Saturday, June 14, 2008

Shopping by the Seat of My Pants

It was embarrassing. Karen lives less than three miles from me and we’ve never shopped for fabric together. Cenetta came from Chicago and shopped with Karen! Karen shopped with Trina and Isabelle all the way in Parisin France … in Europe! And we couldn't overcome three miles?!?!?!? Well, we fixed that! We met to shop in our favorite places on Fabric Row. Turns out we both love Kincus Fabrics and PA Fabric Outlet.

I got fabric needed to coordinate with two pieces in my very small stash


The orange print piece was in danger of becoming a permanent Old Maid. I bought it in NYC last summer with a piece of wool. The colors worked together, but the print is sheer and summery and, for me, didn’t work with wool pants. So I bought the orange cotton to use as an underlining for the dress pictured (BWOF 05/2005 #133).


The solid green was an impulse purchase from JoAnn. I bought the batik to coordinate with that for a basic shirt and pants outfit for work (BWOF 03/2007 #128 & #130A).

Karen was good luck for me. Usually when I have something specific in mind, I don’t find it and I end up disappointed. But this trip was very successful. We both had our swatches and found what we were looking for. Sometimes, I like to have a fellow sewer along to validate (or veto) my decisions. I stayed within my budget and I have two new “assembly required” outfits. Including these purchases, I have enough fabric to keep me busy throughout the summer.

Thanks, Karen! It was fun!

14 comments:

  1. How great to meet up with a fellow sewer through the internet, glad you both managed it. Your fabrics look gorgeous, I love that batik print and look forward to seeing your future outfits.

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  2. Lucky duck! There was a PA Outlet near me several years ago. But, I never made it out there before they closed.

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  3. It is so much fun to have sewing buddies nearby - and so dangerous for the wallet when you go shopping together!

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  4. It sounds like a really fun time! And that orange dress is going to be gorgeous!

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  5. I love it when sewing brings people together like this!

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  6. Sounds like you had fun! You got some beautiful fabrics, too.

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  7. It was so great to meet another sewing friend - and one who lives nearby for a change! I had a great time and accumulated a few goodies myself with Lee's help.

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  8. There's nothing like fabric shopping with someone who is equally passionate about sewing, is there? Looks like you picked up some goodies.

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  9. I'm so glad you guys managed to get together! Can't wait to see the orange dress. I am loving orange at the moment.

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  10. This is sooooo kewl that the two of you got a chance to meet up! And you displayed amazing restraint in purchasing!!!

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  11. I love play dates. Glad you had fun. BTW- Kincus is my favorite Phily fabric store.

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  12. So glad you girls had a great fabric get together!

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  13. Oh, I love the orange fabrics. Those will be stunning! It is so fun to meet up with sewing friends, isn't it?

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