Sale at Lace Star: 25%/40% Off Everything

Head over the Lace Star pronto (215 W. 40th St., NYC) if you want to catch the final days of their 25%/40-off sale. I popped in at lunch today and it was only because I exercised great restraint that I didn't walk out with anything. Brocades, laces, trims and anything with beading are 25% off; the rest of the store is 40% off. This means you can get silk charmeuse for around $10.80/yd and 4-ply silk around $23/yd. I don't think you can do better than that in the Garment District right now, so grab your shopping bag and get over there fast.

Readers Questions: Where to find linen and silk lycra

Believe it or not, there's a lot I don't know about the Garment District. Rather than take a guess and pass on misinformation that will live forever, I'd prefer to open up reader questions to STGD readers. So please, if you know the answer to questions posed on this site, raise your hand and leave a comment!

Laura asks:

"Do you know of any good shops for linen shopping? I am most interested right now in looking at some stretch linen (sort of an oxymoron) to see how it handles and drapes. I remember seeing a "linen-only" shop on 36th or 37th a couple of years ago. Any insight?"

Hey Laura, I know B&J Fabrics has a decent linen section because I just looked at it last week. What about you, readers? Any recommendations for linen sources?


Snow asks:

"Help! I'm trying to find silk lycra printed fabric. I purchased a DVF blouse and to my horror it had a metal zipper in the back that wasn't flattering and incredibly cold. I had to return it but then I decided I'd make my own blouse, but I'm having a really hard time finding silk lycra in prints. Any suggestions?"

Snow, Mood Fabrics has a ton of silk lycra prints. This would be my starting point. You could also check Elliott Berman Textiles. Chime in, readers, if you've seen silk lycra prints elsewhere in the Garment District.
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Wondering where to find something? Send me an email at lindsaytdesigns [at] gmail dot com. If I don't know the answer I'll post your question here on STGD.

Got Any Questions for Kenneth King?

The always fabulous Kenneth King has agreed to do an interview for Shop the Garment District. You're probably already familiar with Kenneth, creator of "one-of-a-kind, made to measure pieces for women and men, as well as limited edition pieces for boutiques," frequent Threads contributor, FIT professor, and sewing instructor extraordinaire. If you have any questions for him that pertain to shopping or finding things in New York's Garment District, please leave me a comment here and I'll ask him. Thanks!

Reader Tip: Best Place for Silk Organza

from Emory via email: 

"I just wanted to suggest adding maybe one comment/fact to your review on Chic Fabrics. They are probably the best source for silk organza in the garment district—$7/yard, always. I'm sure other places occasionally have sales or whatever and you might be able to find silk organza for less, but Chic Fabrics has a good color selection and a consistent low price. Kenneth King recommended that I get my silk organza there when I took an online class with him - that's how I found it!"

If you have tips about shopping in the garment district that you'd like to share here, send me an email at lindsaytdesigns [at] gmail dot com.

Welcome!

Hey, Lindsay T Sews readers, I'm so glad you're here! "Shop the Garment District" is where you'll now find all my Garment District reviews, news and tips. (I'll keep blabbing away about the clothes I make and the other things in my life at Lindsay T Sews.)

"Shop the Garment District" is brand-new and evolving—I'm not even sure I know what I want it to be—but I'd love your input on what I can do to make this site a return destination for those of us who love the stores and services of NYC's Garment District. In fact, I'm looking for contributors, so if you're a Garment District regular (or even semi-regular) and would like to share news and tips or write posts, do let me know. I want this site to have more takes on things than just mine.

I'd love it if you help me spread the word about "Shop the Garment District"; feel free to copy and paste the STGD button on Lindsay T Sews. And check back soon or add this to your RSS feed, as I plan on having a giveaway soon of a not-readily-available dressmaking notion or two. Stay tuned!

Breaking News: Six Steps to Save the Garment District

Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday six initiatives to help bolster New York City's threatened Garment District. Strategies include Project Pop-Up, an annual competition to promote new and innovative retail concepts, and Fashion Campus NYC, which will provide up-and-coming fashion and retail management professionals with additional opportunities in the industry through business seminars led by industry executives, networking opportunities, and an online resource with information on living and working in New York City.

The program is expected to roll out next year. I'm encouraged, people! Read more about Mayor Bloomberg's announcement here.

A Fresh Take: B&J Fabrics

Tons of waterproof fabric options at B&J Fabrics

I don't know exactly why B&J Fabrics hasn't been on my list of fabric stores I immediately think of when I need more fabric. Maybe it's my perception that they don't carry anything that costs less than $50 a yard. Maybe it's the way the you browse for fabric by looking at "headers" hanging on a rack, rather than by pulling out bolts of fabric from shelves. I always feel a little self-conscious when I'm at B&J, like maybe I need to be carrying a more expensive-looking handbag or wear pricey and uncomfortable shoes.