A gal’s guide to LA’s fabric district

I get asked a lot about L.A's fabric/fashion district. I think it feels daunting & overwhelming to go downtown, especially if you've never been before. So here's my little guide for all you locals who want a good place to start. We live on the Westside (West LA) I take the 10 E to downtown (only about 12 minutes with no traffic) EXIT on MAPLE AVE.
When you get off the freeway you'll see this sign. Hang a left, under the 10 into the Fashion District.
You'll come upon all the shops…keep driving…do not be tempted by the hot jeans at Govanni's….
or the blow up pools or the sunglasses or the tchotchkes…
ahh….Home Sweet Home. Michael Levine's at 920 Maple Street. There are a couple of parking options. Michael Levine's has their own parking lot just to the west of their store. You can park there for free if you spend $20 in the store (make sure to get your ticket validated from one of the cashiers on your way out.) There is street/metered parking for $3/hr. There are also lots where you can park all day for anywhere between $3-$5. While you can typically negotiate pricing with most shops, you can't do it here (Mary Beesley you would not be proud of my negotiating skills Michael Levines has an awesome assortment of Japanese fabrics and the best flannel I've seen around:
I don't ever buy flannel but if I did, I would buy it here. Directly across the street is the Michael Levine upholstery store. I just discovered they have a LOFT.
Fabric here is sold for $2.00/lb. You really have to dig around but I found a few gems which are being turned into Summer pants for Henry. This is a good place to start. I'll share a few other places soon.