Quilting at Lake Chapala and Guadalajara
This page contains general information both for the AJIJIC QUILT GUILD as well as for quilters interested in moving to the Lake Chapala/Guadalajara area of Mexico.

If you have additions or corrections, please email us at: jro@laguna.com.mx
 
FABRIC  -
Some cotton fabric is available – a slight selection at Lake Chapala and much more in Guadalajara. But the selection even in Guadalajara of cotton fabric for quilting is still small in comparison to what's available in the the USA or on line for ordering.
CHAPALA FABRIC –
Parisena  store near the plaza in Chapala. There is also a fabric store near the bus station.
 
GUADALJARA FABRIC –
There is a large area of fabric stores in Centro, bounded by the area of  Plaza de Liberacion, the Cathedral and Plaza de Guadalajara – along the pedestrian walkway of Morelos.
 
Another area is in vicinity of Av. Chapultepec & Av Mexico: 
Al Puerto de Vera Cruz –  av. Chapultepec Nte. No. 125.
Parisena – corner of Chapultepec and Mexico.
Centro Mercantil Villa Nueva SA de CV – Pedro Buzeta No. 409, Sta. Teresita (small parking lot across the street).
Gran Plaza and Plaza del Sol both have several fabric stores.
Click here to see map of stores in Chapultepec.
THREAD –
Much depends on one’s personal preference and that of your machine. Fabric stores as well as papelerias carry thread. Cotton thread is difficult to find. Both Gutterman and Mettler are available, made in Mexico, but in polyester only. Rayon is available. Standard spools, cones , etc are available as is some pearl cotton. Embroidery floss is also available – in a more limited selection.
BATTING –
We have not been able to locate cotton batting. Mexican polyester batting comes in thin, medium and thick in one width only and is generally cut from a large roll. It is inconsistent in thickness – but is satisfactory for some projects. The thickest is very firm and not suitable for quilting or even tying. The Parisena chain almost always has batting in stock. 
MATS, ROTARY CUTTERS, ETC. –
The Office Max on Av. Mexico near the Wal-Mart carries several sizes of Fiskars mats and cutters. No quilt rulers are available.
SEWING MACHINES –
Generally, you will find a selection of Janome, Brother, Elna, Kenmore and Singer. In many cases, you will not be able to test the machine and the instruction book may not be available with the display. However, effective Summer 2007 there is now a Bernina dealer in Mexico with an expanding network of representatives. Current models are offered with competitive prices and classes are included. In Centro Guadalajara there are a variety of sewing machine stores with an emphasis on industrial but also some home sewing machines. Other locations which sell a variety of machines are the department store Fabrica de Francia in Plaza del Sol and Gran Plaza, Liverpool department store in Galerias mall and Sears in the downtown location as well as at Gran Plaza and Galerias malls. Wal-Mart and Costco also both usually have a very limited selection (usually only one model).
SEWING MACHINE REPAIR –

Barbara’s Bazaar in Ajijic has a sewing machine technician from Guadalajara, Sr. Daniel Franco F. who visits Lakeside. Ask Tom Thompson or Ricardo to be put on the list. Daniel will call to set up an appointment. Or telephone Sr. Franco (Spanish only) directly at 36-81-82-17 or his cell phone 045 33 1342 5134.

There is a large  number of stores, also in Centro Guadalajara, that repair sewing machines. The stores listed here  are only those who quilters in the Guild have used:

Sertec –
Pedro Buzeta #289, Col. Santa Teresita (phone 01 333 826 9900) repairs many sewing machines and is authorized for Janome service but advise that they can repair many machines, including computerized models.  There are also Elna and Brother service stores within the block.
Singer Chapultepec –
Av. Chapultepec Nte. 54 Casi Esq. Hidalgo.
Phone: 3825-8136, 3825-8908, Guadalajara.
Maquina de Coser y Hilos –
Ave.  Niρos Heroes 1185 with the corner of 8 de Julio. Phone: 01 333 613 1967.
Maquina Topia Rodriguez –
Leandro Valle 36 1488 Ave 16 de Septiembre.

Remember that there are no Phaff dealers or service stores in Mexico.

It is best to contact the manufacturer of your machine and ask if they have an authorized representative in Guadalajara and also verify if your warranty will be honored.

Be prepared to bring a sample of what your machine is doing or not doing correctly. Look up a few key works in Spanish or bring along a friend who speaks Spanish.