Fabric Hoarders Beware

Shopping at M&L

Once again, my friend Pam and I celebrated our birthdays (which land about two weeks apart) by taking an overnight adventure.  This time, we decided to go back to Los Angeles again since we’ve been having so much fun there…and take in some of our favorite haunts.  So over the Labor Day holiday we went, with the necessary equipment and supplies – GPS, iPhone, Water, Chocolate Chip Cookies – in search of fabric, beads, and pay-per-view in air-conditioned hotel rooms. 

The first landmark we wanted to visit while in the LA area was M&L Discount Fabric.  I learned about this fabric store a few years ago from my friend Julia Z who casually mentioned that it was “where all old fabric goes to die”.  And, it is just that.  Housed in what looks to be an old grocery store, it is on the “gotta go” list for quilters looking for a bargain (or quilt backs) who just happen to be in Southern California.  

The shop is chock-a-block full of fabric.  As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the latest fabric lines at regular prices…but, fear not.  As you progress through the aisles and aisles of everything from quilting fabrics, dress linings, tulle, and various upholstery fabrics you’ll notice the prices drop, and then drop again.  And, they even continue to drop further as you approach the unknow…or the flatfolds…that are stacked neatly in a dozen aisles as much as 5 feet high.  For your efforts there you just might find a treasure oldie but still amazing fabric for $1.98/yard.  

If you are planning a trip to the LA area, see if you can’t squeeze a trip.  The store is located at 3430 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804.  Turns out that Disneyland is just down the street.  So, drop the kids off first, but remember to leave room in the car to pick them up.   And, if you don’t have a chance in the world of going to LA…my condolences.  You can see from my full basket above that I had a successful hunting trip.  Now for Pam’s basket…well, let’s just say that I’m a lightweight.  

–Penny