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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: wifetod
Date: 02-21-2004, 03:12 PM (1 of 9)
Is there anyone on here who knows anything about the stores on Perth in Dallas? I was told about them yesterday.
Thanks,
Jolene
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: habanerohutch
Date: 03-02-2004, 04:59 PM (2 of 9)
I have visited them several times. The last time I was there (March 2003) I saw maybe 12 warehouses, mostly low prices, of course, and mostly polyesters. One store had some silk, but only dupionni and only in ugly colors, at about $12 per yd.

YOu need really good walking shoes, a lot of stamina, the usual necessities for fabric shopping, right?

Another store not far from there which I liked even better than the warehouses was Kay's. It was filled with natural fiber fabric, a bit pricier, it's true, but I got some nice silks on sale for blouses. Kay's Fabric is located on West Arapaho Road just west of US 75 Northcentral Expwy., Richardson, TX
Chile Pepper from Texas
User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000
Total posts: 49
From: Shellymoon
Date: 03-10-2004, 09:30 PM (3 of 9)
If you have any specific questions, post them, but here's the lowdown on the fabric stores.
First off, they are wonderful. Perth is a tiny one block street with nothing but warehouses on one side and a topless bar on the other side (I am not making this up). Each warehouse is a a different store. About two blocks down the street, there is another enormous fabric outlet.
The prices are mostly lower than retail stores, but some are about the same and even more. But, the selection is why you go to Perth Street. You can get any kind of fabric--and I do mean any kind of fabric.
My suggestions for shopping Perth Street are:
1. Don't take anyone who would be bored. (husbands, children, etc.)
2. Take plenty of money. Most of the places do take checks and credit cards, but make sure you've got plenty to spend
3. Be prepared to be overwhelmed.
4. Go on a weekday if you can. They are packed on weekends.
5. They don't keep retail-friendly hours (9-5, Monday-Saturday).
6. Be careful where you park. This is not the most pleasant neighborhood after dark (remember the aforementioned topless bar?). It's completely safe during the day, but I always get out of there before sundown.
7. Most of the stores specialize in one or two kinds of fabric--home dec or dress or special occassion. They also have a lot of the trim and stuff to make purses that is so popular. My favorite store sells denim by the bolt for $2-3 a yard and shoulder pads out of a barrel for a few quarters.
8. If you're feeling adventurous after you shop, stop for a burger and a cold drink at "Hole in the Wall" bar or get a home-cooked meal at "Mama's Daughter's Diner." (I recommend the chicken and dumplings) They're both within a few blocks.
9. When we go to Perth Street, we call it "Fiber Therapy" which is our codeword so husbands and other uncaring beasts don't know exactly what we're up to.
If you plan to attend the American Sewing Guild National Convention in Dallas this year, there will be an add-on shopping day. They will hit Perth Street and one outlet in nearby Irving, Texas (near Dallas Cowboys Stadium). Kay's Fabric that you mentioned is more of a higher end store.
If you're traveling to Dallas, check out the D/FW American Sewing Guild site at www.sewdallas.org for the scoop on where to shop! If you're planning a trip to Big D you can e-mail me personally and I'll give you more detailed directions. I live in suburban Dallas, about 15 miles from the action on Perth Street.
Shelly Moon
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001
Total posts: 240
From: wifetod
Date: 03-10-2004, 09:38 PM (4 of 9)
Thanks for all the good info. I am sure my husband will be going with me. He would be concerned about the neighborhood. He told me he would take a day off work to go over there with me. So one of these days we will make that trip over. If I need more info I will contact you.

Jolene
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: MarysRose
Date: 03-11-2004, 12:19 AM (5 of 9)
wow what good information! I'm planning a trip to Grand Prairie in mid April, just after Easter....I'll remember to check on what is going on there!
Laura
User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003
Total posts: 37
From: Shellymoon
Date: 03-11-2004, 07:30 AM (6 of 9)
i lived in Grand Prairie until about 18 months ago. We took advantage of low interest rates to move to a northern dallas suburb to be closer to our offices.
There is also a store in Grand Prairie called "Topline Select" that has a lot of fabric. And, while you're headed north to Perth Street, you may as well stop in Irving at the Haber/Miracle Fabrics outlet. It's worth a look. It's at Loop 12 and Irving Blvd, at the Southwest corner.
There's a place called Pursley.s in Duncanville, which is also near Grand Prairie. Pursley's is famous for its stock of buttons. It's on Main Street in Duncanville.
Have a good time!
Shelly Moon
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001
Total posts: 240
From: wifetod
Date: 03-11-2004, 08:14 AM (7 of 9)
Shelly,
Thanks for the info, I knew in an area this big there had to be more stores than what I had seen so far. This is a great hobby to have!!

Jolene
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: MarysRose
Date: 03-11-2004, 11:29 PM (8 of 9)
Shelly how many days do I need to go all those places? LOL!

Wow, where to start! My DH will be sorry I learned of them!
Laura
User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003
Total posts: 37
From: Shellymoon
Date: 03-12-2004, 09:24 AM (9 of 9)
I live here and don't have enough time to get around to every one of them as often as I'd like!
Shelly Moon
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001
Total posts: 240
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