The pros: every once in awhile they have a pop-up event like today. The cons: they're rarely open. This is a shop with fabrics, beads, buttons, sewing accessories from France. They have classes and sell embroidery patterns. All of it is Interesting but kinda spendy. It is still worthwhile to go when they have an event. read more

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This is a super cool fabric store- with its own line of fabrics and a tons of vintage french notions ( 100 year old brass buttons! ). I make sure to stop in every time we visit. read more

The shop is NOT OPEN. EVER. And only an email for "contact". When asking them why they post "open" hours for a non-existant business, their answer is "sign up for our newsletter to hear about our classes". So...they are posting false shop hours as a marketing trick for their classes? And we can only "shop" if we also spend $300 on a low-level craft class that should be $25 at most? And I've seen all the really bad reviews about trying to order anything online, so that's not an option, either. PASS. Do not reward their deception, bad attitude, and passive-aggressive abuse for asking basic questions! read more

Appears to be out of business. Drove over there-no one home during stated hours. Phone number disconnected.

I love her fabrics! The whole aesthetic of this place is wonderfully French! I mostly shop online and her shipping is great.

Sub par product. And the person behind the product is a Very mean and nasty person. Puts politics into fabric by name calling and belittling. I prefer to quilt and craft without name calling. That's my review for the product and the business. Very sad. read more

Slow to ship for the $8.00 shipping fee. I placed an order over 9 days ago. I am still waiting on my tracking number. The first order I placed was super fast to be delivered. It arrived 3 days after I placed the order. I'm not sure if I'll ever get my second order. No one reply to my email asking about my order either. Next time I'll buy from a Etsy seller. read more

It's a shame for a small business to not open at the start time. When so many of our stores and vendors closing, that you pay so much for what? We are always told shop "Small Business" why, so orders can ship late, pay for lunches that are not what you paid for, workshops that should of been cancelled and rescheduled? That's what a "real" small business does. i was planning on doing one of their Downtown LA Digging Tour DEUX, but for the price, no thank you and the guests provide their own transportation to and from Los Angeles and to and from French General. Meaning we have to pay for parking, and it's not cheap. Los Angeles is not what it use to be, in other words, it's not safe. You have to go in a group. I think I will pass, both on workshops and this small business. read more

I ordered a $20.00 +$8.00 shipping item from them. They sent the wrong one. I did not realize until my mom had cut it up (my bad). I emailed asking if anything could be done. They took over a week to respond to my email because they were in France...so apparently email is different overseas? I get that I could not get a full refund, but it would have been a kind gesture to offer to sell me the actual item I originally ordered maybe with a small discount, or at the very least free shipping. read more

This store is heaven for those of us who love vintage and love to craft. The French fabric and vintage millinery supplies are awesome! They have workshops and OMG...I can spend much too much here! The items from Provence are my faves and I love the one of a kind beads etc... for my jewelry making. They have kits, paper, notions. Currently open on Saturdays & Mondays except when they have classes. Karri Meng , the owner also has books out and I own two of her books. She is very nice and helpful. I Love this place way too much! read more

I must say, for my first experience with this organization it was certainly memorable. Sadly, it was a total disaster. Today's workshop should have been postponed or refunds issued. You sent us an email saying prepare for rain and that you would have pop ups covering the dye vats. Nope. The pop ups did not go up until we were drenched to the bone in cold driving, rain, and they were too small to cover us and the tables, so most of us were subject to rain and buckets of water falling off the edges of the tarps. Still, some of us were "dye-hards" and tried to keep going with a positive attitude. After dyeing one piece, I went to get lunch to warm up. The Farm to Table lunch promised and paid for turned out to be soup from a carton like you get at Trader Joe's (it was on the counter) and cold quiche. The workshop was supposed to go from 11 to 4. Not only did they start about 20 minutes late, but the team started packing up the materials around 1:00 p.m. At that point the things we needed were being put away and it was clear that we were expected to give it up and leave having spent less than half the time promised and paid for. In their hurry to leave and avoid getting soaked, other patrons grabbed whatever fabric was on the tables. My fabric - both the fabric kit with at least five pieces in it, which I paid for, and some I brought from home disappeared. The instruction handouts blew away or were tossed so we didn't even get those. We were vaguely told there would be a chance to come and dye fabric after the new year, but we would have to provide our own prepared pieces and that there would be no instruction. Well, without the handouts, that will be hard. Since we did not have the full time promised, we didn't get our fabric in the free for all, and we didn't get the lunch we paid for, at the very least, we should be offered a free repeat class, not just a chance to "dye fabric in the back alley." I am CERTAIN that the French General has amazing classes This wasn't one of them. I am also certain that they didn't bring the rain, but if they warned US to be prepared for mud and PROMISED they'd be set-up with pop-ups, why didn't they. Frozen and Disappointed. read more

If you love to make things using unique fabrics, beads or vintage items, then you will love French General. This store began in NYC and relocated to Hollywood but recently relocated near Glendale and Silverlake. Be careful about when you visit because the store is ONLY OPEN ON MONDAY from 11-4. But you can check their website for Thursday evening classes in all sorts of things like making millinery flowers or building bracelets and necklaces. You can also contact the owners to schedule a private class for you and your friends. It's a great idea for a party! read more

french general is the first 'contemporary' store for this stretch of riverside between stadium & allessandro, tucked into the hillock of the west side of the 5 fwy. glowing light terra cotta in the afternoon sun, french general is certainly a pioneer in the neighborhood. they've hung a red shingle sign which is the first thing you see alongside the buzz of color the business adds to the block. long-standing bodega, won's market, is next door. french general includes fabrics, and notions [the antique-ish word for sewing-abilia], as well as lavender and other sachets, and "vintage crafts" including millinery. the interior of the store, which does not have an official doorbell yet (rap on the window), is relatively unchanged from its early 20th century incarnation. well-worn wood floors, and motes dancing in the afternoon light shafts, there is a distinct sense of harking back to a previous era. this impression is strenghtened by the antique linens and other french fabrics stocked at the store, in addition to notions: beads, ribbon, millinery supplies, and antique mannequin heads. the proprietor, kaari meng, is welcoming and expansive with her knowledge. the store is presently only open on mondays, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but this is expected to expand mid- to late-october, when thursday workshops will take place from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. the shop offers textile, beading, and other workshops. call or visit the website for further information. read more

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Finally got to get inside. It's lovely and smells amazing. I wanted to browse but was unbelievably put off by someone who I don't think was the owner. She hovered and didn't really know what she was talking about. It felt like she wanted us to get out of there as quickly as possible which is a shame as I quilt and can walk there. So, to go back or not. I think I'll give it another looksee but if treated the same, forget it. There are enough shops in LA that I can get moda fabric without the attitude. read more

I took a beaded crochet necklace class with Tyne. She was amazing! I have always admired and been impressed by Kari and her sister, Molly, at events like QuiltCon, but hadn't had the opportunity to visit the store until today. It is a peek into everything French with a candy shop of various beads so unique than anything you could find anywhere else. Tyne was so patient and funny and smart! They have embroidery kits, French ephemera, fabric, beads, and paper products. read more

I ordered a Mother of Pearl bracelet kit and was very disappointed that many buttons were on the small to very small size. Did not receive any large buttons that was pictured on the website. Largest was 7/8 " and 3 were chipped and 1 button unusable due to no backing. For $30 I expected more and more like that was pictured on their website. Very deceiving. Will not bother ordering from them again. read more

French General - 3 are chipped and one has no backing with is unusable. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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As soon as I walked into French General, I was in heaven. A little French Millinary, quilting and jewelry store in Silverlake! I had hit the jackpot! Their jewelry beads are set up to look like a child's dream of an assortment of candy in tall glass jars. Quilting fabric stacked to the ceiling and beautiful finds from France, you can't get anywhere else! I recommend this store to anyone and everyone that loves France! P.S: Customer service is lovely. All employees, including Kaari Meng, herself, are delightful to be around! read more

A terra cotta colored cottage a bit off the beaten path smack in the middle of Hollywood. Knock on the door and Kaari, the owner, will come to greet you with a smile. This old Lasky studio is all the workings of Kaari and her husband, who once had this very same shop in New York on Crosby, and beforehand in the Hudson Valley. It's sweet touch of Provence, filled with antique linens and textiles, natural balms and lavender-filled sachets and pillows, and vintage notions. A communal table in the back houses Saturday workshops teaching you how to make a necklace or earrings out of these French-inspired materials. A pair of hand-dyed, handmade roller blinds are on my wish list here. Quite lovely... read more

OMG; I participated in the Shibori & Indigo Workshop last weekend and what a wonderful experience! Kaari was a fabulous instructor and I learned so much from the other students. The staff in the shop were very supportive and layout of the shop and format supported the hands-on class where we used various shibori techniques to create different patterns on various media. I highly recommend this experience and look forward to attending again as a repeat student read more

This off-the-beaten-path place is a little slice of crafty heaven here on Earth. A friend just had her bridal shower here, and we had the best time creating unique paper lanterns for her garden wedding. The owner, Kaari, is friendly and helpful. I coveted many, many notions before I walked out with a kit for a necklace and a tin full of miscellaneous beads & notions for my artsy mum. The place is only open to the public on Monday, and be sure to check their website for class schedules. One day, I hope to be able to accompany the owner and a gaggle of crafty ladies on the annual retreat to France. read more

French General is now open Tues. through Sat. from 12:00 - 5:00 which is great! I finally made it to the shop yesterday with two of my friends. Molly greeted us at the door and was so warm and welcoming. We spent a good hour or so in the shop, taking in all the beads, findings and Kaari's gorgeous fabrics. They also offer wonderful workshops and have a nice space with tables and chairs set up for creating wonderful things! We got to meet Kaari which was a real treat, as she is not in the shop very often. My friend bought one of her books and she signed it for her. We chatted about mutual acquaintances, antique shops and restaurants to try. The shop is charming and it will take more than just one visit to take in all it has to offer! read more

Great little store, chock full of little bits and antique baubles for jewelry, crafts, etc. Like raiding a French steamer trunk full of old newspapers, beads and linens. Took a class there today, and the topic was original, very creative and not found anywhere else. The teacher was very personable and had great, simple techniques. He was very hands-on with all the students, personally tutoring them each step of the way after a general demonstration for the group. The class fee included the materials kit, instruction sheet the teacher provided, tea/coffee and snacks and all tools needed were provided on the worktables. You just need to show up. Nice long tables to work at with good lighting. Free street parking out front. Very pleasant way to spend a weekend afternoon, and I can never get out of there without buying some gorgeous antique ribbon, etc. Can be pricey, but there are items $5 and under, depends on the item. Accept credit cards. Great website, signed up for my class online. If you are looking for very artistic/original art things or accent pieces/bits/trim for sewing or millinery, definitely stop in. Their hours are posted online, and you will have to ring the bell for entry. read more

Wonderful, magical store! Took a soap making class with Lisa Meng, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for more classes. The store has great merchandise wherever you turn; you feel like you could stay for hours exploring. It's a definite destination for anyone who enjoys crafting of all kinds. read more

What a great store and the fella who was working in there was just as nice! They have wonderful fabric, not a lot but quilt quality and beautiful! They have a ton of other goodies too. read more

This is a total gem. You have to visit to see it with your own eyes. Lovely fabric and trinkets. Supplies for jewelry making. Awesome classes taught by world-class instructors. The best. read more

I did the Downtown Dig workshop on December with Kaari, It was so much fun. She is a wonderful hostess! All the details were taken care of and excellently planned out, including lunch at the ACE Hotel, very nice! It was a great afternoon. All the women who participated were fun and interesting. We were given a canvas French General shopping bag and a map to keep so we can go back on our own. If you are interested in shopping for beads, fabric, trim, interior decorating goods and other craft items take this tour. Downtown LA can be intimidating if you go it alone, after this workshop you won't hesitate to go back. I love the shop too, always beautiful, interesting and fun. Kaari is the best! read more

Love this little store; however. I'm giving it 3 stars, because it sure could use some professional management. Supposed to be open from 11 to 4, but at 3pm today it was closed. Tried to call, but no answer on the phone, not even a voice mail with information on hours, address, etc. Tried to access website, but got a security warning message. Talk about incommunicado. read more

Just a few words of praise for French General . My friends and I had a delightful petit dejeuner at this beautiful shop and a wonderful afternoon at the Downtown Dig. The day was the perfect balance of structure and whimsy. The tour was well organized and time managed beautifully while still allowing for a spontaneous visit to a location not on the tour. Lunch at the Ace was relaxed and delicious. Ultimately though, it was the effort, personality and general joie de vivre of Kaari and Molly that made this day so memorable. They were kind, well informed, funny and patient. read more