Garment District Fabric Shopping

Last week, Andy and I went to New York for five days. It was Andy's first time in the city, and I was happy to play tour guide. We did everything touristy: Guggenheim, the Met, MoMa, Ellis Island, Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park, saw Newsies on Broadway, accidentally ran into Tina Fey filming 30 Rock, and last but CERTAINLY not least, shopped for fabric in the garment district.

Armed with a carefully edited shopping list and close to 10 pattern envelopes, we finally made it to 38th St on Wednesday morning, our last day. We had a great time, and here are my finds:

To make Vogue V8804:

I found the following items:

The wool tweed is officially the most expensive fabric I've ever purchased at $30/yd from Paron Fabrics. The 4-ply silk lining fabric is from Chic Fabric, and the trimmings (braid, grosgrain ribbon, chain and buttons) are from Pacific Trimming.

To make Vogue 8766 ( dress view E) and McCalls 6173:

I got these:

This picture is hard to see accurately, but the red lace is for the dress, to copy a Valentino that I saw at Nordstrom's Designer Preview event in June. The black (yes black, not navy) pleather is for leggings, they will have a ponte back, for a fraction of what the ones at work cost. Fabric is from A.K. Fabrics.

For Butterick 5780:

I found this:

Marine blue wool crepe from somewhere cramped, can't remember or find the receipt. Hopefully this works out since it doesn't stretch like the pattern recommends.

For Kwik Sew 3503:

I found these:

I've wanted the peacock print since April, and loved the multi brush print too. These and the power mesh for lining are from Spandex House. The rubber swim elastic is from Pacific Trimming.

I've wanted to make McCalls 5433 for awhile, but could never find eyelet that didn't look like it was meant for a nursery.

Then I found this:

All from H & M Fabrics, which is right next to Paron. We actually found these fabrics on our first day, and then I thought about them all week before going back to purchase. The eyelet is for the tunic, obviously. The brocade in the middle is sososo yummy and will make a gorgeous pencil skirt. The sequined sweater knit will make something, maybe a jacket? How could one find such beautiful fabric and not just take it home?

My most anticipated shopping place was Mood Fabrics, which is featured in Project Runway. At Mood I found the prices high, although the organization and staffing certainly justified it in comparison with other shops in the area. I found one fabric that I just couldn't not have (rhinestone print silk charmeuse), and a t-shirt. That awesome tote bag came with my purchase!

And that's it for my garment district finds. These should keep me busy for... awhile.

Spring Vogues!

This spring I haven't gone TOO crazy, but I did pick up a few patterns the other day during JoAnn's sale.

Vogue 1286. I'm really excited for this one, although the one dress alone has 21 PIECES to put together. Why, again, do I do this to myself?

McCalls 6281. Right away Andy told me, "That looks like a Sammi Sweetheart dress." Fail. I do NOT want to look like anyone from the Jersey Shore, so that is why I'm making the longer, grown up version. This will be for our tropical vacay this fall.

Vogue 1287. I have some leopard fabric that I'm dying to make this out of, but I'm 3/8 yard short. I haven't looked closely at the peices yet, so maybe I can make it stretch. Probably I need to find another fabric here.

Vogue 2899. This will be my new grown up cocktail dress. Also for our fall trip, and many weddings, and New Year's Eve, and holiday parties. I better find some quality fabric, I'd like to wear this dress to lots of occasions!

Vogue 8799. I love the skirt and the jacket for work. I just don't have any fabric in mind yet. I have to sew up a bunch of other things first!

Shorts that FIT!

I have such a hard time finding walking shorts that fit but that don't "squeeze" the thighs. I used McCalls 6361, and I'm really satisfied with my result:

Pattern Addiction

So, I may have a pattern problem. A full blown addiction? Maybe. Here are today's finds:

The first one is a skirt (McCalls M5591) that I already have fabric for, its to knock off Kate Spade's $325 Lilith skirt:

The next is McCalls M5525, to copy a coat that I found on Pinterest. It says it's from H & M, but I don't like the fabric on their version. I want it warmer, so I'll make my own.

Next is Simplicity 2273, some bibs for a friend's baby:

And then there's the pattern I've been sale-hunting for all summer, finally found at Hancock Fabrics, Simplicity 2178:

And one that I've been unsure of for awhile, so I just went for it before it goes out of print, Simplicity 2497:

Last is Simplicity 2053, I just love the long sleeves and the side rouching. I'm planning to make the view on the top right. I think this will make a great winter dress!

Pattern Extravaganza!

JoAnn's had a great pattern sale a few weeks back, and I stocked up! Here's what's in my sewing bin, waiting to be made:

McCalls 5433, I want to make the long view out of white eyelet, as soon as I can find a "grown up" eyelet.

McCalls 6361, I have some navy twill for these, and I'll line the pockets and waistband out of multi-print cotton.

McCalls 6309, This will be for my friend Nicole's baby, as soon as we figure out if he's a boy or girl (I'm guessing boy).

McCalls 6173, I made these in black, and now I want to make navy with hot pink zippers on the outside!

Vogue 1030, I have been drooling over this pattern for at LEAST 3 years. I don't know where I'll wear it but I had to snap it up incase it goes out of print.

Vogue 2979, Kate Middleton inspired. I'd like this in black, and tea length with a fab crinoline. Maybe for Andy's cousin's wedding this fall!

 Vogue 8633, I want to make the full skirt, short sleeved version for my brother's wedding.