No - that doesn’t exist in NyC as far as I know, sellers are savvy and the “flea markets” are looking for high dollar buyers.
But if you poke around the garment/fabric district (8th Ave to 7th Ave, 32nd st to 40th st), there are many small fabric and notion stores, if you are persistent trying different stores and good at haggling you can get some deals on extremely random stuff. Just walk in and ask for off cuts or clearance. Have cash to pay.
Also be willing to leave Manhattan. I believe there’s a big warehouse style Goodwill in Long Island City with everything in unsorted tubs.
Thanks for the info. I am specifically NOT looking in Manhattan. I work in the Garment District so I know their prices are generally not budget friendly.
I have a car and live in Queens so I can go anywhere in surrounding areas as well. The Long Island City Goodwill is a great tip, thanks.
Garment district isn’t just Mood and seen-on-tv stores. You need the old dusty disorganized ones, make some chit chat with the owner and and make a deal.
But anyway, There’s a fabric store on a side street in downtown Brooklyn which has bolts and bolts of $1/yd fabric displayed outside and inside everything is in chaotic heaps. Fulton Fabric.
Do you know about Materials for the Arts? Free materials for nonprofits (donated by corporations so usually new and often great quality) – they tend to have fabrics more than finished clothing but there’s fantastic variety. Some of the theaters/orgs you interact with will have existing relationships with MFTA.
cantcountnoaccount t1_iwv3t38 wrote
No - that doesn’t exist in NyC as far as I know, sellers are savvy and the “flea markets” are looking for high dollar buyers.
But if you poke around the garment/fabric district (8th Ave to 7th Ave, 32nd st to 40th st), there are many small fabric and notion stores, if you are persistent trying different stores and good at haggling you can get some deals on extremely random stuff. Just walk in and ask for off cuts or clearance. Have cash to pay.
Also be willing to leave Manhattan. I believe there’s a big warehouse style Goodwill in Long Island City with everything in unsorted tubs.