M.J. Clothing — Local services in Lowell

What a Hidden Gem of a store!

My friend and I were thinking of going fabric shopping together to Godwin african market in Lowell but she found another store. Even though M.J is usually not open on Sundays, the owner was happy to open just for us.

We were looking forward to fabrics but what we weren't prepared for was a primer in All things Wax prints. From the history to how they are produced and how Vlisco gained popularity and even some pointers on how to spot fake wax prints. The owner Jacqueline was a wealth of information and was very generous with her time. And its because she is a sewist herself and wants to know what people are making with her fabrics.

I even learned what different symbols on each fabric mean. What a treat!

Have you bought anything from this store? If yes were the prices competitive? Yes, I bought two. One a 3 yard cut from a 6 yard Vlisco print and the other from the remnant bin. Incidentally both were the same print in different color ways ;)

The Vlisco was expensive ($120 for the whole 6 yards). I have no idea whether or not it is competitive but I am happy to support an indie store.

Were the sales people polite and friendly? Yes, Jacqueline is super friendly.

How would you rate the quality of the item this store sells? The fabric does seem to be legit. I washed it yesterday and it was just fine.

How was your shopping experience. Is there anything you did not like about this store? See above. I highly recommend this store and will be going there again whenever I need more (like I need more???) Wax print fabric.

Would you shop here again? Absolutely.

Would you recommend this store to others? Yes! Even if you don't sew with Wax prints, get yourself a remnant and make a bag! This store is an absolute treat.

Any other comments you would like to add? There are wax prints from Vlisco and other manufacturers here. They are at all different price points. Some are $30 for 6 yards. And if RTW clothing is your jam there are those too here. I believe they are all sewn by her. I think she will also sew for you if you have anything...

This amazing store carries a bit of Africa to downtown Lowell. It's full of the most gorgeous fabrics. Half of the store is already made up, with beautiful clothing for men and women in a variety of African designs - often one size fits all. The other half of the offering is a tailoring store where the proprietess will take your measurements manage the process of getting you a perfectly fitting, tailored dress. You can pick several styles, all of African origin. One of my favorite of her offerings is a neat synthesis of New England fall colors and fabrics in a super flattering Ghanean cut. In addition to clothing, this store also has a large variety of cosmetics & hair care products...

This store happened to catch my eye as I was passing on the street and I am so glad that I went in. I was immediately treated to a large variety of colorful clothes in many different styles. After looking around on my own for a short while I asked the owner for a recommendation and she pointed towards a selection of shirts. She was happy to answer any of my questions that I had on how the clothes should fit and I ended up walking out with a shirt and a leather belt. Both are some of the highest quality garments I own now, both in comfort and appearance. I will definitely be returning to sample more fashion...