This is from our Boston finalist, Kyle. Comment away!
I'm entwined in a passionate, lifelong love affair with… fabric.
I tack, nail, or glue it to anything that doesn’t have a tail (this policy protects my dog, but just barely). Through my redesign and organizing business, people often ask me where to buy new fabric. And when they do, I get starry-eyed and wide-smiled and my mind drifts away to not just a fabric place, but to a fabric palace: Zimman’s in Lynn, Massachusetts...
Owned and operated by the Zimman family for 99 years, the store hosts “the most extensive selection of fabric styles, color palettes, textures and patterns available in the Northeast.” Plenty of people know of Zimman's but few brave the trek to this fabric mecca, fearing it's too far, too intimidating, and too expensive. It's time to sort fact from fiction.
It takes me 40 minutes to get to Zimman’s from Jamaica Plain; I might as well drive to Somerville in rush hour. Organize a carpool of Team Zimman’s friends and the trip will fly. Is Zimman's huge and overwhelming? It is. That said, if you equip yourself with enough time, the right mindset, and the knowledge that the store IS reasonably organized, then you'll have a rip-roaring time.
As you enter the giant store, the heavier upholstery weight fabrics line the left side of the store while the lighter drapery fabrics line the right with a mix of both down the middle. Within those sections, fabrics are roughly organized by color, style, and subtype of fabric (e.g. chenilles, velvets, silks, cotton prints). If your goal is to see every fabric in the store, you will wither and die. Seriously. I used to try it. Just scan what you can see without effort and tap into your gut reaction. And decorating rules are meant to be broken so explore the lightweight “drapery” fabrics for the seat cushion you need to cover.
It's true that Zimman's has some really expensive fabrics, upwards of $80/yd but that's much more the exception than the norm. There are plenty of amazing fabrics that fall in the $12.95 to $29.95/yd range, and some even lower in the famous Zimman’s Basement, where you can find multi-yard remnants for 60-90% off the original price! Zimman's may not have as many blatantly contemporary fabrics as say, Mood Fabrics in NYC, but it still has a very impressive collection of modern and transitional fabrics and the sheer assortment of styles is breathtaking.
If you can only spring for a small amount of Zimman’s fabric, there are plenty of projects that introduce a jolt of color with limited yardage (e.g. seat cushion, throw pillow, framed fabric, small shelf). Also keep in mind that home decorating fabric, particularly upholstery weight fabric, tends to be wider than drapery and crafting fabric, giving you more for your money.
As most addicts do, I feel guilty… about my non-secondhand fabrics. The textile industry leaves a pretty gigantic carbon footprint. I asked Michael Zimman if his store offers any eco fabric choices. Sadly, not much. He said his customers don’t seem to demand it and the price point starts higher than where he likes to keep his prices. So if you make the trip, please express an interest in organic, natural dyed fabrics – it’s up to us to create the demand. Meanwhile, here are some of my favorite online sources for eco fabrics: Near Sea Naturals (they carry the vibrant Mod Green Pod fabrics), Harmony Art, and Indika Organics.
Eco-angst aside, if I haven’t convinced you that a trip to Zimman’s will make your design-loving heart beat wildly and inspire you to concoct small ways to introduce big impact fabrics, then here’s a VERY condensed shout-out to some other fabric sources, beyond the ones referenced above:
Local fabric stores: Freddy Farkel’s Fabric Outlet in Watertown, Fabric Place in Newton & Framingham
Online: Virginia Johnson Fabrics, Repro Depot, Cia's Palette, Pamela Simon Vintage, Ebay for vintage fabrics
CAPTIONS:
#1 - Zimman's boasts “one of the largest selection of silks in the country”, including this delicious bin of Indian 100% silks, most of which are priced at $29.95/yd.
#3 - These “highest quality” chenilles from Italy go for $36.95/yd. You can buy a 1/8 yard sample for any fabric in the store.
#4 - Tip: Sign up for Zimman’s email list online. It’s the only way you’ll be notified of their annual January sale, which Michael Zimman, the very relaxed current owner, reveals is “more like a party.”
#5 - In addition to fabric, Zimman’s carries a dizzying selection of passementerie, a fancy word for decorative trimming.
#6 - An anomaly in a sea of large racks and stuffed bins, this cabinet holds Marimekko fabrics. You can also find these closer to home at the Marimekko store in Cambridge, MA.
#7 - A sampling of Zimman’s fabrics and their price per yard from L to R: $19.95, $15.95, $16.95, $36.95. Unfortunately, you can’t view or order Zimman’s fabrics online.
#8 - I found some reasonably priced Zimman’s fabric to “wallpaper” my office/guest room wall.
#9 - To create a shelf over my toilet, I covered an old piece of wood with circle themed Zimman’s fabric to balance the plentiful square elements in my bathroom.
#10 - I love to recover old chairs & ottomans (L-R): secondhand vinyl tablecloth from a yard sale for seat cover; hand-me-down orange fabric for chair & secondhand drapery fabric from Urban Renewals in Allston for yellow pillow; green Chinese fabric from Van’s Fabrics to cover my trash-find ottoman. Each of these projects used a yard or less of fabric so they would have been good candidates for pricier Zimman’s fabrics.
- Kyle
(Thanks, Kyle!)
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That looks like a great store (and I can't even sew on a button!). Wonderful resource, wonderful post!
view oldmanbl's profile
My Mom & my Aunt are addicted to that place. I have yet to get over there - but it's on my "to do" list.
view I Love Upstate's profile
Thorough and informative post with stunning photos!
view SMM's profile
Extra cupcakes for the mental image of you chasing after your dog with fabric and a glue stick. A corgi covered in tufted fabric would make a good footstool.
view stoat's profile
Just looking at these pictures of Zimman's makes my heart go pitty pat. And as for getting there - take the train. You can see the store from the train window as you pull into Lynn. The store is only a block or two from the station.
view Dulcibella's profile
I had a friend in Boston who, for a very special birthday treat to herself, would allow herself the pleasure of going to Zimman's. That place really is a pleasure and I love the big old building it's in. There's only one other fabric store that I love as much as Zimman's, which is Elmwood Fabrics in Buffalo, NY - small but completely charming.
view alphonsina's profile
The photos captured me immediately. I spent time in New Delhi, India and fell in love with the fabric colors there (electric blues, hot pinks, bold orange, etc.) The pics reminded me of the markets there.
Great tip on covering the wood shelf with fabric to tie it in with your bathroom decor.
view mogue7's profile
Well, if I didn't have a reason to go to Lynn, I sure do now! Great tour, Kyle.
view dmjaeger's profile
The photos really caught my eye. I love exotic, colorful fabrics. I am definitely going to make a stop at this store the next time I'm in the Boston area. What a great find!!
I also found the tips/ideas really helpful for me! So creative - thanks!
view pchaparala's profile
Walking into a great fabric store is like walking into a great bakery, as far as I'm concerned. So many delicious things you don't know where to start. But until now I've been resigned to some lackluster fabric places in Chinatown and East Cambridge, so thanks for bringing Zimman's to my attention, Kyle! Very good to know.
view bellyglad's profile
i appreciate that you have also addressed the ecological aspect of design... and am curious what sources you know that do discuss the environmental impact of the textile industry? in this modern world, there are many many choices to make considering our own health and that of our planets. mostly, though, i love that often making good choices for ourselves (low VOC, organic, etc.) means making a good choice for our planet! go kyle.
view braina's profile
I was disappointed with Zimmans. Maybe it was just the mildew smell, but for me, mildew and fabrics don't mix.
view lorieS's profile
I love the way you describe this store - so fun and enticing - feels like travel writing. Also - I love the photos in the sildeshow that show how you have used the fabric - which has given me a few ideas. Thanks so much!
view mbotemama's profile
That shop looks amazing...and dangerous! I had no idea it existed. Thanks again, Kyle.
view mudhudhud's profile
Zimmans looks like a great and dangerous place to spend the afternoon. A special place to get lost in the dreams for recreating your space. Thanks, Kyle for sharing a treasure with us all!
view wendyrourke's profile
Wow. I might consider going to Zimman's after reading this.
view VBERMAN's profile
You just gave me an idea...creating a special fabric covered scrapbook! What a concept! Then I started to imagine what a quilter would do with these fabrics! A quilt designed for a wall hanging with these fabrics would pop any wall. Or what about creating Christmas tree ornaments with styrofoam balls and these fabrics over them?! That would look very classy. Kyle...your creativity in your post has got my mind soaring and my pocket book (and cats) nervous. Thank you a bunch for sharing!!!
view KendraC's profile
Kyle,
This post made me want to sew again. I'll have to search the midwest to find a store like Zimman's.
view spintar's profile
What a great arrangement of fabrics. I'm sorry that I never visited Zimmermans when I lived in Boston. Thanks for the wonderful tour Kyle!
view greatgreengoods's profile
you know, the color in the fabrics whispers to me, "albert, even you can develop a sense of decorating. take your decorating game to the next level."
view aam3's profile
Even though I've been to Zimman's, your photos make me want to resurrect my old Singer and feel once again the whirr of the treadle under my foot, the whoosh of the fabric as my hands glide it under the needle. Thanks for the memories...Marjorie
view marjie's profile
Thanks for this information. The colors are beautiful. I am inspired to take a trip to Lynn after reading this review of Zimmans. I have been thinking of making some curtains and pillow covers. I had never thought of putting the fabric on the walls, and really like the idea!
view garden's profile
I can't sew - at all - but I can certainly glue and tack. Great ideas and outstanding pictures. Keep up the good work!
view Kona love's profile
Great post! Great photos! I will definitely check out Zimman's.
view larsko's profile
I've heard of Zimmans, seen their ads, and fantasized about going there but never had the courage (partly because anything past Cambridge feels like a long distance for me!). Now I HAVE to go. Thanks for tips, and when I DO go I will ask for the organic section :)
view jenadler's profile
Very lush arrangement of color and texture! I am a knitter and understand fabric addiction... I don't sew but this post makes me seriously consider picking it up. Beautiful!
view spencepc's profile
"Lynn, Lynn: the city of sin. You never come out, the way you went in."
Sorry, I grew up with that one. Can't hear mention of the town without it popping into my head.
view feathers's profile
Great post. I appreciate how you ventured out of the usual Cambridge-Newbury Street-JP neigbhorhoods, too.
view gquaker's profile
That looks like a store I easily get lost in- great post Kyle!
view colgankc's profile
This is a wonderful post and the writer's voice is fantastic! Very funny and playful, but thorough and informative at the same time. A refreshing read. I hope they give you a home on AT: boston, kyle!
view ajh's profile
I have been impressed consistently by Kyle's strong writing skills and obvious sense of style. Kyle, keep it up
view chuckf's profile
Thanks, Kyle--I wish I could sew, but Zimman's is worth a trip anyway! I love "fabric palace"--very witty. I really enjoy your posts!
view PaulaM's profile
Very Thorough!! A wonderful resource.
view tshizzle's profile
Ah, Zimman's - my favorite past, present and the future...I love being lost in this store, the relict of some old times, forever gone by. Thank you for this wonderful tour and a reminder that the great ol' stores are still hangin' in there, waiting for us to visit them, :)
view Danguba's profile
What a fabulous store! I feel as if I can reach out and touch the fabrics . . .
view RoomsReborn's profile
Excellent post. I live one town away from Zimman's and have been going there for years. I have two recommendations for anybody who visits Zimman's for the first time:
1) Plan to spend several hours because it is overwhelming. Browse the fabrics then go have lunch and come back because it is almost impossible to make a decision on your first try.
2) Buy enough fabric for your project because once it is gone, it is gone.
Feathers: the childhood rhyme that I learned differs a bit from yours:
"Lynn, Lynn: the city of sin, once you get out you never go back in."
view Downeast Suzy's profile
Michael Zimman should hire you full time. I am not handy with fabric, but I felt like running to Lynn and filling my car with bolts of beauty. Luckily, a few deep breaths helped me to return to my normal grumpy state
view mjelkin's profile
As a somewhat regular visitor to Boston, I'm going to have to definitely make this a side trip for the next time I'm in the area.
Thanks for the great post!
view Jenifer's profile
Those fabrics are so beautiful. I don't really sew, but I want to make a field trip just to look & touch. And maybe to think about upholstering my bedroom walls like you did. Wallpaper is out of the question in this rental apartment, but staplegunning fabric is a possibility. Was it hard to do? Did you do much damage to the walls?
view luckyduck's profile
Thanks for the informative inside tip! zimman's is unbelievable!!!! fabric, furniture -- it's an unexpected treasure chest! I was just there and I don't know what lori b. is talking about -- there's no mildew; it's absolutely sublime!! Yes, a bit overwhelming, but if you are into fabric, and whether or not you think of yourself as having any home design sense, it's the place. Do yourself a favor -- get your tush there -- it's a short jaunt from anywhere in Greater Boston (and so much fun once you're there!).
view ellieb's profile
damn gurl, i can't afford to be lusting after fabric right now. that energy-efficient furnace has put me back for a few winters. no, seriously though... i wish i had known about Zimmans when i lived in Boston... best i could find was in Chinatown & now i'm lamenting the potential lost in my teeny attic apt. back there.
view jban's profile
very interesting and inspiring post. sounds well worth the trek out of the city.
view pugmodern's profile
Kyle,
This place is a fantastic find. Next time I am up that way, I will certainly visit!
view hgtvcrazy's profile
Kyle here...
Thanks for all the comments about my Zimman's post. I'm glad to see that there are a fair number of you who've never been and that you're now inspired to go - you won't be sorry!
Luckyduck, to answer your question about using fabric on the walls in your rental (you said "wallpaper is out of the question in this rental apartment, but staplegunning fabric is a possibility. Was it hard to do? Did you do much damage to the walls?"), I used small white nails instead of a staplegun for my craft room wall (shown in the Zimman's post). The staples would be too difficult to remove from the wall if you're a renter. Just carefully measure your space and then use an iron to make a nice crease on the edges of your fabric pieces and then hammer your nails in. Sure, it can look more makeshift that nicely glued wallpaper or fabric but if you choose a fabric you love, you'll see the fabric and not the fact that its application isn't perfect. It's a great temporary decorating tool! Good luck!
Thanks,
Kyle
view boston_kyle's profile
once again great prose. AT needs more writers like kyle's. her style is as engaging as the content. keep it up AT and kyle!
view kfreeobie's profile
Once again, Kyle proves that good writing and sane advice mean as much as great photography and design sense. Thanks, Kyle, for your honesty and humor. Zimman's is a longtime favorite of my family (we're North Shore people)--it truly takes one's breath away, kind of the way ABC Carpet and Home in NY does (not that they're comparable in every way--it's just that "wow" factor when you stroll around).
I suspect certified eco-friendly fabrics will make their way there when the prices go down. I have to admit that the official label of "green" often irritates me. It's such a buzzword these days, and sometimes means very little. Keep in mind, too, some fabrics are sort of more inherently politically correct depending on where they come from, the plant or animal source, the dyes, etc., even if they don't have that chic label. And the thing about fabric is, you can reuse it, which you can't do with paint once it's applied.
view mayqueen's profile
what a great place
view stuckinphilly's profile
What a thorough, yet succint description of this jewel of a place. Kyle clearly has an eye for exquisite colors and patterns, with a ton of creativity to boot! Thanks for all of the resources included, especially the eco-friendly options for fabrics. I will dream in toile tonight....
view NinnyR's profile
I have vaguely heard of the name Zinman's before, but until this post I had NO IDEA what it was, and that it was something I would like to utilize! None!
A lot of fabric stores frankly seem fusty and boring to me; thus I rarely go and even have reduced my interaction with sewing because of it. Now that I read about Zinman's, however ....
Thanks Kyle!
view leili's profile