DIY vs. "DIFM"

C'mon...

There's no shame in it.  

You have fallen in love with an idea for a project.  You've imagined it, you know what you want the fabric to look like, feel like... You  know how you want the finished product to hang, to flutter in the breeze, to hug, to mold...

You just don't have the time/energy/skill to make it all happen.

"I wanna take a class!" you say.  You peruse the offerings of sewing schools, colleges, fashion schools and universities.  You ask friends who do amazing work if they will teach you.  Sure, on one of those leisurely Saturdays you so often spend lazing around in your spotlessly organized home, with kids, spouses and others so engaged in their own lives, who'll miss you for a couple of hours?  Yes, your copious amounts of free time should be spent learning to bead/embroider/knit/design/drape/smock/dye/applique.  And, if you're diligent, it should only be a decade or two or three before you're really good at it.

My own hand beaded fagotting, cut away from a blouse I made about 15 years ago... I loved it so, but Man, was that time consuming!

OR....

You can go to an professional, who will do the things that would take too long to do, that you haven't learned to do, or don't have the equipment to do properly.

A velvet covered button I had made at B&T Buttons.  I could never achieve this smooth, professional quality on my own - and I didn't have to try!

A grommet I had applied for me at Star Snaps for my cradle bag.

I love the DIY movement.  I also love the spirit of the Quilting Bee, DIO (Do It Ourselves).... but I'm also becoming a HUGE fan of DIFM (Do It For Me) projects, as well.  My creative brain is endlessly swirling with ideas that may never come to fruition without some very specific help.

I have long suffered the curse of trying to figure out how to make something look great while I "figure out" how to do it on my own. Mining the resources of the garment district has really helped me finish many "unfinishables" or long-languishing projects.  

Believe me, though... my stash is still pretty large, and I've got a long way to go before all of the dreams piled in those boxes, bags and hangers are realized!

Here's a quick resource list  of things you can have done for you, saving you time, and elevating the quality of your projects:

Custom Fabric Flowers (a place you've truly gotta see to believe)
Pleating
Zippers cut to size
Covered buttons
Snaps, studs, etc.
Grommets
Feather steaming, shaping, sculpting, applying
Embroidery, beading
Fabric printing
Smocking, tucking, general fabric manipulation

In a nutshell, stop kidding yourself... either go learn, do, and dedicate yourself to getting things finished, or pay someone who can.  I am following my own advice, and I have work to do at this very moment.

Ok - now that you understand your mission...

Check out the upcoming Speakeasies, and get inspired!

NYC Garment District Service Provider Review: M&S Schmalberg

M&S Schmalberg
242 W 36th St. 7th Fl.
New York, NY 10018
212-244-2090


90 years. That's a long time. I'm a sucker for a family business. I also love tools, and long, technical explanations about how they would go about creating your piece.  You bring the fabric, and then you look at their walls, website, or something else you've seen to give them an idea of what you want.  They tell you if it is possible, talk about the process, and quote you a price. Then, you decide.

How about a bridal bouquet you can keep? Forever?  How about a large rosette to be used on a curtain tieback or pillow for home dec use?  How about a beautiful floral embellishment for your garment, your keepsake wedding journal, your hat, your hair, your... well, anything, really? Be sure to visit their website for ideas you didn't even know were possible.

Going to their office is a truly delightful experience.  Beautiful and comfortable to wander around in, you are encouraged to make yourself at home. You are greeted with enthusiasm, courtesy and respect, by people so passionate about what they do, you'll eventually have to tear yourself away.  Today I spoke with Warren (one of the owners), but the personality of the business is extremely customer-friendly.  I overheard customer conversations during the time I spent there, and am confident that the same level of kind guidance is offered to everyone who approaches them with an idea.

And boy, do they have examples to show off just how great the work is!  Floral topiaries, leaves, flowers ideal for window decorations, and LEATHER.... ahhhh... LEATHER!

Wanna know more?  Read this Wall Street Journal article.

And sculptural custom flowers are just the thing to take your project to the next level.  You don't need to go there to do business.  You can call or email, instead!

If you will be at the

City Source Expo
Tuesday, July 17

10am to 5pm

Fashion Institute of Technology

The Great Hall

Enter on 28th Street (between 7th and 8th)

so will they!