Lions Gate Shopping

Shopping Destinations of interest to the medievalist travelling in Lions Gate (Greater Vancouver, B.C., Canada)

(fabric) Canvas & industrial nylons for Pavilion construction

Baker Time Materials: Source of commercial grade fabrics, canvas, nylons, etc.

Location: 2nd & Clark, Vancouver.

Comments: this is a Wholesale Outlet, therefore you must have a registered company to take advantage of the excellent prices and selections. It is a warehouse with racks on rolls. They even have 12' widths of 12-14 oz canvas. Parking is difficult as is in commercial zone. However, very helpful staff and lots to choose from - too much, in fact. nearby there is a commercial tent making operation where you can buy gromets by gross.

(fabric) Little India

Main Draw: Source of fancy fabrics at reasonable prices.

Location: Main St at 49th Ave and environs. Three or four blocks along Main St featuring many fabric shops, grocery stores (spices, rosewater), jewelry stores, and restaurants.

Comments: Prices aren't always marked, but don't be afraid to ask. And don't be afraid to dicker a little; if you indicate to the boss that you're going to buy lots, they're generally quite happy to cut you a deal. Recognized repeat customers often don't even have to ask. Fabric content is often not available or is misleadingly labelled; buyer beware. If you pause for lunch, be sure to try the Butter Chicken (very mild, spice-wise) and a Mango Lassi (creamy yogurt drink).

Update: (Mar 2007) Went shopping to Little India recently and was surprised to discover that many of the cloth houses (aka fabric shops) that used to be there are now gone. Guru Bazaar is still there, as is Mohan's, and Rokko's on Fraser St. but many of the little filler shops have closed. But see "Little India Surrey" below.

(fabric) Little India Surrey

Main Draw: Fancy fabrics at reasonable prices.

Location: Scott Road (aka 120th St) between 96th and 80th Aves in Delta/Surrey (Scott Road is the dividing line)

Comments: A smaller, more spread out version of Little India, but with many of the same features. See also comments in "Little India" above.

Update: (Mar 2007) Went to Little India in Surrey recently and got a big surprise! All the little shops that have closed over in Little India have opened (and propagated!) in Little India Surrey. The Scott Road/120th Street strip has gotten rather grotty and run-down, but there are more (bigger, fancier, cleaner, newer) shops just east on 128th St as well.

(fabric) East-West Fabrics

Main Draw: Fancy fabrics, mostly solid colours, sheers and metallics.

Location: #106 - 7028 - 120th St (Scott Rd), Surrey. Across the street from Save-On Foods. Way south of most of Little India Surrey.

Comments: Small shop but has good selection. Metallic shot organza, sheer silk veiling. Sewing supplies, shawls, some trims, bracelets. (Mar 2007)

(fabric) Designer Fabric Liquidators / Atex Fabrics & Consultants

Main Draw: Linen and wool fabric, many colours, good prices. Other fabrics also stocked.

Location: 150 West Hastings, Vancouver

Comments: Closed Sunday. Neighbourhood is a little seedy but is fine in daylight. Two blocks down from Dressew.

(fabric) Dressew

Main Draw: Quirky products, cheap prices. Primarily fabric and sewing materials, but halloween / theatre / beauty pageant / dance costuming materials as well. Many MANY shelf-feet of trims, buttons and zippers.

Location: 337 West Hastings, Vancouver

Comments: Cash only. No credit or debit. Must be seen to be believed. Fabulous deals to be had if you're willing to search them out. Just a couple of blocks from Designer Fabric Liquidators.

(fabric) Fabricana

Main Draw: Amazing silks, brocades and variety.

Location: United Blvd, Coquitlam

Comments: It's a bit on the pricy side but has great stuff for Italian Ren gowns to Middle Eastern outfits. Locations and hours

(fabric) Textile Clearance Centre

Main Draw: fabric sold by the yard at $6 or less

Location: just north of 41st and Fraser, Vancouver

Comments: Labelling is almost non-existant, you'll have to guess at the fabric content; and organization is minimal. Pricing is indicated by coloured tape on the end of the bolt/roll. Look for pricing boards to determine the fabric price per YARD (not meter).

(rattan) The Wicker tree

Main Draw: Source of weapon-quality rattan

Location: 20460 Langley Bypass, Langley, V3A 5E7, 604-530-0818

Comments: Has 16 ft lengths of 1 1/2" to 2" rattan and will cut what you need

(Jewelry) Rosebead Studio

Main Draw: Jewelry, rosaries, sterling silver crosses.

Location: Website: http://rosebeadstudio.com Hornby Island, BC

Comments: Jewelry, rosaries and amulets made from traditional rose petal beads, semi-precious stones, gold and silver. High quality sterling silver crosses.

(Jewellery supplier) Stuller

Main Draw: Tools, findings, mountings, ready stock, stones.

Location: 600 - 736 Granville St, Vancouver, 604-678-9615

Comments: Professional quality supplies, not condusive to browsing for beginners.

(Jewellery Supplies) Mountain Gems

Main Draw: Tools, metal and gems.

Location: 4611 Hastings St, Burnaby, 604-298-5883

Comments: Great jeweller hobbyist/artist store, some classes. Good source for soapstone and lapidary stuff. Lots of inexpensive gemstones and beads. Fun browse.

(metal) Express Metal Supply

Location: 7950 Winston Street, Burnaby

(Pewter) Purity Casting Alloys Ltd

Location: Surrey

Contact: sales@purityalloys.com, 604-888-0181

(Pewter) Canada Metal Pacific Ltd

Location: Delta

Contact: 604-940-2010

(Pewter) Coast Fibre-Tek Products Ltd

Location: 1306 - Boundary Road, Burnaby

Comments: Source for Dow Corning room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) rubber for pewter casting moulds: DOW CORNING 3110 RTV - Part #21001 453 gm - $33.50 with CATALYST 1 - Part #21050 45 gm - $3.55. Hours of Operation: 8:30 - 5:00 Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 4:00 Saturday

Contact: Tel: 604-294-8116

(Soapstone) Quadra Stone

Location: Vancouver

Contact: 604-266-5341

(Soapstone) Urban Source

Contact: 604-875-1611

(leather)