13th Avenue shop offers a 'splendid' way to spruce up clothes

By David J. Glenn 

At first glance, passersby at Sew Splendid might think the sign displays a misspelling of "so." But all they have to do is look in the window to see that it's a clever play on words.

The store, at 5016 13th Ave., since 1995 (in what used to be a shoe store); offers an array of items to help women touch up or restore their clothes with linings, trims, and of course, a wide variety of needles and thread.

"Our customers come from all over," owner-manager Abe Rose said with a proud smile —- from Israel, Europe, as well as closer in from Flatbush and the Five Towns.

About 10 years ago, many customers would come in to buy materials to make their own dresses and outfits, Rose said, "but you don't see very many people making clothes from scratch today."

Sew Splendid attracts a fair share of men, too. They come in to buy items for their shuls, such as trims for the Torah coverings, Rose said.

There are also offerings for children— sewing craft sets and accessories like bows and other items for little girls' hair.

Rose started the store in Williamsburg in 1990 (he now has two there) and opened the Boro Park outlet five years later. "My wife had been in the sewing business," Rose said. "She thought it would be a good idea if we opened our own shop."

Does Rose plan to open a fourth store anytime soon? 

"It's possible," he said. "It's something to think about."