The Selfish Seamstress is heading to Seattle for part of next week to bring her own special brand of attitude problem to the mellow Pacific Northwest. In addition to attending a wedding, picking fights with random people on the street, and irritating waiters by summoning them with the phrase, “Hey you, granola boy, can we get the check here?” she’s hoping to squeeze in a little shopping time. Oh, you know what kind of shopping.
So, granola girls, have you got any suggestions for stuffing the Selfish Seamstress’s suitcase? Favorite haunts for the hobby seamstress? Please share – I need to know in order to go there and buy up all the stuff that you wanted for yourselves.
The Selfish Seamstress 
43 comments
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June 24, 2010 at 9:40 am
dris
Try Nancy’s up on Queen Anne. Make sure you check out the ribbon room in the back.
June 24, 2010 at 9:44 am
Darci
Well, doll, if you come down to Portland (only 3 hrs. south by car) I’ll ferry you to Fabric Depot & Mill End!
June 24, 2010 at 10:09 am
trudy callan
Spread that selfish love all over. Have fun!
Trudy
http://www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
June 24, 2010 at 10:11 am
Lisa
I have not been to Seattle in ten years, but I will never forget this shop http://www.esthersfabrics.com/ It was quaint and charming, and the 35 minute ferry ride was such a treat… a mini Alaskan cruise!
And I second dris on Nancy’s.
June 24, 2010 at 10:20 am
Judy R
If you want to take a ferry ride, you can check out Esthers on Bainbridge Island
http://www.esthersfabrics.com/
She stocks vintage ribbon and buttons as well as Japanese fabrics and the usual designers you find online.
June 24, 2010 at 10:29 am
adelaide b
Stitches has some fun stuff: http://www.stitchesseattle.com/ Nancy’s Sewing Basket has more expensive things, but boy are they lovely: http://www.nancyssewingbasket.com/
To be perfectly honest, we are not a fabric shopping mecca. It’s sad.
June 24, 2010 at 10:38 am
Aurora F
I’m with dris. Nancy’s Sewing Basket has some really lovely (and out of my price range) fabrics. Another nice independent fabric store is Stitches in Capitol Hill.
http://www.nancyssewingbasket.com
http://www.stitchesseattle.com
Welcome to Seattle!
June 24, 2010 at 10:40 am
Cricket
The Pacific Fabric Outlet just south of downtown often has surprising things at incredible prices: http://www.pacificfabrics.com/StoreLocations/outlet.htm
I like Pacific Fabrics in general, but maybe that’s because since I moved away from Seattle I’ve only lived in places that have quilting stores and Joann’s.
June 24, 2010 at 10:45 am
Tasia
I love out-of-town fabric shopping – more reason to be spendy, because you really CAN’T go back for it later! Have fun and show us what you buy :)
June 24, 2010 at 11:42 am
BeckyMc
Yes, Nancy’s Sewing Basket in Queen Anne is beautiful, and not over- priced for the quality. And right across the street is a knitting store that my knitting friends love. Pacific Fabrics outlet is a converted warehouse, a little hard to find but worth it. Stitches did not impress me much, but the Selfish Seamstress might find something to love.
Esther’s on Bainbridge Island is just a 30 minute ferry ride away. It is a quilting specialty shop, but really beautifully inspiring just for the color saturation in the store. Getting there would involve taking the car on the ferry, or getting a taxi once on the island. I think. I have never tried to walk from Bairnbridge ferry terminal to the waterfront shopping area.
Other than that, Seattle is a waterlogged desert, seriously lacking fabulous fabrics, making do with the neighborhood JoAnns or Hancocks.
Portland is worth the 3 hour drive. I love Fabric Depot, Mill End, Josephines Dry Goods (!!!) and the Pendelton Woolen Mills outlet.
June 24, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Lisa
I recall that they had beautiful fashion fabric there as well. I purchased a few lovely pieces. As for the ferry, it is for walk on passengers as well as cars. I was staying at The Alexis Hotel and the pier was right next to it. Once on the island I just walked about to the shopping area. I don’t recall it taking long at all. There were funky art galleries and shops along the way. I also recall a nice restaurant/cafe right on the water. The view alone was worth stopping in for a drink or a bite to eat.
June 24, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Anne
I’m from Bainbridge and Esthers is totally walkable (10 mins) from the ferry terminal. There are cabs – and it would be much cheaper than bringing a car over – but you won’t need one unless it’s raining or you have a broken leg or something.
June 25, 2010 at 11:16 am
Judy R
Definitely walkable from the ferry. You can walk onto the ferry, so no car needed on the Bainbridge end.
June 25, 2010 at 9:45 am
Darci
I’m about 10 minutes from all of those places. Portland’s chock full of good sewing opps! (squee!)
June 24, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Emily
Yarnia, http://www.yarniapdx.com/ , is in Portland. I always wanted to go there it looks incredibly awesome. And why should you pass up the chance to design your own yarn? Its the ultimate selfish store!
June 24, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Nikki
I’ll be watching these suggestions, we are getting ready to move to Seattle!
Enjoy, it’s so nice there.
June 24, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Lynn
There’s a new store in the Wallingford Center, Fabric Crush. Mostly quilting and home decor fabrics, but I saw some wonderful prints in heavy cottons that would be perfect for a cotton jacket or coat.
June 24, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Heather
Defiantly hit pacific fabrics. I was in the outlet a few weeks ago and they had designer fabric like Ann Taylor and white house black market. But there is more than just the outlet, they have a few stores around, depending on where you are going to be. Here is the link
http://www.pacificfabrics.com/StoreLocations/
Have fun, make sure to let us know where you ended up!
June 24, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Beth
Not everyone actually loves Pacific Fabrics. [Does it mean anything that I can remember when it used to be Pacific Iron & Metal?]
Stitches, otoh, is very cool. They are expanding a bit too, since they have added classroom space above the store and can put fabrics in the space that they used to use for classes.
June 24, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Karen
You could check out Seattle Fabrics for me. They specialize in outdoor fabrics (perfect for a tent to have on standby in case your loved one just can’t take your selfishness one more minute.) Or a fabulous ski outfit (in case your loved one ships you off to Siberia.)
Truth be told, I would like to see if they are any match for your surliness. Suffice is to say, that customer service has not been their forte in regards to most of my ordering.
I now include them in my karma yoga practice, sending them positivity and peace. Do you think it is all that drizzle, or are people just more polite in the South?
Safe travels!
June 25, 2010 at 10:56 am
Cricket
Karen – I’m from Seattle and now I live in the South, I can say for sure that people are just more polite in the South!
June 24, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Susan
Another vote for Nancy’s on Queen Anne. It’s a smaller selection, but they have beautiful stuff and it’s reasonably priced for excellent quality. Plus, they have woolen sweater knits which I can’t seem to find many other places.
June 24, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Kim
Go to the original Starbucks at Pike Place and go to the original Nordstrom. Also, if you have time you should check out the Underground. Look up Seattle Underground, you’ll see what I mean.
June 24, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Johanna
Too bad the weather is going to be sunny next week – you’re going to miss out on the joy of grey days in June! Esther’s on Bainbridge Island is definitely not quilting only- it’s a great source of linens, silks, and knits. We’re very lucky to have it here, and it is easy walking distance from the ferry. If you’re around on July 4th, come out for the parade at 1pm- it’s a real funky thing with all kinds of entries. There’s a great park on the waterfront too that will be full of stalls for the day.
Otherwise, Nancy’s, Stitches, and Pacific Fabrics are about it. Textile Studios used to be in Seattle but she closed down. Portland is quite the fabric mecca though…
June 24, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Steph
Go to the Wallingford Center. It has three things that are super important in life:
1. Yarn Store – Bad Woman Yarns
2. Fabric Store – Fabric Crush (more for the quilter, but there are some really gorgeous cottons)
3. CUPCAKES. Trophy cupcakes are probably some of the best cupcakes I’ve ever had.
June 24, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Suzanne Bader
Pacific Fabrics Outlet: truly feels like an outlet, the kind of place where you can get a suprising find (or some days, just weird frumpy stuff). If you’re car-less, it would be walkable from the Sodo light rail station.
Pacific Fabrics (northgate store): worth a stop if you’re in the north end of the city. A good solid overall fabric store.
Nancy’s: definitely worth the trip. Nicely edited fabric selection, plus it’s the only place I know of in town that carries Burda magazines & some of the independent pattern brands. The knitting store across the street is closed now, but the entire Queen Anne avenue strip is a good stroll for shops & restaurants.
Stitches: I havent’ been there since their expansion. Before, it was pretty small. Some cool stuff, but if time is tight, wouldn’t be as high on my must-see list.
June 24, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Summer
Seattle is great, and not only because I live here ;) True, we’re hardly a fabric shopping mecca but the city is a lot of fun. There’s lots of great food, lovely mountain views, water, and nice people. Think of all the smiles you can wipe off strangers’ faces!
If you’d like some company fabric shopping let me know. I even know how to get to Pacific Fabric’s Outlet!
June 24, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Shelley
Oooooh! Is it creepy that I just squealed a little bit to hear that you’re coming to our city? Unfortunately, everyone else is right- there’s not much here that’s likely to excite you. Don’t miss Nancy’s Sewing Basket and Stitches, and if you do get extra time, the Pacific Fabrics Outlet can be fun. Otherwise, spend your time enjoying all “the other stuff” – summer is a great time to be here!
June 24, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Anonymous
I thought only *I* knew about Esther’s! And I thought I was the only one from Bainbridge reading this blog! My internet bubble has been burst…
Well – I live in San Francisco now and Esther’s is no Britex Fabrics, but it is a gem and I go there every time I’m up in the PNW visiting folks. I second Anne – it’s totally walkable from the Ferry. Go to Eagle Harbor Bookstore (next door) and Blackbird Bakery (across the street) while/if you are there. The Streamliner Diner is on the walk from the Ferry to Esther’s and a really good place to have breakfast or lunch.
June 24, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Cathy A (aka Mom)
I’ve gotta agree with those that there’s not a whole lot here. Bainbridge Island is a cute little town if you’re wanting to take a ferry ride from Seattle. Across the street from the fabric shop is a great yarn store called Churchmouse Tea & Yarn–or something close to that. I liked both these places enough to make effort to go there again. And other cute shops there, too.
June 25, 2010 at 3:16 am
Lunachance
Well, you are just missing the Western Washington Quilt Shop Hop – a five day adventure, ending Sunday, the 27th. Here is a link to the home page: http://www.washingtonquiltshophop.com/Home_Page.html
Most of the shops listed have websites, but all have addresses and phone numbers. I believe there is a map to give you an idea at how far apart the shops. There is a quilt museum in LaConner. Here is that website: http://www.laconnerquilts.com/
Other places listed in earlier posts are great as well. The only statement I disagree with is customer service problems dealing with Seattle Fabrics. I have to say the all the interactions I have had with the Seattle Fabric people have been positive and they seem to have pretty good senses of humor (but maybe because I am a little twisted, and easily amused)…
Best of luck and hopefully we will have some dry, sunny weather to show off the area. There is nothing prettier than the Seattle area in the sunshine.
Take a ferry ride, go up in the Space Needle’s elevator, walk through the Pike Place Market and take in the spirit of the people in Seattle. Have fun at the wedding.
Cheers,
Lunachance
Redmond, WA
June 25, 2010 at 9:10 am
Annie (Tacoma)
I’m amazed no one has mention Seattle’s other really good fabric store, Tina’s On Madison (4232 E Madison St, 206-328-0803). Does anyone know if it’s still there? It’s about the size of Nancy’s, and absolutely stuffed with wonderful fabric. It’s out of the way, but well worth the effort since there are other lovely shops in Madison Park, great places to eat, and a lovely view of Lake Washington. So, my vote is DON’T miss either Nancy’s or Tina’s.
June 25, 2010 at 9:08 am
katja
I live in Seattle and I didn’t know about many of these places! So, thank you! I mostly go to Pacific Fabrics (Northgate), because it’s close to where I live, Seattle Fabric, and use the internet…
Seattle Fabric is a great source for high quality fleece of all different kinds, as well as for all sorts of outdoorsy fabric. I also go there for their buckles etc, they seem to have quite a good selection. Expensive, but good. Their staff is, well, different from most fabric stores (unfairly assessed based on my very limited sample), they actually have many younger men in the store. Have I mentioned, they love the outdoors?
So, happy travel!
June 25, 2010 at 9:08 am
Brooke
Another vote for Nancy’s, Esther’s, and Pacific Fabric and Crafts… I haven’t checked out the one in Wallingford Center (thanks, Dris!) but I will now. It’s in my neighborhood, and it’s a great neighborhood for shopping, lunch, and of course cupcakes.
And ice cream! Try Molly Moon’s a few blocks down 45th for incredible ice cream – they make a salted caramel that’s fantastic with their dark-chocolate sauce. Just the thing to take the edge off a wedding trip.
June 25, 2010 at 9:35 am
Mara
Oh for heaven’s sake…what are you wearing to the wedding – that’s the important question.
In my opinion, Nancy’s and Tina’s are the only way to go in Seattle. I find it difficult to imagine the Selfish Seamstress amidst the rip-stop nylon, fleece and tent material at Seattle Fabric. And Pacific Fabric is analagous to the “little bit of everything” fabric store you find in every city in the country.
Go have a good stiff drink at the Hideout and shop the boutiques on Capitol Hill.
June 25, 2010 at 9:40 am
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[…] What will become of your Selfish Seamstress over the following weekend and week before she heads off to Seattle? (Thank you for all of your fabric store suggestions, everyone!) Check all that apply, or suggest […]
June 25, 2010 at 9:42 am
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[…] What will become of your Selfish Seamstress over the following weekend and week before she heads off to Seattle? (Thank you for all of your fabric store suggestions, everyone!) Check all that apply, or suggest […]
June 25, 2010 at 11:35 am
Johanna
If you manage to show up at Esther’s around 11 or 12 on Thursday, July 1, there will be a crowd of adoring fans to greet you (aka the First Thursday ASG group).
June 25, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Pammie
I heading up to Seattle on Sunday myself from Los Angeles and am hoping to hit http://www.seattlefabrics.com It’s for outdoor/hiking/activity type of fabrics – and I’m gonna spend some$$$. I’m excited to go -thanks for this post Selfish!!
June 25, 2010 at 5:35 pm
queentanya
You are coming to Seattle! Goody! I’ve never been star-struck until now! Bring your jackets, the weather has been pretty cool this year, but it could change….
June 25, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Beryl
When I saw your fabulous little coats, I thought of the Quilting Loft in Ballard, even before I knew you were visiting Seattle. If you can’t get as far South as Portland for fabulous tax-free shopping, maybe you can get to Tacoma. The Hancock’s in Tacoma is pretty terrific with really low prices on nice wool, silks, and knits. I also enjoy the Northgate Pacific Fabrics and Stitches on Capitol Hill.
June 26, 2010 at 11:01 am
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July 3, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Dolly
Be sure to check out Pacific Fabrics Outlet! They have overruns/last seasons of WhiteHouse/BlackHouse, Ann Taylor and Chico’s fabric…tons of heavy silk and light cottons for $9 a yard. I just purchased some Ann Taylor charmeuse silk.