Sewing For My Sanity

From Fabric to Fabulous

The Ultimate Review Of All 3 Mood Fabric Stores (NYC, LA, & Miami)

Mood fabric LA

If you’ve been in the sewing world for more than a minute, you’ve heard the famous phrase from Tim Gunn on Project Runway: “Thank you, Mood.” For sewists, Mood Fabrics isn’t just a store; it’s a legendary destination, a creative pilgrimage. I’ve been lucky enough to visit all three U.S. locations, and let me tell you, each one has its own distinct personality and charm.

Today, I’m taking you on a coast-to-coast tour. If you’re a creative who loves to travel, consider this your official guide to the Mood Fabric stores.

A Little Mood History

Before we dive in, a little history. Mood Fabrics was originally founded by the Sauma family, who had roots in Lebanon and Australia before landing in New Zealand. They eventually brought their passion for textiles to New York City in the 90s, and with the explosion of Project Runway, their store became an international icon. They’ve adapted and moved spaces over the years, but their commitment to quality has remained the same.

Mood NYC: The Legendary Flagship

  • Vibe: Overwhelming, exhilarating, and iconic.
  • Best For: The full, unabridged fashion-district experience.

The Mood Fabrics in New York on West 37th Street is the mothership. It is absolutely huge—three stories and over 40,000 square feet of pure fabric heaven. My first visit was years ago when I was in town for a sewing workshop hosted by Workroom Social. Project Runway was at its peak, and the energy was electric.

Be warned: you will become exhausted shopping here. This is not a casual “pop-in” visit. You really need to know what you are looking for and come with a list. That first experience, I was so excited that I even got to meet their beloved mascot, Swatch the Boston Terrier! It was a great day for me and for fabric.

Literally anything in the fashion world you could desire is here. They have an extensive selection of denim, knits, cottons, lace, and some of the most beautiful wools you will ever touch. You need to block off at least two hours for a proper visit. Also, think about transporting your fabric! I talk about how to travel and buy fabric in another post, but it’s a real consideration here. The people are very helpful, but it’s a bustling, busy place, so be ready for the energy.

Mood LA: The Hip Boutique Version

  • Vibe: Trendy, compact, and very “L.A.”
  • Best For: A focused hunt for high-quality, on-trend fashion fabrics.

If Mood NYC is the sprawling department store, Mood LA is its hip younger sibling’s boutique. Located on South La Brea, it’s not nearly as large as the NYC store, but it is jammed packed with the quality you would always expect from Mood. Remember my crazy Emmy’s Lilly Pulitzer-blitz-weekend jammed with fabric and fun.

It’s only one story, about half the size of the flagship, but it still has a fantastic, curated selection. For those who remember it, it reminds me of a refined, more organized version of Michael Levine in its heyday. The outside of the building is quintessentially L.A., and the staff are just as helpful as in New York but in a more relaxed environment. This is as about as different as one can be from the Atlanta, Minnesota or NOLA experiences I talked about. A totally different vibe.

Mood Miami: The Sleek Newcomer

  • Vibe: Chic, airy, and aesthetically beautiful.
  • Best For: A curated selection of bright, resort-wear-perfect fabrics.

Mood Miami is like the hipster baby sister of the family. It’s the newest of the stores, and I get the feeling that many people in the sewing world probably still don’t know it’s even there. It’s a slender, sleek building that sits right on the corner of a busy street in the vibrant Wynwood district. Cosmetically and aesthetically, it is the most beautiful of the three locations, but also the smallest.

The type of fabrics you’ll find in each location varies widely based on the city, and Miami is a perfect example. The fabrics were definitely bright, lightweight, and perfectly suited to the tropical, high-fashion location.

What to Expect at ANY Mood Store

While each store has its own personality, there are a few things you can always count on:

  1. Helpful Staff: In every location, the staff are knowledgeable and willing to help you find what you need.
  2. Freedom to Browse: They will let you wander around the store without being disturbed, allowing you to take your time and really get inspired.
  3. A Smart Shopping System: A huge time-saver is that they will cut your fabric while you continue to shop.You get a ticket for your cut fabric and bring it to the register. This means you don’t have to haul heavy bolts around and wait in a long cutting line at the end.
  4. The Layout: In the multi-level stores (NYC and Miami), the more expensive and pricey fabrics are typically on the bottom floor, so be sure and travel to the top floor for more great finds!

Final Verdict: Which Mood Should You Visit?

Fabric shopping is a fantastic addition to any creative’s travel experience. If you find yourself in one of these three cities, a trip to Mood is a must.

  • Go to Mood NYC for the iconic, overwhelming, “I’m in the heart of the fashion district” experience.
  • Go to Mood LA for a more focused, less intimidating hunt for trendy, high-quality fabrics.
  • Go to Mood Miami for a beautiful, boutique-like experience filled with resort-ready inspiration.

Have you been to a Mood Fabrics store? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!