Cheap Thrills: Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics

In a burgundy bunker building in Downtown Berkeley, on an inauspicious block of Shattuck Avenue, sits a marvelous treasure trove, a jewel box of colorful fabrics, buttons, and notions. Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics, established in 1981, is a hive of activity, serving Bay Area sewers and quilters for over 30 years.

Boasting an incredible inventory of fabrics — bolts of everything from brightly patterned Mexican oilcloth and faux gorilla fur to delicate silks and sturdy cottons — Stonemountain is packed floor to ceiling with colorful cloth.

The button wall, tucked into a corner near the entrance, is a practical delight. Mini drawers, stacked floor to ceiling, house every imaginable color, size, and shape of button desired. Streamers of zippers float down a wall over a rainbow-hued dispensary of thread spools. Peacock feathers, knitting needles, embroidery hoops — you’ll find them and more in the impressively stocked notions section.

The friendly staff spreads a sense of belonging, offering smiles as they help you plan for your project or carefully measure out your fabric. Moving around the tightly packed store with efficient ease, they offer help when it’s asked for but know when to let customers alone, allowing them to hunt and peck without interruption.

So, pick a day — and pick up where you left off on your last stitching
endeavor. Drop in on Stonemountain Fabrics and stock up on all your sewing needs.