The prices are good and the stock is different than other places. Where they shine: high end fabrics, appliqués, trims, boas, Mardi Gras picture frames, custom second line umbrellas, masks, friendly service. Good prices. The one downside is that the line in the fabric room can get long and it's first come first served, so when I just needed a roll of ribbon I had to stand behind 15 people who needed fabric cut. That was tedious. They don't have as many different throws as some of the other places, but this is a good place to come to fill in the gaps. Next year I'm going to really do up my Mardi Gras costume and I'm going to get some higher end fabric and this is where I'm coming! read more

This is the place to get some unique and fun crafts. I saw fabrics that would be fun for festivals and such, glitter galore, sequined & beaded embellishments for costumes or handmade throws, etc. There is also a big selection of Mardi gras throws to choose from. read more

We find ourselves at Jefferson Variety before almost every holiday, occasion, and obviously before we roll. They have an endless supply of party supplies, fabrics, novelties, decorations, and throws. Their prices are often slightly better than the other place we go, so we keep coming back! Really friendly customer service, and they're pretty good at keeping their supply in stock. Also plenty of parking so I don't have to park a block away and walk back and forth carrying huge bags full of supplies, just thought I'd mention that. read more

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If you need any kind of sparkly with sequins material ...come here. Need feathers to get your high fly on? come here. Satins so soft you'll want them all ...come here. Umbrellas and appliqués, come here. Taffeta and tulles in every color, come here. Maybe a few masks, or beads or throws, yeah they got that too. The staff is always so nice and accommodating, they take time to listen to your needs. I loved how after they cut your items, they put the stuff right back. That means you'll never miss the perfect little something needed to trim your dress, ballgown, costumes or festive-ware ever. Mardi Gras wouldn't be the same without these selections. They seem to have it all and more. read more

Jefferson Variety Store - Fabric Stores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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epressing Some really great high-end fabrics and notions. Run of / through the mill feather selection. A whole lot of cheap plastic craptastic from China. Employee Service / attitude underwhelming. read more

If you love Mardi Gras, creating original costumes, or are handy with a sewing machine, this is the place for you! I cannot stress enough the amazing wonder of this store, and if I was handy or more creative in any way, I would've easily spent my entire paycheck here. All of the fabrics that you can choose from, the gadgets and gizmos to make the most fabulous of costumes or dresses that you could dream of. They also have the standard groups of throws, beads, and other Mardi Gras related materials, but that's not where the real treasure of this store lies. The treasure lies in your imagination and all of the pieces it takes to make your costuming dreams a reality. This is definitely a must-stop for anyone wanting to visit a New Orleans icon, or for someone who loves to have the perfect and unique costuming experience. You'll have to wait in lines, especially the closer you get to Mardi Gras, but it's worth the wait! read more

Very rude and unprofessional workers. Always have an attitude and act as if they don't want to assist you. I have been in this store 3 times to pick up orders or to shop and the staff seem racist not even going to sugar coat it! read more

This is where I go to get things that turn every day clothing into costume wear. The sparkles, the sequin trim, the satin fabric, feathers, sequined appliques, beads, gems, the tulle; this is where it all waits until it can be a part of my next costume. They also have umbrellas and more than a dozen styles of hats, all blank until something wonderful is created out of them. At first glance you'll think 'this can't be where I'm looking for.' Down a crappy street surrounded by industrial businesses, the building looks out of place, and certainly doesn't look like the jackpot of mardi gras worthy notions that it truly is inside. Then, when you walk inside the building, the first room looks like they are about to go out of business, even around carnival season. You can tell they sell beads and throws, but I have never seen this area fully stocked, ever. Just go into the second room and take a second to take it all in. It is unlike anything I have ever seen. The shiniest fabric, the largest selection of sequined trims and fringe, most tulle styles that I ever knew existed, until I came here for the first time about ten years ago. Now I am here each year at carnival time and at least one more time per year for another odd occasion that needs some flair and sparkle. I have a bottle of fabric glue that I bought here a few years ago whose name sums it all up: "Quik & Tacky". read more

I've recently got into crafting and costumes and JVS is my go to. The people there are super helpful and knowledgeable. Sometimes their conversations can get a little loud and uncensored but their work ethic and experience is unmatched. read more

Jefferson Variety Store - Mardi Gras 2020 Costumes - Fabric Stores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Great finds on a dollar budget that would give life to any Wonder Woman outfit hehe! Every crafty person with a budget on the low end of the tracks can find wonders here. Especially if you have to make it yourself kind of costume deal. read more

Jefferson Variety Store - Fabric Stores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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This is a great store to pick up fabrics and appliques. It is really two stores in one. The other side has masks at bulk rates, some beads and plush and other miscellaneous items. Prices were good. My only complaint is that on the fabric side you have to wait in a very slow line to buy any fabrics or even have assistance looking at the appliques. That line didn't move in the hour that we were there and I just wanted to purchase some appliques from the case. A lady helped me out. read more

I love JVS for everything from my grand diva's dance costume grew too small the day before the parade and Nana has to make it work today to I need unique supplies for my umbrellas yesterday. I always find what I need and the staff has helped me to find new ways to finish both my simple or complicated projects. Last week, I bought the most unique yet colorful Kente' cloth that was a show stopper at the event. Their prices are always the best in town. The customer service is slower than bigger shops but the customer service and personal attention is priceless. read more

Costume designers, krewe members, enthusiasts of all things plush-y and plastic, lend me your ears... Carnival season can't start without at least one visit to the variety stores around town carrying the whoz-its and what's-its that make this time of year so special. They're are only a handful and they all seemed to be tucked away in some left, right, left, left corner of New Orleans to keep the riff raff from just perusing. I think my fault is that I can't sew, am not a crew member, but I doooo love to ogle at all things plush-y and plastic in hopes of finding that perfect event trophy/award (y'all know how I roll). I feel like Jefferson Variety is more on the side of the "I know I'm looking for an oversized banana" OR "I've got a MOM's Ball costume to adorn with various feathers, sequins, and appliques to blow all other costumes out of the water" type folks, and that's fine by me so I tend to not venture in here alone. While there is organization in the front with various bins of wonderfully unique throw items and decorations that I believe to be well priced, the fabric area is a little bit of a snafu in some parts though they do have some areas organized with specific types of fabrics. Some of these fabrics are so incredibly beautiful that I may venture to find a master sewer to make a dress for me one day. I'm sure the staff knows where every button, brocade, and bedazzled item is in the store, but alas, this time of year, it's pretty dang busy in there so if you like scavenger hunts, this may be the place for you! They've got pounds of glitter. I repeat pounds of glitter in every color imaginable. The fluffiest of boas and a variety of intricate and beautiful appliques for those that aren't necessarily sewing inclined. I think if I do every develop my skill for the art of sewing, I can utilize this store more to my benefit. I would definitely recommend popping in here at least once during Carnival to see if they've got that perfect something something for you! read more

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In a dream world, Cher, Carol Channing, Doris Eaton Travis, Mae West and Dolly Parton have collaborated on their dream store... and they bring you Jefferson Variety. This is no dream, though. One of my earliest memories has me at 5 or 6 traipsing around all kinds of stores with my mom who was in search of a certain shade of lemon yellow ostrich feathers for some kind of accessory she was making for an evening gown. It was quite the search, as I do recall and the feathers seemed priceless and eureka, when she found her feathers, they had to be dyed elsewhere. Nowadays, most people do such searches online, but then there are those of us who wait until the last minute to arrange costumes. Jefferson Variety comes to the rescue of many a showgirl, costume maker, drag queen, and Mardi Gras Indian! I mean... Ostrich feathers. For sale right there in front of you. In a wide array of colors! And much much more, all sizes and types in the feather department (holy crap, they have an entire "feather department"). Oh, the feathers. The appliqués. The glitter. The fringe. The sequins. The yards and yards of sparkly fabrics. I've died and gone to burly-q heaven. Halloween heaven. Mardi Gras heaven. Heaven heaven. Variety is an UNDERSTATEMENT. This store will blow your mind!!! And yes, they have FabriTac. read more

I have put off this review for a couple years. It is a Mardi Gras staple, a NOLA icon. It's also strangely dirty and funky. I hate to call it dirty, but I really want to break out a broom and sweep and just organize the crap out of this place when I go here. I would never wear white clothes to shop here. I spend about 45 seconds of my time when I am here genuinely befuddled by how the inside and outside are so disheveled. Shrugging it off........ This is one of the go to places to get Mardi Gras throws. Anyone who is anyone that rides, knows about JVS. If you are from out of town and want to get a unique perspective on Mardi Gras and where all the stuff you catch comes from take a ride down Iris, a sad desolate, grimy street that runs off of Jefferson Highway. I'm pretty certain you won't get robbed here, but you will find yourself squirming in your seat. I have never attempted to buy fabric or anything in the back room, the customer service there is legendary. Bad. I went in the back once to look around and I was asked if I was PLANNING to buy ANYTHING! Now, I keep to the front of the store, I know my place, among the colorful trinkets and beads that are stacked and packed in splatter painted cubes covered with a not so fine layer of dust and grime. The staff in the front has never been rude, they just seem sooooo busy. If you go when they aren't slammed during peak Mardi Gras season, they actually seem pretty nice. However the organization and trash never seems to improve. But I suppose as busy as they are, there is no motivation to change anything. I will probably never stop shopping here, they have lay a way and I depend on them to maintain some level of sanity in the ever rising price war of Mardi Gras throws. read more

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What? I don't have a review of this joint? Craziness So, yeah, you can buy your throws here (beads, stuffed animals, spears, etc), but the real reason to hunt this joint down in a mixed residental/industrial area is for the costume supplies. Gaudy satins, sparkly trim, appliques, tulle (for homemade tutus), hats, feathers, feathers, feathers. All of it is here. Caveats: check for cleanliness. Since this is all stored in a warehouse, the bottom of the pile fabrics can be dusty/dirty. Also make sure the checkout folks treat your feathers gently. You can also buy tiaras, scepters and other royal accouterments here. I mean who doesn't need a Mother of the Queen pin? read more

Reams and reams of fabric? Check. Fabric covered in glitter?! Check. Sequins, feathers, appliques?! CHECK CHECK CHECK. Everything you need for making any costume (or in my case, tutus and headbands.. as I'm not that crafty). They sell glitter in bulk. They even have hat forms for all your needs. I am absolutely obsessed with this place. The staff is great and knowledgeable. They've got every type of fabric I'm looking for and more.. Also for mardi gras, they have tons of throws and beads and decorations. Being here inspires me to what I could make -- I just wish I had the skills to back up my big crafty dreams. I guess that's what pinterest is for.. I love this place. read more

As I finish my Halloween costume, thoughts already turn to Mardi Gras (early, but never too much) and what too wear to the Saints Super Bowl...all of which leads to the unmatchable Jefferson Variety Store. A simple variety store it is not...the home of all the lavish, regal, and ridiculous fabrics of which the finest Mardi Gras Krewe suits are made. Want to decorate your second line umbrella; this is the place for every type of lace and trim. Need feathers? Well if thisJefferson Variety can supply the tribes of the Mardi Gras indians with their zillion colors of Ostrich and other feathers of all sizes; there has to be something for you. The staff is overly helpful with fools like me with more ideas than talent and for an extra bonus when costume making, it is just past the newly filled up Salvation Army on Jefferson highway. read more

You can meet many of your Mardi Gras throw, costume and decoration needs here. This is a warehouse of Mardi Gras fun with all manner of interesting items on display that can be purchased in large or small quantities. Definitely an easy to access spot off of River Road not far from the Riverbend. read more

House of sparkle, glitter and throws! I love weaving through their piles of fabric and finding inspiration for costumes. At least one trip per carnival season is mandatory! read more

Service can be a tad slow, but all of that is forgiven with the amazing selection of fabrics and costuming adornments such as fringe, sequins, borders, lace, etc. And the value is amazing! Cheap! read more

While tucked back a bit on an industrial road full of warehouses this place is the mecca for Mardi Gras needs. Just about any and every type of fabric you could dream of, trimmings and accessories galore, and even supplies to make your own second line umbrella easily. This is also the "go to" place for Mardi Gras Indians to get their feathers for their suits. Oh and Mardi Gras trinket and throws are here in the crate full. Like I said a Mardi Gras mecca! The associates here are EXTREMELY helpful! I had in my mind what I wanted ti put together for a costume and they recommended fabrics and helped me pull out several bolts from the piles. read more

This is an awesome costume fabric store. Every type of fabric you could ask for. They also have bins of throws and tons of beads which I'm sure are well-stocked during Mardi Gras season. It is definitely off the beaten-path, but well worth the trip. read more

Need stuff for Mardi Gras? This is your one stop shop. In the front it's nothing but throws and decorations and in the back is just filled to overflowing with costume making supplies. Some things like certain lengths of fringe, feathers, fabrics or certain colors of sparkle trim you can't score anywhere else in the city, other things you might find cheaper at a fabric store or online. Prices aren't too bad if you're just trying to one stop shop. They have great prices on second line umbrella bases. Staff is professional but cool. During the buildup to Carnival season don't expect a lot of friendly conversation or costume advice here. Buy your stuff and leave. Place is dusty and has a warehouse feel. Make sure your stuff isn't dirty before you buy. Mommy notes: Close quarters, lots of shiny things, leave the little ones at home. read more

It's a great resource for costume making. It's best to come in here knowing what you want. It's a family run business and they've been doing this for years. They are very professional but not overly conversational. Be prepared for children and loud talking -it's an experience. read more

Jefferson Variety Store - Fabric Stores Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

thank goodness for my trusty GPS or I would have never found this place. Its located a couple blocks behind Jefferson Hwy by River road. The place seemed a bit disorganized. Nothing is labeled just random rolls of fabric piled on top of one another. Workers were not very friendly. I was disappointed that I paid double than planned. read more

My experience with the staff here was that they were put out, irritated by having to help me. I asked for guidance and suggestions and was met with rudeness and "I don't give a care" attitude. Definitely will find somewhere else to shop for fabric next time. read more

I can't say enough about this place. I went by today to get some help with a costume for Halloween. Jessica assisted me and was just plain awesome!! She had ideas for my costume that I never would have thought of and was really good about asking me lots of questions so I got everything I needed. Plus if you like sequins, silky fabrics, crazy patterns, feathers, costuming, mardi gras etc this place is MECCA! Thank you so much for the help today! I will be back again, and again! AND almost forgot, I asked if they have any seamstresses or tailors that they are fond of because the fabric selection is massive and I have a few dress patterns I would like made. Jessica got me a sheet with over half a dozen names. SO HELPFUL! read more

From the outside, it doesn't look like much. Heck, from the inside it doesn't look like much either, but this place is a bit of a treasure trove if you're a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to crafting, sewing and/or costuming. Be prepared though, either know exactly what you're looking for or have plenty of time on your hands. The bolts of material are strewn about on tables and wall fixtures from end to end and from floor to ceiling. There's cases and cabinets and little drawers practically overflowing with every kind of accessory, applique', rhinestone, crystal, sequin and notion under the sun. It seems endless and chaotic, but the staff seem to have a pretty good idea where everything is. There must be a method to the madness. I've been there when there's a crowd, and you have to bring extra patience with you if they're busy. So if its near Mardi Gras or Halloween you're going to wait, just deal with it. Today I went in for long black opera length gloves and walked out in less than 5 minutes paying only $6, which is 1/3 the price I would have paid elsewhere and I didn't have to look around. I said what I was looking for, the lady put it right in my hand and I was out the door. If you're a krewe rider, looking to stock up on your throws, you won't find as big a selection as you would at Accent Annex or Beads by the Dozen, but what they have is more than adequate and well priced. read more

Why do I turn into a drag queen when I walk in here? WHY!? I almost turned around driving down the rickety back alley type street ...thinking I was lost. So if you think you're lost- you're in the right place. Most of the fabrics are: satins, spandex/Lycra, and velvet. Don't come here looking to finish your granddaughter's quilt. Feathers? Gaudy trim? Ohhh yeah they got it. Impressed with the reasonable prices- but be prepared to ask the price a LOT, $ should be Sharpie'd on the end of each bolt...but prices are hard to locate. Every time I'm here I want to sew a drum majorette or dance costume...you'll see what I mean. :) read more

Fun fun fun! I love their discount velvet rack and $2 table. During Carnival season ( Jan 2 through Mardi Gras), they are open 7 days a week and extend their business hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm Sun: 10am - 5pm read more

Jefferson variety does have a variety of items but certainly has a variety of mess! Poor service - you may wait in line for hours! I waited for over 20 minutes in line and workers just laid all around talking to people and not serving us!! Messiness - everything of one kind may be on one wall, but it will either be tangled, broken, nasty, empty, or in the wrong place. Other than that you may find what you are looking for over here... Just bring a huge bag of patience and prepare for a messy visit. read more

Where else can you find chartreuse glitter, European lace, 6 inch fringe trim, and see drag queens and debutants in the same line with Mardi Gras Indians? You don't know how to create fabulousness unless you've shopped here. Lol! Love it. read more

This past week, I visited Jefferson Variety for fabrics for my two sons upcoming weddings. I have shopped online many times searching for fabric. Jefferson Variety is owned/operated by very family oriented and most accommodating staff.. They didn't breathe down my neck trying to 'sell" me on any particular fabrics. They were available to help when I had questions and were all so very helpful. To my surprise, because i'd only shopped there for Mari Gras/Saints items, the had a treasure trove of lovely fabric and the prices were VERY reasonable when comparing on online (which I couldn't touch or feel) or any other local fabric stores, and the fabrics, in my opinion and that of an accomplished seamstress who accompanied me where far superior. One of the staff members who worked with me primarily was Roxanne and she was GREAT! Offering suggestions when asked, but not trying to intimidate me in any way, as did happen elsewhere.h Just wanted to give them a shout out when I completed my purchase. m thrilled to have purchased fabric for two dressing and to be perfectly honest, would have felt my trip was successful if I'd been blessed with only one. Totally pleased. read more

I was so excited to go here as I heard that it was where the Mardi Gras Indians go to get supplies for their extravagant and amazing costumes. I was also doing a bit of spy work for my friend April who owns the fabulous Fabricker store in Austin as she's considering opening a Big Easy location. (Shhh!) While they have all sorts of fabric and notions, there's no organization whatsoever which means you're stuck moving around large bolts of fabric stacked on top of each other just to get to what you want. Forget about asking for help unless you like being ignored and/or getting dirty looks of contempt. Granted this was about a month or two prior to Mardi Gras, but that's no excuse for bad service and the place is every bit as disorganized throughout the year according to everyone I know. I couldn't locate the fake fur I needed for my costume and when I asked a woman behind the register if they had it, she told me to ask one of the ladies on the floor to go look in the back for it as she was unable to leave her post. She even gave me specific instructions of where it's located so all I needed was someone to retrieve it. When I asked TWO women to please get it for me, they refused, saying, "It's not back there," even though the lady behind the counter had seen it there an hour earlier. They wouldn't even pretend to look for it to appease me. Not to mention I was the only person asking for help at the time. As I was walking out, visibly frustrated, the same counter lady asked if they looked for me. When I told her what happened, she apologized & suggested I visit a place down the street that made plush toys. I did and was able to buy a huge roll of fake fur for $25! If she isn't the owner of Jefferson Variety she certainly deserves a promotion because she's the only person there doing her job. I only wish she could teach the others a thing or two about customer service. If it wasn't for her this place would get one star! read more

I came here because this is pretty much the only independent fabric store in New Orleans. This place only carries very low quality, tacky fabric; not even stuff I would use to make a costume. I guess you can shop here if Joann's is too high-end for you... read more

This place is pretty neat. They offer a great variety of things for mardi gras including throws, decorations, masks ands fabric to make your attire. The prices are decent. Start your planning early to avoid the lines, this place is popular. read more

Some folks have given a low rating and claimed to be waiting in line for hours while staff hang out talking. It may feel this way sometimes but there is only 1 rule there, "Wait in line for someone to help you". It might take 20 minutes on a busy day but that person is yours till you check out, they don't answer your question then leave. if staff looks like they are hanging out, its because the customer is wasting their time. Don't be a douche, just wait for your person like the rest of us, then get all the help you need. THE place for costume materials, feathers and sparkly appliques. read more

We come here to buy supplies and throws,plain and simple ,we can see the staff are busy but helpful Valerie,Brianne, Jessica,and the rest of crew simply wonderful and friendly. We highly recommend this place its not a glamorous place, but the product is the best in the region ,our regular sales girl Valerie is got to be one of New Orleans gifted when it comes to ideas and craft and talent . read more

I love this store! I am a Mardi Gras fanatic and this is my year round go to store. I make wedding and special occassion umbrellas so I Love the fabrics, trims, appliques. Yes - sometimes the wait is long but you need to know going in to go straight to the line. Once it is your turn, the staff is very attentive and will get whatever you need, answer every question, help with design ideas and never make you feel rushed. It is worth the wait. And when I can't wait and know what I want, I call and order and it is shipped to my doorstep. read more