I might have some. Need to do some looking in the fabric pile.

What are you making?

Just clothing in general. Some dresses, skirts, shirts, and pants.

SO, you know... like shirting, broadcloth, etc.


I finally broke down and bought a new dress form today with the money I made selling my bass cab. My sewing room is officially baller.

*crickets*


OOokay, anyways, um.... Shopping fabrics is tough! Wondering if any of you have an edge on where to find a good selection.

I like Crafty Planet, because, they're likable, but my critique of them would be they stock the same thing over and over. If you want a million different variations and colors of owls-sitting-in-trees-patterned voille, they're your store. Solid navy damask, blue cotton jersey, or denim? Nope.

Been checking out Etsy, but it's so hard to really see colors on the computer. Sigh. Anyone been to that big warehouse fabric store in Brooklyn uhhh Center or Park? I dunno which one it is. Anyhow, worth the ride?

Yes, the big warehouse is a good investment of your time.

Definitely worth the ride...I've only been there twice, but both times I've been amazed at how much they have and how cheap it can be

S.R. Harris, and yes. I've only been there by car (some friends took me on a field trip, years ago). I got polarfleece, denim, quilting fabric, curtain fabric, shirting, upholstery fabric, and some awesome embroidered linen to make a historical dress out of. You know, on that mythical day when I get to sewing again. It was a few years ago and I have no idea what I paid, but the prices were crazy good, the selection was amazing (if someone eccentric, as one would expect of an outlet type place), and now that I think of it going by bike might be a better way to limit the pocketbook damage than relying on unassisted willpower, which I at least do not have.

Of course this was right before I stopped sewing. Gradate school = timesink.

THANKS! Maybe I can treat one of my car buddies to an applebee's or something to take me out there.

This week, my machine got stuck in reverse. Totally sucked, because getting it to a shop would be a pain in the butt, there's hardly anyone who does machine repair, and they're way out in the burbs. I knew (hoped) it would just be some small thing that needed jiggled or adjusted, and the person who opened it and repaired it could charge pretty much whatever (the guy told me about 30 bucks, unless he needed parts). SO, after having a bit of a melt down, I decided to try to fix it myself. I took it apart, oiled the piece that switches the foot, and snipped/shortened the spring that pulls it back into place, and put it back together again. VOILA! Works great, now! Good thing I own a drill, had some 3n1 small engine machine oil, and lifetime of being poor.

I'm almost done with my first dress on this machine. I just have to put the zipper in today and hem it up. Of course, I forgot to take pics, but I'll put them up soon. I think I'll wear it tomorrow at art-a-whirl. This shit is exciting. I'm hooked.

All my fabric left-overs are being turned into baby clothes for my friends with babies.

Last night, I whipped together this super cute romper:



Makin' it biz casz:




Pockets are easier than you think:



Back view:





I have to rip the bodice of this dress apart and start again, because I made it too big





Rest of the dress (unhemmed, and slummin' it with my dirty clothes):

New blouse finished!



Fabric detail (I'm a sucker for toile.)




Princess seams!

Nice!

Tell me about the blouse. Did you construct a muslin and make adjustments to the pattern or did you just dive right in?

(edit)

I ask 'cause I've some adorable gingham laying around and while I want to make my shirts like, now, I also want them to fit nicely.

I SHOULD have made it with cheaper fabric first. But, no, I dove right in. I have made adjustments to the pattern, but for the most part, I'm pretty much a standard size four in butterick patterns.


Usually, I have to make the shoulders a little broader, because I am a she-hulk.

PLUS, having the bust-form is CRUCIAL. Love it.


eta: Making something out of muslin is OKAY, but I say, just go buy some cheap but cute fabric. You know, so if it works out, you can wear it! A plain muslin skirt may not be that cute....
And, for the most part, you can find less expensive fabric that's more fashionable.

I'm making some jeans next.