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Urban Burp
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Fabric Stores Home Services Interior Design Fabric Stores, Interior Design [Edit]
170 Columbus AveSte 110
(between Kearny St & Jackson St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 399-8761
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
One of our specialties is sofa and chair foam replacement. If you have a piece of furniture that looks good but feels bad, bring the cushion in for a… read more »
32 reviews for Urban Burp
Review Highlights
32 reviews in English
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Review from Louisa S.
Oakland, CA
9/2/2011
Love this place! It is an absolute fantasyland for anyone attracted to printed fabrics. And Electra, the proprietress, is a peach. She couldn't be more helpful, knowledgeable and encouraging of your creative intentions. I got two groupons to Urban Burp, and am thrilled with what I bought with them. I'll definitely be back for more. Where else can you pick up a fabric and have the owner enthusiastically inform you of the artist, the manufacturer, the year, as an aside," the only other place you'll see that print is at the Guggenheim!" Now if only I had enough greenbacks for that particular print. Hopefully it'll be there still when I return!
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Review from Amy Z.
San Francisco, CA
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
As I've gotten older, it's hit home that you really do become your mother.
My mom was quite the crafty lady and had a penchant for collecting cross-stitch books, of which I would estimate that she had a thousand. Now cross-stitch is cool, but fabric is more up my alley. Don't I say something in my Yelp profile about flipping through fabric swatches in my spare time? Fortunately for me Urban Burp is a leisurely stroll from my apartment, and the selection is blissfully mind boggling.
This is definitely my version of a candy store, and I am beyond stimulated by the choices. So many beautiful fabrics that would make beautiful home decor items, clothes, you name it. And the prices are quite reasonable for the selection. When I get a vision for something that I would like to have in my apartment or wardrobe, and I always have a very specific color scheme/pattern in mind, I can always come here and find what I'm looking for.
The shop owner, Elektra, is quite cool. Happy to converse and offer guidance with your project if you need it, but also recognizes when you need some personal space to take it all in.
Just a really special store and definitely should be a book mark for anyone that has an ounce of creativity! -
Review from Bryan M.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2011
This store is FANTASTIC!!!
VINTAGE FABRIC.....ON THE BOLT!
Not stinky or musty either!!!
It does not matter what your vintage style is....
Spacey Retro....Sputnik....Mod....20's Glam....40's Chic....
Hawaiian.....Floral.... This is the place you get all the wonderful
fabric you need for all your drapery...Pillows...Bedding....Quilts...
Crafts. A GEM OF A STORE!! A SF TREASURE!!!
And the owner .....Electra.....is always there, and will be the person to help you. She is WONDERFUL....lots of fun..... and she knows every yard
of fabric in the place!
GO! Creativity overload!
Better than Britex!! -
Review from Jann J.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2010
I needed some fabric and I needed it during my lunch break. Lucky for me there is an amazing vintage fabric store right around the corner from my office. The owner, Electra could not have been more gracious and helpful. She was truly a delight. The store was jaw-droppingly well-stocked. Each bolt of fabric was cooler than the last. It was almost overwhelming.
I didn't need very much, I bought two single yards of eye-popping fabric. some buttons and some pink and blue pompom trim. It wasn't cheap but I thought the price was extremely fair for what I paid.
A great store :) -
Review from BRITT L.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2011
YEAH! This place is like a dream come true. Seriously!!! The owner is a friggin peach, and she knows her collection extremely well. She will get a feel for your taste, and then she can recommend like 15 other fabrics you would never find on your own.
I spent like waaay too much money here, but I just couldn't help myself. These are one of a kind fabrics!! Or at least, good luck finding it somewhere else. Some of the fabrics can get to be pricey, so beware!!
Mostly vintage, but she does carry reproduction fabs too. Seems to me like she constantly updating her inventory, so keep checking back.
If you like novelty prints, you'll lose your mind! -
Review from Allison K.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2010
This place blew my mind when I first walked through the door. All of the internal monologue got quiet (finally) and my eyes just took all the color and pattern in. I think a chorus of angelic voices started singing, too.
Within two days I bought nine fabrics for pillows. A perfectly eclectic, yet matched mix of modern and retro-- you can't beat that. Electra was wonderful (and patient) as she helped me make final decisions.
I've been to every fabric store in the city and I've heard people lament that they can't find the geometric or space age or crazy cowboy fabric they want. That's because they haven't been to Urban Burp.
You should go there. -
Review from Kyel M.
New York, NY
4/2/2010
Great little known fabric store with both vintage and vintage remake fabrics, hidden in a breezeway between Columbus and Pacific. Amazing collection/selection. Very rare to find a brick-and-mortar store that specializes in deadstock fabrics, with a general range of 1940's-1980's and then moving into the remakes. Urban Burp does have rare fabrics from the 1930's and 1920's but less than later decades.
The owner, Electra, has collected all the fabrics herself and even bought entire warehouses of deadstock fabric to widen her selection. Coming into Urban Burp can be a bit overwhelming and exhausting because it is literally a visual explosion as you find bolt after bolt of interesting prints, motifs and colors.
Great place to come to get fabric for unique upholstery, home or commercial fashions or just to delve into a little history.
Prices reflect the rarity of any given fabric.
Electra has even sourced sustainable fabrics like bamboo in vintage colors. Fabulous!
You can also find Electra and Urban Burp at expo's like the San Francisco Vintage Fashion Expo at the Concourse. -
Review from Jwl s.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2011
This place will blow your mind and make your crafty little heart race. Totally reasonably priced vintage fabrics for EVERY taste and budget. Electra, the owner, knows every thread in her store by heart and was supremely helpful and gracious. Don't settle for standard, GO HERE BEFORE YOU GO TO BRITEX!!!!!
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Review from Nicole E.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2009
I love coming here! I am a firm believer that vintage everything was built to last and the designs are always aesthetically superior. This store is filled with vintage pieces and knowledge.
I have bought fabric from 20's, 30's and 40's in one transaction,with is unique to this store.
If anyone shares the love of vintage fabrics, and understands the complete unique qualities of this store! -
Review from Lesley P.
Oakland, CA
6/24/2009
This place rules, plus it is 2 blocks from my work.
A great selection of vintage fabrics, priced pretty high but there seem to be a lot of 50% off sales...Seems like good quality stuff too.
Elektra was SUPER helpful in helping me pick out a simple pattern- she even advised on types of fabrics to use, and did my measurements! She kept offering that I come back with any questions, or if I was interested in bringing my machine over and doing the project there, so that she could help. I think I'll definitely come back for fabrics/advice.Comment from Electra S. of Urban Burp 6/25/2009
Hello Lesley, As you now know picking a pattern is not so… More » -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2008
This charming little fabric shop is packed to the gills with one-of-a-kind, rare fabrics, by the yard, by the bolt, or in panels of various sizes. Electra scours the globe for original new and vintage prints and textures that will give your home a unique flair. She offers designer materials for very nice prices which in most other "to the trade only" stores are marked up ridiculously. If you have an eye for style, you know what you like and don't need to be insulted by "to the trade only." If you don't have an eye for style, well, Electra does!
Electra is an observant and thorough decorator who can quickly surmise what you need to finish off that room, or top off that ensemble. I know for a fact that she supplies the coolest fabrics ever to my favorite hat maker.
Depending on your needs, she'll help you find the scrap you need to finish off that quilt (as she did for me), or choose every fabric you want in a room or home and get your project managed, organized and executed to your precise specifications.
Get a taste of her mad skills by peeking into Sync Salon next door (though I recommend you take the time to inspect it more closely over a mani-pedi or hair color touch-up), where she selected all the finishes and fabrics for a dashing overall effect. If you are looking for a decorator to make all your decisions for you, you couldn't be in better hands. Then again, if you are a control freak like me, and know exactly what you want, she will find it for you by tapping her global connections.
This place is a gem nestled into a lovely setting at the crossroads of North Beach and the Financial district. If you are fabric-oholic, you may still get out of here for a paltry sum, especially as compared to Britex with their crazy Union Square markup. Oh, and if you don't see what you are looking for, be sure to ASK! This space only holds a fraction of her collection and wouldn't you hate to miss that perfect bark cloth you want for those pillows?Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from di t.
Oakland, CA
4/23/2009
Absolutely stunning and wholly consuming collection of vintage fabrics. Lots of vintage bark cloth from the 30s thru 50s, some older rarer pieces from 20s and 30s, and many psychedelic pieces from the 60s and 70s.
Some tips: Plan to be there at least 1.5 to 2 hours if you're doing serious shopping. Bring $1 coins for cheaper street metered parking, or you can have your parking validated for some amount off if you park in the building's garage (which is $4 / hour, i think).
The store is not clearly marked with a sign - look for the adjoining hair salon and then go around the corner to the fabric store.
Prices are fair to expensive - be sure to ask her about discounts or how pieces are priced, as some are priced by the yard and others are sold by the piece or panel. I'd say it wouldn't be far off to double what you plan to spend, as there are MANY amazing pieces and you must be prepared to buy what you love, as it probably won't be there the next time.
All-around a fun place for designers, fashion students, vintage buffs, decorators, and anyone who appreciates classic and unusual fabric. -
Review from Benjamin B.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2009
Urban Burp has a great selection of fabrics for whatever project your heart desires and Electra, the owner, is so very very kind with her experienced knowledge to answer your questions...
I saw their advertisement in The City Star daily newspaper!! -
Review from dj z.
Puget Sound, WA
5/1/2008
CUTE place! Location is great (Jackson square) and with the writeup on AT:SF it's sure to get more foot traffic and reviews on yelp.
Love Pucci. Love Love LOVE! -
Review from Michele H.
San Mateo, CA
6/10/2011
OK. First let me preface by stating that I'm not crafty when it comes to sewing. I don't know how to use a sewing machine, I'm afraid needles, and I don't know how to follow a pattern. With all that being said, it makes perfect sense that I would then purchase a groupon to Urban Burp while in a groupon buy freezy. sooooo, the coupon sat in my car for over 4 months with the time to use it ticking away. Today I decided to bite the bullet and stop in to redeem my groupon. Parking was a breeze. They even validate. The shop owner was oh so sweet and very helpful. The place is small but is full of wonderful gorgeous fabrics. Most are vintage which translates to "expensive". I think the beauty of every was lost on my neophyte knowledge of fabric. I did end up finding some beautiful fabric to make into pillows (the only thing I was brave enough to attempt to make). Overall, if you love fabric and have better sewing skills than me I'm sure you'll love this place. Also, if you are looking for a place to reupholster you furniture or get assists in decorating this is the place to go. While I was there I heard her talking to another woman who was an interior designer and she was placing an order for her personal home. Also, the hair salon next door was designed by the owner and it looks fantastic.
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Review from david n.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2011
very good tasteful collection. I've been to every fabric store in the city and I've heard people lam
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Review from Geoff W.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2008 1 photo
Amazing vintage fabrics at affordable prices. I am tempted to not even post this review so I can keep this secret gem all to myself, but Momma taught me to share.
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Review from Fae L.
Salt Lake City, UT
2/11/2010
I'll definitely agree with some other yelpers on how unique and retro Urban Burp's fabrics are. Some are from the 30's uncut and unused. Amazing! It was a little pricey for what I bought , cotton prints. The owner, Electra, was very helpful and very accommodating. I am not from SF and happened to stumble upon UB at closing time. Electra stayed an extra hour so that I could explore her unique selection of fabrics. I'll be back on my next trip for sure.
Comment from Electra S. of Urban Burp 3/9/2010
Hello Fae, Thank you for letting me know how much you… More » -
Review from Catherine W.
Richmond, CA
8/14/2008
Serendipity brought me to UrbanBurp, a purveryor of Rare Vintage Fabrics, Home Decor and Upholstery. There I met Electra Skilandat who showed us all the wonderful upholstery fabrics she stocks in her store. These are all top quality designer fabrics that just aren't available anymore. Of course she doesn't have unlimited yardage because these fabrics are no longer produced - but she did have enough to cover the cushions on two large rattan chairs I had that sorely needed their cushions to be recovered.
It couldn't have been easier! We fell in love with a fabric she had, she made all the arrangements to have the cushions re-covered in her upholstery workshop. We live in the East Bay and she let us deliver our chairs to her home in the East Bay and later pick them up there, so we didn't have to keep driving into the city! And, we just picked up the finished product and we couldn't be happier. The chairs look amazing. They've never looked better. And we have something totally unique. She is out of this fabric now and we are enjoying it. It lights up our living room. The quality of the fabric, upholstery and the service we received were unparalleled. We had looked at some new chairs and we ended up getting our two existing chairs recovered for the price of one new chair.
So not only were we happy customers because of the choice and quality of fabrics Electra offered, we were happy with the service, quality and price. Plus it was fun to get to know Electra who is very enthusiastic, open, knowledgeable, helpful and very stylish.
We had fun with this project or should I say UrbanBurp.
Electra will explain the name of her shop to you if you go. -
Review from mac m.
4/28/2009
Remarkable selection of fabrics - unique and unusual prints and vintage styles. It was hard not to be inspired when I walked in today. Urban Burp also just received a huge amount of fabric, so the store is literally busting at the seams. Plus, currently everything is 1/2 off! What's not to love?!
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Review from Katrena M.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2009
Park downstairs and take the time to look at all of the beautiful fabrics. If you don't have any ideas on sewing projects before you get there, you will when you leave. Electra and staff are really helpful and it is one of the most incredible fabric stores I have ever been in. Walked out with fabric for two different window covering projects and will be back for more.
Thank goodness we still have real fabric selection in the city.Comment from Electra S. of Urban Burp 12/1/2009
Hello Katrena, Thank you I really enjoyed you and your… More » -
Review from Mr P.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2010
i started going to Urban Burp after that big article they had in The Chronicle and it's time I give them a deserved A+ revue since I am such a regular ! Electra is truly sensational; hip and fun and knowledgeable. I have joked with her about being the most regular costumer, but also the smallest , since I always buy small quantities......... yet she never ever made me feel less important than interior designers i have observed in the store and others with big upholstery and curtain projects...... on the contrary she always is sincerely interested in what I'm making and I value her feed back. I specialize in one of a kind quilts and throws, fabric "paintings" and other unusual art pieces, that sell in boutiques from Sausalito to New York, Paris, Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities in Western Europe. I love the huge selection of the store, the quality of her vintage fabrics really comes through in my pieces...... I also love the feel of integrity she instilled in her place, no compromise, she can tell you the story behind every bolt !
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Review from Lindsay H.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2009
I am a novice sewer. Going to places like Britex can be a little overwhelming. I came across Urban Burp and loved that they had vintage fabrics. And it was half off the month of March! I had no idea where to begin, but Electra helped narrow my focus. She was so helpful and had an incredible eye. She pulled together three fabrics and trimmings that I never would have found on my own. She's very creative, helpful and friendly. She had very good pricing and offered good advice. I'll definitely be back!
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Review from amanda f.
Emeryville, CA
7/3/2008
Great fabric. Great prices. Small. Like a nook. A cute nook. A little nook of rare and unique fabrics, some of it well out-of-print. Increments as small as a half-yard. Very knowledgeable owner who is personable and not at all obtrusive to your shopping experience.
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Review from Mary Ann W.
Oakland, CA
6/14/2009
Great selection of vintage fabrics. Great sensitivity to client's needs. Lots of choices. Owner can find and select fabrics that clients request. I found some great 50's printed fabric here that I turned into kitchen curtains for my vintage kitchen.
Owner offers upholstery and sewing services as well.Comment from Electra S. of Urban Burp 6/23/2009
Hello Mary Ann. Thanks for your great words. I'd love it… More » -
Review from Anne V.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2009
I came in to purchase some funky patterned scraps and was not disappointed! This place is the best! You'd think there would be more places like this downtown, so a girl and run in and grab at lunch or after work. Not the case! TRULY A GEM!
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Review from Liv W.
San Jose, CA
4/5/2009
Sorry but I'm still in shock over my experience with the owner, electra. I had seen the retail store before and was planning to go there to look for some fabrics for a new quilt. Instead, I ran into her at her booth at the Antiques By the Bay show over in Alameda. What a snide unhappy woman. I was browsing her fabrics and found a cute cotton fabric that would have been fun for my new quilting project. She said it was $22 per yard and I thought that was way to high, the she said it was on sale for $11 per yard which is more reasonable but still out of my price range. Al I had to say was "thanks but that is more than I want to spend "and then Electra and her male sidekick started berating me telling me "then you shouldn't be here"! I was shocked! I can't believe these two are in business with the way they treat their customers. I will find my fabrics elsewhere, for a lot less and with much better service.
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Review from Sylvia G.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2010
What a lovely person Electra is! I am so happy to have stumbled in to this place! It's just steps from where I work and the fabrics are beautiful and affordable and VINTAGE! The owner, Electra was so kind and helpful. She spent about an hour helping me go through fabrics for my projects. HUGE fan of this place.
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Review from Kristi s.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2009
They seemed to have some interesting, unique vintage fabrics, BUT I did not get the opportunity to partake. I was there for over 15 minutes and the sales person did not acknowledge my presense. She was with another customer, but the store is as large as a shoebox....she could have welcomed me and let me know she'd help me when she was done, but no, nothing, not a "hello" or a nod! This type of customer service is disgusting and I will not return - even though I"m in search for a vintage fabric....I"m sure there is somewhere else who would appreciate my business.
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Review from Sharon B.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2009
I love fabric stores and the minute I walked through the front door I knew it would be on the top of my list. What fun and beautiful fabrics. Electra has this incredible eye to fill her store with a wide range of eclectic fabrics that are fun to mix and match - a bit of the old with the new!! For someone that has been sewing for 50 years and with the disappearance of shops that sell fabrics - this is a welcomed addition to San Francisco.
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Review from Peter T.
Portola Valley, CA
4/27/2009
Urban Burp is a great resource for anyone searching for the ideal fabric for specific decoration needs. Not only because of depth and quality of the selection but because of owner Electra's extensive knowledge and discerning eye. We were recently there looking for fabric for cushions to match existing decor. Electra assisted us in selecting the perfect fabric and trim and then made the cushions to our specifications. The finished project exceeds design showroom standards at a fraction of the cost. Highly recommended.
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Review from Andrew B.
Alameda, CA
5/19/2009
I met Electra at the Alameda Swap Meet, and came into her store to see if I had found the place to make our new curtains. Her store is packed with lots of different fabric, but it's all beautiful and moderately priced.
Electra and I discussed all the details and pretty soon I was picking out the fabric I wanted. It was a great experience and lots of fun.
We had curtains made for four of our rooms, and cushions made for two chairs . She gave us a timeframe for the job, and I was pleasantly surprised when everything arrived early. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the quality is all pro. They have been the best purchase we have made for our house.
Electra is great and a pleasure to work with. The helpers she has in her store are fun to chat with, and everyone is very knowledgeable.
I would encourage everyone to drop by and have fun discussing whatever your project might be. Electra stayed open late on several occasions to accommodate my schedule, and even let me pick up and drop off at her house.
All in all, a wonderful experience and I couldn't be happier with the results.Comment from Electra S. of Urban Burp 5/26/2009
Hello Andy, Thanks so much for your gracious praise but I… More »
