A few of my favorite things...

I've been spending loads of quality time in the Sewing Cave. And as I was working on my last couple of garments, I was thinking of how much I love using my favorite tools...so of course I thought I would share them here with you.

1. My Kai Scissors

I bought these from Wawak when they were on sale and love, love, love them! They are sharp enough and cut neatly through anything. They are lightweight in my hand and don't hurt to use. I presently own one pair but when they go on sale again, I'm buying another pair! Because while I know many of you are fans of rotary cutters, I'm a scissors girl through and through.

2. My Dritz Pins and Magnetic Pincushions

I bought these pins after using them at Gaylen's four years ago. I love how they glide through most fabrics, are lightweight and pressable. Also since they have colored heads, I can find them when they fall on the floor. The Dritz pins are in the first magnetic pincushion.

My magnetic pincushion also comes from sewing in Gaylen's sewing room.  She bought her's from a hardware store but I bought mine online from Amazon. Again multiple sources both online and locally to purchase both the pins and the magnetic pincushions. As you can see from the picture above, I store two different types of pins for different fabrics. 

Right now I'm using two magnetic pincushions but I'm thinking about adding a third smaller version to the ironing board...we'll see!

3. My Pressing Shoulder

I bought this years ago off of Etsy when Ann from Gorgeous Things shared it on her blog. I love this pressing tool and use it for ANY curvy seam now. Initially when I bought it, I used it for shoulder seams of sleeves but over time I've incorporated it into all of my pressing needs.

Of course my source doesn't make these any more.  If you want to add one to your pressing tool collection, Gaylen sells them on her blog, here.  Reach out to Gaylen, if you have any questions about them.

4. The Make-up Brushes I use to clean my sewing machine

I own canned air and use it in various places in my sewing cave. But when I upgraded my sewing machine and serger, I stopped using it in my machines. Instead I bought some cheaper make up brushes to clean my machine. After a few years they went kaput so earlier this year I invested in a better set of make up brushes to clean my machines. 

Honestly got these really cheap because they were on sale and my local Walgreens offers points, so I used the points to pay for these. They have bristles that don't shed and softly clean the insides of my machines. Since I sew a lot, there is a lot of fuzz collecting in my machines and I try to keep them clean between sewing marathons.

5. Shout Color Catchers

I buy these in bulk from Amazon because I put them in EVERY dark colored and some print fabric pre-washes. Since developing this policy, I haven't ruined a piece of fabric which occurred from time to time prior to this. I bought them in a large (56 count) box last year and am still working my way through the box. I love having them on-hand whenever I need to set up the washer with some fabric!

6.  My button collection

Now that I'm making more shirts, I'm loving my button collection more and more!  I've collected enough different types of buttons that I can usually find something that matches or coordinates with my fabric. Also since I use to work for a button company, I usually have at least 2 dozen of each button. I've stored my buttons in embroidery thread boxes. This allowed me to store them by color because there were plenty of sections to store different size buttons.  They are stocked on two shelves on my computer table and are easily accessible when I need to rumble through them.

7. My Duckbill Scissors

I have several types of scissors, my Kai ones were mentioned above. These Duckbill/Applique scissors make the list because they are perfect for grading seams, notching seams and getting close to tightly sewn areas to cut things/seams for any reason. There are presently three pair in the sewing cave. One in my scissor block between my sewing machines, one in the drawer under my cutting table (where my other scissors and rotary cutter is stored) and one on the ironing board. I hate looking for things that's why they are kept at all of these places.

8. The Hump Jumper

This tool has been a godsend while making shirts. I've used it ALOT! It's also great for starting bulky seams in jeans, jean jackets or anywhere the fabric is thick. If you don't own one you should be able to purchase it anywhere notions are sold both locally and online.

9. Janome Noise Reducing Anti-Slip Sewing Machine Mat

I put this under my serger because it tended to travel all over my sewing table when it was in use. Since I've bought it, my serger is glued to the table top.  One of my best buys EVAH! It was purchased from Amazon but if you Google it there are other options if you don't like the Big A.

10.  Schmetz Needles in the 100 packages

About three years ago I started buying packages of Schmetz Universal Needles in 100 needle packages from Amazon. I have them in all sizes from 60 to 110. I'm just sad that I can't purchase the stretch or denim needles in these size packs! As I said I purchased these three years ago, right before I started this job and I haven't bought a needle since then!  Seriously the best investment, because I never worry about having a sewing machine needle when I need one.

So this is my Top Ten Favorite Things. Do you use any of these items in your sewing space?  Or do you have other faves?  If you want, share what you like below! Also, how do you store your tools? I would be interested in hearing about that too!

Finally, I was never contacted by the winner of Barbara's book so I've pulled another name - Marlene Golden - please contact me with your email address! Thanks!


...as always more later!

The Notions Giveaway for National Sewing Month

We have come to the final giveaways for National Sewing Month 2017.  At first I thought it would be too much to have three giveaways in one. Now I realize it's the fitting end to a month of celebrating the craft that we all love so much!

So let's get to it...

The first giveaway is the "All New Fabric Savvy How to Choose & Use Fabrics" book by Sandra Betzina.  
I am a huge Sandra Betzina fan.  I watched the sewing show she used to have on HGTV religiously. It was called "Sew Perfect."  I even videotaped it for prosperity and was sorry when the tape wore out from my repeated watchings.

When Threads reached out to me to ask me to review the book, I leapt at the chance. See I own almost all of Sandra's previous books. They've taught me many things and took my sewing to the next level. I also own both of the previous versions of this book and use them as a reference guide when sewing new fabrics.

This version is updated with new pictures and more information but it uses the same format as the older versions.  Each fabric is the title page and you get a fabric fact.  Then what garment the fabric should be used for, a few sewing tips and how to pretreat the fabric. Now it doesn't stop there - it goes out to explain layouts, how to mark, cut and interface (if necessary) what thread and needle to use. It even details what stitch length and presser foot to use. This is sewing gold!

If you've ever wondered how to sew Chiffon, Faux Suede, Leather, or Slinky Knit, the information that will help you make an amazing garment is all there. 106 fabrics are detailed with additional chapters on interfacing, presser feet, recommended tools and notions, linings and a stain removal guide.  Plus there is a glossary, a sources listing and an index. It's an amazing reference guide! And if you own the first two books, this is the completion of the set.

Now if you don't own the first two books, don't fret. Owning a copy of this book, will give you a great start and will be an amazing addition to your sewing library. So if you'd like to win a copy, leave a comment below stating "Book - 1" and I will enter you in the drawing for the book. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing, and I will ship this book worldwide. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Giveaway Number 2 - is this amazing clapper that Gaylen of GMarieSews is selling on her blog, under "Pressing Matters."  It retails for $40 and is worth every penny. I know because I own one and use it constantly. 

First let me testify for a minute! See I own a June Tailor clapper that I bought several years ago. I love that thing for getting a great crease in a garment. I love that after I've steamed a seam or a join that if I clap it down, it minimizes the seam or join. I love that it holds the steam into place in the garment.

But then I got this new clapper and I realized that I was only infatuated. My new clapper is heavier and sturdier without feeling heavy and clunky in your hand. My new clapper covers more space and allows me to press/clap a garment faster since it covers more of the garment's area. I love the edges. The pointed one gets deeper into collars, to give you a crisper finish. The rounded one I've used at sleeve heads and in corners that need to be pressed open but given a rounder, softer press.

Did I tell you that I LOVE this presser/clapper!  And now you have the opportunity to win one too! Gaylen is giving away one clapper to any sewist, anywhere in the world. Leave a comment below stating "Clapper - 2" and I will enter you in the drawing for the clapper. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Giveaway Number 3 - is this cool magnetic pincushion.

I posted pictures of my magnetic pincushions on Instagram and there was a lot of interest about it. So I thought it would be great to add one to the notions giveaway for National Sewing Month. 

I love my magnetic pincushions and have three of them - one on the cutting table, one on my sewing machine table and one on my ironing board. They are the absolute best and one of the coolest notions I own. 

I also put separate pin sizes in each of my bowls, so I switch them around as I work with different fabrics. If you're interesting in winning the magnetic pincushion leave a comment below stating "Pincushion - 3". I will enter you in the drawing for the pincushion. You have until Saturday, September 30th at 11:59pm EST to enter the drawing. However, this drawing is open only to US residents. 

Now here's the codacil ~ you can ONLY leave a comment to win one notion! So choose wisely! Also, winners will be chosen from this blog post only, here on my actual blog. If you read this blog post on any of the readers, bloglovin' or feedly, comments left there are ineligible to win one of these prizes.

This is the last of the National Sewing Month celebration giveaways...good luck and I hope you win!

Happy National Sewing Month!

Ain't No Sewing Over Here...

It's summer and there seems like there is just so much to do and see. I want to sew but the time and motivation just isn't there. I've even resorted to purchasing some RTW to help tide me over with new garments for work. I got so tired of wearing the same thing over and over again. So instead of sewing, I've been buying things and...

Everything has ended up piled up on the cutting table ~

There are so many hopes and dreams on that table...probably dreams deferred as the summer is edging closer towards fall...and I still have no desire to sew. So I thought I'd share a little of what's on the table.  The Hancocks Houston haul is still on that table and was discussed in a previous post.  

The other things on the table are ~

This studded trim from M&J Trimming...and these trims also...

(Rolls of polyester organza & polka dot ribbon)

I work close to M&J now and for the last three months I've managed NOT to go in...but I had to waste some time the other night prior to meeting a friend for dinner...so I stopped in. They are having this amazing warehouse sale. Rolls of trim and loads of ribbons and embellishments, laces of all types are all $20 a roll or less. Most of it around $5 or $10 a roll. 

That's how all of those amazing things came home with me and truth be told...I'm going back. If I was a costumer I would just go in with a couple of hundred dollars and go crazy that's how good this sale is! However, I'm just a greedy sewist...so I'm going back. If you're in the area, I suggest you head on over!

I also broke my self-imposed fabric diet and indulged in one of those 50% off the entire website sales from Fabric Mart.  This showed up this last week...

(A black/tweed reversible doubleknit, a Pucci-type ITY knit

a blue/green chevron ITY knit & blue cotton chambray)

Ojolly is selling these amazing sweater bodies and two of them showed up too. I'm excited about these pieces. I've wanted some for awhile and am really thrilled to own them. Check out her shop, there are some amazing things there!

Lastly, I've been slowly but surely buying 100 sewing machine Schmetz needle packages in all sizes from Amazon. My goal is not to have to buy a needle again anytime soon. So these last packages showed up this week too.

So much buying has been going on but no sewing. Thus the messy sewing table full of things that I need to find spaces for in the sewing cave.

I don't know when I'm going to sew again, but when I do, I have given myself more possibilities to work with and to help me sew better. Also, I'm just checking in...making sure that you all know I'm still alive! *LOL*

I've been spending a lot of time with the grandkiddies lately and I have this picture from this afternoon before our dance party to share...

Miss Lena and Miss Sammy before we danced it out!

...as always more later!

Additions to the Sewing Cave

I don't know about you but I'm always adding or changing things in my sewing cave. Most changes are minor these days.  Pieces that add organization and make it easier to stuff more things into the cave! 

I added three new things:

New storage unit for patterns ~
Whenever I use a new pattern or make another adaptation to my TNT patterns they get a new folder. I've used letter or legal sized folders in the past but I've found that I really like the legal expandable folders best. So I bought a box of 50 legal folders and a new plastic bin from Walmart to store them. I've also rearranged the area under the table to accommodate the shelving.

Under the computer table - new pattern storage, hangers and notions storage

Under the sewing machine table - yes, those are my snow boots!

Lighting ~
I've been wanting more light by my serger for awhile now...something similar to the Ott Lite that I bought to go by my sewing machine. When I got an email from Wawak that they had this Ott Lite on special for $59.99 I jumped on it. Well after I went to Amazon and checked to see what pricing they had. This new Ott table light is adding brightness to my serger area now.

Ott Light Pacifica Lamp

New lamp behind the serger

Although now that it's in place, I might switch it and the Ott light behind the sewing machine.  I have to work with them a little more so that I can see what will work best.  

Between the Ott lights and the 100 watt bulbs in all of my regular lamps its very bright in the sewing cave...which is really helpful when I'm sewing into the wee hours of the night!

Sewing Machine Needles ~
Can I say that I HATE those little packs of sewing machine needles! I'm always looking for the way to own the most needles as possible, at one time. I've used gift certificates from internet sewing sites to buy sewing needle packs ~ always looking for a larger package.  Then I was on Amazon a couple weeks ago and found these...

I mostly use size 80 needles so it was a no brainer to buy the pack of 100 in that size.  When they arrived I realized that I will also need the size 70 and the size 90 in the 100 packs too. They will show up shortly and be added to the workroom supplies. Now I will only have specialty sewing machine needles in the smaller packs but I can deal with that! 

I guess nothing is static and my sewing cave is ever evolving, changing to meet my sewing needs and challenges!

If you've noticed I've really been in the mood to sew lately and have been turning out quite a few items...but hey I need clothing that fits! I even have a sewing list for spring/summer garments but I limited it to five items. That way it's an achievable list that can always be added to.

Next up on the blog is a UFO that I've pulled off the wall and made work for spring. 

...as always more later!

Building a Notions Stash

LauraSJ asked...
"You mentioned that you usually love to have all your details/notions (thread, zipper, hem lace) match. I think that you also have most of these notions in your stash...that you bulk order thread, zips, etc. (I learned about the now defunct ATS from you) several times a year. What I'd like to know is how you decide what colors in which notion to order and keep in your stash. Have you ever covered this topic? I've been trying to keep a zipper and thread stash on hand, but am never quite sure what to order. What if I suddenly decide that I need an orange top, even though I know orange looks terrible on me? (Yes, I do have a little orange thread in my stash). I'm also never quite sure just how much thread it will take to stitch up a certain project. Thanks!"

It's been awhile since I talked about how I keep and maintain a notions stash and the sources I use to keep it stocked.  I'll start answering Laura's question with my thread source.

Threads ~
I use to purchase my thread from ATS (Atlanta Thread & Supply) which was recently purchased by Wawak.  I buy Gutterman polyester thread in 1,086 yards for way less than the price that you pay for in the craft store. Several years ago I bought the thread color chart so I update colors that way.  Since I own so many colors now (you wouldn't believe how many shades of red there are!) I only stock up when I'm running low on the basics - black, white, red and beige.  I usually throw a few other colors in then because you get a price break when you order 10+.  However, through the end of the month of April they're running a great sale where each spool is $1.86 without purchasing 10+.  

I also buy serger thread from them. I use Maxi-Lock 3,000 yard cones in fashion colors because it's $1.94 a spool for 4 or more. When it was ATS I bought the basics in 6,000 yard spools.  Don't see them on Wawak's site but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.  The entire line of thread can be found here.  I highly recommend using Wawak as a resource.  Their service is prompt, the website is easy to use and they have a really deep product line.

Thread is stored in these small car boxes that I purchased from Space Savers. You can also get them from Nancy's Notions.

Zippers ~

Are purchased in bulk from Daytona Trimmings (who have no online presence). The large ones are 12 for $4 (I think!) and the 9" are 12 for $2 (again I think!). I haven't bought any in awhile cause I have a lot on hand now. Daytona isn't the cheapest resource in the garment district but I have a sentimental attachment to them so I continue to buy from them. There is a wide variety of colors available in both the 22 and 9 inch sizes and of course I keep several pieces (4-6) of the basic colors - black, brown, white, and creme.  Then I buy one or two of every other color they offer whether I have something to sew with them at present or not. That way I usually have the right color on hand.

Other online resources for zippers are ~ Wawak, Mood, Zipperstop.com and Nancy's Notions.

I store the longer ones in the leather tray above which I purchased from TJ Maxx and the shorter ones in a clear jar that I got from The Dollar Tree dollar store. I have several of these jars waiting to be filled with notions.

Piping~ 

Since I like to add piping to garments, I do keep it on hand. I stock basic colors like white, creme, black, navy and red in 25 yard increments. Again, I stock this from Daytona Trimming because their selection is so deep. I also have a stock of bias binding that I bought about a decade ago from Fabric Mart when they were running a special. It was rolls and rolls of bias binding that I shared with a friend because there was so much. It's stored in the yellow storage unit pictured above. This is under my sewing tables, handy for when I need to apply it. Both of the bottom shelves are full of piping and the top shelves hold sewing machine supplies.

Honestly I don't have any online resources for the piping and bias binding because except for the FM buy, everything is purchased in the garment district. 

Interfacing~

All of my interfacing is purchased online. I have two sources - Fashion Sewing Supply for just about everything. I also buy and stock a really lightweight interfacing called "Baby Interfacing" from Farmhouse Fabrics. Interfacing and lining are stored in the bins above.  All of my cutting and marking instruments are stored in the first shelf of this unit...making them easy to grab when cutting out at the table.

Silk Organza/Lining/Tracing Paper ~

This bin contains bolts of silk organza purchased from Thai Silks. I keep 10 yards of white, beige and black on hand. The tracing paper that I purchase from Dick Blick and use when making alterations to patterns along with the ABC/123 paper that I buy from SIL Threads.  

Finally since I buy white, black and brown lining in 15 yard lengths, it has been wrapped onto cardboard rolls and stand in the bin waiting to be used.  Rayon bemberg lining is bought from several sources both online and in the garment district. I store not only the colors listed above but creme, red, navy and any other color I can find at an inexpensive price.  I store every color that I would possibly use, including colors I find on sale that I know will coordinate with recent purchases. I line almost everything I wear so I have a very deep supply.

Also the large sheets of tracing paper that I purchase from SIL Threads is stored in this bin. I cut it down into manageable sizes for smaller details and leave the larger pieces here for bigger jobs. 

Buttons~

Buttons are stored in the embroidery floss boxes on these shelves. Why do I have so many buttons?  Well it helps that my last job in the Garment District was working for a button company. The company ordered sample buttons from the factory in 5 gross lots. No one cared if I took a dozen or two of buttons for my own personal use. It was actually encouraged since buttons were thrown out (can you believe it?) when no longer needed.  Not shipped back to the factory ~ thrown out. 

If you knew me at the time, not only did I end up with an amazing button collection, but quite a few of my friends did too!  Even with this vast assortment of buttons, I still purchase buttons from time to time. My sources are mostly garment district sources, Botani Button and Pacific Trimmings being the primary ones. However, I've bought buttons from Sawyer Brook and Fabric Mart too, especially when they were shown with a fabric I was buying.

Elastic~

All of my elastic supplies are stored on the top shelf of this unit next to my Barbie dolls. The stretch and sew elastic I use in my elastic waist pants, as well as, the 1" non-roll and 1/2" non-roll elastic. The non-roll elastic is bought in 50 yard rolls from Newark Dressmaker Supply and Home Sew. Also, the supplies I need to make AG doll clothes for my niece are stored in a box there also.

Trimmings~

This 4 shelf unit (an old Ikea piece) has a drawer for the following things...

- one drawer for all kinds of trims

- one drawer for all of my bindings and rayon seam binding

- one drawer for shoulder pads and sleeve heads

- one drawer for recently purchased trims

Most of my trims are purchased from the Garment District. I have trims from Tinsel Trading, M&J Trims, Joyce Button & Trims, Pacific Trimmings and Daytona Trimmings. I would say most of them come from Daytona.

Rayon Seam Binding use to be purchased from Daytona but lately I've been buying it from SIL Thread in the Garment District because they have a wall (seriously a wall people!) with every color under the sun available for purchase. I have quite a few rolls of rayon seam binding in every color I can imagine sewing but I do know that you can purchase it online from fabric.com and Wawak.

Assorted notions, threads, pressing supplies ~

The last piece that holds notions and pressing supplies is this set of plastic bins. Most of the bins hold patterns but some of my embroidery supplies, fabric paints, stencils, and serger threads are housed here. As noted above serger thread is purchased from Wawak. Fabric paints, stencils and things like that were purchased from Dana Marie Design Co.  

Conclusion ~

I've basically done a tour of the remaining sections of my sewing cave. I thought it was the easiest way to share what notions I stock. I've omitted all the places in the sewing cave that I've stashed patterns, suffice it to say they are everywhere. *LOL* But as you can tell my notions stash is very deep. Over the years I've stocked a lot because I really want to be able to wake up in the middle of the night, go downstairs to the sewing cave and make whatever my heart desires. Maybe this is why my sewing space isn't light and airy...maybe it's why it's stocked like a workroom. The very workrooms I use to visit when I was employed in the garment district. Definitely makes me think about how I've filled the room...

Anyway, Laura I hope I answered your question. I definitely got some understanding on what I've put in the Cave and why. I did sew this weekend. One dress is almost done and another one is all cut out and serge finished because I didn't want to change my serger thread twice.  Lazy I know but I'm fine with that! *LOL*

...as always more later!

They were burning a hole in my pocket...

What are you wondering?  Why two gift certificates from Mood!  So I trekked over to Mood during lunch on Friday - it was a rare slow day at work - to use them.  I originally went to see if they had any bright orange ponte knit.  Of course, there was none...lots of pretty colors and I almost went for a turquoise one...but it wasn't what I really wanted.  However, George, the wonderful Mood Sales Associate, saw how dejected I was and asked if there was anything else I might want.


That's when I remembered that Meg had written about some lovely silks on the Mood Sewciety Blog so George and I moseyed over to the silk department.  Okay I have to admit that as much as I admired those designer silks, I would never have paid full price for them on my own.  But free money, free money means buy what you wouldn't normally! 


Here is the Valentino panel photographed on my fabric wall...emphasis on my! *smile*

That beautiforius panel only got me through one gift certificate...so I rambled around in the silk bin and found another print that was screaming my name...this one is by Dolce & Gabbana...

Two yards for a simple summer shift dress with a china silk lining worn with a light summer cardigan...pretty dontcha think!?!  These last two yards brought me all the way to the end of the second gift certificate with a little assistance from my credit card. It was a good day at Mood!  And I was thrilled with these two precious beauties...which took absolutely no time to purchase...and since I still had time left on my lunch hour...I went across the street to SIL.


SIL Threads is a wonderland of notions and even though I don't go often, I needed to add to my rayon seam binding stash and SIL has every color under the sun. This trip I picked up yellow, shades of orange and shades of purple. Each 100 yard roll is $9.45, one of the cheapest prices I can find in the district. Now if you can't make it to NYC and you're looking for it on the internet...Fabric.com has it for $9.00 per roll here.


So I got back to work with a smile on my face with two pieces of amazing fabric and enough seam binding to bind up quite a few garments!


...as always, more later!

Online Fabric & Notions Sources

Sewing Spots asked, "Where have you shopped online for fabric and notions?"


A better question might be where haven't I?  *LOL*  Even though I have access to the NYC Garment District, I am a huge proponent of online fabric shopping especially since quite a few sources are small business owned. 


So here is my list of online fabric sources that I have purchased from:
1.   Fabric Mart
2.   Fabric.com
3.   Gorgeous Fabrics
4.   Sawyer Brook Fabrics 
(btw - the Dogwood Majesty knit is up in the New Arrivals Section.)
5.   Emmaonesock
6.   Vogue Fashion Fabrics Club
7.   Marcy Tilton
8.   Fashionista Fabrics
9.   Trim Fabrics
10.  Fashion Fabrics Club
11.  Christine Jonson
12.  The Fashion Sewing Group 


This is my list and not all of them ship outside the US & Canada so I would check the policy on their website if you are visiting from outside the US.  I'm sure that there are others but some like Moods, is much easier for me to visit the bricks and mortar store than to place an order online.


My favorite online notions stores are:
a.  Atlanta Thread & Supply which have taken over by Wawak Supplies.
b.  Newark Dressmaker's Supply
c.  Home Sew
d.  Nancy's Notions
e.  Fashion Sewing Supply - interfacing
f.   Farmhouse Fabrics - interfacing
g.  Create for Less
h.  Thai Fabrics - silk organza


But I still purchase notions in the Garment District as I need them at Daytona Trimmings and Pacific Trimmings.  


I'm sure that others have some favorites that I'm not using...please feel free to leave a link in the comments section...maybe someone else would like a listing of these too.


...as always, more later!

One of my favorite notions...

I've had a chisel and a block/cutting board in one version or another for at least the last decade...

...and lately it's become one of my favorite notions because it makes opening buttonholes so easy.  No cutting the edges or ends of the buttonhole threads...don't have to pull out the scissors and pins to make sure you don't chop up your buttonholes.  No the chisel fits neatly inside of the buttonhole and cuts cleanly.  I love it.

You can get your own version at Nancy's Notions for $6.99.  It's a great deal and if you don't have one, you should add it to your notion collection.

...more later!

A lunchtime excursion

I'm in preparation mode for my upcoming sewing vacation. I've made a list. Crossed half the stuff on it off and rewritten it...3x now!!! Can you tell I'm excited...mostly I'm excited because for 10 days I won't have to get up at 5:30 in the morning!

But I digress...so today I headed over to Tender Buttons at lunchtime. I haven't been to Tender Buttons in years. Usually when I need buttons I head over to M&J but today I wanted something different and I hoped that Tender Buttons would provide that. I'm looking for extraordinary or extra special buttons for the Badgley Mischka suit and for the Pumpkin dress and jacket.

Now I have to tell you that Tender Buttons is really no different from some of the smaller button shops in the district. The shop has an extensive collection of buttons housed in a wall of button boxes that you pull down and look for the button you want. They do provide quaint little tables in the center of the store so that you can examine the buttons very carefully. It has a much more laid back atmosphere than the garment district button stores have...there's a buzz of excitement that's missing here. It's more genteel and quiet...sort of like the "little old ladies" that man the check out table in the back of the store.

I never saw a cash register. Just two ladies with a pad writing down what you want and providing change. Oh and this is very important...they don't do credit cards! Cash or check ONLY! There also isn't a heavy "sale" vibe here. You are allowed to pick and choose, linger and touch to your hearts desire. When and only when you are ready, do you go to the back of the store and hand over the boxes to discuss your purchases.

I was torn between several buttons for my new garments and the ladies were very helpful. Offering opinions and only allowing me to make a purchase once I took both buttons along with my fabric samples out into the sunlight to see which one would look best. They were both very interested in the printouts of the garment patterns that I had. They didn't realize that you could buy patterns over the internet...and were amazed that my fabric (samples) had been purchased that way too. I've truly forgotten that there is an entire segment of the population who don't live their lives on the internet. What an interesting concept! *LOL*

Anyway, I'm sure you want to see what I bought...

And here is how they come home with you...

I'm very excited about these buttons. They tie into the vision I have for the garments and they are one less thing that have to be bought before the outfits can come to fruition. Next up, I need thread and lining fabric...

...and as always, more later!