still do-able for me.
People thought this was:
Great selection. Check out the Loft across the street for remnants and misc fabric sold for $2 per lb.
Not likely that I will ever buy anything from this store. But I will surely frequently here since the wife loves their selection of fabrics, accessories, and etc.
This past weekend. I got a little smarter. Instead of waiting around like the rest of the idiot husbands, I had my ipod with me. It's a matter of time before I start loading movies in that thing so I can sit back and enjoy "quality" time with the wife. =)
1-hour parking validation right next door with $20 minimum purchase.
People thought this was:
Michael Levine is pricey, but they carry a wide selection. I searched everywhere for a specific tulle that I needed and I ended up finding it here for $3 a yard, not bad. They also have an awesome feather collection. I will definitely come back.
Want to prick your creativity? Just walk through the doors at Michael Levine... the full-service textile store downtown. Nestled amidst the fabric district, which is full of end-run fabric stores, Michael Levine store is a complete retail store, with fabrics, notions, yarns, trims, tools, resources, crafts, and more. Feather boas in every color. Silks from $3 to $300 per yard. Need basic red cotton? You have a choice of about a dozen colors, qualities, and types. And everyday there is a new sale... Check the calendar as you walk in, or sign up for the email version, which comes with a discount coupon every week. No spam, just good valuable information!
And they now have three stores: the main general store, a home decor store, and an outlet, where you buy fabric by the pound... some interesting finds there if you have volunteer or craft projects.
People thought this was:
I'm in the minority here because though ML's is a humongous fabric store, it's "not all that". I have gone there more than a couple times with intentions of buying fabric for a certain project only to walk out empty-handed and truly disappointed.
I have always found, however, what I needed simply walking through the myriad of smaller fabric shops up and down 9th St. In fact, I found every bit of fabric and accessories I needed for this year's Halloween costume for a total of $6! This included eyelet (with embroidered edge), appliques, zipper, and black fabric. I certainly would not have found this at ML's.
good selection of nearly any fabric you could want. michael levine is great for people who don't have a lot of time to look around, or who don't have a lot of knowledge about what they want. the prices are a little high, but its the only one stop shop for fabric, trim, and findings in the district. also, if you're a regular, you can save money by minding their calendar, on which they display daily specials and sales. only bummer is no discover card.
If you want a department store like feel when you shop for fabric head here. Everything is laid out nicely, prices are listed, smattering of everything yes it's all good. I did pick up some cool fabric from their remnants and sale section for only 2 bucks a yard. But, I go here for the bathroom mostly.
People thought this was:
unbelievable...such a great collection of silks in vintage 30's an d 0's inspired prints....i am in love with this source. and great sale items...fabulous prints from which dresses will be made, leather scraps to create an abundance of fabulous accessories, notions and trims galore. i love you michael levine. if i don't find it anywhere else i usually find it here...
and yes the remnants across the stree...don't get me started...5 yards of a more friendly gold lame fabric for $2!!!!! yay me
People thought this was:
I stumbled upon Michael Levine today while combing through the Fashion District on the hunt for mesh/zippers to add vents to my old motorcycle pants and some sort of low maintenance fabric for a travel skirt. I came away with more than I had planned even after pulling myself away from the $7/yd silk sales table empty handed. This is the best fabric store I've found so far in L.A. (yes, better than F & S). No, it's not Britex, but you won't find Britex prices or pretentious sales staff either. It was a welcome change to the chaos of the smaller, crammed FD stores. They have a wide selection of silks, cottons, and wools, plus a ton of notions. They also stock a lot of designer overstock/remnants. The fabric varied somewhat in quality, but overall was better than you would find at a JoAnn's or FD store. I found a high quality leaf green lycra material to make a vintage bathing suit for $8/yd (regular price). Silk/rayon brocades were $15/yd. Patterns are always 20% off, plus they have daily specials listed on their flyer. They will validate for 1 hours with a $20 purchase.
Edit: Checked out the remnant store today. Lots of poly stretch prints (not my thing), but also some hidden treasures if you look (e.g. stretch woolen suiting). If you don't have patience to filter through the boxes check out the rolls of fabric in the back.
Yeah, the service sucks, but the selection is dang impressive. Need crazy-expensive gorgeous silk? They got it. In 200 colors and prints. Need fabric for an alien quilt? A Goth Holly Hobby pillowcase? Crossword scrubs? You'll find the fabric for it here. I made an Anime tote for my niece with fabric purchased here. And across the street is the loft where you can find remants for $2 a pound.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Category: Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Category: Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
Category: Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
Category: Fabric Stores
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