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[Ali]

Hey. I just moved out here for school and I need some help getting my cosplay hobby going again so I'll be ready in time for Anime Boston.

First, I need a sewing machine. I want a cheap one, and I was hoping to find a Sears in which to purchase one. I haven't succeeded. As far as anyone I've talked to is concerned, there are no Sears stores in Boston or Cambridge.

Second, I need to find a sewing/fabric store. The only one I've found listed thus far is Sew Low on Cambridge St. I haven't been there yet, so I don't know what to expect.

To further complicate things, I have no car and need to find someplace within walking distance of the T. If you can help me out, I'd really appreciate it!

-Ali

[Kurthy133]

hallo~~~
i'm from boston too! in fact, i go to massart! ^^ what school do you go to? places that i highly recommend for fabric are around chinatown - winmil fabic is my favorite since their fabric seems to be the cheapest and they have a good selection. there is a store next door as well that has more expensive chinese fabric. another store, winsor button, is by downtown crossing --- they have yarn, chain, ribbon and (you guessed it) buttons! ^______^

as far as a sewing machine --- maybe one of the fabric stores would have one --- but if not --- all i can think of is filenes in downtown crossing... hmm....

good luck! feel free to PM me at any time if you have any more questions! id be happy to help!

<3 Lisa

(ps - its cool to know cosplayers in the area!! ^^)

[johnnyfoodmaste]

Chinatown is certainly your best bet. I know where a couple of fabric stores are...but I don't know how to tell you how to get there. I have to get working on my costume for Anime Boston soon.

Hmm...a sewing machine. There's the Cambridge Side galleria mall. You might be able to find something out there. It's RIGHT off the green line. What stop...I don't remember.

Oh yeah, welcome to Boston Well..I don't live in boston...but the Boston Area. As was said by Lisa, feel free to message me or something. Local cosplayers rule.

-Sean!

[Ali]

Just returned from Sears! I have my brand new sewing machine, and I can't wait to get started on it... if I could only find some thread. I kind of forgot about that. (I also need boning)
Is there a Walmart in the Kenmore area or anywhere in Boston, or should I just try to find those fabric stores and see if they have the supplies I need?
Anyway, thanks for the help so far! I start classes at BU tomorrow, so hopefully I can get out this weekend to explore a little bit more.

-Ali

[johnnyfoodmaste]

I would go right for the fabric stores. Walmart seems to be more of a suburban thing.

I start school tomorrow. Hooray.

[Rukawa]

Originally Posted by Ali

Just returned from Sears! I have my brand new sewing machine, and I can't wait to get started on it... if I could only find some thread. I kind of forgot about that. (I also need boning)
Is there a Walmart in the Kenmore area or anywhere in Boston, or should I just try to find those fabric stores and see if they have the supplies I need?
Anyway, thanks for the help so far! I start classes at BU tomorrow, so hopefully I can get out this weekend to explore a little bit more.

-Ali

The only walmart store thats even remotely close is like a nice 40 mins radius from Boston. Your going to BU? Wow thats really close to the school Kurthy and I goto (then again I don't goto MassArt hehe). ^_^
Your best bet is to find stuff in those fabric stores you need unless you can get a ride way out there. But yeah any questions or anything can just ask any of us here.

Wee another person in Boston ^^

[Koumori]

I don't believe there are any Wal-Marts convenient to the T. There are some great remnant shops in Chinatown, though one of my favorites just closed, unfortunately. Still, Win-Mil Fabrics, right down the street from Downtown Crossing, is still going strong and a great source for remnants and advice.

[Ali]

Would you suggest just wandering Chinatown looking for fabric stores? (and are they likely to carry other sewing supplies, like boning?)

I really wouldn't mind, actually. I love that part of town very much. (The Common, the movie theatre, the theatre district, etc.)

Okay then... I suppose I'll just be heading down there this weekend to search for thread and drool over fabric.

I'm hoping to meet some other crazy Otaku and possibly someone who doesn't look at me weird when I say 'cosplay' when I get in touch with BU's anime group. (Don't think that'll be until the 19th though... sigh.)

Okay... thanks for the help so far!

-Ali (still shaking head in utter disbelief at the lack of Walmart. Will miss the craft section, cheap sewing supplies, and discount fabric very much... or at least until I go home again.)

[Rukawa]

There should be a bunch of cosplayers at BU from what I hear. Then again theres plenty of cosplayers around in the area.

[Eilonnwy]

Heh...I hear there's an anime group in BU. ^_^

I'd also recommend going to the South Shore Plaza. I know there's a bus from the Ashmont T. Station (Which is right by where I live) That can take you there. South Shore Plaza has a Sears. It's in Braintree.

I actually was accepted to BU but decided to go to Umass cuz of $$. x_x But then I even ended up defering my enrollment to 2004 cuz of $$. Whee! I have a year of freedom!

[Koumori]

To be honest, I get most of my fabric over the Net, and most of my notions at Jo-Ann's - but I have a car, which is pretty critical if you're going to try to navigate outside of the city proper much.

[PatrickD]

Originally Posted by Koumori

To be honest, I get most of my fabric over the Net, and most of my notions at Jo-Ann's - but I have a car, which is pretty critical if you're going to try to navigate outside of the city proper much.

...or at least a friend with a car who would be willing to drive you around.

(I love to drive my new car.)

[Ali]

Is there a JoAnn's in the Boston area? (wondering if maybe BU cosplayers will make trips there...) I love JoAnn's... it's the only sewing/crafts type store I can navigate properly.

Right... well if any of you cosplayers are willing to show me around sometime, let me know! I'd really like to get started on my next costume this weekend, but I don't even have pins to use for cutting out the fabric. (though I can probably go to CVS for that sort of thing...right?)

Okay... yes. Keep the information coming, I'll need it.

-Ali

[PatrickD]

Originally Posted by Ali

Is there a JoAnn's in the Boston area? (wondering if maybe BU cosplayers will make trips there...) I love JoAnn's... it's the only sewing/crafts type store I can navigate properly.

Considering that most JoAnn's in the area are arranged completely differently, I'm not sure how well that will hold true around here.

There are no JoAnn stores in Boston and none are T-accessable (as far as I know). The nearest is in West Roxbury. I've bought quite a bit there. Living in Newton, I've also shopped at the ones in Natick and Burlington. I've found Burlington to have the best selection, but I can occasionally find useful materials at the others.

I got the yellow flannel for my Renamon costume at the one in Natick. It was all they had and the best material I for the costume I could find at any of the stores...and I checked A LOT of them.

Find JoAnn stores near Boston

Originally Posted by Ali

Right... well if any of you cosplayers are willing to show me around sometime, let me know! I'd really like to get started on my next costume this weekend, but I don't even have pins to use for cutting out the fabric. (though I can probably go to CVS for that sort of thing...right?)

Okay... yes. Keep the information coming, I'll need it.

-Ali

Maybe us locals should organize a gathering so we can meet everyone from out of town and give you tips. Maybe all meet for dinner (out of costume) or something some night...

[Koumori]

Do you have a yellow pages? Seriously - that will give you a line on where to find fabric stores.