Fabrics

JEM Fabrics Update

Just a little PSA today for my fellow New Yorkers: JEM Fabrics, one of my very favorite sources for super affordable velvets and trim (where I bought this trim), is closing its doors this month. :( I’m so, so bummed for the very nice people that run the store (and also for myself). For the…

Just a little PSA today for my fellow New Yorkers: JEM Fabrics, one of my very favorite sources for super affordable velvets and trim (where I bought this trim), is closing its doors this month. :( I’m so, so bummed for the very nice people that run the store (and also for myself).

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For the next two weeks they are selling everything at a deep discount, including furniture they had downstairs in the upholstery section. I stopped by yesterday and bought five yards of this laminated black linen (above) for a dining chair project and I also ended up buying this vintage tufted sofa for $100.

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I don’t need it, but it’s comfy, and I’ve never been known to turn down a good piece of tufted furniture. I’m thinking it’d be pretty amazing reupholstered in a distressed black leather (I spied something perfect at my new leather source). In the end, it might look a little something like this Dwell Studio Chester sofa.

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I passed on this gorgeous down-filled Baker camelback, which I’m regretting a bit. One of you should snag it though (also $100).

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I think it could look a bit like the Anthropologie Ditte with a new upholstery job and a set of pretty brass caster cups.
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I did end up buying 15 yards of this gorgeous deep blue-green-gray mohair to reupholster my LEE roll-arm sofa. So, so excited for that to happen. 

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And now that my beloved JEM is going away, I’m feeling sadly short on affordable, interesting velvet sources. New Yorkers, am I missing out on any great places? Mood sometimes hooks me up, but all the other fabric stores in the garment district have left me empty-handed in the past when it comes to velvets. Trade fabrics are great, but sometimes there’s just nothing like the hunt for something really one-of-a-kind feeling, you know?

RIP, JEM. I’ll miss you and your cool, worn painted plywood floors.

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20 thoughts on “JEM Fabrics Update

  1. So sorry to hear about the store. Fabric is a bit of an addiction for me so I understand. The couch you bought is great! It looks like it has already been reupholstered? b/c it's beautiful in the pic. I seriously am amazed how often you seem to stumble upon the coolest bargains. You should play the lottery-I think you would be one of those people who win repeatedly.

  2. OMG I am going this afternoon! Thank you for the tip and fingers crossed there are still some fab pieces of furniture.

  3. I'm so sorry to hear the store is closing too! BTW I would love that couch in the gray, any chance I can steal it from you at a profit? XOXO :)

  4. dont forget about your poor couchless friend in AZ. i need at least 2 with my own kind of leather and mohair goodness. I'm so sad for you that this place is closing.

  5. This is so sad! All of my upholstery projects have been with fabric from JEM. The place has such an awesome selection and great staff. I will miss it so.

  6. This is so sad! All of my upholstery projects have been with fabric from JEM. The place has such an awesome selection and great staff. I will miss it so.

  7. Omg! Ok so I'm in California so no chance of getting in on any of those awesome deals but all of a sudden I'm seeing laminated linen EVERYWHERE! Have you used it before? Can you give me any kind of idea of how it looks in person and how it holds up because I can't find reviews on it anywhere and Im looking to upholster a dining bench with some. Thanks!!

  8. Oh my lord…I need that sofa you just bought. Let me know if you want to unlaod it. I'm in CT and could pop right over. Did you see any headboards?

  9. Oh how I wish i lived on that side of the world. That beautiful camel sofa would absolutely come home with me. I adore the tufted number you snagged up! Im sorry to hear about "your" store. I hope youre able to find another one soon.

  10. Ok, I am insanely jealous of that tufted sofa score! I think the velvet upholstery looks so pretty as is! If you decided you don't want/need/have space for it just let me know ;)!

  11. Hi Does anyone know where JEM went in NJ or wherever they went? Any contact info would be greatly appreciated. Or a contact for the couple who ran it. I’m searching for a material I bought at their last sale that I believv is called horsehair tubing. A man named Alex who worked there or knew the owners gave me his cell – he said he could get it for me in different diameters and colors but wouldn’t tell me the source and then wouldn’t answer my calls! Thanks! laurie
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