June 16, 2006
Fabrics
Shopping for fabrics is an overwhelming experience. There are just sooo many to choose from. And I'm wary of starting a fabric stash.. yet. However, I am working through this! I have managed to buy a couple things..
Red lettuce fabric for Amy Butler's Cabo Halter.
After a good half hour staring around purl patchwork, I took went with an employee's suggestion of this red fabric. Its a Rowan fabric. A concealed zipper foot for the sewing machine is on its way to my house presently, so we'll see how that works.
Blue linen for the Bustle Skirt by Miss Twiss
There are benefits to working in the garment district.. like huge fabric stores to visit at lunch. I had no idea that seemingly normal-looking fabric could go for $60 per yard until visiting B&J Fabrics. I didn't end up purchasing anything there, but did find this yard and a half at Mood. It was the end of a roll, and only $10. (Here's a good online reference to NYC garment district stores)
Some brown tweed.
I got this at Joann's a couple weekends ago while upstate. This might be for a fall bag, or maybe a skirt. I have this idea for a brown nappy bag with red/white printed interior and piping along the handles. This could be the exterior fabric. maybe maybe.
* you might think that after having not posted for awhile I'd have some FOs.. um no. I've been apartment-hunting, tying up loose ends, and can't seem to start any new knitting or sewing projects lately. There are a couple half-finished sweaters in knitting purgatory though; perhaps unraveling them will clear some mindspace.
Comments (25)
Oh, I love your choices I can't wait to see the finished items.
Posted by Joelene | June 16, 2006 10:03 AM
Posted on June 16, 2006 10:03
woo! great fabric. :)
Posted by jess | June 16, 2006 10:06 AM
Posted on June 16, 2006 10:06
all 3 are great but i LOVE that red lettuce one. i could even see it in a summery wrap skirt.
i've sworn off sewing for many years but with all these great fabrics popping up around the knitblogs i'm feeling the urge to get back into it.
Posted by jody | June 16, 2006 10:25 AM
Posted on June 16, 2006 10:25
The red is beautiful! I think I have that exact same tweed that I got at JoAnns but in black/white!!! I still haven't done anything with it yet...sad...
Posted by Stacey | June 16, 2006 10:56 AM
Posted on June 16, 2006 10:56
I completely agree about fabric shopping being overwhelming - it is SO much different than shopping for yarn!
The red fabric is beautiful - can't wait to see how your halter turns out. I did a hidden zipper tutorial over on the SewIKnit blog a while ago... you may want to check it out for the zipper.
Posted by Cyndi | June 16, 2006 11:37 AM
Posted on June 16, 2006 11:37
$60/yard?! Wow. Yeah, there just seem to be SO many fabrics out there - I don't know how sewers manage to change.
Hope everything else in your life gets settled down so there's time for knitting again!
Posted by Chris | June 16, 2006 12:29 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 12:29
Ooooh, those fabrics are fabulous! I really like the red lettuce and the tweed. I was just thinking of trying some tweed for a bag.
How about starting a fabric stash *after* you move? =)
Posted by caitlyn | June 16, 2006 1:11 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 13:11
Great fabrics! I must hunt around the garment district in November.. such fun!
Posted by Angela | June 16, 2006 1:48 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 13:48
Hey, wow, thanks for this post. I'm off to do some fabric shopping myself (in Boston, however, not NY).
Posted by colleen | June 16, 2006 2:37 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 14:37
mood! thats where project runway shops! what a great show.
the fabrics are nice, although i am sad to see you taking a knitting hiatus. maybe when i find the perfect hat (hats are way better than socks) you will come back!
best of luck with the apartment! :)
Posted by SQ | June 16, 2006 2:48 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 14:48
just found you today through Eunny's blog - i love the nappy bag by amy butler - i have made several myself - i'll have to remember to put the cell pocket on the inside next time, great idea! as for wokring near the fabric district..dang! am i ever jealous, just didi a shopping stint there a few weeks ago - and love purl patchwork - look forward to more knitting and sewing adventures
Posted by marietta | June 16, 2006 5:31 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 17:31
Oh wow, you work in the garment district and visit fabric stores during lunch, that's the best way to spend lunchtime. Lovely fabrics, hope you'll have the time soon to sew or knit.
Posted by erin | June 16, 2006 7:18 PM
Posted on June 16, 2006 19:18
Gorgeous fabric. I especially like the red floral one. I can't wait to see what you make with it all.
Posted by Rain | June 17, 2006 4:59 AM
Posted on June 17, 2006 04:59
all of them are great. the red halter top would be perfect for summer. but, i really really adore the tweed. not sure what the material is, but if it's wool/cashmere, it'll make lovely fall pants.
i agree with you, fabric shopping is more than just overwhelming!
Posted by blossom | June 17, 2006 11:33 AM
Posted on June 17, 2006 11:33
Nice fabric choices! Can't wait to see the finished products. Good luck with the apartment hunt.
Posted by Maritza | June 19, 2006 10:52 AM
Posted on June 19, 2006 10:52
Gorgeous fabric. Your well on your way to a stash. Good luck on the apartment hunting - that's never fun. I know one of the sweaters isn't doing it for you so you'll probably be happier frogging, although it's always kind of depressing.
Posted by Stephanie | June 19, 2006 11:46 AM
Posted on June 19, 2006 11:46
isn't mood awesome!? and totally overwhelming?
Are you moving to the Slope???
*fingers crossed*
Posted by j a r e d | June 19, 2006 1:17 PM
Posted on June 19, 2006 13:17
Ah, you make me remember my days of working in the Garment District. I too,frequented the fabric stores on my lunch hour, and my fabric stash was huge. Even 15 years ago, $60 fabric could be found at B&J! I bought the fabric for my wedding gown there. Now I take my 12 year old daughter to the fabric stores in NYC and she too is inspired!
Posted by Kirsten | June 19, 2006 9:00 PM
Posted on June 19, 2006 21:00
Cute fabric! I usually get overwhelmed at fabric stores. That never happens at yarn stores, though. Good luck on the sewing projects.
Posted by Casey | June 19, 2006 9:55 PM
Posted on June 19, 2006 21:55
Looks like you've jumped on the sewing band wagan, perhaps to the detriment to your knitting projects (that's what happened to me!)...I love the red fabric, bold but not too bold (hey, is that kale?).
Posted by quenna | June 19, 2006 11:16 PM
Posted on June 19, 2006 23:16
Gorgeous fabrics! I'm tempted to break out my sewing machine and try something but I'm so messy with it. I don't have a dedicated room so I'm sure the dining table would end up littered with fabric and thread scraps, half finished projects...hmmm...kinda like my knitting projects.
Posted by Vicki | June 21, 2006 3:50 PM
Posted on June 21, 2006 15:50
Great choice of fabrics and patterns! I am very drawn to that red for the halter. It is beautiful ;)
Posted by Lolly | June 23, 2006 6:44 AM
Posted on June 23, 2006 06:44
I love the Rowan fabric, I've never really looked at the fabrics that they do, but now I find the idea of getting a sewing machine more and more tempting. I can't wait to see what you do with them all.
Posted by Amelia | June 25, 2006 3:07 PM
Posted on June 25, 2006 15:07
I love that pattern! I just finished the nappy bag, and that is next on my list! Can't wait to see how yours turns out! I am a little afraid to try it since I am new to sewing!
Posted by Meredith | June 26, 2006 12:30 PM
Posted on June 26, 2006 12:30
Oh, how Amy Butler inspires me!!
I just found the Cabo halter on reprodepot yesterday and made a silent note to myself to make it someday. It could not be prettier or more fabulous. TOO MANY THINGS TO MAKE!! I was so inspired to comment because I love your coasters and the photo is beautiful. You must always drink something red when using the blue coasters!
Posted by Molly | August 26, 2006 3:37 PM
Posted on August 26, 2006 15:37