Gaffney Fabrics

We are so lucky to have Gaffney’s in our neighborhood. I live in East Mt Airy and 10 minutes away I have a fabric store with a great selection of fabrics, notions like two inch wide black elastic and invisible zippers and just tons of items sewers will need. I was there two hours before they closed at 6 on Saturday and the place was very busy!

The only place in the area that had the color I needed! Excellent customer service staff was helpful and pleasant.

I went in to have alterations done on my swimsuit top and a jumpsuit. I made an appointment as directed the first time I came and was on time to arrive to locked doors. no problem. I have an understanding that we are in the hood so don’t expect frills. cool. so I start my appointment with Ms. valerie Mangum. I had 2 things I needed altered as discussed with her via phone the previous week. I tried on the jumpsuit first. She proceeded to tell me that she cannot alter it because it would be entirely too much work. No problem I rather you tell me you can’t do it then to f*** my stuff up. Next I try on my bathing suit top. She then proceeded to tell me how ill-​fitting it is an body shame me. So I’m definitely ready to go and take my business elsewhere. How dare you make comments on the Garment that I’m trying to have altered before the have even been altered in that, be so rude. While I was getting dressed and by the time I came out of the dressing room she seemed to slightly change your tune. For any of you girls getting alterations don’t do it here they’re very rude. I’d rather deal with an Asian who pretends not to speak English and doesn’t have anything nasty to say at all then to put up with this s***. If you value yourself, your respect and dignity then run far from here hun buns-​far. If you’re here to get Fabrics, which is why I gave them two stars, then by all means handle your business.

The store always has something which I need because, I sew of course. However, there is one guy in there who always has an attitude! I gave him the benefit of the doubt back in December, but now it’s July and his attitude is still funky. There was a huge roll of fabric I needed and I asked for help. I waited about 10 minutes and got frustrated and tried to move it myself with my daughter’s help. He yells across the room, «Ma’am excuse me… blah, blah blah, blah» Oh now you can see me mister bad attitude huh? My daughter was so frustrated that she left. I just wanted to make my purchase and get the hell out of there. He really makes me NEVER want to go into this place ever again! I wish he’d quit!

Update! Just went there for their tailor services. Valarie Mangum, the tailor, was incredibly sweet and patient with me. I made an appointment to have my wedding dress altered. She took her time, told me that was flattering and explained how the process works. I could not be happier with my experience.

While Gaffneys isn’t the largest or most modern of places, it is a nice little treasure trove of uniqueness. Stock is mostly rayons and upholstery fabrics with some batiks, quilt cottons and brocades tossed in. Their stock is either seconds or uncommon styles but it is a good thing. Just found a fabric I have been looking for for months and am totally pleased. This place is always a good place for odd finds.

Beginner sewer? Need sewing essentials? Want cheap prices? This is your spot!
Love this little gem and they have a lot of little things you may need for any sewing project. The fabric is nothing special in terms of the selection but not bad for sewing something simple.
This is a old school spot, with an old school smell and old school attitudes! Staff (everyone) missed the memo or class given on what good customer service means to a business success/​growth but what do I know, their still in business right?
Nonetheless, get your ish and go! Don’t ask questions if you don’t have to and know what you want or at least have an idea to my the interaction with staff less painful and regretful.

When I moved here, I was excited about the convenience of having a fabric store in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, after visiting the store a few times, I found that it was just better to travel farther and pay more money at another store in order to get what I want. It could be a matter of taste, but the fabric and notion selection is lacking… if you can actually get to the notions. Most small things are kept behind the counter and you must have a sales associate show them to you. And in my case, seem annoyed that I’m asking to see multiple items. I just found it to be an inconvenient place to shop, unless I’m looking for something super standard like a seam ripper or bobbin — even then, I need to ask someone for it.

It was very convenient to find a fabric store so close to home. It’s not in the greatest of neighborhoods, but in the daytime you’ve got nothing to worry about. No one really greeted me when I came in, and no one approached me and asked if I needed help, but once I got up to the counter with my selections, they were nice enough. Personally, I kinda like to be left alone when shopping, but if you’re someone who wants a lot of attention, you might not get it so easily here.
The selection and prices were both very good in my opinion, I only stayed on the main floor, but I gathered from reviews on other sites that there is a basement and upstairs too. The fabric I wanted ranged from $ 1.99– $ 4.99 a yard, which I consider good prices.
One big drawback for me was that all the notions (buttons, zippers, etc) are kept behind the counter so that you can’t get to them. Even when I was staring at them for awhile, no one came over and offered to help me, so I left without purchasing any buttons, which was one of the things I came in for. I guess they’re afraid of things getting stolen, but for a more timid customer like me, you’re not going to sell me anything I can’t freely browse and touch without feeling like I’m bothering a sales associate. The owners of the store might want to rethink that.
Overall, a nice selection of fabrics, good prices, and I will be back!

It’s so nice to have a fabric store in Germantown! Before a random bus ride, where I just couldn’t stand to read my book I was going all the way to fabric row to get fabric.
This place is right near school house lane on the ave., and has a great selection of good quality fabrics. Prices are reasonable. This place is huge, so go with someone who can appreciate fabric or you’re bound to lose your friend…
Big drawback (to me anyway) is that they don’t sell patterns… booooo.