New York Trip Part V - Fabric (Mendel Goldberg)

Finally, the pièce de résistance.  I've been told for years that Mendel Goldberg was a magical place if you are in love with fabric, and Rosie took me to see it.  Well, you all were right!  We were lucky enough to be there when almost all of the new fabrics had come in, so we saw the stock at its most complete condition.  Wow, just wow!

Every designer you can think of was represented, especially every couture designer.  Of course there were things that I liked more than others, but the quality overall was exquisite.  Rosie took lots of photos, and I will share with you.

As you might have guessed, the first two photos are of the fabric that arrived on my doorstep.  I am so thrilled with them, and although there was choice enough to find fabrics for 20 different beautiful suit combinations, this one leapt to my eye.  The 'plain' fabric with the border texture is to be a skirt.  The border is pieces of fabric and yarns attached to the base fabric, and as the photo suggests, that border will be a few inches above the hem edge of a straight skirt.  Totally frivolous, yet somewhat restrained and severe.  Just my kind of thing.  The fabric to the left is for the jacket, and it's so much more beautiful in person I can't tell you.  The yarns it's woven with are gorgeous and of such a quality that you would think they were high-end hand knitting yarns.  There's a lot of gold in it and the selvedges are beautiful, and will be used as trim here and there.

Now, on to the other fabrics we saw and 'snapped'.

Do you wish you'd been with us yet?

New York Trip Part IV - Metro Textiles (Kashi)

I love it when boxes are delivered, especially when there is wonderful fabric inside.  As you might guess, more of the fabric I purchased in New York arrived here today.  I am going to show you what I bought at Metro Textiles.  It's a great shop that you should plan to visit if you get to New York's Garment District to shop.  This was my second visit in the last 3 years, so I feel very lucky.
 Normally I think of knits when I think of Kashi.  It's not that he has only knits, or that he even has mostly knits, it's just that he always has very nice knits at good prices, and he usually has lots of colors.  If you follow me at all, you know that I like "off" colors the best usually, and they're often difficult to find.  When there is a limited selection of knits, they generally stick to fairly standard colors, and that's fine, but I tend to look for the ones that look like they might have been mis-dyed or something, and I have had good luck finding those here. 

I got 4 knits.  Counter-clockwise from the top left, they are 1. a Grey-green and 2. a Grey-brown, which go beautifully together, 3. a Chocolate brown, and 4. a Burgundy laminated with pink and orange.  It's not quite as wild as it looks, but it is unusual.

I also got a pair of fabrics that I normally would not really consider.  I like this kind of thing, but it's a little more contrast than I usually go for, but it just called my name, and whispered ladylike suit-type outfit.  the first half of the duo is a Rust and Creamy White Brocade-type weave with a beautiful weight and  texture to it.  (I think if you click on the picture, you'll get a larger image that will allow you to see the texture better.)

  At this time, my plan is that it will be a jacket, and the Rust heavy stretch woven satin behind it will be a skirt.  Things could change, but I'm really kind of pleased with this idea so far.  I suppose I could always do a dress, and in fact, I have an idea that this would be really good for, so you never know.  I love the colors, though.

2015 New York Trip Part III - Fabric (Elliott Berman)

Elliott Berman Textiles has long been a favorite on-line fabric source for me.  I knew that I had to go there in person when I next was in New York, so we went.  One interesting thing about having Rosie for my guide is that I found out that every fabric person in New York City knows and loves Rosie.  It's quite amazing to be with someone who is so well-liked and who obviously knows all of these people well on a personal level.  It was no different at Elliott Berman's, and I have to crow a little bit about the fact that Eugenia actually recognized me (or at least my name) when I met her.  She said I was just about their first on-line purchaser when they began a website operation.  I feel very special!  I have bought a LOT on-line from them over several years, including the cashmere for the coat I made in 2008/09, and the Evening Coat I made in a gold and coral houndstooth, and it has all been top quality.

If you have not been to their website, then GO!  Right now, and drool over the wonderful, top quality fabrics that are simply unobtainable elsewhere, at least for most of us.  They are also on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, so follow for special deals and just good info. 

I found that the wealth of fabrics on their website is only a very small fraction of what they have available in their warehouse area.  We got a lovely tour from Eugenia, and then she left us to browse on our own and take photos and even a swatch or two.  I didn't purchase anything that day, but I took some photos that I may turn into actual fabric.  Here's what I saved to drool over.

2015 New York Trip Part II - Fabric (Spandex & Notions)

I had the BEST guide for my fabric shopping that anyone could ask for.  Rosie Lynshue, who will be joining us on the Fiberly Trip this year (we're going to Portland!!) kindly offered to show me around.  It's been several years since I was in the Garment District, and then I had the fabulous Barbara Bell to show me where to go, but this time I was on my own with hazy memories of where things were, a list, and Google Maps. 

If you've never been, it's not as easy as you'd think.  Some of the places are on the street, but quite a few are above street level, even unto the 9th floor, and there's not a lot of signage telling you where to go and how to get there.  When you do arrive, they are so very gracious and kind, and of course they have the fabulous things we all want.  My only complaint is that I cannot just pop back in whenever I'm looking for just that particular thing that I want and cannot find anywhere near here, but they have it right there.  Oh well, that's my problem, not theirs. 

Rosie and I began with breakfast and moved quickly to Metro Textiles and Kashi (fabric still en route, so I will report later.)  He always has great fabrics at great prices, and this was no exception.  I was especially looking for knits from him.

I particularly wanted to get some swimsuit fabric and foldover elastic as well as looking at zippers and O-rings.  Spandex House , interior shown on the left, was the place for swimsuit fabric, and I got the 4 pieces that you see above.  A yard will make at least a couple of one-piece suits, and I got about 3 yards of the chain print since I think it will make a fun top as well as a swimsuit.  You can see it in the photos below, as well as the foldover elastic I chose, and the O-rings. Both of those items came from Daytona Trimming.

 

Lastly, a couple of so very sweet treats from Rosie to welcome me to New York.  Totally unexpected and as I was to come to understand, so very much her style.  Thanks Rosie, for everything! 

Santa Fe Fabric Shopping

It wasn't all fabric shopping, but the fabric shopping was very successful. Patti and Ann would not arrive until afternoon, so Nancy led Jan, Margy, Sharon and me to Santa Fe Fabric, stopping at the fabulous bakery next door for breakfast first. Blueberry scones and Almond Croissants, that's all I'm saying. Very nice fabric shop and they have some things I hadn't seen before. I found a wonderful bird print in a stretch cotton for a summer Marfy skirt. This is an unusual poly that has almost a brushed nonwoven look, with couched yarns on a floral print. I think it's very southwestern in feel. I want to use it with some navy knit for a top. Nancy found a bolt of stretch overall sequined fabric in a deep navy that I agreed I should have. I'm thinking the DK cowl front dress in a floor length. Awful photo, but the sequins are hard to photograph. Then I found a cute knit stripe that has palm trees under the stripes for a cute summer top. Finally I was all done, but at the last minute found a wool spandex tweed knit with a lovely weight for a pair of knit pants in my favorite Marfy pant pattern. After the fabric shop, Nancy, Jan and I went to the Puma outlet and bought shoes. They are very cute, and look to be comfortable as well, which is always hard to find together.

Fun Fabric

Yes, I'm at this moment on my way to Santa Fe to, among other things, shop for fabric, but when Elliott Berman has their annual sale, I usually order. It came yesterday, and I'm pleased with all of it, especially the neoprene for the Marfy dress I'm working on. It's the floral. The wild fuchsia is a brushed brocade for a retro 60's coat, and the other two are knits.

Sewing/Fashion Trip to Denver

From Denver 2012

Patti, Liana and Mardel in Westminster, CO.

I had such a great time in Denver near the end of June. I got to view the Yves St Laurent retrospective exhibit at the Denver Art Museum with two fabulous fashionistas, Patti and Mardel. You see us above just before we left for the airport to go our separate ways.

The show was well worth making a special trip to see, with over 200 outfits, the largest show of its kind. This was the only showing in the western hemisphere. How they got it in Denver, I do not know, but I'm so glad they did. It was a very nice space for it as well.

There were so many stand-out pieces, but since we were not allowed to take photographs, I will just have to settle for quick descriptions. Truly, I went into sensory overload just trying to remember and take notes of all the wonderful details and effects.

There was a one-shoulder lace column evening gown with galloon edges that did not meet on the sleeveless side and was held together with two medium-sized shocking pink satin bows. Charming, and ultimately wearable, if only by the brave. The masterful handling of the lace was wonderful.

The hem edge of a brown blouse that just peeked out under a boxy skirt-suit jacket resembled leather cut into perhaps 1/2" fringe. Examined more closely, it was silk with a turned up hem which was cut vertically into strips and whipped along the raw edges to form loops. Amazing work, and so pretty, and really, quite simple if you have the time, patience, desire, and the hand-sewing skills.

Of course all of the beaded pieces were fantastic, the Monet Iris and Van Gogh Sunflowers jackets were probably the most stunning of a very stellar group. The texture of the paintings had been recreated using not only beads and sequins, but silk ribbon embroidery as well; in places 'piled up' to imitate the thick impasto of the original artworks. Of all the garments in the show, these were the only two not shown on mannequins. These were under glass, laid flat, both so you could get a very close look, and, I imagine, to save the garments from their own weight as they hung on a form.

YSL's combinations of fabrics, color and line was incredible, and as always, seeing the actual garments is a revelation after only seeing photographs, no matter how detailed and good. I would recommend this show to everyone, and any time you have a chance to see fashion in person, go and see it. You will always take away something of value, if only one idea. I know I came away from this weekend with many, many ideas.

As you may have guessed, I also came away with a little bit of fabric. I was very restrained, and only bought 2 pieces at Elfrieda's in Boulder. One is a cotton print which you will read about very soon. It's already sewn up! This is a gorgeous silk print I could not resist. I am thinking a slip dress, possibly to wear to the opera in Chicago in October, again with Patti and Mardel.

From Denver 2012

Chicago Fabrics

The UPS man brought me a very nice box this afternoon, and of course my fabric from Fishman's and Vogue were inside.

From Chicago Fiberly 2011

These two pieces are from Vogue Fabrics.
The top one is a Silk/Metal tissue-woven in Dark Brown and Gold. It's almost like a gauze. I'm going to use it to copy an elegant shrug/stole worn by the soprano at the Chicago Symphony last week. It had one sleeve, then went across the shoulders and fell to the floor on the other side. Very simple, very dramatic, and what impressed me most is that she didn't have to keep adjusting it. It stayed put. I'm hoping mine will too.
The lower piece is a Seafoam Slinky knit. I got just enough to make a top. I love the color.

From Chicago Fiberly 2011

This is a Wool/Lycra Knit w/French Terry-like back. Both of the knits I got at Fishman's (this and the one below) are really nice, heavy-weight knits that will be perfect for pants. This is a british tan/dull tobacco color. The 'french terry' side has a twill effect.

From Chicago Fiberly 2011

The fabric in back is the other knit, it's a chocolate brown. Both sides are similar on this one.
The front fabric is a Prada Wool with a birdseye weave in a very Grayed Brown with a Pink thread added. I fell in love with this. It's going to become a jacket. Fishman's also had this in 2 other colorways. Charcoal with Lavendar, and Charcoal with Lime. They were very nice, but as you can tell, I liked this best.

I thought I was fairly circumspect in my purchases, but I think I got some beautiful things, which would have been a complete gamble if I had had to purchase them online, sight unseen. I think solid colors are the hardest to buy online, as it's so difficult to describe colors, hand, etc. to each other.

I have to say that going fabric shopping with Ann and Kay opened my eyes. I thought I was fairly proficient at telling fiber content by feel, but I am a pure beginner compared to them. I will be attempting to brush up my ability, but I don't think there's much chance of my catching up too far. Obviously the only answer is to shop with them again!

California Fabrics

This is a photo of the contents of a box now working its way toward me on a UPS truck. I think I did pretty well overall. Kathi took me, Susan and Lisa first to FIDM, both the store and museum, and then to the Fashion District. We did find some good things.I bought mostly knits, some linen, serger thread, and elastics and stretch laces. FIDM sells almost all of their fabrics for $1/yard, so it's very difficult to resist when you find things you like. Here are some detailed shots with descriptions.


L-R, from top
Plum Knit; Brown Knit; Mauvey Knit Stripe w/Eyelet Hem; Gray/Silver Small Print; Brown/Gold Cracked Knit; Gold/White Swirl Dot Knit; Pink/Gray Line Knit.


L-R, Bottom to Top
Pink/Lime Floral Knit; Pink/Gray/White Plaid Knit; Gold/White Dot Swirl Knit; Pink/Gray Link Knit; Elastics.
Black/Gray Small Print Knit; Teal/Black Knit; Brown/Gold Cracked Knit.
Serger Thread, Eyelet Hem Knit; Sage Taupe Linen.
Plum Knit, Brown Knit.

These are closer photos of the fabrics.





I can't wait for them to get here so I can start in with them.

Fabric Shopping LA - Day One

From Drop Box

We shopped at Mood and F&S Fabrics on the way home from the LACMA exhibit yesterday. Since we're going to the Fashion District with Kathi and Susan on Friday, I should have more to take home than I brought with me. Thank goodness I have room in my suitcase. Somehow, I was prepared for this eventuality.

I knew I was looking mainly for high quality ponte-type knits for skinny pants, and that's mainly what I bought. It's so difficult to find this fabric at home, and also difficult to get the colors I want without seeing them in person. Feeling the fabric is always helpful too. I got 4 pieces for pants, so I'm pretty pleased about that. A nice brown, 2 greens, one a sage, the other more of a camo-green, and then I took the plunge and bought a piece of black. I suppose a pair of black pants will come in handy, and now I'll have one.

I found some interestingly colored tricots at F&S, and got a yard of each. They're 106" wide, like most tricots, so that's plenty and then some. The grayed blue and green are so soft looking, and they go beautifully together. I'm naturally thinking of lingerie, and I know I want to make a half-slip for sure.

The most visually interesting fabric is of course the burn-out plaid knit. I have kind of a wild idea for it that could be fun if it works. We'll see.

From Drop Box

F&S on Left, from Top: Blue Tricot, Green Tricot, Olive RPL, Black Ponte.
Mood on Right, from Top: Brown Burn-Out Plaid knit, Sage RPL, Brown RPL.