StitchBlog

Big News: Stitch Auto-Ship Program!

Stefanie Berganini — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:15:00 GMT

By a huge margin, the most frequent question that comes through my email inbox has to do with how to get a subscription to Stitch. We love working on Stitch, and it makes us really happy that so many people love to read it! Unfortunately, Stitch has only been available on newsstands, and I've had to answer countless emails with "Sorry, we don't have a subscription option, but we promise we're working on something!" Well, the big news is finally here - we're happy to announce that you can now subscribe to Stitch via the auto-ship option in our online store! Hooray!

When you sign up for the auto-ship program, you'll get each new issue of Stitch automatically delivered to you as soon as it reaches our warehouse. You'll also receive a discount off our normal cover price - each issue is $12.50 instead of $14.99 - and there's free shipping for U.S. residents (and only $5 shipping for international residents). You can join at any time, and cancel at any time.

For more information, and to sign up, click here to go to our online store.

Top Product Picks for 2011

Stefanie Berganini — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:35:00 GMT

It's January—2011 has arrived. Are you hard at work on your New Year's resolutions yet? If you're like me, at least one of your resolutions probably involves sewing—mine was to sew more, and to take on a couple more advanced projects. As I think about how to achieve my goals, I realize that proper sewing tools are essential to sewing success. Maybe it's my natural frugality, or just the fact that I taught myself to sew so I have had to figure things out along the way , but until recently I didn't own very many sewing tools. I've been living in a "Who needs extra gadgets lying around? I'll be fine with just my pair of scissors!" world, not realizing how much better and easier things could be.

I did a little post-Thanksgiving shopping last year, though, and it changed my sewing life. I splurged on a large cutting table and giant cutting mat, and it has revolutionized my sewing. I've also been living in the stone age and only recently purchased my first rotary cutter (I know, what is wrong with me?!) I'm amazed at how much more I've been sewing and how much more enjoyable that time is with the addition of a few simple tools.

I've come to realize that tools can be the key to happy sewing. Sure, there are some silly gadgets out there, but a set of genuinely useful tools will make your sewing more organized, more efficient, and more fun!

I've been reading through the back issues of Stitch, paying special attention to the products we feature in each issue. Here are five items that I think will be really helpful when it comes to organized, stress-free sewing this year:

top left: KP Mini Tote; bottom left: Fabric Requirement Cards; top right: Sidewinder bobbin winder; middle right: Fiskar's 12-in-1 Sewing Tool; bottom right: Tiny Rotary Cutter

KP Mini Tote

With a central storage area, four exterior pockets, and a rotating base, this tote from Stone Creek Creations is perfect for keeping sewing notions close at hand. It measures only 5" tall, and is available in five colors.

Fabric Requirement Cards from GywnHug

Sometimes the perfect fabric catches your eye and demands to be bought, but you don't have a particular pattern in mind. How much should you buy? With these cards, you won't have to worry. Each set of wallet-size refernce cards includes common fabric requirements for skirts, pants, tops, dresses, and jackets based on outfit size and fabric width. A women's clothing set is currently available, and men's and children's sets are on the way.

SideWinder Bobbin Winder

A bobbin winder eliminates the annoyance of having to unthread and rethread your sewing machine every time you empty a bobbin. This tiny portable bobbin winder runs on two AA batteries or a power cord and fits most bobbins.

Fiskar's 12-in-1 Sewing Tool

This tool is the perfect fix-it kit for surviving sewing mishaps. A measuring tape, stuffing tool, thread cutter, and needle threaders are included to help you complete your sewing projects precisely. On the flip side you'll find a knit picker, seam ripper, tweezers, and safety pin at your fingertips. There's also a measuring tape build into the center of the tool.

Tiny Rotary Cutter

Clover's 18mm rotary cutter is ideal for cutting delicate or small pieces. The soft cushion handle is easy to hold and designed for both left- and right-handers.

Happy sewing!
Stefanie

Stitch News and Free Stuff!

tricia waddell — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:14:00 GMT


Free project: Feel Good Love Pillow, designed by Malka Dubrawsky.

Free project: Improv Scarf, designed by Alissa Haight Carlton.

The winter/spring issue of Stitch should be showing up in stores as I write this. While you are waiting to get the latest issue, we have some free projects and resources to get you sewing right away.

Check out two new free projects from the latest issue, the Improv Scarf from Alissa Haight Carlton and the Feel Good Love Pillow from Malka Dubrawsky. These are great projects to learn or practice improvisational piecing skills. The scarf is great for beginners and the pillow will keep experienced sewers entertained.

In terms of sewing resources, we have an expanded version of our popular Sewing Basics section available for free download. Now you can have this quick reference guide always at your fingertips. And in conjunction with the fabulous article in the latest issue on sewing with knits by Deepika Prakash from patternreview.com, we have posted several great technique videos by designer Patty Young from Modkid patterns on hemming techniques for knits. You will be sewing up that jersey in no time!

And for news, our latest unveiling is the launch of the Sew Daily online pattern store. So now you can download individual patterns from back issues of Stitch by your favorite designers. We have patterns from the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 issues available now, and we will be adding new patterns every two months, so look for projects from the Fall 2009 issue in March. Let us know what you think about the online pattern store, so we can incorporate your ideas as it grows. Your feedback is always appreciated!

Happy sewing,

Tricia

Call for Submissions: Fall 2011

tricia waddell — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:50:00 GMT

Designers, it's time to get creative to kick off the new year in style by sending us your amazing design ideas! The Call for Project Submissions for the Fall 2011 issue of Stitch is now available online. We are always looking for new designers and fresh project inspiration, so take a look at our project themes and color palettes, get in a creative mood, and send in your submission ideas. Submission ideas are due January 31. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying the current Fall issue packed with great designs, and look out for the Winter/Spring issue of Stitch to hit newsstands in January 2011.

I hope all of you are enjoying a relaxing holiday season and I wish you the best in the New Year!

Happy Sewing,

Tricia

Winter/Spring Stitch preview

tricia waddell — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 19:57:00 GMT




Chipmunk Hot Pad from The Art of Applique section.

Kimono Wrap Top from the Knit Wit section.

Spaghetti Strap Necklace from the Sew Small, Sew Stylish section.

The new issue of Stitch hits newsstands January 18, and it's the exciting start of our new quarterly publishing schedule! To kick off the new year in grand style, the winter/spring issue is all about learning and experimenting with sewing techniques. From learning how to sew tricky fabrics to mastering a new finishing technique, to getting creative with construction, this issue will inspire you to broaden your technique repertoire and stretch your creativity in 2011.

The issue features a combination of great technique how-to features, profiles of designers that experiment with techniques in creative ways, and project stories that use a technique as a creative jumping off point.

Here's a peek inside the articles:

- Everybody has techniques that always trip them up or ones they never formally learned how to do properly. This is the inspiration for our feature, Top 10, on the top ten sewing tips and techniques every sewist should know. From setting in a sleeve to installing an invisible zipper, we'll show you how to master these tricky techniques with step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

- Knits can be tricky fabrics to work with but once you know how to handle them you can make amazing things. You'll get the information you need in our workshop on sewing knits, called Knit Knowledge, by Deepika Prakash, founder of the must-read patternreview.com website. Deepika includes a fantastic troubleshooting section that addresses common knit-sewing frustrations and how to successfully address them.

- Need some inspiration for getting creative with techniques? Read our profiles on art-to-wear skirt designer Alison Willoughby and fiber artist mummysam who combine sewing, embroidery, and illustration in charming ways.

Ready to make stuff? Check out this issue's project themes featuring cool projects by our talented designers:

- The Art of Applique features fourteen projects from retro and kitschy to stylish and modern that show what you can do with this versatile technique. If you are new to appliqué simply check out our appliqué technique primer to quickly master this fun technique.

- Knit Wit gives you a chance to put your knit knowledge into practice with projects showcasing the endless versatility of knits. From softly draped dresses and tops to a cozy sweater throw blanket, you'll be inspired to pull out those knit fabrics right away and get sewing.

- Get Closure shows how creative you can get using closures as a design element. You'll find fun projects that use zippers, buttons, and ties in really clever ways.

- Piece by Piece features projects that go graphic with patchwork and fabric piecing. Mix it up with inspired fabric combinations and innovative piecing.

- Sew Small, So Stylish allows you to experiment with techniques in fabric jewelry and small accessories for unique accents that are great for stashbusting.

And by popular demand, we are adding more refashioned projects to Stitch so you can freshen up something you already own or quickly dress up a store-bought item. So look for our Refashioned/Remixed icon on projects that will save you money and time. We all need more of that!

With 40 projects in this issue, there is so much to choose from that it will keep you busy making cool stuff while learning fun techniques for quite a while. To get you started, see what Stitch designers and staff have on their to-do-list for 2011 in our Sewing Resolutions article. It definitely got me inspired to add some more things to my growing list of sewing goals for the new year.

Thanks to all of you for a fantastic 2010. Here's wishing you a wonderful and relaxing holiday season and a fabulous new year of sewing!

Tricia and the Stitch Team

Updated Templates: Plaid Curves Table Runner

Stefanie Berganini — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:42:00 GMT

We apologize for an error on the pattern insert of our Fall 2010 issue. If you've been having trouble with the Plaid Curves Table Runner, it's likely due to an error with the shapes on the pattern insert. You can downloaded updated templates for this project by clicking here. We apologize for the error and any trouble you may have had with this project as a result!

Please note: You'll still need the magazine for project instructions - these are only updates shapes from the pattern insert.

* If the direct link above doesn't work for you, you can download the templates from our site by clicking here.

I want Sew Daily!

tricia waddell — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:46:00 GMT

I wanted to make sure you knew about this cool thing we recently launched, called Sew Daily. It's a free email newsletter you can receive every Friday that gives you contemporary sewing projects, techniques, designer interviews, and inspiration. (Okay, so I know it's technically "weekly" even though it's called Sew Daily, but the more people sign up for it, the more often it will come out!) The newsletter will also offer you special discounts on Stitch and other sewing products, which is exciting because who doesn't need more sewing inspiration on their shelf!

What is really exciting is that early next year we will be launching a Sew Daily community website where you will find tons more sewing inspiration and resource information, including video technique tutorials. It will also have forums where you can share sewing tips with each other and upload your versions of Stitch projects (I love seeing these!) And I'm particularly looking forward to doing sew-a-longs with you. We will vote on a project to make, agree on a deadline, and then upload photos of the finished creations, each with our own unique touches. Good stuff, right!

So if you haven't already done it, sign up for Sew Daily here and join the party!

Happy Sewing,

Tricia

Sewing for a Cause: Stitching Up the Spirit of Giving

elaine lipson — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:51:00 GMT

In many years of sewing, I've learned that sewists have incredibly generous hearts, and that's even more true during the holiday season. The spirit of giving is more important than ever this year, with so many people all over the world in need of a helping hand or a warm gesture. Why not use some of your sewing energy and extra fabric to sew for charitable causes? You can do this on your own or make and send things through any number of worthy organizations. We'll include a few suggestions here, and ways to research more.


Little girls in Africa trying on pillowcase dresses from Little Dresses for Africa. Image used by permission.

Think in terms of simple projects where fit isn't too much of an issue, and use easy-care, quality fabrics that will hold up well and appeal to a broad range of people. Simple, warm fleece hats and mittens in solid colors for kids and adults can be a boon to a homeless shelter, a family in need, or a cancer clinic; easy quilts can warm hearts and bodies for wounded veterans, children, women in shelters, or the elderly; simple cloth toys can delight children with illnesses in the hospital over the holidays. Making these projects in quantity is easiest if you set up an assembly-line arrangement. Or make a party out of it; making projects for giving is a great way to spend a day with sewing friends. Just make a big pot of soup, some coffee and cookies, and set up work tables. Even non-sewing friends can cut out simple patterns or wrap things for mailing (or serve the coffee and keep the iron filled with water for steam!).

If you'd like to donate locally, call your town's shelters for the homeless, women, or teens and local hospitals and nursing homes. Ask them what kinds of items are most useful, in what sizes, and how to donate them; there might be specific times for drop-off, or they may prefer mailing if privacy is an issue.

Or work with one of the many organizations that provide patterns and distribute your sewn projects. One of the best known of these is Project Linus, named after the Peanuts cartoon character who never let go of his security blanket, which has distributed more than three million handmade blankets and quilts to children through local chapters. Little Dresses for Africa distributes easy pillowcase dresses for girls in that continent (see photos at left); visit the website for instructions and more ways to help. Soldier's Angels distributes easy-to-make sand scarves for troops in the desert heat.

There are many more sewing charities; About.com has a terrific list of sewing-for-a-cause projects for nursing homes and hospitals, cancer patients, shelters, troops and veterans, and even for pets. These organizations support communities around the world, including Haiti and Africa. SewMamaSew also offers a page of sewing-related charities, and Nancy's Notions Creative Kindness page has many patterns and instructions for chemo caps and other projects. Bernina's We All Sew project has a long list of links for charity sewing here.


Finished projects from Little Dresses volunteer Gail Moss. Image used by permission.

Even if you don't have time to sew for others this season, many of these organizations will also accept donations of sewing supplies and fabric, and of course, monetary contributions. Others specialize in getting sewing machines to communities to help people rebuild their lives after disasters; the Sewing Machine Project is one we've written about in the magazine (Stitch Fall 2010, page 9) and here on the blog. If you're lucky enough to get a new sewing machine for the holidays, consider donating your old one to them, along with a small check to help them get it where it can do the most good! Or shop for products from a nonprofit like Baba Blankets, a New Orleans-based organization that teaches girls in Ghana to dye and sew beautiful handmade products.

If you enjoy sewing for charity, why not make it a part of your sewing plans for 2011, and keep it up all through the year? And please do write us and tell us about your favorite sewing-for-a-cause project or sewing-related charity. We love to hear about how sewing connects us all, and the wonderful things that sewists do to make the world better.

Q&A: Erin Gilday

Stefanie Berganini — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:10:00 GMT

For this month's Q&A we chat with Erin Gilday. Erin is proprietress of Patchwork Underground and a frequent Stitch designer. Let's get to know her!

Stefanie: How and when did you learn to sew?

Erin: I get asked this all the time and the truth is I don't know the exact moment I learned to sew! There was no "before sewing" in my life. My mom ran a one-woman sheepskin slipper business called Wooly Bully Sheepskin Company out of our kitchen/backyard/garage. She had the industrial sewing machine humming in our kitchen just about every day and the clicker-press whomping away in the garage every couple days. I remember learning to read and write on the floor next to the sewing table. I learned to sew mostly from watching her, trial and error, and, later, reading books on the subject.


Here's Erin!


Erin's Dresden Clutch from the Fall 2010 issue of Stitch.

At first, I would hand sew doll clothes, rag rugs, and things for my dollhouse. Mom wouldn't let me use the industrial machine (good call, mom!), and at that point we didn't have a home sewing machine so she bought me a junk yellow toy sewing machine. I graduated to grandma's 70's White sewing machine around 3^rd grade. That's when I decided that I wanted to make something I could wear—a knit tank top. Of course, all I had to work with was an ugly yard of country kitchen blue calico. I made the top out of the calico but I couldn't understand why it didn't look right. At the time, I thought I was a failure but it turns out even the best seamstress can't make a knit from a woven using a sewing machine. But at 8 years old, who knew? I still thought sewing was magic.

S: How does sewing fit into your life?

It's funny. People talk about a "work/life balance"—that's a phrase in our culture now. There's "work" and then there's "life." But are you dead when you are working? In my opinion, if the answer is yes, then you are doing something seriously wrong.

I work full-time as a pattern maker and designer for the craft market so I definitely sew for work. Before I started pattern making, I was selling one-of-a-kind patchwork clothing at crafts fairs and before that I worked as a stitcher in costume shops. In between each of those gigs, I took "normal" jobs—ones involving computers, phones, meetings and fake smiles—and hated it. I would sew on my time off. I still sew on my "time off." But then, I also plan my next project in my so-called "time off." So, I guess the answer is both: I sew for work and fun. But it's probably also: addiction, religious experience, remembrance, exercise in mindfulness, political statement and just 'cause in no particular order.

S: Walk me through the steps when you're making a project. Where does your inspiration come from, and how do you translate that into a finished piece?

E: I don't have one way of working. I often find that I do my best "work" when I don't think I'm working. I'll think I'm goofing off, thrift shopping or indulging some other frivolous "side interest" or whim and then I'll stumble onto something—a need, a shape, a color or a feeling—that inspires a great design. When I fight really hard and try to wrestle with my imagination, that's when it all goes to hell. I can sit down and deliberately work sometimes but usually only after I have accidentally discovered that central, key piece. After that, I'm just filling in the holes.

I do have ways of triggering the "accident," though! My best secret weapon is the list. I have a notebook filled with lists of things that need to happen: "sketch out designs for the next issue of Stitch," for example. I'll write it down even though there are no "designs" to speak of, yet. I'll even schedule it out—"sketch designs tomorrow." I think just having the written affirmation that there will be ideas helps make the ideas happen.


Erin's Butterfly Mittens from the Fall 2010 issue of Stitch.

Also, when I am thrift shopping or flipping through books at the library, even if I don't find what I want, I will imagine what I wished I had found, based on what could have been there. Bam, that's an idea. I also like to imagine objects or clothing for particular people or events. What would John Lennon wear to his 70^th birthday party? If Scarlet O'Hara took a job at a millinery, what would her first hat look like? If the Virgin Mary lived now, what would she wear?

Overall, though, the most important thing for me is to allow space for bad ideas and ugly things. If I make something hideous, I know that I am on the right track. It takes real balls to honor ugly things.

S: Several of the projects you've made for Stitch have featured appliqué and hand-stitching. What do you like about those techniques?

E: I love texture—textiles are all about touching! Applique and hand-stitching are also cool because they emphasize natural human shapes. I like to be able to see the motion of craft in the final product—imagining the crafter cutting out the applique shape or stitching lines into the fabric. It's so much more evocative, emotional and varied than looking at another perfectly set row of machine stitches going around another square.

Tricia's BurdaStyle Interview

Stefanie Berganini — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:57:00 GMT

Stitch's Editor in Chief Tricia Waddell was recently interviewed by the folks at BurdaStyle. Find out what's on the horizon for Stitch, and a bunch of other fun stuff!

Thanksgiving sewing and a free Amy Butler download!

Stefanie Berganini — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:15:00 GMT



Free download: Patchy Jeans from Amy Butler!

Thanksgiving is coming, and for many people, that means a break from work and school. I don't know about you, but I have some fairly lofty sewing plans. I probably won't get to even a quarter of the things I'm hoping to, but a girl can dream, right?

Do you have any projects planned for the holiday break? If you're looking for some quick and easy ideas, we have a treat for you!

Amy Butler's new fabric collection for Rowan Fabrics, Soul Blossoms, will be available in stores in a couple of weeks. Several patterns have been released to correlate with the new fabric collection. One of them - Patchy Jeans - is perfect for stash-busting, and you can download it for free from our site. This download is full of tips and tricks to add a fun pop of color and style to your wardrobe. Whether it's distressing and patching, embroidery, or beads and buttons, there are lots of great ideas! The techniques are demonstrated on jeans, but I can see a lot of these ideas spicing up a pillow or quilt, too!

I hope you get some crafting time in over the Thanksgiving holiday!

Thinking Outside the Bolt

tricia waddell — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:51:00 GMT

A few years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to take a workshop with Cat (Catherine) Chow, a contemporary artist who uses unexpected materials to create amazing art-to-wear pieces. Imagine an evening gown made out 1,000 interwoven one-dollar bills, a coat made from plastic I.D. bracelets, and garments made from flat washers, dress snaps, or even twist ties. Each piece she creates is amazingly and painstakingly constructed. Working with such unusual materials really makes you think about garment construction and shaping in a new way.


Cat Chow wearing her Measure for Measure* Dress made from measuring tapes, fishing line, and buttons.*

In the hands-on workshop with Cat, she gave each participant one deck of playing cards and a box of brass fasteners from an office supply store. She challenged us to make a wearable piece using only those two materials. No tape. No scissors. No needle and thread. We had 3 hours.

I have never had 3 hours fly by so quickly. It's not easy to come up with something creative using these unusual materials! You start out having absolutely no idea what to do. Cat came around to each person and asked thought provoking questions. What if you played with folding the cards or tearing them? What about molding them into curved shapes? How can you use the pattern on the playing cards in an interesting way?

At the end of the three hours our group modeled our creations for Cat. I was amazed at how different each person's piece turned out. One woman made a purse with a handle. Another made a vest. There was a hat, corset, and a belt. I made a crazy neckpiece/choker. It was a fascinating challenge to design a wearable item in this way, using innovatively using materials, and being forced to use creative problem solving to come up with something interesting. It was immensely liberating and really fun.

So the next time you need some inspiration for a sewing project, try "thinking outside the bolt". Play around with some non-fabric materials to get your creative juices flowing. It will take your mind to some really interesting places and just might be the catalyst for making something amazing.

If you need some visual inspiration to get you started, check out these fantastic images by photographer Ted Sabarese (from one of my favorite sites TrendLand), featuring clothing made from office supplies. Have you ever seen Post-it notes, computer wires, erasers, and folders look so good?


	Sticky note suit and necklace.			Dress made from office cords.			New uses for erasers (top) and inter-office mail envelopes (skirt).

I'm getting some ideas already....

Happy sewing,

Tricia

What Is Your Type?

tricia waddell — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Do you have a favorite fabric type? You know, the one you are always drawn to first when you walk in a fabric store?

For me, its douppioni silk. I simply can't get enough of it.

I love its raw texture, rich shimmery colors, versatility, and sturdy hand. It's great for making things that need a little body, but also fun to use as an accent fabric to bring a bit of luxury to a project. And of all the silk fabric types, it's the most forgiving when you make mistakes and have to rip out a seam (don't ask me how I know this...).

In general silk is my fabric of choice as I swing into holiday sewing mode. Whether I'm making small gifts or a New Year's Eve dress, silk fabric makes even the simplest project look fabulous.

If you want some easy silk project ideas we have several free projects from past issues that you can try. And don't forget to check out our Silk Fabric Chart by Katrina Walker to help you choose the right silk for your holiday project.

Free Project: Silk & Pearls Clutch

Free Project: Waterfall Scarf

Free Project: Douppioni Silk Table Runner

If you are new to sewing with silk, see Katrina's excellent technique article in the Fall 2010 issue. For a great online resource, check out the wonderful fabric sewing guides at Emma One Soc k. You'll find guides for sewing several different types of silk, plus many other fabrics.

If you have a favorite fabric type, let me know in the comments! Maybe we will do a feature on it in a future issue of Stitch.

Happy sewing,

Tricia

New car vs. new sewing machine?

tricia waddell — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:19:00 GMT

If you had your choice between a brand new BMW sedan and a state-of-the-art Bernina sewing machine, what would you choose?




Car vs. sewing machine: which would you choose?

Hmmmmm, not an easy decision, right?

Well it was for David Hyatt of Dallas, Texas, winner of Bernina of America's "Test Drive a BERNINA 3 Series" sweepstakes.

He opted to take a cash prize to buy a Bernina Artista 640 rather than the 3 Series BMW sedan which was the ultimate sweepstakes prize.

I love a man who knows what he wants.

The 58-year old Hyatt, test drove a 3 Series sewing machine at the BERNINA Sewing Center inside the Hancock Fabrics at Firewheel Town Center, just northeast of Dallas. Sewing has been his lifelong passion, hobby, and a profitable sideline for Hyatt, who spent 18 years as working in the healthcare industry.

"It's a creative outlet and I enjoy working with all kinds of fabrics," he said. "I like to sew everything, and now I find I'm interested in machine embroidery."

Hyatt sews clothes for himself and his sisters and has created three patchwork quilts. For many years, he completed all kinds of upholstery for fun and as a supplemental income. He's covered a car interior and motorcycle seats, couches, chairs and ottomans. He said he obtained customers through word of mouth.

Now he can buy his dream sewing machine. You rock, Mr. Hyatt.

Happy sewing,

Tricia

Shopping Project Runway Style At Mood Fabrics

tricia waddell — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:39:00 GMT

If you are a Project Runway fan like me, then you have probably watched the designers on the show with envy as they browse the endless aisles at Mood Fabrics every week to get fabric for the next challenge. So for my trip to NYC last month this fabric mecca was at the top of my list of places to visit.

Could it really be as fabulous as it looks on TV?

YES. Uh-huh, yep.

First of all, in classic New York fashion, to get to Mood, you enter a fairly nondescript building in the heart of the garment district, step into an old-fashioned elevator with a manual sliding door, and an elevator operator personally takes you up to your floor. Moments later the operator slides the door open and you are magically transported to fabric heaven.

A view from the floor at Mood Fabrics in New York City.

You enter the first of three large floors and 40,000 glorious square feet of floor to ceiling fabrics to die for. When I walked in my eyes got as big as saucers and my mouth was open in a constant "oh, my" as I slowly turned every corner and looked down aisle after aisle of fabrics. Honestly, I think I was momentarily paralyzed because I simply didn't know where to start. And did I mention the drop dead gorgeous young man working there who asked me if I needed any help finding anything? What more could I possibly ask for?

Stocked full of designer fabrics in every variety, there were so many beautiful textures and prints, and endless color variations. I got lost in the jersey knits aisle as I tried to find just the perfect shade of green jersey for a dress, out of say 20 green shades of jersey. Crazy. Part of me just wanted to buy every pretty, shiny fabric I saw, as if I was going to be shipped off tomorrow to a desert island where there are no fabric stores and I needed to buy a lifetime fabric supply on the spot. But then I got a grip and tried to focus on buying a few fabrics I simply couldn't live without. (My advice is to always buy fabric you absolutely love, because then you will go home and sew it right away instead of just storing it in your stash.) I settled on a few beautiful shades of silk jersey and splurged on a stunning silk chiffon print.

While checking out the third floor European wools and suitings, Valerie Mayen, one of the designers from the current Project Runway season (she was "offed" in Episode 10), was suddenly shopping alongside me. Could this day get even better? I think not. Since the store was closing in 15 minutes, I let Valerie shop in peace, and made my way to the cutting tables and the checkout line.

Yeah, this was good day.

So if you haven't had the opportunity to visit Mood Fabrics, put it on your list for your next trip to the Big Apple. I can't wait to go back! And if you've been to Mood or Britex in San Francisco (another fabric store destination) or had a similar euphoric fabric shopping experience, tell me about it in the comments! I'm always looking for new fabric stores to visit during my travels.

Happy sewing,

Tricia