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:: March 14, 2006 A Fabric Order, and Some DSQ Thoughts
This haul from Reproduction Fabrics arrived recently. It was my first time ordering from them, and I can heartily recommend them. For one, they stock some Japanese imports that I haven't seen elsewhere, and some of these were discounted. The fabric arrived quickly. I had ordered two yards of the blue print up top there, intending it for some quilt backing, and they called me shortly afterward to tell me that they only had two smaller chunks of the fabric, and did I still want it? I got the message too late -- we're SO bad with checking our voice mail -- by the time I heard the message the package had arrived already, with an extra 1/3 yard to make up for the problem. Isn't that nice? --- Jane and Liesl have some recent posts on Denyse Schmidt that resonated with me. They talk about the disconnect of having patterns for DS's loose, improvisational quilting methods, likewise having a fabric line that is coordinated in a traditional fashion when her aesthetic is very much more serindipidous. I agree with both of them, but I don't mind the disconnect at all. I have been kind of bothered by the fact that I'm making two quilts out of the DS Quilts book and following the patterns almost exactly, down to the colors and everything. If you will allow me the pretention of quoting myself, here is a comment I wrote to Sarah a while ago in response to her post about a creative slump she found herself in: I've been feeling that way a lot lately -- that I should be doing more than just following other people's patterns. Especially down to the letter, with the same colors or quilting patterns or whatever, like I tend to do. Some I guess would define following patterns vs. improvisation/"coloring outside the lines"/making something original as the line between craft and art. If so, it's OK to "just" be a crafter, right? I'm telling myself that, anyway. I figure that it's still valuable for learning, and when I've gained enough of experience, my own ideas will come naturally I'll have the skills to make them reality. So yeah. When I started quilting, I had aspirations to do grand, improvisational things, but quickly found myself overwhelmed, paralyzed by options, and lacking the solid basic construction skills and/or courage to carry anything out. I bet that some people with the same level of experience have aspirations to do grand improvisational things, then go forth and do them. But for someone like me, the DS Quilts book, with its improvisational quilts distilled down to patterns, is perfect. By mimicking, I am learning things that I will be able to take into my own original patterns. Sure, I am ending up with what, as Liesl says, "a quirky, off-center quilt block which will match everyone else's quirky, off-center quilt blocks," but I love the original quirky, off center block so much that I wanted it for myself. Besides, I don't know anyone in my real life who is doing this kind of work, so I do think I am making something rare and great. In sum: sure there is a disconnect between patterns and the DS style, but having patterns provides a path that some of us need to take to get to a higher level of artistry. As for the fabrics: I guess I did expect a more eclectic line as well. Then again, read Jane's first paragraph. I sometimes wonder if the craftblog world gives us an inflated idea of the demand there is for the Denyse Schmidt/Heather Ross/vintage-retro-modern aesthetic. What do you think? posted by in Fabric , Patterns , Quilting , Sewing , Shops :: Comments (20) :: link :: September 11, 2005 Photos for Sale
OK! The photographs are up now at the Crafters United shop: Sausage Baron and Dorignac's Food Center signage. If you don't want one, how about this stuff? ... "Identity Crisis" silkscreened print Subversive Cross Stitch patterns Boomerang Barkcloth from Reprodepot Chickie Bird from Turtle Kisses (my vintage swap partner!) :: May 26, 2005 The Ribbon Jar
Browsing the Back-Tack participants I found Life in Color, who just opened an all-ribbons, all-the-time web shop called The Ribbon Jar. Not only am I happy to have a source for good trims and ribbons, but I also get a free storage idea. My ribbons are currently hanging on a post and are always falling off and unrolling. A jar -- duh! :: January 1, 2005 Los Angeles Fabric District
Hooray, it's winter break! It's 2005! Goodbye, stupid 2004. I just got back from California. My mom and I took a trip to L.A. to the fashion district (nee garment district) and hit the textile shops. There are 90+ fabric shops in about a six-block area, which is overwhelming to say the least. Despite giving myself permission to drop a load of cash on fabric, I barely got anything. There just wasn't a lot of the stuff that's in my sewing repertoire. In my non-expert opinion, you're better off going there with specific projects in mind, else you'll effectively shut down, like I did! If you're looking for something basic, you'll be able to find a bargain by going through all the smaller shops and haggling. Also, the variety and quality of home dec fabrics thoughout the district seemed to be far better than the fashion fabrics. I was expecting to find unique castoffs from clothing manufacturers, but it seemed like everything was of the cheapy boring Joann's variety. There were TONS of faux fur, too, which I though was interesting. Michael Levine, the biggest and most established store in the district, had the best selection but the highest prices. That's where I got my haul:
That's a mustardy uphostery fabric remnant, some sweet stretchy nubby wool suiting, a bit of retro barkcloth and a border print, and a load of black gingham. Michael Levine's had a bucket of free purse frames (limit two per customer) which of course I took advantage of:
Anyone know how to use these? Since the fabric haul was not living up to expectations, the money burning a hole in my pocket had to find another outlet:
Oh no! New hobby! My recent Pashupatina purchase lit the beading fire. This was all from a place called Bohemian Crystal, which had an amazing selection of glass beads. Since I was under time pressure I neglected to get anything in the purple or gray family, which is just so sad. Now I just have to get all the tools and learn how to make things. Many more updates are on the way. I am returning to a regular posting schedule, so stay tuned. posted by in Beads and Jewelry , Fabric , Shops :: Comments (6) :: link :: September 19, 2004 Renegade Craft Fair
I can't make the thousand-mile trip to the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this weekend, but their vendor list provides lots of new(-to-me) links to look over. :: August 9, 2004 Wonderland-Q
Cute, simple embroidered bags at Wonderland-Q -- the embroidery is based on drawings by Suzy Coady, whose work can be seen at Girly Handwriting. posted by in Inspiration , Needlework , Purses and Bags , Shops :: link :: July 9, 2004 Majik Horse Fabrics
I'm constantly trolling eBay for vintage fabric. One seller that consistently makes me cry is majikhorsefabrics. I want to buy every last thing they have, but it's just pricey enough that I (usually) can't justify bidding. They're living my dream ... then again if I owned all those great vintage juvenile novelty prints I wouldn't be able to part with them. posted by in Fabric , Shops :: link :: March 19, 2004 Seatbelt Bags
My friend Melanie has one of these seatbelt bags, and I am jealous. But now that I know where to find them, she should just watch out. I am probably not the first to observe that these bags would be a perfect complement to a Kim White Handbag, made from vintage automotive upholstery fabric. Not that people walk around with two purses at once, but you know what I'm saying. posted by in Purses and Bags , Shops :: link :: February 14, 2004 Textile Fetish
I've been getting to know the lovely Jenny from Textile Fetish at the Church of Craft and Austin Glitterati meetings. Her stuff is wonderful, and she's so productive it makes you sick. She lives the dream! And you should buy a piece of it! posted by in Austin , Craft Groups , Shops :: link
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