Swanson's Fabrics - Turners Falls, Massachusetts

Ruth C.

I used to love going to Swanson’s even weekly, but over the past year, I’ve been disappointed in the price changes, organization, and atmosphere overall. I find the price per pound of fabric, yarn and other items to be a big turn off given that I’ll be charged the same price for any level of quality. While the staff is mostly friendly and knowledgeable, I sometimes find it challenging to focus on my shopping while they are socializing. While I support a for profit business and understand how challenging it is to be a small business, I’m finding some inconsistencies and changes to be a big turn off as a maker and customer.

Phyllis W.

I went to this store for the first time and I was very impressed. The staff is very helpful and beyond friendly. I was excited with my purchases and received free items of fabric to take with me. I was a happy camper. I will tell many people and I will be back.🤗

Katie G.

My favorite place in the Valley! I get so excited to go there, it gives me heart palpitations! Fabulous textiles, trim, notions, ready to go sewing machines and absolutely down to earth and fantastic staff! Additionally their business model of paying it forward and giving back to the community is noble and righteous!! Hidden Gem!!

Lindsea C.

I’ve ordered from their online store many times and I’m always pleased with the fabric I receive!

They have a wide selection of any kind of fabric you can think of. They also sell notions, patterns, yarns, and all kinds of different crafting supplies!

Sustainability is really important to me so I love having a shop like this to support. One day I hope to make it to the shop in person! For now though I’m grateful they have a great variety online.

Alice G.

Local gem! We’re so lucky to have a shop like Swanson’s right in town. The business model is awesome (trash rich, baby!) and the owner is so knowledgeable and helpful. There’s a bin of free fabric for kids which my daughter raids EVERY time, and amazing discounts for teachers. Don’t forget to visit the Stash House, too, just down the road. My absolute favorite thing about this business, though, is how they support their community and stand up for their beliefs. Keep being awesome, Swanson’s!

Jeanne F.

Love this community. I have purchased some beautiful wools, silks, shirtings and trims that would have otherwise been moldering in a closet, thrift store or landfill. A very small business run on a shoestring by a handful of people will never be all things to all people as seems to be the expectation of some people in these reviews. If you're expecting a place with the shipping prices of Amazon, the selection of Mood, the pearl-clutching decorum of your granny and the self-sacrificing customer service of your fantasy, leave these nice ladies alone. But if you're looking for what they offer - a way to rehome textiles from folks who can no longer use them to folks eager to have them - you'll love this place.

Trouble

Kathryn taught me rug making without tools and I made 6 in as many weeks! I don't even like to sew, but I'm an admirer and collector of textiles and I love to visit to admire the ever-changing collection. I bring in cool fabric I come across to trade or donate and, I've had clothing made from fabrics found there. I love the community vibe.

Betty G.

I placed my first online order and was able to get a black friday discount on shipping or i wouldn't have done so. $40 for shipping is outrageous.
The quilt fabrics were ok, but the box of fabric for me as a teacher was awful. I got stained and dirty and musty smelling stuff. I got stuff no one could EVER use like pieces of polyester, burlap type fabric, pieces of upholstery fabric, piece of a curtain, old apron, weird stuff. I wasted the amount of shipping i did pay. Not happy at all. Teachers deserve better, i thought we'd get pretty or useable items for crafts or sewing in class.
Update: the store has stepped up and and is refunding for the unuseable fabric, thankyou.