Like Carolyn and Shannon, I do tend to stock up on thread. I hate looking for thread mid-project and think it looks cheap when my thread doesn’t match my fabric. I don’t order online, instead, I wait until I visit my parents.
In Panama City, I can buy a 500 meter / 547 yard roll of Gutermann thread for $1. That’s just 1.8 cents a yard. I can buy the smallest Gutterman for 45 cents. So, when I visit, I write down the colors I have and fill in what I don’t.
Yeah. . . . LOL. If my Spanish were good enough I would ask to find out where the cleaners and tailors puchase big rolls. But, that is beyond my abilities.
What I totally don’t understand is why the same thread is twice as much in the States. I’m *thinking* that since it’s made in Mexico — shipping costs are less? Trade agreements?
I also picked up a vary form curve (I think — it’s regla curva de corte) and an L square. Both are made in Mexico, wooden and $5.
They are both marked in metric, which I find FAR easier when dealing with BWOF and sewing. I have never liked fractions 🙂
I tend to stock up on hand sewing and machine needles here. The hand sewing needles are Japanese sharps and 85 cents for a pack of 10. The sewing machine needles are 25 cents each — so 10 needles for less than $3. They are Singer made and come in wing, lycra, knit, woven (cotton) and polyester. If there is a ‘universal’, I haven’t seen it.
Oh, this time I got these HUGE marking chalks which are 5 cm on each side. These are 50 cents each.
I’m leaving on Friday and I think I’m going to stop by a local furniture maker and see if he can make the curves out of teak (sastsre, variable, francesca, gota de modisto). I figure it can’t be as much as Atlas Levy sells them for at $95 🙂 Yes, totally inspired by Els’ post at the Sewing Divas.
Miss Celie's Pants 
Nice stuff. 🙂
I don’t get why Gütermann around here is $3 for 100 meters and $5 for 200 meters. I haven’t seen larger spools for a long time, it is probably impossible to sell. I mean, it is marketed as European/German quality, I live in Europe 200 km from the German border, and yet it is freaking expensive. I don’t get it. 🙂 Ordinary quality thread is $6 for 1000 m.
I LOVE those rulers. I wish I had a wooden hip curve. My metal one is so much less classy looking! I’m glad you are having a great time. Don’t bring anything sharp in your carry on luggage 😉
I wish I could get thread that cheap!! you got some GREAT stuff!
I *cannot* believe those prices!!
Gutterman is about 4 times as much here! Nice buys 🙂
Yes, but are you actually going to do any sewing ….???
The price is why I took Carolyn’s advice and bought from Atlanta Thread. Lucky you, having a place to buy great stuff like that! Good luck getting your curves made.
You sure are in sewing notions heaven,nice rulers too. Here a 200 meter Guterman roll cost more than 4 US dollar.
Nothing worse than running out of thread. I live 20 miles from any store that sells sewing stuff so you’d think I’d be smart enough to stock up when Jo-Ann’s has a sale, but apparently I’m not!
You gave me a great idea: having wooden curved rulers made! Apparently French curves and all the so-called fashion rulers are unavailable in Italy or, at least, I was unable to find them (well, I found a company that makes them but you have to buy at least 20 of each type 😦 ).
Is Gutermann thread made in Mexico??? Poor me, I thought it was manufactured in Germany…
Anyway, I’m happy you are finding so many notions at such great prices!
indeed guetermann is a german company, but they produce in more countries, including mexico. you’ve really made a good deal with the threads!
they also produce here, but they are expensive. 500 m cost me about 5 Euros, which would be around 7 – 8 USD. I should have the thread shipped from abroad – it’s cheaper, even with the shipping costs 😉
Oh seems you are in heaven!
Your rules are beautiful. I laughed at your comment on metric measures, as I have the same issue but in reverse. Depending on what I do, I fetch the French or the US rulers 🙂
PS: just read your article on PR about sewing magazines, and liked it.
I love seeing spools of thread, all lined up like little soldiers, ready to stitch together garments at a moments notice. Ah, the possibilities…
Cidell, stock up on white and black threads. A Dietzen #7 Curve in wood, would be nice. It is perfect for armscye/armholes and necklines. If you can get those made, buy a batch and I’ll take a couple off of your hands. Atlanta Threads sells an aluminium version for approx $4. You won’t see a picture if/when you check the site but it is aluminium. Panama is next on my list. I will no longer suffer Ja. with rainy season starting April….and ending November, give me a break!!!
Cidell – are you moving toward a business for yourself? Getting rules made down there and bringing them up here to sell? Hmmmm?
Gutterman is about $1.78 for 100m here in Canada. The large spools are cheaper/length but there is rarely a diverse colour selection of them. $0.45 is a steal!
And very cool wooden rulers too.
Great haul, Cidell!
Don’t ya wanna buy thread for your blog readers? 🙂 What a GREAT price!
Enjoy the remainder of your trip. Wishing you safe travels on your return.
What a nice assorted of sewing notions. Really like the wooden curves. I need to work on my metrics!
I bought those rulers on my last visit. I had the rulers re-copied to acrylic plastic.
What is the name of the store where you bought the sewing supplies, including thread?
It would be awesome if you started a business selling the thread and the other notions online!! Have you considered doing that? It would benefit the store you’re buying it from too! 🙂
You have a great blog. I’d love for you to come and visit my blog. I just made a Vintage Vogue Original 1944 Design, V2858. On the previous page you’ll find a dress I made from an original 1974 pattern that I found in an antique store. I call that post The Lady in Lavender. And lots of other things in between. Hope you enjoy.
Oh my, those spools look like candy, so delectable! And who knew rulers could be so pretty? Love all the photos you post.
Wow, love those rulers! I stopped using Gutterman after it started being made in Mexico…just not the same quality and my machine hated it. I hope it works for you because those prices are fantastic. Now if you can find Mettler at those prices..you could start a business 🙂
hey, I came across your website, while serching for obi belts ^^
I just cant believe that for a 500/Gutterman you just paid $1.00 .. thats just insane!
I’m from Panama, living in Germany, and believe me Guterman is really expenssive (all around Europe)
I feel so happy you wrote about this, in 1 month I’m heading to PTY, so its gonna be a massive shopping for supplies!
yay **
I love your travel posts…makes me itching to head out myself!! 😀 Esp if sewing goods can be had for prices like that! :p