tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16543295902941339982024-03-13T04:04:01.497-04:00Shop the Garment DistrictNew York City garment district tours and maps for people who love to design, sew, and create. Sharing stories to inspire your own creations.mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.comBlogger616125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-16398911227396138702024-03-01T16:26:00.000-05:002024-03-01T16:26:39.511-05:00Garment District Speakeasy Tour - Spring 2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OaiZ7H681G-Rndda9AJrEuNtMyN521n8Lu1oJh5XIG8WyCuZSRawfwDFadaG8B1vu5V1DiN5KiZEM6QAxQW9rtJuucIdWf3g7rKyHATAJeArp4lL6QdCb-8uWXYXBGKOFCc4X5sS0rWjtJ-PrlXGImK5q0oywNrtvlhvM3yH5WhfXaulRktYnEAfKA/s4032/IMG_1371.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OaiZ7H681G-Rndda9AJrEuNtMyN521n8Lu1oJh5XIG8WyCuZSRawfwDFadaG8B1vu5V1DiN5KiZEM6QAxQW9rtJuucIdWf3g7rKyHATAJeArp4lL6QdCb-8uWXYXBGKOFCc4X5sS0rWjtJ-PrlXGImK5q0oywNrtvlhvM3yH5WhfXaulRktYnEAfKA/s320/IMG_1371.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Speakeasy tour</u> (in person)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday, April 1 (Easter Monday)</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10AM-4PM</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psst... Walking tour of quality garment district stores and related services, appealing to both hobby and professional makers, seeking fabrics, notions, etc. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The itinerary is below. This one's $115, and <b>includes</b> a sit-down lunch, and is a definite "go", no matter how few or many attend, with no change in price. All conditions regarding cancellation or inability to attend below apply, and full refund or future tour if anything beyond my control prevents me from leading this tour (weather, illness, etc.), of course.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top"><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Itinerary:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">10AM - 1PM - </span></b></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Shopping (Will include a specifically selected set of stores with a wide variety of offerings suitable for many different purposes/types of garments, appropriate for the theme of the day's tour. Relevant additional information, suggested additional resources and appropriate on-site expertise will be available.)</span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">1PM-2PM</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lunch (local restaurant reservation for our group, already</span><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> included in your fee.)</span></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">2PM - until end of business day</span></b></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Armed with your "Secret Map" and your own interest in or desire to visit the many other stores you see or have learned about, you may visit more garment district stores if you wish, and give unique codes (that you'll get from me) to vendors who will give special assistance/discounts.</span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">The cost of this guided, efficient tour is $90 per person. If you use this trip to shop and participate in what the NYC garment district has to offer, you will save at least as much as you are paying in supplies and education, and probably far more.</span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Wanna come? Click above, send payment, and the details on meeting time/place will be provided.</span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">From outta town? If you need hotel and/or travel help, I will advise some of the BEST NYC secrets I know! Payment is only accepted via PayPal (you do not need a Paypal account), credit or debit card. No cash, personal checks, or additional payments will be accepted on the day of the tour. The trip will involve a good amount of walking, so come prepared in weather-appropriate gear, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif">healthy.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Regarding cancellations:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> If you have paid and wish to cancel 7 days or more before date - 100% refund</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> Fewer than 7 days - 50% refund</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> If you don't come on the scheduled date or cancel within 24 hours or less - you will forfeit your refund, but can switch reservation to a future tour date.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> If I cancel a tour for reasons not related to weather, newsworthy acts of God or other emergencies, you are entitled to your choice of a full refund, or a future tour.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></form><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0Garment District, New York, NY, USA40.7547072 -73.991634214.441244131464416 -109.1478842 67.068170268535582 -38.835384199999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-31227251504586816812024-03-01T16:25:00.000-05:002024-03-01T16:25:32.741-05:00NYC Garment District Maps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX6e60mBaHzclKHlrs0IB40-c7FBACb8NXea2ZVcNwMJBvJXqg1lyoVDtSGjANAAdaxczZYyHFfPdX5JYZ9yTzGSUo3yDO5tKSMkpplpaEq9QasMd_BdCSZMjsOtArRbCne4NbHrK7TQ2ZmnaNPi-bMwPJjco3PndC3CaECtw5MKQdQG818bHdd3G3Q/s3024/10019966-2D20-4972-B6ED-A2A8773CC389.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX6e60mBaHzclKHlrs0IB40-c7FBACb8NXea2ZVcNwMJBvJXqg1lyoVDtSGjANAAdaxczZYyHFfPdX5JYZ9yTzGSUo3yDO5tKSMkpplpaEq9QasMd_BdCSZMjsOtArRbCne4NbHrK7TQ2ZmnaNPi-bMwPJjco3PndC3CaECtw5MKQdQG818bHdd3G3Q/w400-h400/10019966-2D20-4972-B6ED-A2A8773CC389.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Speakeasy map is constantly updated to show the best the garment district has to offer! If you have more places or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Because it is <b>still</b> full of secrets, and non-street-level establishments, a plan, a map, and information are truly vital to an enjoyable, efficient trip.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">The "Speakeasy map" is a carefully curated, ever-evolving map of garment district stores and services that I have found over many years of creating/designing, selling, buying, learning, and interacting with the many businesses here in NYC. The list is ever-changing, because the district is ever-changing as well! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The payment tab below is for a curated shopping map with descriptions of the best stores (and why I love them). It is $18, and can be purchased online via Paypal. The map lists many of the places we have visited on various speakeasies, and is ever-evolving. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The map will be sent to you as a link, generally within 24 hours of your order.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You may purchase a map by using the payment button directly below. Note: almost every order generates an edit these days, since I make sure the stores are still there, offering quality inventory, and still open before sending to to you. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Garment District "Speakeasy" source Map:</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Comment on this page to contact me if you want a custom map for your specific quest!</span><br />
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<br /></div>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.0059728-36.422423457425829 145.3690272 90 66.6190272tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-18969266618524547772023-12-13T14:04:00.001-05:002023-12-13T14:04:27.031-05:00On privacy, anonymity, scarcity, and exclusivity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItWVDDLcIW4aoJAWRKtsZijayLMKGdwNvRVJu7a2yhlhDVZVFGZxn5I7JPu6NBm-3VcUj_abpQyPVGthmCBXA1WdmYCp8zCpd3u9vVRwL55Yej9Mjv8nwAaNi7Uvb0Arsc6tvJ3ZnIQUP/s1600/IMG_1396.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItWVDDLcIW4aoJAWRKtsZijayLMKGdwNvRVJu7a2yhlhDVZVFGZxn5I7JPu6NBm-3VcUj_abpQyPVGthmCBXA1WdmYCp8zCpd3u9vVRwL55Yej9Mjv8nwAaNi7Uvb0Arsc6tvJ3ZnIQUP/s320/IMG_1396.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Garment Worker" by Judith Heller</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reposting from 10/1/16</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Reposting again from 7/10/18</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I need to add to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reposting again 12/13/23.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And what am I doing? Engaging, learning, working with people who think similarly. Strong baby steps. Many others are doing the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been particularly interested in unasked questions lately. You know... those nagging issues that pop up in our heads, spawn interesting dinner conversation, and make us wonder how to even begin researching the answer(s), that is... assuming we can properly articulate the question.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This is an aside, but trust me... it helps me explain my point here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend of a friend has a Twitter account. I didn't know this friend-once-removed well at all, and she didn't directly share her Twitter account info with me, but she told me a story that referenced a celebrity and the response she got to a tweet she'd made, which I later looked at, and then casually explored her other tweets. I had no particular feeling about this person, not knowing her at all, but, after looking at the shrine to self absorption and profanity her Twitter account revealed, I now have a somewhat negative opinion of her. Before I explored her Twitter account, this alter-ego would have been anonymous. But now, she has a name, and a face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But she also has the right to semi-anonymously express herself, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the USA, I can say with confidence that we all pretty much assume we have a general right to privacy. But, do we also have a right to anonymity? If not, should we?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Sure we do, in my opinion, but... what is this anonymity spawning?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anonymity creates new and imagined "people" with other agendas, lives, needs and ideas. It takes the "human being" right out of humanness. That Twitter persona you create? Is it you? Is it uncensored you? Is it just a character? Does it matter?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So here's where it all comes full circle. Last week, a family member said to me, "Oh, I bought this great sweatshirt at Old Navy. It was kinda pricey, you know, for Old Navy" She pulled it from the bag and showed me the pricey sweatshirt. It was a good-looking sweatshirt, but I too, was surprised by the price. "Where was that made?" I asked her. "Hmmm... I dunno..." she said. "Look at the tag," I pointed to it. "It will say." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Hmmm... Don't see it..."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Hand it to me."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Ok. (tiny print) Cambodia."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She rolls her eyes, knowing what I am about to say.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"That's okay," I said. "You don't have to care who made your clothes, much like no one cared that your enslaved great-grandfather picked their cotton, or that your grandmother..."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Her hand goes up to me, protesting my objection. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Listen, I care. But you don't have to. I can make a choice not to buy that sweatshirt. I can also make a sweatshirt... but the reason you don't care, is that you don't know those people, those conditions, the situation that led you to buy THAT shirt. Who knows? Maybe it was made by a Cambodian who is doing just fine, living well, and enjoying life! Or... Maybe I'm completely wrong, and that person is in tears... right now, wondering how long they can keep this up... right now."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Conversation done. Now, that sweatshirt hangs, unworn, in her closet. I think I made my point. Am I being overly dramatic? I don't think so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But there are endless layers to this type of problem. The biggest, and most important, is that we just DON'T know what we DON'T know. Where does my fabric come from? How was it dyed? And if I expand this line of questioning to ask where my handbag came from/Where did my dinner come from?/Where/How for most things I own... There are layers and layers of anonymous labor and resources. We can cherry-pick causes until we're blue in the face... and to what end?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the current media environment, e</span><span style="font-size: large;">veryone has an opinion. Often with a profit motive. Some people scream their thoughts. Loudly. Offensively. Mean-spirited thoughts people feel compelled to share. To that, I say, feel free to broadcast whatever you want to say, but you absolutely MUST OWN IT. Show us who you are. Our activism is backward. We need to work on the things that give voices to the voiceless. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you ask me, oppressors have no right to oppress anonymously. If asked who is making the clothes, specific answers should be required. Do I mean that people should be allowed to wander up to your doorstep and confront you? Peer in your windows? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Absolutely not. That would be about privacy. But there should be space for everyone to express their thoughts, without being stifled... as well as a firmly protected right to publicly disagree with you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Where was that shirt made?" Like it or not, this question has an answer. "Who made that shirt?" definitely has an answer. Remember when you could open a package of underwear and see na inspector's number tag enclosed?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Frankly, I don't have time to make my whole wardrobe. Nor do I have the time to make yours. Nor do I want to. Nor do I have time to research every step my clothing has taken before arriving at the store where I buy it. The vast majority of us don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So what do we do about that?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Personally, for now, I plan to let my heart lead the way. I'm gonna continue to seek the stories of the long established fabric shops in the district - places where the vendors have been deeply involved in the business in a very organic and true way, for a long time. I'll share those stories. I'll let you know what I find.</span></div>
mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-69039540356793795792023-08-03T15:00:00.001-04:002023-08-03T15:00:05.387-04:00The tours were so much fun!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> See <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvdQMTMxGQF/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for details, but... in the meantime, here's some eye-candy...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's so much more to see...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A8ewGmQISku419_kOqp_RmhzPyvMgMzUUqHBmhOGeFRCzB6ciEZ8b2vdPVj5k0PjxI-5U8jKkLRUSapp_ThJrcQU-1SJne81_Wi_TmbSjr0leb2z5a-PQNuJVFRnJAJ9eIi_31g63MQL_olHpj1hOTw-sGDkb5Pdk1MPsv6NVEWVYmbDwqda_zHGtgLq/s2848/E13E546A-247D-471E-B2C8-C41F4F5A58EC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A8ewGmQISku419_kOqp_RmhzPyvMgMzUUqHBmhOGeFRCzB6ciEZ8b2vdPVj5k0PjxI-5U8jKkLRUSapp_ThJrcQU-1SJne81_Wi_TmbSjr0leb2z5a-PQNuJVFRnJAJ9eIi_31g63MQL_olHpj1hOTw-sGDkb5Pdk1MPsv6NVEWVYmbDwqda_zHGtgLq/s320/E13E546A-247D-471E-B2C8-C41F4F5A58EC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mP1AfW9djoEuZHOZdRw0fDWub3dfwCmxagxIkVbD3z5v0iWQmbGawq86okIzvwHEaoHSVNcD233gvCnxgEZAdtDTXhe0hNV_WnQHQxb3Ppnft7sUjKMD1hK_HqliGoyndn7BqNBXMTybj5Xpgu_hFXkPCOoozR8rRZUFYQLffpB__DVFI7iAXya6N3qU/s320/09A70934-62CD-4A0F-A7B9-882F6E93B196_4_5005_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mP1AfW9djoEuZHOZdRw0fDWub3dfwCmxagxIkVbD3z5v0iWQmbGawq86okIzvwHEaoHSVNcD233gvCnxgEZAdtDTXhe0hNV_WnQHQxb3Ppnft7sUjKMD1hK_HqliGoyndn7BqNBXMTybj5Xpgu_hFXkPCOoozR8rRZUFYQLffpB__DVFI7iAXya6N3qU/s1600/09A70934-62CD-4A0F-A7B9-882F6E93B196_4_5005_c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jasO7T3EPfniuWvbqDtHJ5YPKMCxxAtgWLHFJgu9Wl1Xvk4lEPgRBPuQkpcHGbvwEAjKI3y0HaKf5M64_Iql9JbhwLMh2OywoJQ72sA1ry-XacPIGSZmNfIMbKvR6ISMripu1yB5Pb_wYaGQOGqVBhnxKQOcq8GV1BtPwTuSrd6jtVOZE5bK_9xdjYp0/s2399/98774F34-6770-4B9D-934C-FC50E64CC392.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2399" data-original-width="2399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jasO7T3EPfniuWvbqDtHJ5YPKMCxxAtgWLHFJgu9Wl1Xvk4lEPgRBPuQkpcHGbvwEAjKI3y0HaKf5M64_Iql9JbhwLMh2OywoJQ72sA1ry-XacPIGSZmNfIMbKvR6ISMripu1yB5Pb_wYaGQOGqVBhnxKQOcq8GV1BtPwTuSrd6jtVOZE5bK_9xdjYp0/s320/98774F34-6770-4B9D-934C-FC50E64CC392.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4L7ER7QjouHXTIHCrn8Ob7wku1DqoyIRlbud7zVrAAPBdt827CcoN4js0Snz0ySL3_VYmJWWwtFq8oaxlR6Bd32Bo2Pe47FTisJzTWeaPzCZ01VG4LQ-a-ZdVZI7w6bdshSaXiiWrPKNGdSwNakh304am7oD0GFQCn9UZrG_6kKSszKYdQ8Vzm-EWgql/s2848/EA6C3004-5304-4A83-B2D7-B861BD814DCE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="2848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4L7ER7QjouHXTIHCrn8Ob7wku1DqoyIRlbud7zVrAAPBdt827CcoN4js0Snz0ySL3_VYmJWWwtFq8oaxlR6Bd32Bo2Pe47FTisJzTWeaPzCZ01VG4LQ-a-ZdVZI7w6bdshSaXiiWrPKNGdSwNakh304am7oD0GFQCn9UZrG_6kKSszKYdQ8Vzm-EWgql/s320/EA6C3004-5304-4A83-B2D7-B861BD814DCE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-11021036314319616482023-07-07T16:26:00.008-04:002023-07-25T20:01:17.138-04:00Speakeasy shopping trips!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJBju7YB4-VouRLeyhoSBtvmskkYFvMafXG0XVxLdA_bJpstW_9umkB1JxS80BmRRU6qopP7GulXMI2Kz5idgN6AX0q1Q6y-muvAYzdzL-swybEVYVsNx5GMhMpZXWUsEDcYBlVuiohGVuDMfBXUU3wjazUV1V_Qbz70z0pok4MHubFwvezEehwggOQMD/s1800/303E9DDF-63DF-4D07-8D9F-E480BDF8804D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJBju7YB4-VouRLeyhoSBtvmskkYFvMafXG0XVxLdA_bJpstW_9umkB1JxS80BmRRU6qopP7GulXMI2Kz5idgN6AX0q1Q6y-muvAYzdzL-swybEVYVsNx5GMhMpZXWUsEDcYBlVuiohGVuDMfBXUU3wjazUV1V_Qbz70z0pok4MHubFwvezEehwggOQMD/w320-h400/303E9DDF-63DF-4D07-8D9F-E480BDF8804D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So excited! The first one is TOMORROW!!!! (written July 25)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have registered for a Garment District Shopping Tour in July or August 2023, look out for an email from me on/by July 20th confirming our meeting place, and some other details specific to your excursion. (note - you should have received an email from me by now.) The itinerary for each day will be different, so the email your receive will contain details which are specific to your group.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Things to know:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Wear comfortable walking shoes</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Bring along a rolling bag to reduce fatigue - some stores will ship for you, but not all.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Let me know if you have any food allergies/unique dietary needs the restaurant will need to consider.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Dress appropriately for the weather.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-45521193693443669912022-10-21T14:08:00.004-04:002022-10-21T14:10:34.033-04:00Baltimore, MD Association of Sewing and Design Professionals conference<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Heading off to meet with colleagues, my fellow Board Members, and friends in Baltimore, MD for a few days of conference, meetings, and events. I'll share my personal experience on Instagram! (@shopthegarmentdistrict)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7etJL8pSNLYzhAQPVNoIKaI06o56Im6eWtiaZp7g8prZCi8PBJdwc8Mo_NCBhNnsLtfN67wPY8MdS5K209nbJWmfDelkHle9TdQpAX2OU3VEWfPbaWzBYDRVzXhS8RCv474UX0vhdNCH-i-MtNQMgVRR-nMQjGWikU5G20JuZyjTJm91E6J0/s254/IMG_3157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7etJL8pSNLYzhAQPVNoIKaI06o56Im6eWtiaZp7g8prZCi8PBJdwc8Mo_NCBhNnsLtfN67wPY8MdS5K209nbJWmfDelkHle9TdQpAX2OU3VEWfPbaWzBYDRVzXhS8RCv474UX0vhdNCH-i-MtNQMgVRR-nMQjGWikU5G20JuZyjTJm91E6J0/w309-h400/IMG_3157.JPG" width="309" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-51899118439463984142021-12-16T00:19:00.000-05:002021-12-16T00:19:54.290-05:00A photo essay... the highlights of a garment district trip or two... or three, maybe?<p>There's more to these stories. This is what the garment district looked like a few months ago (August). Go to my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shop_the_garment_district/" target="_blank">Insta</a> for more...</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5iTV4AzW6Z4qClPTy4EVAOYLUlGUWPYIfHhjSrrnv5HBimcO1Fdp-DrNiT2BvqdjuprdvVIrabipYEJTaKoOWeAIrl7b4ruN4u9pA33ffGDBa24INw9yNKDa0I6qjRQTOXh-ZAB9un20/s4032/64926979877__EC5BA249-A974-47DF-AABD-7B84964C95AC.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5iTV4AzW6Z4qClPTy4EVAOYLUlGUWPYIfHhjSrrnv5HBimcO1Fdp-DrNiT2BvqdjuprdvVIrabipYEJTaKoOWeAIrl7b4ruN4u9pA33ffGDBa24INw9yNKDa0I6qjRQTOXh-ZAB9un20/s320/64926979877__EC5BA249-A974-47DF-AABD-7B84964C95AC.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding in an EMPTY subway car</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Gsjxnc5juVtl2gOVqxlTLhy4Fyr404GPfrnC7OKMS2sU3fuFmOjXPy1CYUz6QglznNojM_Q1s6UvnorS54f1KX0yv9d53JoHRuApKROGewg5c1wnC-JqpPE352NCD-CANM6Z0C5LW-w/s4032/IMG_0610.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Gsjxnc5juVtl2gOVqxlTLhy4Fyr404GPfrnC7OKMS2sU3fuFmOjXPy1CYUz6QglznNojM_Q1s6UvnorS54f1KX0yv9d53JoHRuApKROGewg5c1wnC-JqpPE352NCD-CANM6Z0C5LW-w/s320/IMG_0610.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flower from Schmalberg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNuwQYAOypfRLgbOMOiGTr4eseCXCFUrF9VuqUUYON5e9IjgTsY9P5fkqMM3JKZ1Hv_SU9BF-k8uHg0SB3Sz788PwPCK7ALFmzLlPHLjyj4QKgWO6khrF82TK0zw8vyT1oyIjc8XT_MX-/s3024/4AAAF458-C24E-413C-B155-05E3A238CF9D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNuwQYAOypfRLgbOMOiGTr4eseCXCFUrF9VuqUUYON5e9IjgTsY9P5fkqMM3JKZ1Hv_SU9BF-k8uHg0SB3Sz788PwPCK7ALFmzLlPHLjyj4QKgWO6khrF82TK0zw8vyT1oyIjc8XT_MX-/s320/4AAAF458-C24E-413C-B155-05E3A238CF9D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta use some bleach to make these work...</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooNfQ3RrBp8vnQQyIIWsQpL_GeJLCTxc1emCx22B3A7wU7C47FRp5ZdKJTee-QherO9VMxOA2XLdNtcQQE0DUwOr18zHjRlZQHHkgP397zIFUeV_NtyxmV-C986IDq8IEmd0HbFY8MgIM/s2549/D85C1309-503C-44AE-8DEA-5386ED2A6B48_1_201_a.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2549" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooNfQ3RrBp8vnQQyIIWsQpL_GeJLCTxc1emCx22B3A7wU7C47FRp5ZdKJTee-QherO9VMxOA2XLdNtcQQE0DUwOr18zHjRlZQHHkgP397zIFUeV_NtyxmV-C986IDq8IEmd0HbFY8MgIM/w194-h400/D85C1309-503C-44AE-8DEA-5386ED2A6B48_1_201_a.heic" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric pleated</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><br />mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-44963201319125072992021-02-22T23:21:00.004-05:002023-12-13T13:56:48.014-05:00A lumpy, bumpy, comfy Coronacocoon<p> 2021</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj70rvoqjUCN0F96M5O3f9Re6wUS3_wprRHrTDBYilP-i4uPvPyT6bSaAR0NC5J5mhyphenhyphenbODurYAzE8vEUE_IY50Lc6Sq3fFN3MpJweYf08KATAfdMEXXoL5V-Av2IEPGxTTB_UiKp6CcvK/s2048/BD690C53-C01E-4D3C-B2C4-C64240B67CAF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj70rvoqjUCN0F96M5O3f9Re6wUS3_wprRHrTDBYilP-i4uPvPyT6bSaAR0NC5J5mhyphenhyphenbODurYAzE8vEUE_IY50Lc6Sq3fFN3MpJweYf08KATAfdMEXXoL5V-Av2IEPGxTTB_UiKp6CcvK/s320/BD690C53-C01E-4D3C-B2C4-C64240B67CAF.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A <span style="font-size: medium;">zero waste shirt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unless you include time.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjS38_B_1I9CWBkVJDAQgOtTPRYtl6e1LsntW2HAs4RbIvrPgZisLGElSLTUKrHdkr_vTBdhNYT39TtT8gpqsPUxZhJLKXB1e1njsEk7NesJ1fBirvwYDi5E8a67fpHZDJKxnLaehAsLK/s2048/B3D98229-65D2-4EFB-8EB1-9350635D23B8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjS38_B_1I9CWBkVJDAQgOtTPRYtl6e1LsntW2HAs4RbIvrPgZisLGElSLTUKrHdkr_vTBdhNYT39TtT8gpqsPUxZhJLKXB1e1njsEk7NesJ1fBirvwYDi5E8a67fpHZDJKxnLaehAsLK/s320/B3D98229-65D2-4EFB-8EB1-9350635D23B8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We can laugh. Why not?<p></p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-36497568749408446842021-02-13T23:04:00.001-05:002021-12-02T11:36:44.467-05:00The perpetual shirt - rest in peace, Jerry Lewis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(8/21/17) RIP Jerry Lewis</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Updated 3/8/15*</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and again... 6/3/16... and still wearin' the shirt 1/31/18</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and still... 2/13/21</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Note: *On the evening of May 20 of this year (2016), I laid out my perpetual shirt to wear on May 21st. On May 21st, I got up, got dressed, and forgot to put it on... Now, it is labelled JUL 01 16, and I had to give it an alarm on my calendar, so I will remember this time! Ha!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/on-kawara-silence#.VPyaLW5ati4.blogger">exhibit</a> at the Guggenheim Museum in New York takes this idea in a completely different, more conceptual, fascinating direction.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Originally posted 4/1/13</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVJGVNOZl96iP5AAsYtLAYMyn-EJHxQmeTYm1Ofgs_4zf3p7WDtS2uYvR0lBhSHp603H-L1t6FxIcBZllNN6JAAlNmoqGuanxU2xV0khqZWWK80P8Z6_Sh4MIPNNDjomzlLiHRzVvB8to/s1600/images-6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVJGVNOZl96iP5AAsYtLAYMyn-EJHxQmeTYm1Ofgs_4zf3p7WDtS2uYvR0lBhSHp603H-L1t6FxIcBZllNN6JAAlNmoqGuanxU2xV0khqZWWK80P8Z6_Sh4MIPNNDjomzlLiHRzVvB8to/s1600/images-6.jpeg" /></a></div>
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You may already know that I love humor in my clothing. (Not my photo - contact me if any problem.)</div>
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One particular piece I just made was inspired by Jerry Lewis. He was rumored to have never worn a pair of socks more than once, and I was struck by the sheer impracticality and wastefulness of that choice. Unless, of course, he had a sock endorsement deal, and a free lifetime supply of new socks, which could then be laundered and donated to charity monthly. Then, that kinda cleans it up. Right?<br />
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Every now and then I get truly obsessed with a clothing-related idea, and, when that happens, I feel the need to talk it out. With anyone who will listen. So, I told some friends I was designing a "perpetual" shirt. Every time I explained it, it generated at least 10 follow-up questions, most of them starting with "But... how would you..." or "Why would anyone ever..." No one really understood why this idea was important or funny to me.<br />
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But guess what...<br />
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When you make your own stuff, the only person who needs to like it or understand it is you. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>So there.</b></span><br />
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I've learned by watching cartoons, that when people or animated characters get an idea, they often experience that moment beneath a single, illuminated light bulb. Well, not in this case.<br />
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My idea hit me like this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwHJAMNNfrL7lepKNaqjEfb-95ePlMdW8Di6ms4W4fsF5pGjSKKdUMv_1XL8XpO2BRt5nHI65FX1M-tnVYRf_aSuY08JB1zjnaa9P3swdooyk2o1Glaf0eKpKBEBom1tVX4K6-tfnLnkw/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwHJAMNNfrL7lepKNaqjEfb-95ePlMdW8Di6ms4W4fsF5pGjSKKdUMv_1XL8XpO2BRt5nHI65FX1M-tnVYRf_aSuY08JB1zjnaa9P3swdooyk2o1Glaf0eKpKBEBom1tVX4K6-tfnLnkw/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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This image in my head helped me sort out a way to make this work. Look at my <a href="http://mimisasyouwish.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-perpetual-shirt.html" target="_blank">other blog</a> for sewing info, if you care.<br />
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Okay, so yes, I know what today's date is, and no, this isn't an "April Fool" idea. Really now, why would you even say that to me?<br />
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(*clearing throat) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving on...</span><br />
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So, since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, here it is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6UEIoGB7jVpfPTdJ2fuDuCAl59FhZuOtpqNEOxzra1atXgABan7mE2D-aQPUNnX90zebIae9b8kQ8PMxFb7yHkqVrTvVSdiezI_i32eiFgkAER0P8mo51GoNJxoCmUQaVHZg9rA4p3oL/s1600/IMG_3172.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6UEIoGB7jVpfPTdJ2fuDuCAl59FhZuOtpqNEOxzra1atXgABan7mE2D-aQPUNnX90zebIae9b8kQ8PMxFb7yHkqVrTvVSdiezI_i32eiFgkAER0P8mo51GoNJxoCmUQaVHZg9rA4p3oL/s320/IMG_3172.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "perpetual shirt". It only<i> looks</i> impractical... </td></tr>
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Cotton stretch fabric from <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/06/quality.html">NY Elegant</a>. Why that store? Because I am only making this shirt once, I want it to last a long time, and their quality and variety when it comes to fashion stretch fabrics is stellar.<br />
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Velcro by the yard from <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2008/04/daytona-braids-trimmings.html">Daytona Trimming</a>. Why that store? Because I know they sell it by the yard, the prices are wonderfully reasonable, I find the store very easy to navigate, and getting quick, courteous assistance is easy there.<br />
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Silver fusible letters from <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2008/11/jonathan-embroidery-buttonholes-while.html">Jonathan Embroidery</a>. Why that store? I happened to notice just the letters I wanted when I wandered in for another reason recently. Easy, and they had what I needed. For something as simple as letters, I'm well aware that there are other great choices in the district too, though.<br />
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Background fabric for letters from an unused fancy black table linen given to me by my son's occupational therapist some years ago, because she "knew I sewed, and could use anything"... how random is that? And, how true is that??? Ha!<br />
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And, hey, if that isn't true about Jerry Lewis, don't tell me. It's far more fun to believe it.</div>
mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-44110541418109596912021-01-04T11:26:00.000-05:002021-01-04T11:26:13.421-05:00So how are you? I mean, really... how ARE you? How are YOU?<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Tough question to answer these days. The default answer is "I'm fine... (giggle, sigh) and you?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I'm fine.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, I guess I'm fine.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Happy holidays, and enjoy your celebration!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've made lots of masks now, you can click to buy what I've got left, or I can give you details nowhere to buy some really great ones from a vendor I love.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://py.pl/wObL2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnJGMihydNlj3L47LrhqAMafxeVEvdS_KIHCd9DzL_ZRXe9QTOK78fue6FUgZqAwjkt8YWwoO4xPjWBPpqJ57n5fP3aT0DFiAxyR5ZrObQjMBSmTFETA77aRQIFsCO-dMsV56laxXxMZ_/w400-h400/DAFBED6F-FB35-42DF-AE18-14823B91C1F3+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUyxDJMzmVqjfl0YU2ZNtObXsuHEvN_5dWOBj9EnxBGJYMeIe5qZbg2xmCbDU0zX-WCjxZvQwvmoetFKESL6u6rijaKjVKvVNvPA8yRXziMnhIPSVckBHC3Km3c1ipoaGyELIuOfOF6Ma/s4032/IMG_2650.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUyxDJMzmVqjfl0YU2ZNtObXsuHEvN_5dWOBj9EnxBGJYMeIe5qZbg2xmCbDU0zX-WCjxZvQwvmoetFKESL6u6rijaKjVKvVNvPA8yRXziMnhIPSVckBHC3Km3c1ipoaGyELIuOfOF6Ma/s320/IMG_2650.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJb0ADMo2kv_hHZbFvrPR03076A9KrYHvtoX7PcjI7rJt4ucQ3pmG-TNJ9snjIudzYyaSYAfOFw7mNexq3XkwnYlj5ucy6DjipjXo1wGSRxpQwaZ5HZ9I5eLJvOVurRA754pnzWm6DgvX/s4032/IMG_2589.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJb0ADMo2kv_hHZbFvrPR03076A9KrYHvtoX7PcjI7rJt4ucQ3pmG-TNJ9snjIudzYyaSYAfOFw7mNexq3XkwnYlj5ucy6DjipjXo1wGSRxpQwaZ5HZ9I5eLJvOVurRA754pnzWm6DgvX/s320/IMG_2589.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyGYh-0BVh55mIL2qstqEkwk6OJPztxV0BOnhAMLLCP9xlcAeGFoFzJxo-j6HnI5yAYr1tsT0pIc9T2F-9Wa2uq5DB3HncRY_9rB2br9MnESEx0mtSJX00ADPr8ED8TCiSENm5kSqOzqn/s3246/IMG_2148.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3246" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyGYh-0BVh55mIL2qstqEkwk6OJPztxV0BOnhAMLLCP9xlcAeGFoFzJxo-j6HnI5yAYr1tsT0pIc9T2F-9Wa2uq5DB3HncRY_9rB2br9MnESEx0mtSJX00ADPr8ED8TCiSENm5kSqOzqn/s320/IMG_2148.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-53169410697879824312020-11-09T19:04:00.000-05:002020-11-09T19:04:16.528-05:00Let's talk...<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">I've been interviewed by one of the greatest! I don't have to say much here.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I suggest you go THERE...</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=2731882">www.patternreview.com</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Feel free to express thoughts in the comments, if you so desire.</p>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-83731900723527611312020-11-09T19:01:00.015-05:002020-12-16T23:38:35.919-05:00Mask making missive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="5"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Updated!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Want to <a href="https://py.pl/JiRMP" target="_blank">buy a mask</a>?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cost is $25 per mask, shipping included.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Link below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">They are made like just the ones you see pictured, just a labor of love. There are cheaper ones, and other styles/materials/kinds, and I take no offense if you prefer something else. Asking is free of charge! We'll discuss what colors/fabrics I have available, so you can choose what you'd like.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've made lots of masks, gradually improving and rethinking over time. I now make double-stranded crocheted </span>ear-loops for comfort. They are naturally elastic, and can be tightened by pulling through grommets and tightening at the wearer's own comfort level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvot6wHjLKu4ekHTPzs__LxIAMjWWzCX7HXqwVFuxpMNAIDeHG9v8tp0gognKXemr21i9VpaAVc8s48YJcUNXbUJ-xaeTOaW0_-rzEr4JmoUfAHlVT2MhFSqQqQe9SHxfUSxbX_mRUIbex/s2048/IMG_1747.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvot6wHjLKu4ekHTPzs__LxIAMjWWzCX7HXqwVFuxpMNAIDeHG9v8tp0gognKXemr21i9VpaAVc8s48YJcUNXbUJ-xaeTOaW0_-rzEr4JmoUfAHlVT2MhFSqQqQe9SHxfUSxbX_mRUIbex/s640/IMG_1747.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><font size="5"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM10I6xj8Nt1WX2JIWa1i9IRwZut7_UykD-ZEcQWCNHtsON-St-MF5BvnsIj0GZgL9SjTjipy1RB3ptt61UF4NZDP7bj_e58vYQswATVSlbqZhly1aDulQYiJgTFABB30mcfDFDrYB_du8/s2048/IMG_1777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM10I6xj8Nt1WX2JIWa1i9IRwZut7_UykD-ZEcQWCNHtsON-St-MF5BvnsIj0GZgL9SjTjipy1RB3ptt61UF4NZDP7bj_e58vYQswATVSlbqZhly1aDulQYiJgTFABB30mcfDFDrYB_du8/s640/IMG_1777.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTCF42RKPZP7DHVU2nENnkmeF48aWYoWL7ma6ojSTZk-CiRxwHb77ncnoaUBVJR5fHT1JW-POJh3N7jrc-dxaNFhVIhROxpidffmQfQ5EIIS0gehH5BuAweraHOWpmBFJlyN0DmDw95IK/s2048/IMG_1779.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTCF42RKPZP7DHVU2nENnkmeF48aWYoWL7ma6ojSTZk-CiRxwHb77ncnoaUBVJR5fHT1JW-POJh3N7jrc-dxaNFhVIhROxpidffmQfQ5EIIS0gehH5BuAweraHOWpmBFJlyN0DmDw95IK/s640/IMG_1779.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've made lots of them now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VjL65ejwsEbBLFlETuvW_KzzWS2-ST8trlYM-RcdRqj2-gmHByIhb21eGZrL31MHA3Vf2F1LhmNNSRUMERkTmMH-ZClm6q7J5zya-xnIPeUgD6UF66pIJvyQBfst3uqGePlXsfz6xFCB/s2048/IMG_1780.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VjL65ejwsEbBLFlETuvW_KzzWS2-ST8trlYM-RcdRqj2-gmHByIhb21eGZrL31MHA3Vf2F1LhmNNSRUMERkTmMH-ZClm6q7J5zya-xnIPeUgD6UF66pIJvyQBfst3uqGePlXsfz6xFCB/s640/IMG_1780.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For friends and family.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEJWHJHmx8Hk-dNIA77hhfFMOUEDVXozYyfpWtYXCc0AHELqmm-qKV6Nj_jLaOF-H-aDCSeCoH73mxyVbuih_CYRg388SJ6q-BGCEhFbt6JppgP1bDPLC3d4zMwqZRSQ5rMvDUCybTEc3/s2048/IMG_1875.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEJWHJHmx8Hk-dNIA77hhfFMOUEDVXozYyfpWtYXCc0AHELqmm-qKV6Nj_jLaOF-H-aDCSeCoH73mxyVbuih_CYRg388SJ6q-BGCEhFbt6JppgP1bDPLC3d4zMwqZRSQ5rMvDUCybTEc3/s640/IMG_1875.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9nf-ZLZZ39ElQw2Qg5UydALHR2ilWwV9SVeO3HWcKIw5wVW1C9e9lz7AjCnPHYdTDu763Y6JiOv-rf_MZR4Q4p0HPFXN1_p9xqqZW1aQG1OZPcumuaPdQlWGLo-48W4DC2K4X79kQ-So/s2048/IMG_1898.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9nf-ZLZZ39ElQw2Qg5UydALHR2ilWwV9SVeO3HWcKIw5wVW1C9e9lz7AjCnPHYdTDu763Y6JiOv-rf_MZR4Q4p0HPFXN1_p9xqqZW1aQG1OZPcumuaPdQlWGLo-48W4DC2K4X79kQ-So/s640/IMG_1898.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My awl and grommet press have gotten a workout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To launder: I keep a glass mask bowl on the kitchen counter, and we drop our used mask in when we come in the door. I boil water in the tea kettle, add a few drops of dish liquid and to submerge. Later, when the water has cooled, I rinse and squeeze the masks, and hang to dry for the next use. Easier than always having to throw in the laundry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">People have asked about buying them, but I haven't felt feel comfortable charging friends and family for these. If I were to charge for the amount of labor and supplies these take, they would be on the expensive side. So... here's what I'll do. You have three choices you can make if you want to support my mask-making effort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can "support the cause" (simply contribute funds because you want to), buy a mask I've already made (because supplies are limited, and I may not always have the time or inclination to make them), or request a mask if you are a friend, associate, family or someone in need, and I will use the "support" funds to offset the cost. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've made a payment button for your request, and you can let me know if you are interested.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOlVg7KJKewKLt_rksGJg_HZsu9STLolZaMP8sJuCrzB6ennM8iRNWDY2EsHMmS7ttKv1J5mFLQCsQm1ufos2VzXdfnZrQqJwecmRGMsx75fy-cBSMpuZ1yLB5d1kro88UGxPh7ilv2YM/s2048/IMG_2584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOlVg7KJKewKLt_rksGJg_HZsu9STLolZaMP8sJuCrzB6ennM8iRNWDY2EsHMmS7ttKv1J5mFLQCsQm1ufos2VzXdfnZrQqJwecmRGMsx75fy-cBSMpuZ1yLB5d1kro88UGxPh7ilv2YM/s320/IMG_2584.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></font></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="4"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></font></div><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top"><table style="text-align: center;">
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</blockquote>mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-53542439129642524832020-09-05T16:43:00.001-04:002021-12-02T11:37:36.297-05:00Fashion Unraveled Symposium... A mountain of things I haven't told you... second post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "google sans", roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 32px 0px 8px; text-align: center;">In October of 2018 I wrote this...</h2><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "google sans", roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 32px 0px 8px;">
She started quietly, and very slowly, describing her visit to a seemingly completely normal place, and being directed towards a small, simple, and quite unremarkable white dresser. Inside its drawers, she explained, long protected from dust and light, were the impeccably folded clothing items which had belonged to, and were sewn by Frida Kalho.</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jho4LsNifVg1iWSp19oOu91GdZxb3BrDEubLeGGZ2YNYRsncXX-XypL2CFGyHc-LJuYl5q-voqzi9Rt7jkJsv3FTMQaZF7t-mXj2N4SBnqjInwB2tV_BferIWbq6mJzabh9IuKPcYMPJ/s1600/frida.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="220" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jho4LsNifVg1iWSp19oOu91GdZxb3BrDEubLeGGZ2YNYRsncXX-XypL2CFGyHc-LJuYl5q-voqzi9Rt7jkJsv3FTMQaZF7t-mXj2N4SBnqjInwB2tV_BferIWbq6mJzabh9IuKPcYMPJ/s400/frida.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frida_Kahlo">Frida Kalho</a> (photo from Wikipedia - click link to see details)</td></tr>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Michelle McVicker presented "The Traces of Use, A Case Study of Appearances Can be Deceiving: The Dresses of Frida Kalho and the Potentiality of Visibly Worn Dress" See more <a href="https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/frida-kahlo-appearances-can-be-deceiving/" target="_blank">about this</a> here...</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was in. Every word she spoke was fascinating to me, as she explained how signs of use and wear give garments a history, that pristine, unworn, or excessively "restored" garments cannot convey. She talked about the word "patina", a concept usually reserved for durable antique items, but rarely used for signs of wear on clothing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Now, in September of 2020, while I am no Frida Kahlo, I get it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Cancer hit me like a cannonball. Chemo, chemo-radiation, surgery, recovery... body changes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDeK0bLw7beoePLKYJHYHwReh-AgZXVOP04ptMjKF99uPPoUJSIaVtDSvCcRxxtD85iSZtV7fcKyi9Ho7rke42Hl0Pz1nCFRSTiR9kE-QYGdpcG60PokYUSmGh9y8ghVGFXKe_925q5UZ/s500/frida-leg-e1522938581993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDeK0bLw7beoePLKYJHYHwReh-AgZXVOP04ptMjKF99uPPoUJSIaVtDSvCcRxxtD85iSZtV7fcKyi9Ho7rke42Hl0Pz1nCFRSTiR9kE-QYGdpcG60PokYUSmGh9y8ghVGFXKe_925q5UZ/w333-h500/frida-leg-e1522938581993.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I discovered a great use of my own skill. Sewing for my own body changes and challenges. Asymmetry, new needs...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I got this.</span></div><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: "google sans", roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 32px; margin: 32px 0px 8px;">
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-12540280047418021422020-06-29T18:20:00.001-04:002020-06-29T18:20:05.832-04:00There is no "size" for the face.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're like me, you've been making masks. If you're like me, you've been asked by friends/clients/businesses/charities/organizations to make masks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In all of this mask making, one thing is clear to me - </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Mask-making is as "custom" as it gets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The width of your face, whether you feel suffocated, whether you want it to tie on the back of your head, loop around your ears, have an elastic belt around the full circumference of your head... Will it mess with your hairstyle, your beard, your glasses, your color coordination, your breathing, your comfort? All are worthy considerations, and it takes a special person to try to accommodate all of the concerns thrown at them. But,,, ignore/don't ask these things, and you will have made a mask that will never be worn. That's tough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it's true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So what do you do? You've gotta err on the side of too many choices. I can't see nay other way. I've made a bunch of styles for myself, and for my family, (extended and nuclear - more than big enough to keep me VERY busy). I've got a basket of "kinds". Choose the one that suits, claim it, and it belongs to you. I don't doubt that you've seen the tutorials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My current favorite is below:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCm7q89tpSkxpz_32IG84p1PYq9OaxgN5xNc9p2osAUka5PDwV_4E2A_QPRsHh2fZm5xBFym7EXXJpWsi-F6IflI77b9UvoJacQwZxinl3r16ilsUJQlM3FU6vq15iEjSWQKRc_sw0LHq/s1600/IMG_1718.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCm7q89tpSkxpz_32IG84p1PYq9OaxgN5xNc9p2osAUka5PDwV_4E2A_QPRsHh2fZm5xBFym7EXXJpWsi-F6IflI77b9UvoJacQwZxinl3r16ilsUJQlM3FU6vq15iEjSWQKRc_sw0LHq/s400/IMG_1718.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I've also done these...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And lots more... from the first mention of cotton masks as protection, until now. I have made them for wide faces, bearded faces, kids' faces, fashion-loving faces... and now I really encourage people to try to make their own. They really are easy to make, and there are plenty of places to buy, it seems (but I haven't tried to buy any myself). We're in a new zone now. If we're gonna be wearing masks all the time now, we'll all need a good few. I happened to have many fabrics around, thanks to a corporate gift of quilting squares I received as a thank you for a professional favor, but now, you cane even buy plenty of cotton fabrics online, too.</span></div>
mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-10479691242724241302019-10-28T13:49:00.000-04:002019-10-22T14:36:55.802-04:00Updating...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a while. I don't want to let <strike>a million</strike> ten years of posts to go to waste, so I will be reposting and updating as time moves along! I have finished my treatments, and am feeling better with the passing days, so I'll be back in the wing of being again, as I am doing a bit of creative sewing even today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">LOTS of fabric and notions stores are closing to have closed, so I will be updating my garment district maps to reflect those changes today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, just when I think I have run out of things to say, more stuff comes to mind, and my stats tell me people want to read it, so ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">yeah...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still here for you.</span><br />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-71788673923319754652019-10-27T23:58:00.000-04:002019-10-27T23:58:00.933-04:00On shoemaking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Originally published 1/16/17</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, here we are. I am OBSESSED, and frankly, it is just an endless, bottomless, chasm. Having said that, I can't really form this particular dispatch into one neat, cohesive post, so, please, my fellow mad creatives... please appreciate this weird romp along with me. Where the heck do I begin?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I found a book at the library on shoemaking. Let me not forget to say, for the record, that I asked the woman at the information desk in the creative/art section of the library if they had any books on shoemaking, and she literally ROLLED HER EYES, as if that would be a ridiculous pursuit for ANYONE to embark upon. She referred me to a section, not a BOOK, and I was eventually able to find, after diligent internet searching (on my own!), a book that they needed to retrieve from their basement!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I have now studied almost every single word of it. I would like to own it, but, as you can see, if you click on the above link, it has a ridiculously high price on Amazon. Truth be told, I'd spend less by pretending to lose it, and pay the library for it... hmmm... I won't do that, though. It would be dishonest. Darn it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">So... my fascination begins at the point that I really love unique shoes, have very few pairs (by choice!), but there are a million ideas in my head, so I want to experiment and explore. After about two months of research and supply sourcing, I must say that one can learn the technical challenges and common techniques, but the rest, much like clothing making, is unique, sculptural and magical.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I love the most, is that while watching a professional make a shoe using factory equipment and tools, finding creative ways to construct something like a carpenter would, using your hands, and carefully planned pieces, calling on your local shoemaker to do the soling part for you (toxic glue fumes, professional equipment) if you want to do something truly special, you discover that you can indeed create something lovely and lasting for yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This video would be wildly ambitious for anyone who has never tried to sew sneakers before, but it is a great education in what all of the shaping and sewing entails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to assemble failing things, toss them all, and replace them all at one time. More practical than crazy, I would argue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here's another thing. If you're anything like me, you long for some favorite pair of shoes that you had long ago, or are no longer made. You can't duplicate them exactly without the tools and materials, but you can absolutely use them as inspiration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, explaining how to make a pair of shoes is as complicated as trying to tell someone how to make a dress. There are endless levels of quality, complications, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, let's say you just want to do the sculpting and artistic side of things... you can leave the soling up to your local knowledgeable cobbler or shoe repair person! If you want to do the soling yourself, you can buy soling sheets and cut them (try <a href="http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/">Manhattan Wardrobe Supply</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>), and/or you can buy pre-made soles, ready to glue. You can also buy insoles, rather than make your own. There are many options for comfort. Explore the options online, and you will find some great supplies to help get you to a beautiful result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was happy to learn about a great shoe supply resource (in Brooklyn), named <a href="http://brooklynshoesupply.com/">Brooklyn Shoe Supply,</a> and will visit once I have completed my first pair/several pairs, so that I will be able to proceed with a bit more confidence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As for the drooling/shoe eye candy aspect of things, I made a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mimidressmaker/shoemaking/">Pinterest Page</a> with ideas and inspiration, and I have watched some wonderful You Tube videos for ideas and thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wrap shoe. Food for thought:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About ballet shoes (not because I dance, but informs my shoe thinking):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The video below begins the process of making a very basic ballet flat, but if you read the book I mentioned at the beginning of this post, you'll see what advice is given there, and you can improve on/deviate from the suggested methods given here, if you like. No matter what you choose, it seems some trial and error/discovery will be necessary to your development.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past few weeks, I have explored and learned a lot about fabric choices, leathers, dyes, closures, leather stackable heels, looked at shoes in museum exhibits... I have DEVOURED every bit of information I have found inspiring, and cannot wait to use my hands to sculpt some shoes. I will share results when appropriate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: Now there is a shoemaking map on my maps page, if you'd like to know where to go!</span><br />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-58529329806943078272019-10-26T14:29:00.001-04:002021-11-28T02:03:17.684-05:00I see London, I see France...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enjoyourholiday.com/2012/05/08/london-days-london-eye/">The London Eye</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes the garment district can feel like an amusement park, and the stores within it, a carnival ride. A dizzying assortment of fabrics and notions, offered at a wild range of prices, and often of unknown origin, it is such a win when you find that magical spot, where the collection is carefully and artistically curated, AND you are greeted like an old friend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're like me (and I think many of you are), you crave beauty and an outlet for your own creative expression, appreciating the quality of the luxury brands and the materials they use, but, even if you love exactly what they offer, you may not choose to spend or have the kind of cash those items require of you. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was leading a private tour in in mid-July when we walked into <a href="http://www.elliottbermantextiles.com/">Elliott Berman Textiles</a> to explore their selection of fabrics. My heart nearly stopped when Eugenia pulled out a selection of headers (sales showroom cards for display and ordering information), featuring the beautiful digital prints that were due to arrive a month later. The above panel (London Eye ferris wheel... and YES, that is FABRIC pictured above) stole the show for me! This is a wonderfully soft poly print, with the image of perfect dimensions for the front of some fabulous silky T or blouse I have yet to make. The shipment was due to arrive the the end of August. I couldn't comment publicly here on the blog, for fear that it would just be gone in an instant. And now... yes, it is gone. When designers saw this one at the <a href="http://www.dgexpo.net/">DG Expo</a>, they FLIPPED OUT, and bought ALL of it! And Elliott Berman doesn't plan to have more.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pictured above, is the panel the store saved just for me. Sorry, folks... Sometimes, I just have to keep some secrets to myself. Sorry you missed it? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But, here's the good news... There are other AMAZING digital prints they have to offer. And, no lie... they are just as amazing. The London Eye just happened to be very ME. Had you been there yesterday afternoon, like I was, well... I can barely put it into words.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some of the fabrics are so beautiful, that just a very simple sewing project can take a basic garment into the wearable art category, simply because the fabric makes such a powerful statement of its own.</span> </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">IMPORTANT... BREAKING NEWS...</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A wall has come down. On purpose. Yes, in the store. As a result, a new room of new goods is being filled. NOW. Yesterday, I watched that room starting to come together, at first, about 1/3 full of new fabrics from France, and then a TRUCK arrived, UNLOADING brand new goods from Italy. Yes, I was there to see them! A true first look. Think brocades, high-end swimwear fabrics, Chanel, Etro, Clavin Klein...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Go there in person. The magic cannot be effectively conveyed in a blog post. I will tease you with some photos, but you will have to take the next step.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elliottbermantextiles.com/Designer-Digital-Print-Velvet-ETRO-p/ff-1688w.htm">Digital printed velvet</a>, as used in Etro's collection. Feels like magic. Winter 2013/2014 collection. </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, and ask to look at the cool Calvin Klein sorta burlappy coating/handbag/tough stuff that Calvin Klein has used as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Believe me when I tell you this. Go now. I am not lying when I tell you that some fabrics are actually HIDDEN in the store because they are so wildly popular. Yes, really.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26VjtiDGAnN4mtYXKxrXYypysMCTxQfHeuUPCv0gleDsM1X9StCrFq2eSRxZKhDCCeBjBJZM1pbOOHPfKEH9CeVeBq9W3U0C6oZLF2X7ztqxlz4i4b7R4kUnKCv6YVxFN2efPj-XwGEW9/s1600/IMG_3253.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26VjtiDGAnN4mtYXKxrXYypysMCTxQfHeuUPCv0gleDsM1X9StCrFq2eSRxZKhDCCeBjBJZM1pbOOHPfKEH9CeVeBq9W3U0C6oZLF2X7ztqxlz4i4b7R4kUnKCv6YVxFN2efPj-XwGEW9/s320/IMG_3253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely Chanel high end swimsuit fabric in bright white... for the bravest among you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvJVINkzNM35979KR9Y3ESFhqTu5i2aF73JNtTm3kow9iKES4B7qiJK3k8hQQEAMWH817TtPPm4TtiX45rMkR5CySRXUdQL0ww3DPdd9yitPXGUGmZLPEab51245UknC7nE1Srk3LMt_g/s1600/IMG_3273.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvJVINkzNM35979KR9Y3ESFhqTu5i2aF73JNtTm3kow9iKES4B7qiJK3k8hQQEAMWH817TtPPm4TtiX45rMkR5CySRXUdQL0ww3DPdd9yitPXGUGmZLPEab51245UknC7nE1Srk3LMt_g/s320/IMG_3273.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretch high end swimsuit, snug dress or legging, perhaps?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuh_iOHSrRohDQzeiJI3MBPejpnuCFhMeytDrAiW5INWWony6-GzdIO3eB2JJ8zTnTw9iXUJqQe6UdWkCY9BbB57jTIpGERwiq9jEIk2IDq-nyO-n3OYS7IQPWO2Q3xfFIbMp4jIoHy9v/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuh_iOHSrRohDQzeiJI3MBPejpnuCFhMeytDrAiW5INWWony6-GzdIO3eB2JJ8zTnTw9iXUJqQe6UdWkCY9BbB57jTIpGERwiq9jEIk2IDq-nyO-n3OYS7IQPWO2Q3xfFIbMp4jIoHy9v/s320/IMG_3277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretch high end swimwear fabric.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGvrHjAKTxBu4ifutp2radA1BhJzE48r26PI9zJkhE3ORv4YcvBxnuFRCcu-tkQBDJYM4Gwef-mvP7aS6jHPNZRp-jDLs2IWOlo0I2yJW_Ia2mJb2fFrW0c7TngXE-X2ota0eXsVrD10W/s1600/IMG_3289.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGvrHjAKTxBu4ifutp2radA1BhJzE48r26PI9zJkhE3ORv4YcvBxnuFRCcu-tkQBDJYM4Gwef-mvP7aS6jHPNZRp-jDLs2IWOlo0I2yJW_Ia2mJb2fFrW0c7TngXE-X2ota0eXsVrD10W/s320/IMG_3289.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fantastic print.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv1xaaVdVu-wX0BBimiQgj70vUz_dSXZt49TVl3W5LN-YVoA5T-lAHmER68IG99SPESkvti1aIuYYjfM6JGvvq7Yvz3QllhWH-erNBWYdYZmWTBQuFdPTrFoH2kwEThE0CtDgq3Yqu8L7/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv1xaaVdVu-wX0BBimiQgj70vUz_dSXZt49TVl3W5LN-YVoA5T-lAHmER68IG99SPESkvti1aIuYYjfM6JGvvq7Yvz3QllhWH-erNBWYdYZmWTBQuFdPTrFoH2kwEThE0CtDgq3Yqu8L7/s320/IMG_3271.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need I comment on how pretty and crisp the colors are?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbPle9WxFRON4zxySZLGSBEBXN6bVFqAPgMqipbmFA0VqpesGUytCZu-kgqiB8L-MNQuuwEq2ZIZwb8Hm_QV1KPAN5lxrv2llGIT6EW1ckfIhnw_isOoGStZ9h43Xg87MRmNrDDzGoK9j/s1600/IMG_3256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbPle9WxFRON4zxySZLGSBEBXN6bVFqAPgMqipbmFA0VqpesGUytCZu-kgqiB8L-MNQuuwEq2ZIZwb8Hm_QV1KPAN5lxrv2llGIT6EW1ckfIhnw_isOoGStZ9h43Xg87MRmNrDDzGoK9j/s320/IMG_3256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparkly, random silver polka dots on a white cotton background. Check out the textured cottons, too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHzGwb_hfzMfnEfWy9MX33JcFXw7DYoxJaBKUSSsf_1AE_SDeYoLxAHgNhjtiJT_prneLDSwRqjXeOZWQeTNzPdXTb_bhxa_tDfbvdthRXhTuZZRMj031_-yNDJGu-GRpZWI5J4DzLIMG/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHzGwb_hfzMfnEfWy9MX33JcFXw7DYoxJaBKUSSsf_1AE_SDeYoLxAHgNhjtiJT_prneLDSwRqjXeOZWQeTNzPdXTb_bhxa_tDfbvdthRXhTuZZRMj031_-yNDJGu-GRpZWI5J4DzLIMG/s320/IMG_3252.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretchy, fuzzy, and beautiful. Must be experienced in person!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What I cannot capture, is the fabulous digital prints (like my London Eye), because my photos are terrible, compared to the quality of the photography on the fabric. You'd have to see it in person to believe them.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're not local, visit their website<a href="http://www.elliottbermantextiles.com/"> here </a>to see what they have to offer! Oh, and by the way, what I am showing you here represents only the very tiniest tip of the iceberg of fabrics they have to show. The digital prints are just unbelievable when seen in person.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And, it doesn't end here. To make things, you need notions, linings, complementary fabrics. You will need to visit more stores to do your best work.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />For more opportunities like this, come along on a <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2013/06/upcoming-speakeasy-tour-dates-in-2013.html">Speakeasy tour</a>!</span></td></tr>
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-60895025184085913872019-10-25T13:37:00.000-04:002019-10-25T13:37:00.669-04:00Shop the..... Garment District???<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, with some of the big fabrics stores closing, I can hear the death knell ever amplified. A fairly strict "no pictures" policy is being implemented at several stores, although the older, more established stores still allow it... But I can't decide... does it make my speakeasy tours more valuable... or less so?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On Friday, I led my "hand-holding" Speakeasy, leading some wonderful newbie sewers on a fantastic exploration of interesting fabric store in the district. Consisting of some stores they would not have found on their own, and some they might have, the information. camaraderie and guidance shared on the trip made for a very inspirational journey indeed. By reducing the intimidation factor, and embracing the fantasy of what kinds of things could be made with the lovely things they found, gave me a beautifully warm feeling that sticks with me now as I write this post.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I often forget, is how much the tour participants inspire me as well. My purple-loving participant opened my eyes to some things that may not have caught my eye before (pssst.... the lavender-ish handkerchief linen at Grayline is just so beautiful), and the lovely finds my "non-shopper" participant found herself loaded down with at the end of the day made me giggle...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, as I consider the future of the "Speakeasy", I wonder if the fact that the best stores are now harder to find, and some of the obvious street-level choices have ceased to exist, makes the whole prospect of a speakeasy more mysterious and intriguing? I'd like to think so. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On Saturday, I lead a private Speakeasy, with a focus primarily on interesting notions stores, a small bit of garment district history, some fun upholstery fabric sources, and advice for more places to find the unique items my ladies had in mind. Lively conversation and beautiful weather made it more fun, and as always, it was great to explore the stores through the participants' eyes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without specifics for what led to these stores over the others, between the tow tours, I will tell you where we had the most fun:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/08/pssst-shop-garment-district-exclusive.html" target="_blank">Metro Textiles</a> (moving)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2013/09/gray-lines-linen-or-is-it-gray-line.html" target="_blank">Graylines Linen</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2008/04/daytona-braids-trimmings.html" target="_blank">Daytona Trimming</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2013/01/responsible-blogging-asking-questions.html" target="_blank">SIL</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2008/08/nyc-trim-store-review-pacific-trimming.html" target="_blank">Pacific Trimming</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2009/02/b-fabrics.html" target="_blank">B&J</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2011/03/ny-elegant-fabrics-mixed-feelings-about.html" target="_blank">NY Elegant</a> (moved)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2014/06/fabrics-fabrics-and-fabrics-and-fabrics.html" target="_blank">Fabrics & Fabrics</a> (moving)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, I encourage you to come and explore for yourselves. There is still a wonderland of beautiful stuff out there!</span><br />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-17055819367163038242019-10-24T15:16:00.000-04:002019-10-24T15:16:04.912-04:00On needing closure... This post may be overwhelming...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every clothing item that opens or expands in some significant way, every bag you carry, and practically every sewn accessory that needs to contain something has to open somehow. It also has to close somehow. There are many creative ways to achieve this, but unless we invent something new, when it comes to hardware, we are mostly limited to what we have seen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Elastics abound at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/daytona-trimmings-company-new-york" target="_blank">Daytona Trimmings</a>, <a href="http://www.mjtrim.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw1duqBRDPlLKsuJCUiuABEiQAxgHwJ6-AVcXV4gZloHlE--gZ8EB9cu77hVcSRnNDVS_kBh4aAiIv8P8HAQ" target="_blank">M&J Trimming</a>, <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Trimming</a>, and <a href="http://www.threadus.com/" target="_blank">Sil</a>. But have you looked at <a href="http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw1duqBRDPlLKsuJCUiuABEiQAxgHwJ9tTRnAQuBzBAXqpTusZKFWbiJuCk8zecqri_6lrp-AaAvm-8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Manhattan Wardrobe Supply</a> lately? They've got some SUPER strong resilient elastic that would be wonderful in a waistband, and great gripping elastic that would be fantastic for lingerie. Check it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Drawstring Cord Stops. Wildly imaginative ones can be found at <a href="http://botanitrim.com/" target="_blank">Botani</a>, and <a href="http://www.mjtrim.com/" target="_blank">M&J Trimming</a>. <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Trimming</a> has creative cord stops you never would have imagined!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Toggles</b>. Go to <a href="http://www.botanitrim.com/" target="_blank">Botani</a>. <a href="http://www.mjtrim.com/" target="_blank">M&J</a> has them, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grommets</b>. Have them applied at <a href="http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/" target="_blank">Steinlauf & Stoler</a> (they have moved in fairly recent past) or <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/06/star-snaps.html" target="_blank">Star Snaps</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Snaps of all sizes</b>. Magnetic or not... Have them applied at <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/06/star-snaps.html" target="_blank">Star Snaps!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Covered Buttons. </b>You can have them done at <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/04/psssst-just-button-it.html" target="_blank">BT Button</a>. (But don't say I didn't warn ya.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buttons in quantity?</b> <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2013/01/buttonology-inc.html" target="_blank">Buttonology</a> or <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Trimming</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buttons for just one specific project</b>? Possibly <a href="http://www.mjtrim.com/" target="_blank">M&J Trimming</a>, possibly <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific</a>, <a href="http://www.ejoyce.com/" target="_blank">Joyce Trimming</a>, plus lots of other choices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Snap Tape.</b> <a href="http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Wardrobe Supply</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/104789563233709060405/about?gl=us&hl=en" target="_blank">Daytona</a> are the best/easiest places to find it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hook & Eye Tape</b> - <a href="https://plus.google.com/115107595878992896192/about?gl=us&hl=en" target="_blank">Steinlauf and Stoller</a>, <a href="http://www.ejoyce.com/" target="_blank">Joyce Trimmings</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/daytonatrim/" target="_blank">Daytona Trimming</a>, <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Trimming</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zippers</b>. Depends on what you need. Jus function, specific size, or quality? Is your zipper a design feature? <a href="http://www.botanitrim.com/" target="_blank">Botani</a> or <a href="http://www.pacifictrimming.com/" target="_blank">Pacific</a>. Functional? <a href="http://www.threadus.com/" target="_blank">Sil</a>. Specialty? Depends... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Velcro. </b><a href="http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Wardrobe Supply</a> is certain to have what you need, but Daytona has plenty, too!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Leather laces</b>. <a href="http://www.leathersuedeskins.com/" target="_blank">Leather, Suede Skins</a>, <a href="http://www.ejoyce.com/" target="_blank">Joyce Trimming</a>, and <a href="https://plus.google.com/110359341978967631202/about?gl=us&hl=en" target="_blank">Leather Impact</a> will have what you need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fancy buttons?</b> <a href="http://tenderbuttons-nyc.com/" target="_blank">Tender Buttons</a>... (updateL now closed!) But you would have had to leave the garment district for that, anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and a kind reader mentioned that I forgot to remind you that <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2008/11/jonathan-embroidery-buttonholes-while.html" target="_blank">Jonathan Embroidery</a> will do perfect, custom buttonholes for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you need a closure map, that holds all of this information in one lace, you can buy one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where to buy closures in the garment district (with descriptions):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This map is $15. Purchase option below:</span><br />
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<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="paypal">
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<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="ZWKJ3LVMCGJEQ" />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-14601529399709385252019-10-22T14:00:00.000-04:002019-10-22T14:00:02.249-04:00$17 later... Curtains. (And my fight for curtain diversity)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Updated -Original post 4/27/15<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvaAt7bKn0D4SpaTGlee-3BRWMeBQAPlNosiAeu4pNZLp2_UyqUDMVBG_uQ7yhKaHdm5y5TVS9hl6RBtuTjeRWysA2ry1iCzoFOmdpIr4tc_BnQBW8QZciAE0XKylupVSXMpTqvRq2n-L/s1600/photo+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvaAt7bKn0D4SpaTGlee-3BRWMeBQAPlNosiAeu4pNZLp2_UyqUDMVBG_uQ7yhKaHdm5y5TVS9hl6RBtuTjeRWysA2ry1iCzoFOmdpIr4tc_BnQBW8QZciAE0XKylupVSXMpTqvRq2n-L/s1600/photo+(1).jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The simplest of curtains.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">*The details of the curtains are unimportant here, no special finishes or hems or anything of note... I just love the colors.</span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On Friday, I was looking up at apartment windows, and noticed the glaring absence of interesting window treatments. Mostly white, and not distinctive in structure or texture, it seemed, I just wanted to see something different. This random thought led me into a local fabric store on Saturday. I had grown tired of my old, <a href="http://mimisasyouwish.blogspot.com/2007/12/golden-prison-new-curtains.html">golden-hued curtains</a>, and wanted an immediate change.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I went to a place one wouldn't likely know to go to... and you can only win there if you can distinguish the good stuff from the crap, because, believe me... they have too much of both. While I can't say I would "recommend" this store (unless you really wanna beat Manhattan prices, and this place is likely a jobber, a big sign tells you all fabric is sold "as is"!), the prices, eclectic selection, and opportunity for thinking differently absolutely couldn't be beat. I'm talking $1-4 a yard, mostly. So, what did it cost me to make these curtains?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">$17.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yup.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I made them on Saturday. Simple, cheerful curtains. Done.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So let's say you want to do the same? You can spend more, of course, but the options are practically endless for simple panels. At that price, you can change your curtains monthly, if you want. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Note: Home dec fabrics adhere to flammability standards, but you can also spray other fabrics (not leather, though) with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Burn-Fabric-Fire-Spray-32-Ounce/dp/B002TKLD14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430136618&sr=8-1&keywords=flame+retardant+spray">this stuff</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wanna make your own?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some ideas for where to buy the fabric:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2011/03/ny-elegant-fabrics-mixed-feelings-about.html">NY Elegant </a>(upstairs)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2011/12/reader-question-time-where-to-find-home.html">Prime Fabrics</a> (upstairs)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2009/02/b-fabrics.html">B&J Fabrics</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2015/01/whats-new-at-mood.html">Mood Home</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/05/bargain-alert.html">Truemart Discount Fabrics</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I just did a rod pocket, but if you n</span><span style="font-size: large;">eed grommets installed for hanging:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/06/star-snaps.html">Star Snaps</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2012/03/nyc-notions-store-review-steinlauf.html">Steinlauf & Stoller</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to simple curtains, make them yourself, and you'll save a fortune. Pay someone else to do them, and you'll spend a fortune.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If money is no object, you can really have some glorious things made. Just keep in mind, there are more options in the world than just WHITE!</span><br />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-7482612864159729222019-07-09T16:52:00.000-04:002019-07-09T16:52:36.703-04:00As yet untitled... (and "Death By Pastrami")<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Originally published 6/22/15</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Make sure you read the comments on this post, too. The comments really expand this post, and really give great additional food for thought! (Originally posted in 2013, I have realized that posts have their moments of popularity, and my stats tell me that this is a post that is igniting a spark right now.) Visit <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2015/02/when-fashion-bloggers-go-to-cambodia.html">this blog post </a>for more recent thoughts on the same topic!</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I find it interesting that you call your blog 'Shop the Garment District', considering..." he said, tapping the glass table deliberately, "that the <i>Garment District </i>no longer exists."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Leonard Bernstein, author of a collection of short stories featured in an <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2013/04/fact-or-fiction.html">earlier post</a>, was ready to school me on the garment district. And I was an eager student. I initially wanted to meet him because of his fiction writing, and his unique garment district stories. What I didn't know, was that I actually <b>needed</b> to meet him. His knowledge of the Garment District is vast, valuable, and needs to be shared. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I met him in the office of his family business, Candlesticks Inc., where he has been at the helm since 1953. Candlesticks is a well-established company, in business since 1928, selling to the biggest retail chain stores whose names we all know. In a glossy, formal, garment center building, his company produces childrens' pajamas and swimwear. Leonard, a smartly dressed, happy man, ushered me over to the big glass table in the showroom, and promptly offered me a perfect cup of coffee. "This is a real Garment Center business." he announced. He was right. There was no sign of the dingy, rough places I have seen and imagined. This place was corporate and clean. Efficient and quiet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With a garment district family history that stretches back as far as his great-grandfather who owned a pushcart on Hester Street at the turn of the 20th century, and a grandfather who owned an apparel company with a factory in New York City, Leonard's unique perspective allows him to understand both where the district has been AND where it is going. Better yet, his warm, open personality allows him to share this information with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And now? His company produces lots and lots and LOTS of garments, <i>overseas of course</i>, and selling in the biggest retail chains we know. Macy's, just across the street from his office, is among them. Quickly, the conversation turned to the topic of apparel manufacturing. We're not talking about the hobbyist, or the little guy/gal who just wants to make a few items here. We're talking about the businesses that help people buy houses , cars, build savings, and put their children through college.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Myth #1: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Greedy capitalists won't produce in America, making it impossible for others to compete.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the thing: Can you still buy supplies, manufacture, and sell goods you make in NYC's garment district? "Yes, you can - if you do boutique-type stuff. You can find a small shop to make 27 dresses, or some artistic handmade ties, and yes, you can sell them. But... you wanna sell to Macy's Target, WalMart, Sears? Then, you've gotta go overseas." Leonard tells me. "Why not produce it here?" I ask. "Why not, you ask? Where are the factories?" He elaborated on this point, explaining that it's fine when you're just starting out, since at most, maybe some loft in Chinatown will produce the small lot you need, but, eventually you have to be competitive. If you want to sell to the big stores, the factories in China, Bangladesh, and Cambodia can produce the quantities you need quickly, using workers who are paid $1/hr. And guess what? That's a living wage in those places!</span><br />
<br />
Mythe #2: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The foreign garment factory workers are being abused and exploited.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPikZyBrxVTXYIcBmxYKjlFs7EbSTsgQj9Uj3hBTLrK2_8Vx24eoHw9y-gOKzf-Ift0cFsIFf7PGMJL7FO5g0Vxpo1SjrcEJjInAv5SAtiur8gDrtDEPWhk2Q9fr-rBxmtgR6Ytdx0ccR/s320/8cb058e32624b403270f6a7067000188.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangladesh factory fire - locked exits - <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/reports-exit-locked-burned-bangladesh-factory-074125331.html">read here</a>...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"We love to believe the story of the poor, abused foreign worker. The children, the enslaved, the hungry and lame. Making pennies an hour." The fact is, he goes on to explain, if you tell a factory manager near Shanghai that you hear many of these factories hire or enslave children, he will tell you that he has a MILE LONG line of able-bodied, capable ADULTS who would be happy to work for $1 and hour, compared to the $.50/hr the hard physical labor alternatives offer. Working in state-of-the-art, efficient factories for a good wage. He has a WAITING LIST of eager adult workers. "Why would I hire a child?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My brain is spinning now. This is not what I expected to hear. What I'd been led to believe. "So, can't you use a 2nd class factory somewhere, and pay workers far less?" I asked. "Well, you can..." Leonard explains, "But when you sell to a store like Macy's, they will only buy garments produced at approved factories, and you (the manufacturer) must have a certificate that states they are manufacturing your goods. Without that certificate, the big stores won't talk to you." The big stores send inspectors to those factories, both announced, and undercover, to see how things are being produced, and to check that procedures are being followed. Without the kind of sales a store like Macy's, Target, or Sears can do, how would you sell the goods?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"But, I've been to stores like Conway," I protest, "and their prices are sometimes lower than I can even buy the fabric to make it myself. Where is that stuff from?" (I've always been SURE it was some sort of near-slavery work in a third-world country.) "The stuff you see in those stores are closeouts." Leonard tells me. "These things need to be sold for anything they can get. Those are just goods they need to move."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We want to believe that the Asian factories have "grabbed" the apparel manufacturing, but we (USA) are a privileged, advanced, over-comsuming country. We open our drawers and closets to find dozens and dozen of garments - more than we need or even want. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, it comes to this. What should we have done differently/ What is our future?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Well, " he confides, "You know those huge campaigns... Look for the Union Label, Buy America, etc...? Well, they all failed. Every one of them."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A decade ago, Leonard ran a factory in Pennsylvania, with 350 workers. "You know what? Far more foreign cars in the parking lot than American ones. The employees wore affordable clothes made in other countries - and these were American factory workers! The salesmen had to hide the fact that the clothes were made in America just to get appointments, and avoid getting laughed at! Our wholesale prices weren't competitive."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He goes on to explain that he can make a sample garment, photograph and email it to the Shanghai factory at 10AM, and by 11AM, the factory can give him delivery and price. AND the fabric is already available there, where the factories are!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So... the future?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was a much longer conversation, not easily summarized in a blog post... but a rising tide lifts all boats, you know. In time, workers who make $1/hr now will be wanting to earn $1.25 at the new factory down the road. Wages will rise, and labor will become more expensive for the manufacturers. It will be at least 30 years before their wages are competitive with our own, though. So, we move on to other countries. Bangladesh, Cambodia... all they need are more factories to be competitive. After that? Africa can't be far behind. There are workers in Africa who will gladly earn $.50/hr - and yes, still a living wage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5jY9YtepBSdr0U67U63sG8vl7d4F1E_WkGKNRRuBprPEmgrzqzk3eGPQIUXwtkT2EIKxo3JXjmuUe0M_Mubzelzw3TA3nH3rGEIe_DE5VIGW0L5IjUiWb1LOIKCjCLPqhpYSN84fAdBk/s1600/MK-BD869_CRETAI_D_20100615201318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5jY9YtepBSdr0U67U63sG8vl7d4F1E_WkGKNRRuBprPEmgrzqzk3eGPQIUXwtkT2EIKxo3JXjmuUe0M_Mubzelzw3TA3nH3rGEIe_DE5VIGW0L5IjUiWb1LOIKCjCLPqhpYSN84fAdBk/s1600/MK-BD869_CRETAI_D_20100615201318.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rising labor costs in factories force manufacturers to look elsewhere... <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703627704575298874139834494.html">follow link</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can impose tariffs, for sure... but don't we want other countries to buy our goods? Due to advances in technology, we are more connected than ever. This has made the other side of the planet as accessible as the office next door. No one is to blame for this. We can grow exponentially, or we can change, OR can simply stop consuming. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact is, the world is constantly changing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Okay, so what should we have done differently?" I ask.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Nothing." Leonard replies. I believe him when he says that. This guy is no slouch, I tell ya. Early in our conversation, I asked him why he wrote fiction, before I had any idea what other pearls of wisdom he had to offer. "I love to write, so I wrote." Simple as that. And, by the way, "Death By Pastrami" is his 6th book!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(note: added 1/3/15) And he has since written a new one!</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=finadre-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1608010279&asins=1608010279&linkId=U4J6VYTCQJJSP3S7&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-1343201169352875232019-04-04T22:38:00.000-04:002019-04-04T22:38:42.777-04:00Why you should be a dressmaker... or at least, make/change some stuff... (To be followed by Why you should NOT be a dressmaker)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Repost: originally written 10/14/15</b></div>
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Previous (related) post:<i> <a href="http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2015/10/why-you-should-not-create-andor-design.html" target="_blank">Why you should NOT create/design your own projects</a></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, you should be a dressmaker/custom sewing professional. Or maybe not. Seriously. Are you considering it?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some things I've made and redesigned over the years...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPRve5odog1vpmjiOFYfShhJG1YCRIXl-8gheAwpV9xWTRfM4ke4k42gZrq62ZDnC5Kt6-0N2ANDjIQM2SBqsBMuazpwaIWIChwHtsWL_5KLD0kWF0UHCfpDv5jIyjdw-gv5G7iDAQ9Aw/s1600/201003-1034542_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPRve5odog1vpmjiOFYfShhJG1YCRIXl-8gheAwpV9xWTRfM4ke4k42gZrq62ZDnC5Kt6-0N2ANDjIQM2SBqsBMuazpwaIWIChwHtsWL_5KLD0kWF0UHCfpDv5jIyjdw-gv5G7iDAQ9Aw/s320/201003-1034542_0036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grand entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1urRGMXIvUz1wODTiOGcRmV3fzmw0F9yJvnnPJHrEiDOt9Z8OF5Ick89StdXiqQHCXNPGuV8IVBt89EJJM4hqA52JyIYFRazeEwEvrMs6LVfyrHoUPY6FCYaYx0BtqUYFdiwpSC5eTk/s1600/201003-1034542_0053-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1urRGMXIvUz1wODTiOGcRmV3fzmw0F9yJvnnPJHrEiDOt9Z8OF5Ick89StdXiqQHCXNPGuV8IVBt89EJJM4hqA52JyIYFRazeEwEvrMs6LVfyrHoUPY6FCYaYx0BtqUYFdiwpSC5eTk/s320/201003-1034542_0053-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skirt zips off for the reception dance!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkUnhywz_hsLsXelpKHuxC6HXmYe2smMI3ZiFvOzKIhQmuZDcrCGO0Ni2wJDZ1OnYv_HI6j2dPyp9kx_qslhqRdUEHBl_Y9_ZfP_WXYtkDwtVmViNQjeTZcgw2hPr8H-otBbFAfhhyphenhyphen_CL/s1600/almost%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkUnhywz_hsLsXelpKHuxC6HXmYe2smMI3ZiFvOzKIhQmuZDcrCGO0Ni2wJDZ1OnYv_HI6j2dPyp9kx_qslhqRdUEHBl_Y9_ZfP_WXYtkDwtVmViNQjeTZcgw2hPr8H-otBbFAfhhyphenhyphen_CL/s1600/almost%2521.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mother's wedding gown combined with a Sri Lankan sari to make an American/Sri Lankan love story.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38FV7P1a6lofm7OBXV0wLiHv_Klyt6qhpfa3JbbFvUwZrJzJs41wfz69zvLS7PBLy5MiRwE89gpXAjsyudlJoDF4dPxQlA4lCnJYilm1i5bZKxjxor6PT3bN1oK7zjdH3MMwVwGKJYNT8/s1600/looking+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38FV7P1a6lofm7OBXV0wLiHv_Klyt6qhpfa3JbbFvUwZrJzJs41wfz69zvLS7PBLy5MiRwE89gpXAjsyudlJoDF4dPxQlA4lCnJYilm1i5bZKxjxor6PT3bN1oK7zjdH3MMwVwGKJYNT8/s1600/looking+back.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought at auction, 1890's dress made fun for the bride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGR_dmzHALOlKKtU5FiX6vJPecN-zK3gjSEaUuhMiLEAGGSgeiWdhc2wgwfzR_RDkLDk-F72atWrhTcUsDDPrw7uhQG61R1rg6fkmRc2yVp3nSkGhs9Ch9kmBkQRS9ipLT2LFrdOySRSm/s1600/IMG_2806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGR_dmzHALOlKKtU5FiX6vJPecN-zK3gjSEaUuhMiLEAGGSgeiWdhc2wgwfzR_RDkLDk-F72atWrhTcUsDDPrw7uhQG61R1rg6fkmRc2yVp3nSkGhs9Ch9kmBkQRS9ipLT2LFrdOySRSm/s320/IMG_2806.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A winter reception dress for a classy bride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JHEiNfTNtN2pEATY6VcxSOy2_FLHH8aW0I548nPVET1hm7jyq3Tx0jc3EVIkx08OHpjrKnoWThOno0x7mXbTciT1458tC5JUYu1a5jx-r1nucOBKj2s7Mn-sH-zhwticcsrg1TbcgjFC/s1600/janice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JHEiNfTNtN2pEATY6VcxSOy2_FLHH8aW0I548nPVET1hm7jyq3Tx0jc3EVIkx08OHpjrKnoWThOno0x7mXbTciT1458tC5JUYu1a5jx-r1nucOBKj2s7Mn-sH-zhwticcsrg1TbcgjFC/s1600/janice2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tidy work pants for a minus-size client.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLdH2zAmizMk927aB1fdE8jFFo_GCwZCx0OSa71ZjVfnLjCTp-97skSHOvfM2h6aCI87kLpt-o5I1VDtOt9fGcWLZ3HQ5Gorz8V2wp_tsJ86XZLb53SgLgZ28WFj5JtXrdXGz7par4GDE/s1600/photo%252Bshoot%252B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLdH2zAmizMk927aB1fdE8jFFo_GCwZCx0OSa71ZjVfnLjCTp-97skSHOvfM2h6aCI87kLpt-o5I1VDtOt9fGcWLZ3HQ5Gorz8V2wp_tsJ86XZLb53SgLgZ28WFj5JtXrdXGz7par4GDE/s1600/photo%252Bshoot%252B1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Valentine's day duvet and pillow set...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, for one thing... there is a frightening shortage of creativity and fun in the affordable ready-to-wear and other markets, and far less variety when it comes to costumes, home dec, outerwear, and party-wear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So why should you do this kind of work?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf3rpF0F7DN1lSQVF8sZmeRyAhDyofv2bMFzHknRpAhX-yhaljysZAcqcwRkt7gK1GQxCDFWyE2yi3W9JHR5FBtUcK42Crl6PbyO1vMlv6e7pkB5PUGUFx1el_EPn9xnVKNfIBaGMkM6Q/s1600/img432+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf3rpF0F7DN1lSQVF8sZmeRyAhDyofv2bMFzHknRpAhX-yhaljysZAcqcwRkt7gK1GQxCDFWyE2yi3W9JHR5FBtUcK42Crl6PbyO1vMlv6e7pkB5PUGUFx1el_EPn9xnVKNfIBaGMkM6Q/s400/img432+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You'll be able to earn money."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I may be lying a bit here. You probably won't earn much, and your income will be BOTH unreliable and unpredictable (fun!), but you can create lots of great things for people who need/want them, and you can be paid for doing it. How will they find you? You can list yourself on a site like <a href="http://www.findadressmaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mine</a>, or on a free site, like Mood, or post ads in your local area for your target market.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKeaKTrNQrpvvvw6_7JD7XDF75picGTVJ7uIDWr593G_tJCFbaOp8xHVKRf1Q_cph5PYg1HoGgfmkiy9RX8TSCtSWG4Dxr5SuSx8kGmgWGAJpdHYvd1MKbPrRz8Xge7emeM_4AYi81sXH/s1600/img432+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKeaKTrNQrpvvvw6_7JD7XDF75picGTVJ7uIDWr593G_tJCFbaOp8xHVKRf1Q_cph5PYg1HoGgfmkiy9RX8TSCtSWG4Dxr5SuSx8kGmgWGAJpdHYvd1MKbPrRz8Xge7emeM_4AYi81sXH/s400/img432+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You'll be able to stretch creatively."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can expand beyond the ready-to-wear items offered in stores, within the limits of your skill level. Bias, cross, or straight grain? Your choice. Your design! Your colors! Any size! Will you fail? Will things go wrong? Yes! (Unfortunately.) But things will also go beautifully at other times. If it doesn't, you'll know when to stop, for sure.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GLDWVYoJokKEWp3i86l5EHELZCIw8R5f8avP6m4HFaF2tlffqM8kUchQL2LIU56CvV_RfEB4ubj-5uxFBR0-OTqZBm3NfCzhWxo5kPSVlYcTaXZGYvFKywVlQIV0AqZQU3zCMBPdJDzi/s1600/img432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GLDWVYoJokKEWp3i86l5EHELZCIw8R5f8avP6m4HFaF2tlffqM8kUchQL2LIU56CvV_RfEB4ubj-5uxFBR0-OTqZBm3NfCzhWxo5kPSVlYcTaXZGYvFKywVlQIV0AqZQU3zCMBPdJDzi/s400/img432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You'll have complete control."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ha! No you won't. The client tells you what she/he likes. But you can get as creative as the client will allow, and it is a fabulous feeling to truly please someone with something fantastic! It is always at least a bit of a gamble, but if you can keep an eye on quality, technique and execution, you really stand a chance of doing some great work.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYpc30r7Ym-Qc7U76tQ3MqNPzLMLR06-kPboUc-V4JsbUDpIR72iqpvp4xGb3eduJczB0vDwl4QjDMx6KHU44H43Zdr3SwT92GYRdiijKGVrxRTponwDK0raGxE03ls_WREsR7FIm2i2g/s1600/img432+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYpc30r7Ym-Qc7U76tQ3MqNPzLMLR06-kPboUc-V4JsbUDpIR72iqpvp4xGb3eduJczB0vDwl4QjDMx6KHU44H43Zdr3SwT92GYRdiijKGVrxRTponwDK0raGxE03ls_WREsR7FIm2i2g/s400/img432+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You can think outside of the box."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the greatest part of all. Some of the most fun I've had has been doing things like making convertible wedding dresses (zipping off lower tiers of a skirt for dancing, combining cultures), making clothing suitable for physical challenges and disabilities, answering all kinds of unusual requests - it really can be a joyful experience, should you choose to give it a whirl!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">Next post on related topics: </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;"> Why you should NOT be a dressmaker (will be posted in the near future)</i></div>
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-90125548536696026602019-02-04T17:11:00.000-05:002019-02-04T17:11:35.103-05:00Rosen and Chadick - Off the beaten path<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Update: Sad to say, Rosen and Chadick closed for good this weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THIS.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn1Zru5cpH8gR1oZVRKbp6gDnJGEMVaLIQ7XwS9x09cpkJxyZG5ATeMwLGrRL9HjWEoitCi6NstzuECzFyF63tpIawEucVImOoy9D6Hi7ww_H3RqJwBfIuO0XaD5qmzy0fHheRI1N0DKV/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn1Zru5cpH8gR1oZVRKbp6gDnJGEMVaLIQ7XwS9x09cpkJxyZG5ATeMwLGrRL9HjWEoitCi6NstzuECzFyF63tpIawEucVImOoy9D6Hi7ww_H3RqJwBfIuO0XaD5qmzy0fHheRI1N0DKV/s640/IMG_1013.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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AND THIS.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo7LWFb9lpeMtuxOTde0IrZxdg-RVaS-ZSfqywRK6uD9g1qPeaz9vLIjOB3D0LBNjjWl1ygnhxCpUpncltdaiTldB4SErNImyWMtEF-Tfb528MWwUuTr3RHHuQBXMwy34Xl1_bvlqswg3/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo7LWFb9lpeMtuxOTde0IrZxdg-RVaS-ZSfqywRK6uD9g1qPeaz9vLIjOB3D0LBNjjWl1ygnhxCpUpncltdaiTldB4SErNImyWMtEF-Tfb528MWwUuTr3RHHuQBXMwy34Xl1_bvlqswg3/s640/IMG_1014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What can I say that hasn't already been said about Rosen & Chadick? What I can say for certain, is that quality and beauty still rule here. You've gotta know what you like, be willing to pay an appropriate amount for it, take your time, appreciate quality, and understand the PROFOUND difference between this store and many of the (remaining) others in the district. It is absolutely one of the best kept secrets in the district. For good reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once housed in a HUGE space on West 40th Street, they have since moved twice in recent years. The business has changed. The customer has changed. Their eye for gorgeous stuff has not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My heart skips a beat when I look through their offerings. The <b>shirtings</b>, the <b>woolens</b> (which work in all seasons, you know), the <b>denims</b> that least forever and wash like a dream, beautiful <b>silks </b>and specialty silks for<b> ties</b>... all sigh worthy. Long enduring relationships with suppliers from around the world make their unusual inventory possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Big broadway musicals, movies, plays - the wardrobe and costume people come here. The people who want to make to make luxurious clothing for themselves, for clients, for museums, with archival reasons in mind. They have been working with the best suppliers FOREVER. When is "forever"? 1952. Nowadays, that's forever...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is quiet in this space, which is perfect for the peace-seeking creative. Do they have EVERYTHING? No. But that is why they are perfect in their selection of what they do have. There are no endless piles of ANYTHING in the store. Just the diamonds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go. You won't be sorry.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rosen and Chadick</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">108 W 39th St #13</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New York, NY 10018</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">M-F open 9-5:30 </span></span></div>
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-73260574046777442992019-01-08T11:34:00.000-05:002019-01-08T11:34:01.433-05:00Seriously. Who'd believe it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reposting (1/08/19) Still nothing...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dJCSiLGT_2WOGBrNpy_Gh1yDnr50yk1cz0Im1RUWZsHrb8I0DTiw_l8eROXHoXyr1gxTYRAwFdwfYJZQckYGb47qeQwzTkQa5dNdGwukyP4eZbuW6mugOnyNJXxQcRvkrjUSzE7jadFn/s1600/IMG_2711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1504" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dJCSiLGT_2WOGBrNpy_Gh1yDnr50yk1cz0Im1RUWZsHrb8I0DTiw_l8eROXHoXyr1gxTYRAwFdwfYJZQckYGb47qeQwzTkQa5dNdGwukyP4eZbuW6mugOnyNJXxQcRvkrjUSzE7jadFn/s640/IMG_2711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">MISSING</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously. Sent via USPS on June 15. Tracking number and all. Delivered June 16 to destination, according to tracking. My friend did not receive it. I have to wait <strike>7</strike> <b>15</b> days to file my insurance claim. (update: Turns out, they make no promise with the priority mail service, since, really, why would you file a claim if your package arrives before day 15? Dirty trick... )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">No tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">USPS has been BEYOND unhelpful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I wouldn't consider her to be something someone would steal, or have any way of knowing was in the box.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the bright side. I really had fun making her, my kids had lots of input, she gave us lots of laughs, and even IF someone took her, I'll bet they had to giggle a bit...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can make another one! We have developed another character, who <i>already</i> has a name, and if 'Bo is found, she'll have a friend! If she is not found, we can make up stories to tell the other one about her wandering ways... sigh...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was nothing but fun to make her, so I've been given an order.... HAVE MORE FUN!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and the United States Postal Service really sucks. I mean that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She'll have an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bo_dayshus/">Instagram</a>, and I'll link it here. And maybe, just maybe... (said with a deliberate cowboy drawl) she'll find her way to her home (new or old - we'll take either one) someday!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How can you help? Follow her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bo_dayshus/">Instagram </a> for updates (if any), and share widely. Whoever ends up with her should know it! Her name is in the box!</span><br />
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mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1654329590294133998.post-82889488607227442232018-11-27T23:18:00.000-05:002018-11-27T23:18:07.841-05:00"Bleep" you, Gwyneth Paltrow! and a confession... (originally posted 9/12/16)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pardon my French people, but let me explain how this goes...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometime about a year or two ago, I declared myself a Paltrow-free zone, refusing to utter her name for at least a full week, as she seemed attached to EVERYTHING I was doing and believed in for a time, and I just couldn't believe how often I was uttering her name. Sensing that my involuntary fandom was bordering dangerously on worship, I cut the Gwyneth cord, and tried to go cold turkey.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This summer happened. My daughter went vegetarian, I supported/am supporting her choice, I opened my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0092XNBS4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#nav-subnav" target="_blank">Gwyneth cookbook</a> (<i>and now it's looking like I'm gonna have to buy the others</i>) to reveal even more exciting recipes and ideas than the ones I've already fallen in love with, I watched some great social documentaries about the way we live and what we consume... (see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKzng1_byMY" target="_blank">Vegucated</a>, <a href="http://livingonone.org/livingonone/" target="_blank">Living on One Dollar</a>, <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/05/can-chelsea-handler-break-the-late-night-format/482550/" target="_blank">Chelsea Handler's Netflix show</a> - grownups only - but very much worth watching, if you have an open mind a reasonable tolerance/willingness to ignore/allow profanity and delicate topics), my favorite episode of Glee (see above), the movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZWvgEOoV3U" target="_blank">Shallow Hal</a>, which I've now seen at least 10 times! and now, here I am... just head over heels again. I wanna just scream "*** you!" (I'm not a profanity girl, so that's the best I can do) at her for reeling me back in again, sitting on my shoulder like some sort of nagging reminder that I have a responsibility to the planet, my family, and myself. Grumble.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A paraphrase of her comment on a recent talk show was, "How is it that we allow ourselves to buy products and have no idea what's in them? And the makers have no obligation to tell us, either!" That is insane. Yes, we should know where our food comes from, anything we slather on our skin or hair, what's in it, what our clothes are made of, what chemicals are in the dyes and fabrics. We should not be denied that information. But... it's outrageous for us not to seek it, either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truth be told, there is a health component to what we are wearing, consuming, slathering on. We can dismiss passionate people as goofy idealists, but this is our lives we are talking about... and more voices are chiming in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another example of this sentiment below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "mercury ssm a" , "mercury ssm b";">I’ve been on a journey as I’ve gotten older, of really thinking much more about the environment, about health and wellness. I think particularly because of my work around trauma, which is very focused on the body. It makes you aware of the impact the environment can have on your body and brain. The Columbia School of Public Health did a study recently showing that certain pesticides used in public housing products caused developmental delays in those children. Our first instinct is to blame parents for those delays, but it was the environment that really played that role. I started to see the impact of environment on physical well being, and think more deeply about what I’m eating, what I put on my skin. Even about the sun: when I was growing up you put baby oil on and burnt to a crisp. It’s the ongoing realization of how powerful environment is, and how it can impact your brain and body and what’s inside of you. I’ve noticed differences in how I feel when I eat organic food versus processed food. It’s an ongoing journey.</span></span></blockquote>
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-Lyn Slater of <a href="https://zady.com/features/zady-lady-meet-accidental-icon-lyn-slater" target="_blank">Zady Lady</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, the point here... if you are a creative person who cares about the environment, extensive sourcing and questions of the buyer in the establishment will inform you about the fabrics you may wish to purchase to make your goods, but it still won't get you there entirely. <a href="https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2016/07/21/new-legislation-that-makes-us-safer-maybe/" target="_blank">Research</a> is important, for sure, and will educate you somewhat, but eventually, you will have to rely on limited sources for your goods if you want to be true to the mission.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the garment district, the brick and mortar stores I have recently noticed carrying either organic cottons, bamboo, hemp, or other eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics are <a href="http://www.nyelegant.com/index.html" target="_blank">NY Elegant</a>, <a href="http://bandjfabrics.com/" target="_blank">B&J Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=&q=organic" target="_blank">Mood</a>, and <a href="http://www.graylinelinen.com/" target="_blank">Grayline Linen</a>. It is a tough road to environmentally responsible choices, and nothing but consumer education will bring us any closer to healthier options overall.</span></div>
mimi jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.com0