About Us
Our History
Banksville Designer Fabrics originated in Banksville, NY in a farmer's market. In 1986 the store was moved to Norwalk, CT, where it has remained since. The fabrics are purchased from high end NY designers from both apparel and home decorating houses. We buy exclusive, one of a kind end cuts that cannot be re-ordered. Because the fabrics tend to be smaller pieces, less than 25 yds, they sell quickly. If you see something you like, you shouldn't wait to buy it, since it may not be here the next time you visit.
The apparel fabrics tend to be natural fibers such as: linen, cotton, silk, wool, cashmere and viscose. Some of the clothing designers we purchase from are Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Theory, Milly of NY, Ralph Lauren, Alice & Trixie, Nanette Lepore, Carlisle and St. John's.
The home decorating fabrics we have in stock are high quality, well known designer fabrics. We see all different fabrics from a wide range of design houses such as: China Seas, Scalamandre, Schumacher, Osborne & Little, Ralph Lauren, Kelly Wearstler, Lee Jofa, Sister Parish, Clarence House, Cowtan & Tout and Kravet. Because many of the end cut fabrics we get are small yardage, we have several companies that we can order at a great discount. We recommend coming in to search through those books if you need more than 15 yds.
The Owner, Lori Hill
After working for the previous owners, Larry & Darlene Shapiro, for 25 years, Lori purchased the store on December 17th, 2019. Even though the layout of the store is different, the large selection of high quality fabrics remains the same. There is still a predominance of natural fibers, but there are synthetics mixed in to give customers more price options. There is a new space to layout fabrics, show customers tips on the sewing machine, and a new computer to check on home decorating fabrics. We have also added a large assortment of 100% cotton for masks. Our whole front window has been overtaken by cotton!
We want the customers to come in and feel inspired by our sample garments, pillows and great fabrics. We enjoy sewing and love to give advice and guidance.
The Fabulous Staff
Our marvelous, friendly Margo has been with Banksville on and off for the last 25 years. She is knowledgeable about all things drapery. She loves to make roman shades and pillows. She does a fabulous job at finishing needlepoint pillows and stockings.
The lovely Lise, from Denmark, is very knowledgeable about our inventory and is very good at coordinating fabrics. She loves to iron and organize!
Klari, our favorite Hungarian, is full of life and ideas. She is extremely talented at making lampshades by hand with no glue in sight! She never gives up until she finds the right fabric.
The newest member of our staff, Heather, is our dyeing and puppet expert. She loves working with linens and cottons for tie dying. If you need puppets, from small to large, she is the best!