Lorraine Fabrics

Great fabric store. So much to chose from and admire. I could spend hours on here. Upstairs is a bargain outlet all fabrics $ 2.99 a yard which is unheard of. It’s mix and match, and once it’s gone it’s gone so be sure to get the yardage that you need. The woman who works upstairs a Spanish woman is so wonderful. Every time I go in she remembers my last project which floors me her memory. There are remnants and many marked down patterns. Some of the fabrics are high end, some cheaper. Downstairs is the non markdowns, ranges from $ 4.99−29.99 a yard. They have African fabrics, batiks, and silks. Such beautiful fabrics. It’s huge so plan your time accordingly. It’s a fun day shopping around and finding good deals. I highly suggest you stop here first for your fabrics.

Today I went to Lorraine Fabrics to return a defective piece of vinyl. I had purchased this fabric to cover chairs at my cottage. I did the first chair and when I laid out the vinyl to do the others I found a large flaw down the middle which left we with not enough to finish the job. I brought it back and was told they didn’t have any more and that I had to find a replacement. when I started looking one of the clerks yelled you didn’t buy that here. I told her I did about 2 weeks ago she still yelled you did not in front of several customers. basically calling me a liar. She stated she knew every fabric in the building and that I did not buy it there. Needless to say this did not go well. I asked to speak to the owner and she indicated, David Taylor, the owner was on vacation. I asked to speak to the manager she told me to go out front. I went out front and asked to speak to the manager and the woman indicated that the other clerk helping, me was the manager. She had no control over her employees. She told me she runs the place and the owner is never there and she does a good job. I have shopped here for material for over 30 years since my kids were little. Obviously customer service is not a highly rated item at this store.

I am all about the bargain Fabric upstairs. I have been going here for 20 years. Best fabric store in the state for random finds. Also check out their pink bags of remnants upstairs, they are also just $ 1.99.
*Correction, I haven’t been there in a few months… apparently the price has gone up to 2.99…still a bargain in my book.*

Whelp folks, the .99 — $ 1.99 joy ride has officially ended.
Lured by all the wonderfully tempting reviews my mother & I made the trip over to Lorraine’s to check things out with the hope of purchasing inexpensive treats.
The usual warehouse setting (like every other decent close-​out or outlet store), their first floor is filled wall to wall with their priciest merchandise. If you’re looking for wool, heavy duty carpeting fabric or silks, taffeta or other specialities to craft gowns and the like, Lorraine is golden. There are also decent selections of «newer» patterns however there were several (including a very cute cat patterned fabric that I grabbed) that both my mom & I instantly recalled from the early 90s. We also found spools upon spools of the heavy cotton my mother uses for her doll making for $ 3.99 a yard (we used to buy this from Building #19 for a comparable cost before they closed).
The second floor (what I went for) was a little disappointing. Hoping to save money, I was a little surprised to find that the cost had increased from $ 1.99 to $ 2.99 for all bargain fabrics. Still, since I make doll clothes, I figured my usual quarter yard purchases would run extremely cheap. The selection is vast but honestly, I didn’t find much in the way of anything incredibly unique or interesting for my needs. I ended up choosing two very cute retro prints.
Unfortunately the service leaves a lot to be desired. After making my selections and requesting my quarters I was informed by a staff member everything on the second floor had to be purchased by a full yard only. Not exactly what I was looking for but alright. I still ended up buying the two I chose but there was a lot of unnecessary eye rolling involved on her part. Later when we asked a question about pattern books we were given a snippy answer. …Not sure what was going on there.
Overall it was alright. If you’re looking for large bulk quantities of older close out fabrics or basic necessities you’re definitely in luck. Otherwise it left a lot to be desired on my end. For the most part, I’m sticking with Ryco.

Do you know what a trigger store is?
Allow me to explain.
A trigger store is one that overwhelms you with an urge to use their rest area, just as soon as you step inside their grounds.
For me, this is usually caused by second hand stores, libraries and other old smelling facilities. Lorainne’s is definitely big, musty and old smelling. But this is a good thing.
As a young, poor child I was taken here quite often as both a thing to do and out of necessity. My under-​privileged ignorance thought this was completely normal. Looking back on it, these experiences where I was able to define my identity by designing and selecting the fabric that would eventually become my wears has contributed to the person, albeit strange person, whose words you are currently reading.
The staff although not always friendly, is knowledgable and willing to advise on the right cloth for the job.
The bargain loft is chock-​full of while-​they-​last deals.
Lorainne’s really is a special place for me — and not just because it makes me want to go number two.

After reading all the horrible reviews on customer service, I decided to not take a chance at being locked out, and went early afternoon. It’s a good thing I don’t live here any more; I’d spend half my life in there! I was shopping for fabric for my niece’s dress and found everything I was looking for upstairs in the 1.99 dept, and I have to say, the ladies that did the cutting and check-​out were as nice as can be. Maybe they read all the bad reviews and changed their tune, but I had a great time!
Everything is clean, colors and fabrics are beautifully organized, and it was a pleasure and adventure to shop there.

Raced out of work to run this errand by 6pm, their clearly stated closing time. Arrived at 5:55 with cash in hand to purchase two zippers and the doors were locked. The woman would not even unlock the door to speak to me but stated through the glass that they were closed, making no effort to hide her annoyance with me. Will never return. Th place is a dump anyway and the fabrics are cheap and hideous.

Walking into Lorraine fabrics took me back about 20 years in time. Much of the wares were probably available then as well.
The first floor is filled with their premium merchandise, buttons, brick track and other trimmings, zippers, lining, out door fabrics, tapestry, wool (seriously, more wool then I have ever seen at a fabric store), and bolts upon bolts of heavy duty fabrics for the most demanding of projects. Newer and trademarked fabrics are also found on this floor (cartoons, tv shows, brand names, etc…)
Upstairs is a 1.99 a yard wonderland. Some are remnants, some are discontinued, some are simply a little damaged or a poor seller. Mixed with the discounted fabric are grab bags of trims, assorted buttons, and some lovely vinyl dead stock belts. I had nearly purchased one across the street at a small studio sale, and overheard the belts were from Lorraine, and promptly bought one for $ 1.99 there. Cloth napkins and hospitality grade pillowcases are also available for a buck each upstairs.
A fun place where you will find everything you need to make that something special. This place has character from the hand written signs and creaky floors to the large contraptions used to mount and measure bolts of fabrics from. My mom and I will be back more often to check out the trimmings and other notions that land in the discount loft.

I spent about 3 hours here and ended up scouring the store from top to bottom. The entire upstairs level of this mill store is filled with fabric that is $ 1.99 /​yd. Lots of plain, and some ugly up there but still nice to check it out. Some of the folded fabrics are designer lines that are end of the bolt specials for the low price. Anyway, you got yourself there, so check out the upstairs and look for a bargain.
Downstairs is filled with bolts and rolls of fabric ranging in price. I think the most expensive yardage I bought was an outdoor waterproof /​fadeproof Sunbrella fabric for $ 14.99 /​yd., this fabric typically retails for $ 25 /​yd. All sorts of cotton, batik, fabric backed vinyl, blackout, wool, felt, cordoroy, upholstery, trims, thread, and notions.
The ladies are helpful. For some of the ladies english isn’t their first language but they are seamstresses at heart and are able to quickly figure out what you are making /​what you need, how much to buy based on pattern repeats, etc.
Don’t go to Lorraine if you’re looking for a specific Waverly pattern or if you need 56 yards of matching fabric. They specialize in great pricing on leftovers and ends of rolls — so if you need more than they have, it is likely you’ll never find it. I’m not sure how often their stock turns over but I’m excited to go back in a few months to check it out again.

I think this is my new favorite providence store: D I would travel to Providence just to go to this store. IT IS HUGE! SO MUCH FABRIC! SO MUCH VARIETY! SUCH GOOD DEALS!

This place has a wide variety of fabrics, but if you are looking for good quality quilting fabrics… Meh. There is no Amy Butler or Moda here. I have to admit, some of the fabrics look like they were in stock when their sign was I stalled back in the year ‘who knows when’. If you are looking for other fabrics for other projects, I’m sure their selection is outstanding considering the limited availability of fabric stores.

I went to this store recently on a road trip. I actually stopped off at That $ 1.99 fabric place in Auburn first and then made my way here.
I headed straight to the back of the store and up the stairs in the back to the bargain loft where all the fabric was $ 1.99. I saw some of the same fabrics that I had just seen at That $ 1.99 fabric place. I did find a couple of cotton fabrics but wasn’t really impressed with the selection. They had material for curtains/​upholstery and clothing as well. It seemed pretty good.
I looked through the middle sections a little but was unimpressed with most of it. Many of the fabrics felt cheap when I felt them. Then I hit upon the corduroy fabrics and found a bunch of really nice corduroy fabrics in some beautiful colors. I got a deep purple color and a gorgeous turquoise blue. It is a finer wale corduroy, and felt great, just like the stuff at the fabric stores that sells for 3−4X as much $$
I went downstairs to check out and looked briefly at the main floor fabrics. I saw some of the fabrics that I had seen at That $ 1.99 fabric place on the main floor of Lorraine for $ 4.99 a yard which I thought was funny.
The main floor prices seemed a little better than other fabric stores. If I was in the area I would definitely stop in. I’m not sure that I would make another special trip to visit here.
There is no public bathroom here so make sure you visit a restroom before you go.
The weird thing I noticed is that they have the same exact bags as That $ 1.99 fabric place. It’s a purple bag so it’s not like a common plain white one. I am wondering if they are affiliated or run by the same owners.

Bargain loft is amazing!!!

I have to agree with everyone, this store is great for bargains. I purchased white cotton fabric for a dress, 10 yards for a new duvet, and 1 yard if my favorite color to make a skirt, plus 2 yards of trimming all for $ 33 on the 2^nd floor. They have really nice fabrics and so many options on both floors. I even found a lot of trimming options that I loved.

Oh my, all the Fabric! I can’t help but spend hours here. The first thing I do is head to the bargain area, up the stairs in the back. $ 1.99 a yard in the bargain area, yay! My creative juices really flow @ those prices.
I kinda know what I am doing so I don’t usually need help with much. Although I have seen the staff be very helpful.
This is a old factory building loaded with all sorts of fabrics nothing fancy here. The selection of thread and etc. is a plus as well!

As long as this place doesn’t catch fire while I’m in it, I’m a fan. What looks like a run down factory houses a huge selection of fabric. 2 floors!
I will have to say that this is more for those who are looking for upholstery than basic cotton fabric, but it still has a pretty good selection of that too.
When you walk in, walk all the way to the back of the store and climb the stairs to the $ 1.99 a yard bargain loft. Yes, you read right. Everything on the 2^nd floor is $ 1.99 a yard. Crazy, right?
Every time I’m here, I spend over an hour pouring through the selection of fabric, and I find that each time I peruse a shelf I a pattern that I hadn’t noticed before.
While the bargain loft is great for pricing, the prices downstairs are a little more expensive than the other local fabric stores, but I figure if I can get a balance between the 2 (upstairs and down), I’ve spent less than I would.

I love Lorraine for its selection and price. However, its staff leaves a LOT to be desired.
A few weeks ago I decided to make some throw pillows and such, so I dashed out of the office at 4:30 and sped up 146 to Mineral Spring. I headed right for the Bargain Loft and started looking around. I loaded up my cart with fantastic inexpensive fabrics and, unfortunately, lost track of time. It was 5:30 before I knew it. The Bargain Loft closes at 5:45 (the store closes at 6).
The woman at the cutting table clicked her tongue at me and said «Oh my gosh, we are closing right now! You have to bring your things up!» I apologized and laid out my selections. She started cutting, rolling her eyes every time I said «I’d like 1 yard of this, please,» as though it wasn’t worth her time. Then she said «Why did you come so late?» «I’m sorry,» I said, «I got out of work at 4:30 and came right here.» «Oh,» she said, «You just figured no one else should get out of work on time? You know, other people want to go home at the end of the day, not just you.» It was 5:40. I didn’t know what to say.
After apologizing again, I walked down the stairs, cheeks burning, and went right to the front to check out. I noticed that all the signs were turned to «Closed» so I asked the girl ringing me up if I was incorrect in thinking they closed at 6. «The Bargain Loft closes at 5:45, we close at 6,» she said sharply. I chose not to mention the signs, making a mental note to come earlier the next time.
The doors were locked, so I had to unlock them to leave. I let the girl at the counter know she’d need to lock them behind me and she sighed. «Fine.»
It was 5:55 when I drove out of the parking lot.
I totally understand wanting to go home at the end of the day. I feel the same way when I’m at work. But I don’t understand making customers feel like they’re selfish jerks for coming in at the end of the day — especially when said customers make it out of the store before it’s even technically closed.
I’ll go back, but only when I have enough time to ensure I’m done well before they close.

Legendary. Lorraine Fabrics has something for everyone. Isles and isles of all sorts of fabrics you could ever imagine. I mean, there is some serious stuff in here.
Overwhelming? Absolutely. The prices seem to be on point, especially for the more hard to find fabrics. Also, be sure to visit the upstairs section in which they offer $ 1.99/yard deals.
The staff leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve only been in here a couple of times. Each time, I felt rushed. The first time I needed assistance finding a fabric to insert into a dress; I was pointed to a lot of fabric no more than two feet away and was told «that should do.» This past time around, as I was checking out… I didn’t get a «hi, how are you, or bye, have a good day.» There is a serious lack of customer service in this place.
The minimum you can purchase is an ¹⁄₈ of a yard, which is perfect for me because I don’t sew; I use fabric for crafts so an ¹⁄₈ of a yard is all I need. I spent a total of $ 3.64 this weekend for four different color taffeta fabrics which will last me a long time!

I was headed out Mineral Spring Ave to order some giclee prints at Iolabs, and a friend said that I should visit Lorraine’s, which is across the street. I had been looking for some backdrop material. I don’t sew, I’m a photographer. And, I had been agonizing over two or three yards of expensive wide material. After I wandered the first floor of Lorraine’s, marveling at the prices, I went upstairs to look at the1.99/yard remnants (with low expectations). Holy Crap! I ended up with 5 yards of 72″ wide black taffeta and some nicely reflective silver stuff. $ 12 total. The next time I got two large pieces of vaguely floral cotton for $ 5. I will go back again and again, spending a few bucks each time, and dramatically enlarging my background/​prop collection.
Oh, and the prints from Iolabs? Awesome!

I love Lorraine! This is like heaven for anyone who sews or creates anything with fabric. When I go in, I usually make a b-​line straight to the $ 1.99 loft which probably has as much fabric upstairs as they do downstairs! My trouble is that I usually end up buying $ 30 worth of fabric and $ 60 worth of buttons, needles and other fancy things. In any case, this is paradise.