NYT article - Mendel Fabrics

From the March 10, 2011 New York Times.

The New York times is running a series of articles about the New York Garment District. The most recent entry ran in today's paper and it looks at Mendel Goldberg Fabrics. It also has an accompanying slide show.

If you haven't been reading Lindsay T's Shop the Garment District, you are missing out. And I haven't even been to the NY garment District in years decades.

Thank you, After the Dress! and Journey to Los Angeles

Last Thursday morning, I heard some great news! I had won the After the Dress 600th blog post give-away! I have a $60 gift certificate to Gorgeous Fabrics! Thank you, Gwen. I will post about my purchase and my projects. I've been reading Gwen's blog since 2009, I think. I always enjoy reading her Talk Back Thursday posts which allow an opportunity to learn how other sewists would handle a sewing challenge or situation.

I learned that I won this wonderful prize right before I left on a road trip to Los Angeles for some dance workshops. I left 2 hours later than I wanted to, but I made good time. I recommend listening to audio books. I borrowed an Elmore Leonard novel (Gold Coast) from the library and it really helped the miles fly by on highway five. Don't listen to Elmore Leonard with young children in the car (well, unless you want to warp their brains)--I'm sure that Leonard was a strong influence on Quentin Tarantino.

I had a great time in Los Angeles. I managed to make it to the Fabric District twice. On Friday, I went to the FIDM Scholarship store and purchased several lengths of fabric ($1 yard) while having a conversation with two students. I also managed to go to their museum and saw the exhibition of Motion Picture Costume Design (note--there is a free bathroom in the museum on the first floor behind the "Last Airbender" display).

I drove to the Fabric District (if there is no construction, it's a straight shot on 9th to District). I parked in the lot on S. Wall Street above Mike's Fabrics--Sherril on PR said it was the cheapest and she was right ($3.25 on weekdays and $5, I think, on weekends).

I bought some Hawaiian print fabric (3 pieces--shirt and dress lengths) from Islands Fabrics (which is next to Mike's Fabrics). I had to get some Hawaaiian print fabrics after seeing the Alfred Shaheen exhibit at the SJ quilt museum last fall (and after making a great blouse from some red Hawaiian print fabric from a BABES swap). I also went to the Michael Levine Loft ($2.50/a pound. Prices have increased from $2/a pound in December 2010). At the loft, I bought some great knits, including grey double knit that I later saw in the ML retail store at $9/yard. I also bought some tribaley-style print knits. I browsed at another store to get some sewing chalk/fabric markers, and a hip-curve (I should have waited until I got to LA Alex/Kashcools, because it was the hip-curve ruler was $3 cheaper) and then I headed back to the hotel for a workshop.

On Saturday, I lost some time, because of traffic detours in down town LA (I think that they schedule all the construction/heavy equipment stuff for weekends). I went to B. Black, which has nice woolens and menswear fabrics, but I didn't buy anything because I have enough in my stash, already. Since time was tight, I went to the Michael Levine main store (I managed to park in their tiny store lot which allows 1 hour of free parking with purchase, then $3 for every 10 minutes). I bought a skirt length of a vivid purple/black buffalo plaid (rayon blend?), pants length (I think) of brown rayon, and more knits (dress-length black double knit, blouse lengths of stripes and animal prints). I was also able to caress and pet the Liberty Tana lawns (they are behind a locked case). At $35 a yard, I did not buy any (I didn't have a project in mind). Unfortunately, Michael Levine doesn't swatch Liberty fabrics. After touching Liberty lawn, quilting cotton feels like sandpaper. Sigh. After purchasing what I needed/wanted, I headed back to the hotel in el Segundo to attend the dance workshops.

Right now, I think that I no longer have the urge to shop at the LA Fashion District because I feel that I've missed something. That said, if you have ever have the chance to go, do take a look around. Do try a bacon wrapped hot-dog with a cold soda (it's more refreshing than it sounds). If you are not looking for something specific, I think that the Michael Levine Loft is a good place to go for fabric (you will never know what you will find). One day when I go to LA, I'll even make it to Santee Alley where they actually sell clothing and other goods, but I think that I'm good for at least another year. I still putting this stuff away.

[pictures to be added later]

investigating retail

I think that I haven't set foot in an American clothing store in over a year. I do read a number of blogs (sewing blogs and style blogs) though. I saw this lovely skirt from White House, Black Market (a clothing store) and I thought that I would use it for inspiration. I like the fabric with a floral pattern: it's a border print with ombre-shading, running with the light colors at the hem and the darker colors at the waist. The waist also features lovely sapphire blue piping (!), which picks up the blue accents in fabric. It's really lovely and not overdone.

And then I checked out the back view, which unfortunately suffers from poor pattern placement. Does anyone notice this other than people who sew?

I like the overall idea, though, and I love the piping. It's the Floral Print Pencil Skirt, Style: 570014730

domestic maintenance

My refrigerator broke again! The light goes on, but it's no longer keeping stuff cold. I lost a lot of stuff from my freezer, including homemade tamales, frozen lobster ravioli, frozen fish (1 salmon fillet and a bunch of pieces of frozen cod), felafel balls, ice cream including a new half gallon of french vanilla), butter. In the fridge portion, I lost some leftover food, cheese (new Parmesan flakes, condiment (ketchup, mayonnaise) and probably a whole bunch of other stuff that I can't bear to toss yet. This happened about a year ago. I'm so annoyed that it happened again. I know that I'm going to have to toss everything.

When I moved into this apartment 8 years ago, my frugal landlady bought the cheapest fridge in the store (I know, I checked) When I called her about the broken, she acted so affronted that it broke again. She wanted to know if I could stay home on Monday so I could be there when the repair person can. I can't--my job is really busy and she needs to deal with the maintenance issues. That is why I pay rent.

In other news, I was able to go to the San Mateo Quilt and Sewing show. There were was mix of different vendors: quilt, some sewing, and a number of trimming vendors. I bought some small plastic buckles, suitable for Jalie 2921, the scarf top. I almost bought some hot fix gemstones (they are really cool) but I couldn't couldn't decide on which designs to buy. I did watch some great Iron/steamer demonstrations. I know that I have reached a new level of sewing when I can contemplate an iron that costs more than $100.

I did sew two versions of Jalie 2921. It's a nice variation on a regular t-shirt. I do have some rhinestone circular buckles from SF SCRAP, but they are too large for the neck scarf. I was very happy to find the smaller buckles at the San Mateo Show. I might try to make another top tonight so I can wear it to work this week.

fabric overload/ bundles

Hi, My name is Rose and I have a fabric buying problem. I see fabric, I want to hold and caress and own it. I have a hard time stepping back.

Michael's Fabrics of Maryland sent out a note earlier this week stating that they are selling some bundles of African cottons (42 inches wide). I asked Sherri if she had any more information about the fabrics, and she kindly scanned in some samples. I really wasn't going to order any more fabric (I already placed two other orders with them in the past 4 weeks), but when I saw the fabrics I bit and I ordered a small bundle.

(standard internet disclaimer) I don't work for or with Michael's Fabrics--I'm just a happy customer.

According to the email message, "these are authentic African cotton prints. They are 42 inches wide and some are metallic. We are offering bundles at $4.25 /yard. The cuts will be between 2-4 yards. They are 15, 20, 25, 30 and 50 yard bundles." So if you have questions about this fabric, please contact the Sherri or Michael using this information . I'm posting this because I've seen some questions about the African fabric on different internet forums. I won't answer any of the questions about the prices/shipping/availability, etc because I'm not the vendor. [I'm not planning on leaving this post up forever--I plan on removing it in a few weeks, as I imagine that the fabric will sold]

[Edited to add: Saturday 12:30 PDT--Sherri emailed me and let me know that many of the fabrics are depicted below have been sold out, but they have 30 or more of the African fabrics.]

Memorial Day 2010 - sewing and stash

It's a three day weekend in the United States. Monday is Memorial day, commemorating the men and women who have died in military service. For those who have died, we salute you.

* * *

I've been sewing: I've made 2 Hotpatterns Sunshine tops and 1 pair of Hotpatterns Marrakesh pants. I'm really happy about the Marrakesh I'm getting ready to make another top. It's late, so tonight I'm going to make a knit top, using a TNT. It's too late to start a woven top, using a new pattern.

Yesterday, I also refolded a large part of my fabric stash. it's great--I know what I have it now. I really have a LOT of fabric. It makes me wish that I had a two bedroom apartment, so that I could devote 1 room to sewing and stash storage. I was very bad last weekend. I fell off the wagon and I'm rolling around in yardage.

Last Saturday, I went to Happy Stop in Oakland and I purchased 2 bags of fabric. I hadn't been there for about a year. Simon missed me! I bought some beige embroidered cotton, 2 1/2 yards that I managed to squeeze a pair of the Marrakesh pants (note: I really need at least 2 5/8 of a yard.) I also purchased some ikat style prints wovens (one pink and one turquoise), as well as some quiet rayon plaids, suitable for pants and skirts, or sheath dresses. I have a habit of picking remnants, even at fabric discounters. I'm really glad that I picked up the habit of pre-washing. After my purchasing spree, I went home, sewed the fabric pieces together and drove to my local laundry-mat. I loading 2 front loading washing machines, put in the laundry detergent and synthrapol, loaded my quarters, and I watched the water turn brown in one of the machines. The dye on three of the remnants ran--lucking none of the dye stuck to the other fabrics, but I have some yardage that is looks like a Deadhead caught in the rain. I'm really glad that I pre-wash with synthrapol. The washed out fabrics are probably going to Goodwill. I'm not upset about the remnants that ran--Simon bundled together all the pieces I selected that were less than 2 yards and had given me a special price. If I had paid full retail/britex prices, I would be upset. As it is, I resigned to the fact that I thought that some of the fabrics had a weird finish or hand to them when I folded them in the store. C'est la vie!

A week ago Friday, I went to an estate sale during lunch time--it was less than a mile from work and the craigslist ad mentioned fabric, so I decided to go. It turned out to be the estate of the owners of a Japanese gift shop. I managed to score several Japanese fabric, several yukata/kimono lengths of cotton (they were cotton--I could read the kanji), marked down from $168 to $10 each. The fabric is about 12 inches wide, and was rolled up and wrapped in paper. I think that the previous owners had cats, because I kept sneezing when I picked them up. They were part of the laundromat trip last Saturday--I did fold and sew/baste the fabric lengths before laundering, and then I spent a good few hours ironing them dry and re-rolling them before storing them.

I know that I'm jumping around in my timeline, but after I went to Happy Stop in Oakland, I decided to go to Fabrix in San Francisco. It was a glorious day--the sun was out, it was warm and it was a great day to cross the Bay Bridge. I bought some more fabric, most notably some knit yardage: a grey, black, and white abstract suitable for work clothing, and another printed knit that is reminiscent of Gustav Klimt. And more fabrics, mostly rayon wovens that are suitable for pants.

I hope that everyone enjoys a happy and safe holiday.

Fabric P*rn Trophies!

I have not done any significant sewing in the past few days. I fixed a hook and eye, and snipped some loose threads from previous projects (while on the way to work, natch!). I thought I would share some of the fabrics I purchased at the Los Angeles Fashion District. These items came from Michael Levine's Loft. At the loft, fabric is sold by the pound ($2).

I tend to sew a lot of knits. I already have a sizable collection of florals and black and white knits, so I try to avoid purchasing purchasing more. In face of a bargain, however, I will change my mind. Most of these knits have two-way stretch (more crosswise stretch than length) and are about 54 or 60 inches wide in four yard lengths. I'm planning to make mostly dresses from the fabrics. No, I don't have any patterns in mind.

My first fabric on display is a black, pink, orange starburst geometric pattern with a border print. I love the colors of the prism as well as the challenge of sewing with the large scale squares.

I also discovered that many of the fabrics literally had my name on it.

Next up is a combination of my two of my favorite things: animal prints and the color purple! Purple swirls and dark grey leopard print.

It also had my name on it! The color looks a little more blue, but I had to turn off the flash, so that the label wouldn't get washed out.

Next up is a large scale turquoise and purple petal design. This also had my name on it, but I didn't get the label. It's not really clear from this pic, but the left side of the fabric has a black border.

Next up is a firework print, with a white base and a black, red, pink, & orange. The fabric, like the petal one above is also asymmetrical.

And it also had my name on it.

Up next is a combination of a floral and geometric--with a brown and turquoise base, plus different shades of blue and green.

And it did have my name on it. Again. :)

Last in this set is a black white and blue floral, in kind of a comic book type of print because of the pixels

And yes it did my my name on it. I didn't by EVERYTHING with the name "rose' on it, but most of the fabrics I got from the loft, did have my name on it. Weird coincidence, huh?

While trying to show these fabrics in a good light, I have developed a new respect for anyone who has a webshop and who photographs fabric. It's difficult lay out the fabric so that it looks good.

Yikes! Los Angeles Fashion District (part 1?)

I got home late last night from Long Beach and Los Angeles. This morning I slept late, and am enjoying a leisurely morning before going into work in the early afternoon. My original plans were to go shopping solo in the Los Angeles Fashion District, but luckily, a friend with a good eye for color was able to join me and help with finding parking and fabric enabling (well, I can't blame it all on her).

I think that I may have a bit of a fabric addiction. I did want to return from the trip with a trunk full of fabric and I succeeded beyond my wildest expectations (which is kinda scary). I can't tell you how much yardage because I went to Michael Levine's loft and bought fabric by the pound (let's just say that if I was flying, I would have had to pay extra for luggage). I highly recommend the Loft, as well as the regular store. After placing the purchases in my car, we met up with some more friends, had a late lunch and bought more fabric from other stores along 9th street. By the time we left at 4:30, my car trunk was full. I'll try share more detailed pictures later this week (I bought some great large scale border prints), but here is an immediate picture of the aftermath. It's mostly knits, with a split between fabric for work clothing and fabric for dance, fitness, and dressing up for dance events.