Although, yes, I have access to some of the best fabric shopping around living in NYC, it's still more of an ordeal to get there and actually shop than it ever was before. I can't just jump in the car and buy those buttons I forgot at the local JoAnns for instance. As a result I want to be very prepared for this trip.
I put together a little document with the items on my "to sew" list, what fabric, yardage etc. that I need for them, and some pics of inspiration with each. It's a pretty ambitious list, I realize, and I may not get anything on it, but I want to be prepared just in case. Otherwise I worry that I will just wander around without any purpose and waste the trip being in awe of all of the options.
Here is the plan:
Fabric Shopping List
Megan Nielsen Maternity Skirt - knit fabric, 1 yd 60”, 1 ½ yds 45”, 1” wide elastic, ¼” wide elastic
Blazers - linen or cotton or ponte knit 2 yds 60”, 2 ½ 45”, lining, buttons, interfacing
tshirt maxi or knee length dresses - knit fabric 1 - 2 yds 60”
Victory patterns Roxanne tunic - light weight flowy fabric, 2 ¼ 60”, 2 ½ 45”, light weight fusible interfacing ½ yd
Easy Gathered Skirts - 2 yards of cottons or rayon challis, 1” wide elastic
Thick cardi / wrap - ponte or other thick knit/wool blend - 2-3 yds
Fabric Shopping List
Megan Nielsen Maternity Skirt - knit fabric, 1 yd 60”, 1 ½ yds 45”, 1” wide elastic, ¼” wide elastic
Blazers - linen or cotton or ponte knit 2 yds 60”, 2 ½ 45”, lining, buttons, interfacing
tshirt maxi or knee length dresses - knit fabric 1 - 2 yds 60”
Victory patterns Roxanne tunic - light weight flowy fabric, 2 ¼ 60”, 2 ½ 45”, light weight fusible interfacing ½ yd
Easy Gathered Skirts - 2 yards of cottons or rayon challis, 1” wide elastic
Thick cardi / wrap - ponte or other thick knit/wool blend - 2-3 yds
So I am curious. How do you like to shop for fabric. Do you go in with a strict list, or do you wander and let the fabric inspire you?
How cool! I was there a few months ago and really enjoyed the trip. It's great you have a shopping list... I found it can be overwhelming. Sometimes I make lists while others I let fabric choice guide me...but end up with too much fabric!
ReplyDeleteending up with too much fabric is usually my problem too. i have a new goal to only buy fabric and patterns that i am intending to make right away. we will see if i can stick to it this weekend!
DeleteOh darn it! I'm around Nyc forthe next moth or so but I'm away this Saturday!
ReplyDeleteHave fun, it's such a nice place to get fabrics! It's so overwhelming but in a good way!! can't wait to see what you get!
too bad you can't come. i hope i have some good finds. i will be sure to share them.
DeleteHow motivating and focused! Definitely need more of this in my sewing life!
ReplyDeleteyou know what has helped the most is pinterest. we will see how well i follow thru.
DeleteSmart idea!! I love your sewing plans. So many gorgeous garments. Have fun on Saturday.
ReplyDeletethanks, here's hoping i can find some good fabric!
DeleteGreat idea to be so organised...I always forget the notions, but you have that covered as well. It takes me hours and hours to buy fabric as I am not very good at making decisions. Sometimes I look for fabric to match a project, other times I see a favris and wonder what could be done with it. My on-line purchases seem to be quite different to my in-store purchases.
ReplyDeletei am not usually very good at making decisions either. i am hoping that having the inspirational images will help a lot for reference.
DeleteI wander around like a knucklehead usually with two whining kids. I like your way much better. So happy to see you'll be sewing Megan Nielsen maternity clothes. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
ReplyDeletei can't imagine taking my toddler the garment district. i love megan nielsen designs. i have have two of her maternity patterns that i can't wait to try.
DeleteThis is what I need to do tomorrow night! I would love to shop without a plan, but I know I'll end up with a bunch of summery prints and what I really need is solids and fabrics for fall. So, a plan it is. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
ReplyDeletei am really looking forward to meeting you too!
DeleteLooks like a great plan...Do you already have a blazer pattern picked out? i've been looking for one. Since I got a smart phone it has opened up a whole new way of shopping. I can snap photos of pattern envelopes to take with me shopping...or coordinating fabrics in my stash. Have fun...can't wait to read all about it.
ReplyDeletesmart phone. that is a great idea. i hadnt even thought of that. maybe once i get my iphone next month!
Deletei have a blazer pattern that i made from a thrifted blazer earlier this year. you can find it on my blog. its a chambray blazer. i am going to make that one again so i dont have any great recommendations except that sallieo made a great red one from a burda pattern awhile back.
I love these designs,especially the floral blazer--that's high on my list to make. Do you have a pattern yet? And also, where is that floral blazer image from?
ReplyDeleteMiriam from madmim.com
the floral blazer is from modcloth awhile back. i have it on my pinterest board. i have loved it for a long time. i am using a self made pattern from an old thrifted blazer, but sallieo made a great red blazer from a burda pattern a while back that you might want to check out.
DeleteI always take a little bag with handles with a bunch of patterns in it! It might seem dorky, but at least I always get the right amount of fabrics :)
ReplyDeletenot dorky at all. nothing worse than buying fabric for a project and realizing that you didnt get enough.
DeleteI definitely cannot sew without a list. No way in hell! I will end up with so much fabric and most likely not the fabric that I need! I think your plan is just right - you'll prevent any impulse or unneeded buys. Good luck with your meet up! Did I mention how jealous I am!
ReplyDeleteMadalynne, if you ever end up coming out to NYC please let me know. We will set up a shopping trip just for you.
DeleteThat looks like a great list and fun upcoming projects. I think you are on the right track. I like to shop with a list, yet flexible so I don't miss out on something unexpected and fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I am hoping to find some unexpected wild cards too.
ReplyDeleteI love your plan-- can't wait to see the finished products! (Sidenote: I'm SO JEALOUS of your completely perfect blazer, and I'm not sure I can take seeing another... I may burst with envy!) Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteyou are nice. i do feel lucky that i found that blazer to take apart. i am hoping that the other ones turn out as well as the first. you are more than welcome to use my pattern anytime you want. see you tomorrow!
DeleteLove all the patterns and jealous I am in VA and cannot go fabric shopping! Is there a pattern you will be using for the cardi wrap..I really like that!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could come too. I don't have a pattern for the cardi wrap. I have looked, but can't find anything close enough yet. I am thinking that it shouldn't be too hard to drape one - though i may be kidding myself.
DeleteThis is such a great "to sew" list! I'm so excited to see your fall maternity style! I'm also super jealous about this meetup - it looks like so much fun! Sigh... wish I was closer.
ReplyDeleteI always try to go fabric shopping with a plan - otherwise it can get a bit messy, and mostly time-consuming because I can be VERY indecisive! That being said - I think its always good to stay open to something that may cross your path and spark some sort of "unplanned" inspiration.
I love this! I did the same thing a while back, creating a list with patterns and their fabric requirement. It was a longer list so whenever I go to the store, I can let the fabric guide me.
ReplyDelete90% of the time, I buy fabric first, and then find a pattern for it. I find that if i go out looking for something specific I never find it...mind you i don't live close to the garment district :)
Oh!I'm so sorry I missed this meet up! And, I'm so glad to hear you have similar feelings about the fashion district. I feel so guilty other seamstresses don't have access to Mood and all the rest, but you're so right that a trip to 39th or 38th street for a yard of interfacing to finish a project is so much more than a quick trip to Joanns. Their hours are horrible and don't dream of taking a stroller into 1/2 the stores. On the other hand, have you seen the fashion fabric selection at Joann's recently? It's almost non-existent.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I love nothing more than a day building up my stash with some like-minded gals. I hope to join you next time!
Welcome to the city and congratulations on your growing family!
Leu, sewing in NYC (and a fellow transplant to the city by way of PA, KS, and MO!)