July 14, 2009

The Needle Shop

I finally visited The Needle Shop, here in Chicago. And fell in love! It's three walls of floor-to-ceiling fabrics in all those prints you drool over on the internet, but can't find in person. Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Kokka! Where was this store when I first started sewing a few years ago? You'll love it, I promise.

There's stuff for screenprinting, lots of modern sewing patterns for clothes you'd actually wear and bags you'd actually carry, and plenty of sewn samples to admire. The Needle Shop offers classes, too: learn to upholster, make clothing and totes, screen print, you name it. Say hi to Rachel Epperson, the super nice owner, while you're there. And if you live outside of Chicago, visit the online shop. Every fabric in the store is available on the web.

29 comments:

  1. AlisonJuly 14, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    I agree! It's a great place. I've taken a few classes there, and I've learned so much.

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  2. Grandma GJuly 14, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    Didn't you forget one important photo??? ;-)

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  3. Jessica JonesJuly 14, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    No. I don't need my head on here.

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  4. JeanneJuly 14, 2009 at 1:30 PM

    I was there on Sunday taking a great class. I was saying how I just started reading creative blogs. Rachel suggested your blog!

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  5. KarenJuly 14, 2009 at 1:47 PM

    Jealous as I sit in a office dreaming of fabric.

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  6. SarahJuly 14, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    I love this place! I never see cool fabric like they carry anywhere else around here. And this reminds me that I should head over there again sometime soon for some new fabric treats, so thanks!

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  7. knit_chickJuly 14, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    I love The Needleshop and have taken several classes here. I'm so happy they now have the fabric shop upstairs.

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  8. JeaneeJuly 14, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    Man! I wish I woulda known about this store! I was just in Chicago... I woulda visited.

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  9. JJuly 14, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    That is a great shop. Darling store.

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  10. cmcilwainJuly 14, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    Thanks for the tip. I love new fabrics.

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  11. MaryJuly 14, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    Ooh, I might have to visit on my next trip to Chicago. Are there any other fabric shops you recommend?

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  12. CarlyJuly 14, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    The online shop is where I ordered my Jessica Jones fabric... Now that I see the photos, I might have to visit Chicago. I also dream of Purl in New York... Oh the places I have to go.....

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  13. WendyJuly 14, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    DROOL!

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  14. Trish AustinJuly 14, 2009 at 9:27 PM

    Isn't it Awesome!!!! It is my favorite fabric store in Chicago!!!!

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  15. sara@augustfieldsJuly 14, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    thanks for the info!! i also would love to know what other fabric shops or faves in Chicago you have :)

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  16. Brussel SproutsJuly 14, 2009 at 10:01 PM

    I'm so glad you wrote about this store. It is in the same neighborhood as my workplace and I've been meaning to go in there. Now I definitely will!

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  17. ClaireJuly 14, 2009 at 10:10 PM

    I love The Needle Shop. I had fair and amateur sewing skills, and just one class taught me a lot more. I have such a hard time picking out fabrics there. (They're all so great.)

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  18. UnknownJuly 14, 2009 at 11:01 PM

    Um, this is very dangerous. I'm a beginning sewer with lofty ambitions and what I just saw of the Needle Shop made me drool in a delusion of grandeur fit.

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  19. KateJuly 14, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    I have taken Sewing 101, the alterations class, and the screen printing class. I LOVE TNS! Rachel is so nice and a fantastic teacher. This shop is what got me hooked on sewing!

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  20. Swiss Ms.July 15, 2009 at 1:35 AM

    oh boy. why didn't we know about that one when we were looking? i am still trying to decide!

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  21. Serious CraftJuly 15, 2009 at 3:48 AM

    What a beautiful looking shop! Wish there was one like that where I live!

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  22. PeppyJuly 15, 2009 at 6:30 AM

    Yummie! Most fabric shops I know look kind of old-fashioned, but this one definitely looks, well, 'new-fashioned'?!

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  23. Jennifer KatherineJuly 15, 2009 at 8:34 AM

    Oh....how I wish I could leave work this instant and browse around!

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  24. BunnyJuly 15, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    I love the pink door! Fabulous!

    Cheers!

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  25. FrostedJuly 15, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    This is definitely my favorite fabric shop in Chicago! I'm lucky to live on the other side of town or I'd spend every last cent there.

    There is no other store that compares to it and the owner has such a great first name:)

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  26. thursdayJuly 15, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    Must get down there and check it out! Thanks!

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  27. Jessi Bishop-RoyseJuly 16, 2009 at 9:06 PM

    i want to go to there!!!

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  28. BateauJuly 29, 2009 at 1:50 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this great resource! If only I had more time for sewing ... and more money for fabric.

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  29. GigiAugust 14, 2009 at 11:35 PM

    Thought I remembered seeing some oilcloth when I was there last year. Haven't found any as nice anyplace else. Live in the western suburbs of chicago

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