apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

RE: the question on the previous open thread about a fabric store in DC--there really aren't any in the district. There's a fabric store on K street that specializes in fabric for clothing--and they're, I believe, moving to Georgetown. There's a Calico Corners in Old Town Alexandria and in Rockville near the White Flint metro. Other than that, I'm at a loss....it's a pretty paltry selection 'round here. Have you tried looking online--there are sometimes deals to be had. I've gone to Joann fabrics in PG county or Falls Church, but it's only accessible by car and frankly, the fabric choices for interiors aren't that great.

G St Fabrics is the place to go:
http://www.gstreetfabrics.com/locations.shtml

You can get to both the Rockville and the Seven Corners (Falls Church) locations by public transportation, with Rockville a short walk from White Flint metro.

There's also a Calico Corners up in Friendship Heights, but I can't vouch for its selection, since I've never been there. But it's very red-line friendly. Here are details: http://www.calicocorners.com/storedetail.do?id=938

I've been to the K-street store (Exquisite Fabrics: http://exqfabrics.net/default.aspx) and they're fine for clothes, but not great it you want fabric for pillows and other interior decorating tasks.

So here's my question: is there a good craft store in DC? Has anyone been to Ipso Crafto (http://www.ipso-crafto.com/) in Eastern Market? If so, is it worth the two hours it would take me to get there and back on a weekend? I'm car-less, and I'm desperately in need of a metro-accessible craft store, preferably on the red line.

I've been to ipso crafto, its a pretty decent store. i cant really vouch for prices, i never compared, but i live in capitol hill and so they are obviously the most convenient for me. i personally would rather pay a little higher price and walk/metro there, and support a local business, than drive out to a joann's or whatever.

anyway, i like the store. i went there to get a rotary cutter and a plastic board thing ( forget what its called) and they had both. they also had farbric, lots of thread, various tools, and other craft items, stickers, patterns, i think foam board, etc etc etc. i would say if you are looking for something truly rare, you might not find it there, but they certainly seemed to cover the basics. i'm sure you could call first, they are really nice.

I've been to Ipso Crafto--it's in my neighborhood. It's small--but they have a nice selection of things. Maybe frame your visit with one of their classes...might make the trip more worthwhile (and heck, just hit Eastern Market and a restaurant while you're down here! this way, if it doesn't live up to your expectations, you'll still feel like a winner!)

AC Moore is on the red line in the same strip mall that holds G Street Fabrics. It is about a 10 minute walk from the White Flint metro station.

i need sofa help! ditching huge sectional sofa i have now & want to scale down. anyone in va/dc area have suggestions for a modern/semi-midcentury sofa or place to get one? so far on the list is EQ3 "Lola" or Crate & Barrel "Petrie" on high end. trying to avoid IKEA this time but like the "Kharlstad". feedback on these if you have one would be great. names of other companies would be nice too though! i know i've seen some posted on AT but haven't found them again. thanks so much!

Thanks for the tips all! I appreciate the inside scoop on Ipso Crafto and other area craft stores.

rstrtz, have you checked out the sofas at West Elm (http://www.westelm.com/)? They have a store in downtown DC (1020 G st NW) near the Gallery Place Metro station that you could check out in person. And they have some nicely scaled (and priced) options.

I have to say that I am really pleased with G Street Fabrics' selection and customer service. If you go into the store, on the right hand side there is a whole bunch of designer fabrics great for pillowcases, curtains, etc. I got 5 yards of Betsey Johnson fabric for under $30 and was able to make some fun custom shams to spruce up my plain jane couch. There is also a "remnants" section where you can get good deals on scraps of nice fabric for small projects.

With regards to Ipso Crafto, I think they have an alright selection with prices comparable to other specialty stores, but the customer service is a bit hostile.

Thanks for all the suggestions on fabric stores! I've been to G Street, but it just feels so far away, you know? Plus, I've had weird customer service there. I kept getting shooed away.

yes moderndomestic, i checked online & what they have right now is still bulkier than i would like. reminds me of what i am selling now actually. thank you though!

I was startled to see this am that Exquisite Fabrics on K St is going out of business! They're having a sale to clear out all their stock.

Has anyone taken the classes offered by G St? I am a total novice, who just set up my machine and I really should take a class, but I want to hear a bit about it before I take the plunge.
(The Seven Corners location of G St. is probably best for me transportation-wise, but if anyone knows of other classes I'd be happy to hear about them. The Arlington Adult Ed classes don't work schedule-wise unfortunately.)

i think exquisite fabrics is just moving? i thought the sign said something about a new location, and the original poster here said something about a fabric store on k street moving to g'town. actually just checked the website which confirms the move to g'town.

oops...didn't see any signs up that they were moving, so I must have assumed...

Does anyone know where the building was that was posted earlier this week with the cool Halloween spider decorations? Would love to wonder by.

Also- check out Utrecht art supply on Eye ST NW. Not so crafty, but they have some cool supplies there as well.

JM

Does anyone have coffee recommendations? I use a french press, but I have been less than thrilled with my coffee lately. I like a rich medium roast usually.

rstrtz - search AT. There was good question or similar post about karlastad recently. It got good reviews. I have Karlanda (the previous version) and absolutely love it. I provided details in that post.

Has anyone used a King size headboard with a queen size bed and not had it look too weird? I am in love with a headboard that is on sale, and they only have king left. I must have this headboard. It is iron/aluminum, and I dont want to cut it.

petworth- we've used a queen headboard with a full bed and it was OK. We had to get creative with blocks of wood to attach it, but once that was done, the look of the headboard extending past the bed was great.

petworth

If you love it, get it. You'll figure out a way to make it work. Or ask AT (with pictures) once you get it!

Katedet

This place isn't anywhere near DC, but they do ship their coffee around and its reasonably priced. They roast their beans themselves in antique roasters. They have a little quirky shop in Greencastle, PA. I like their Highlander Grogg.

http://greencastlecoffee.com/

petworth - the key it to get or make nightands that integrate well with the headboard. Many modern headboards are wider than the bed but they do not have to be as wide as the nighstand.

Here's an example:
http://www.modernonline.ca/images-beds/LARGE/ESF-112-SET.jpg

MyDesignSecrets.com

Does anyone know of somewhere where I can buy firewood and have it delivered? The cool days are making me wish for a fire in the fireplace!

Jeen-Marie: the spider house is around 13th and D SE.

enamorada - thanks for the suggestion! i was hoping i could get comments from people about their ikea sofas & i'm glad to hear you like yours. i'm worried about the quality regarding the fabric & cushions wearing out too fast.

after an unsuccessful trip to EQ3 this weekend, i will have to hit ikea anyhow. the style of couch i love & was ready to order from there happens to be the most uncomfortable one i've tried yet. they still have lots of options though.

I am responding to rstrtz question about a sofa that is modern / semi-midcentury. I am actually selling my practically brand new Bo-Concept Quattro sofa that looks great with modern and mid century items. Check out my craigslist post if you are interested it is really comfortable and built much better than most of the other furniture lines. If you guys know of anyone else looking for a sofa like this share the link....I am asking almost 1/2 of what I paid and will consider other offers.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/fuo/885545701.html

i need sofa help! ditching huge sectional sofa i have now & want to scale down. anyone in va/dc area have suggestions for a modern/semi-midcentury sofa or place to get one? so far on the list is EQ3 "Lola" or Crate & Barrel "Petrie" on high end. trying to avoid IKEA this time but like the "Kharlstad". feedback on these if you have one would be great. names of other companies would be nice too though! i know i've seen some posted on AT but haven't found them again. thanks so much!

Thank you all for the suggestions, I usually subscribe to the "if you love it, get it," part, and the link to the photo with the headboard that was much wider than the bed was helpful.

Speaking of coffee reccomendations, Batdorf and Bronson is another good option if you'd liek a large quanity shipped to you. Based in Olympia, WA. delicious.

If you're considering a West Elm purchase, I'd definitely go check out the store. I was in there a few weeks ago and I was shocked at how shoddy some of the furniture looks. Many of the fabrics haven't held up well from the wear-and- tear of people sitting on them. Given that some of the items had only been on the floor for a few months, that doesn't bode well for the long-term.

There is a small fabric store that carries beautiful upolstrey fabric on King Street. The store (if you're heading towards th river) is about a block west of Union Street on your right.

There is a house that is 2 doors from Henry Street (soutbound highway 1) that has all 3 floors filled with fabric rolls. I have yet to figure out who owns it or why it's so full of fabric.

Does anyone have coffee recommendations? I use a french press, but I have been less than thrilled with my coffee lately. I like a rich medium roast usually.
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ME Swings
and
Big Bear Cafe.

thanks Ellecapitale & ahatton. ahatton, i'll be up there sunday & may contact you about your quattro sofa. its a little shorter than i was looking for, so it will depend on what else i see up there sunday.

peets coffee:
http://www.peets.com

We ordered two Tillary sofas from West Elm and ended up returning them -- we hated them. we bought them to use in place of a sofa bed, but found they were uncomfortable used as either a bed or a couch. And the back cushions, which are supposedly weighted to stay in place, slid all over the place, so everything was always crooked. We called it our "sofa kit" becuase it always looked like we had a bunch of sofa parts strewn all over the room. One upside, their return process and policies were really easy.

in the living room, we have the Andre sofa from Room and Board. It's got a pretty classic midcentury shape. It's comfortable, looks great, and best of all, it's pretty resistant to cat claws (we have it in the standard nubby red fabric). R&B's nearest store is in New York, but they deliver nationally for a flat fee of $199 (I think?) for as much stuff as you want to buy.

thanks angelaindc! last night i was supposed to look at the Tillary Sofa that someone in my area has posted on craigslist. i was worried about the peices staying in place & the size so thank you for the info! had i taken them home, i couldnt have just returned them to the store!

i like the andre from R&R and their Eugene sofa, a lot! just worried since i can't try them out. nice to know the fabric is pet friendly (forgot that in 1st post). do you remember how long it took to be delivered?

There are also a small cluster of fabric stores in Langley Park, MD (corner of 193 and New Hampshire Ave)

Sarah Fabric (next to Chevy Chase Bank) Has mostly garment fabrics, but has an extensive selection of linen, silk and some home decor stuff

Hancock Fabric (standard stuff)

Sari Palace (on 193) near Tiffin and Udupi Palace--has great saris (5 yrd cuts) for curtains and fashion

Vina Fabric (near the international market and toys r us) mostly apparel, but some home dec.

Indepenguin--great tip!!!

Indepenguin - didn't there also used to be a place that had Marimekko fabric up there?

I'm looking for bargains on vintage furniture in the area. Modern, contemporary, or traditional stuff. Has anyone found steals that they are willing to share?

G street is great and the classes are really good too... take one from Connie Long, she is awesome!

DC upholsterers?

Does anyone know of a good and cheap-ish place around DC to get a wingback chair and ottoman reupholstered? I would prefer to supply my own fabric and I would prefer it to be close to DC proper, since I would need to rent a car to get the chair and ottoman to the store.

I have dreams of redoing the chair myself, but everyone says upholstery is a pain in the ass and it's better to take it to a professional.

Ipsocrafto is closing down in December. And everything is currently 30% off. Breaks my heart, because I just discovered it.

Katherinec- have you tried the usual suspects on 14th street, and the U street corridor. You prolly have, but just in case. I would also do the occasional trip to the boonies of VA. I always get good stuff there.

Also, about G street- i took the beginners sewing class (made a tote bag and PJs). It was helpful, but I learned a lot more sewing from library books, and a few picks from Amazon. I can send you my list. Also, at one point IpsoCrafto had private lessons for $40 an hour (I think). Check to see if they still offer them. I can email you my booklist if you like.

gswiszcza- let me know if you get a good resource for a dc upholsterer who is affordable. I am ALSO debating whether or not to DIY something, but have heard it can be a nightmare.

I just read an article that said Room and Board has leased a spot on 14th Street!

I just read an article that said Room and Board has leased a spot on 14th Street!
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looks like they have expressed interest in the building at 14th and t that was slated to be a Tryst/ The Diner combo.

Yeah. I'm generally sympathetic to the local business advocates supporting the Tryst/Diner/Comedy Club/Yoga idea, but I don't want these protests to spoil my chance at having access to a Room and Board! I don't really think of Rand B as a "big box" store and think these complainers don't really know what they'd be missing. Soon, G-d forbid, Room and Board will give up and just find themselves a strip mall location in Rockthesda. I'll still drive the hour to get there, but I'll curse the idiots who made the climate so unfriendly for a business we should be wooing in the city.

as long as business's are clamoring to OPEN in our city, thats pretty great.

Agreed, but I especially want a nearby Room and Board.

i just saw the room and board post on dcist and immediately came here to see if anybody else had heard the news! yay, room and board!!! (i mean, i'm all for small businesses, too...but how great would it be not to have to go to nyc to test drive beautiful r&b furniture?? and it's not like r&b is a gigantic chain)

I think there's plenty of room for both R&B and the other stuff. I was very excited when I heard about what they were going to do with that building and I hope it still happens. And I also hope R&B locates in the hood. I want it all.

for those looking to reupholster chairs, drop a line to the folks at Yuppie Decor- they told us that they can work with customers to redo existing pieces...

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/yuppie-decorwashington-dc-057342

anyone know why ipsocrafto is supposedly closing? I hadnt heard about this...but its too bad. i liked that they were close and local.

Swinghref> is a local roaster; they used to do it in a building on 11th Street, near the late, great Whitlow's Diner. Now Swing roasts in Virginia.

You can get it at Roland's on 4th and Penn SE. I've been drinking it almost exclusively for 20 years.

Thanks for the input on the G St classes--I think I'll register, as I really need the help! I have lots of books, but I need the hands-on assistance.

gswiszcza, I have a couple of reupholsterer recommendations, but I cannot say they are inexpensive. As far as the car part, they will come and give you a free estimate and pick up/drop off the chair, so no worries there. For a wingback, I think you should go the professional route. The fabric is where you will make the most savings, so find that on your own while you save up for the labor.

@ValHalla Eep. How expensive are we talking?

Labor costs vary wildly depending on size, shape, etc., but my random guess would be around $500.
I hired Nelson Distasio (703)590-7271 with good results. Jose Goncalves was highly recommended by someone "in the business."
http://www.arlingtoncountywebsite.com/josegoncalvesinteriors.htm
Sadly, it is often not worth the costs to reupholster something unless it is noteworthy is some way.
I had two antique/family pieces done and was thrilled, so it can be very rewarding though. Good luck--maybe if you post pics someone can advise you on how difficult the work would be (I was envisioning curves, etc.).

Jean--I think that's the coffee place I just strolled by this weekend...had never seen it before! I've gone to Misha's in Alexandria for locally roasted coffee.

Oh, and I'm SO excited to hear about the R&B potentially opening!!!! As much as I love Tryst...I don't go much over to Adams Morgan and wouldn't go any more to U Street...but I WOULD go there to look/buy furniture! The Tryst people should look into opening something in Capitol Hill! ;) I'll help find them a location.

First time post, glad to have a DC AT.

Does anyone know of a custom sofa maker locally that can compare to Couch in Seattle? I'm looking to get a sectional made and would like 1) not to pay cross-country shipping and 2) support a local business.

IpsoCrafto owner says it is a tough economy, and they are suffering as a small business. More reason for us to buy and support local.