So... let's say you're coming to visit New York...

Short post for the non-New Yorkers!

If you are traveling here from out of town, there are affordable places to stay. Really!  Now that someone has taken the time to write an entire article about it, I can just share the link with you, and you can make your New York City Garment District Tourism dream a reality!

March 22 Speakeasy Tour

March 22 Speakeasy... 

The purpose of a Speakeasy tour is twofold sixfold...

It exposes you to the merchants you might not otherwise find on your own, unless you begin your own personal exhaustive research.

and...

It exposes those fantastic merchants and their wonderful products to you.

Oh... and you can shop in an energetic, fabric-loving group.

Oh... and you can have a great route mapped out for you already.

Oh... and you can have a great lunch.

Oh... and things I can't tell you here.

That's why it's a "speakeasy".

Shhhhh....

I'm excited to see all of you who have registered on Friday!

Fabric store binge!

Yesterday, I took a client on a private tour of the garment district, showing her the best places for the kinds of things she loves.  While we could have spent a week visiting stores that would have delighted her, we settled on a specifically curated (by me) selection of stores, which she adored.  I, for one, felt like a fabricaholic in a sea of temptation... but I resisted the urge to splurge, just deciding on a few things I will be picking up after the snowy weekend passes... Yeah, I know... stop it - you're not the boss of me!

I've had quite a bit of coffee today... can you tell?

First off, I have to tell you that B&J Fabrics (reviewed not once, but TWICE on this blog, but could use an even FRESHER take now) has a KILLER assortment of printed cottons going on right now.  The colors will make you swoon.  As always, some will really challenge you bank account, but there is also a healthy amount of affordable goodness there, too.  Just dig in, and you'll see! (Note: Don't start on the walls and hangers.)

B&J Fabrics - March 7, 2013

B&J Fabrics March 7, 2013

B&J Fabrics, March 7, 2013

We also stopped into Royal Fabrics.  While not one of my usual haunts, we were lured in by the windows, featuring a beautiful  cotton lacey 1960's inspired... I dunno what you'd call it. Very cool though.  Cue Goldie Hawn and some go-go boots, and we're on! All kidding aside, they really do have some very pretty things.

Spandex House.  Need I say more?  If you want to make a swimsuit, this is where you go for your fabric. The colors, variety, prices and quality are fantastic, so that one was a no-brainer.

DIY Fabrics for home dec fabulousness.  I am almost certain the sign on the store read "DIY", and I've even called it "DIY" myself, but I think their business card or something may have read "Day to Day"  In any case.  This post, and the one it is linked to, will still get you to the proper place on the planet.

Mokuba Ribbon.  A deep sigh.  I have written an article in the current Vogue Patterns Magazine about this land of wonder.  An audible sigh was heard from my client as she explored the beauty of their offerings.  Don't just look.  Touch.  You'll be a believer.

SIL Thread.  Because they have plenty of what you need when it comes to thread, among other things.

Panda - Because they have lots of supplies and tools people need.

Daytona Trimming - Because I've been going there since I was little, and it feels like home to me. I love their old-fashioned approach to business, and that they've got all the swim cup sizes, and crazy-wide elastic!

Steinlauf & Stoler - Because they have quite a range of interfacing types.  I buy my muslin and pattern paper there, too.

Joyce - Because they are all kinds of awesome! And they have all of the handbag stuff, swimwear D-rings and cool closures, feathers, and leather trims.

Metro fabrics - with a deep sigh.  Right now... and I mean RIGHT NOW. The texture and sheen of some of the new fabrics he's got are awesome.  Ask Kashi to show you the new turquoise silk... He'll know what you mean.  Heaven... Also, look at the dotted/spotted pearl shade of silk that looks like a home dec fabric or a jacket.  Absolutely to die!

Fabrics & Fabrics (formerly Lace Star) - Psst... Just take  a gander at the printed silks right now. Oh, and EVERYTHING ELSE!

So, yes.  We squeezed that into ONE day, and it was a FLOOD of information and inspiration.  We both loved every minute of it, though.

I haven't been pushing the Speakeasy tours lately, since both are nearly at capacity now, but you may still inquire, or ask to be notified about any trips to be planned for later dates.

In retrospect...

The year is 1996.

Three years after college graduation, married, out of my parents' home, I FINALLY get to start pursuing what interests me.  Using my own money, I am immersed in and outrageously passionate about sewing, creating, imagining, and designing clothing.  Devouring the FIT library shelves on a regular basis, I spend hours after my day job thinking, planning, sketching, dreaming...

I keep a detailed journal with clippings from magazines and newpapers,  writing notes on all I discover, copying articles, beautiful pictures...

http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/designers/ocimar-versolato/ - Oscar Versolato design
article written by Ruth La Ferla

Direct quote: "Before you make clothes, you have to know technique" - Oscar Versolato

Side note: We've been having a discussion recently about Parsons discontinuing sewing classes for design students. The above quote, I'm sure, will add to that discussion.

Sandra Bullock, in a gown that looks like something stolen directly from my dreams.

Learning to draw hands - Fashion Art course book 1996 

My sketching pretty much plateaued around here... This was for a "plus" sized figure.

My little happy secret is that I can also watch the videos of classes I am not taking, and learn far more than even the classes I've paid for will teach me.  The FIT's library resources are vast, and the classes give me the opportunity to talk to other students about so many things I don't know.  Some of my classmates are professionals in the industry already, while some are as green as I am.

One night, sobbing as I sketch in Fashion Art class... (Yes, literally.) I question whether I can ever sketch garments that effectively convey what I'm dreaming of...

A ridiculously talented classmate gently taps me on the shoulder and says, "Don't worry; you just have to get what's in here (points to his head, and then his heart) to come through here (rubs his fingers together)."  It echos in my head even today.

Truer words were never spoken.

Problem is, I can't find a path.  Where will those jobs/experiences/mentors come from?

I have studied how to drape, develop a pattern, sketch, sew - using my hands, head and heart... how do I apply them in the fashion world?

Now, it is 2013.

Since then, I have worked for quite a few fashion companies, tried, triumphed and failed at many creative endeavors, and in this moment... wouldn't trade any of it for a thing. In the past year alone, I've had the benefit of consulting with a CFDA design firm to help find sample-making talent, worked personally with a very talented billionaire to realize creative visions of her own, written for a national sewing publication, made clothing for very special private clients, done wildly creative work for a trend forecasting company, and even managed a tiny bit of creating for myself and my own family.  Better than what I could have dreamt of back then.

So, maybe now you are the one worried about where to start.  I am often struck by how many students and creatives have no idea where or how to shop for sewing supplies, what various fabrics and supplies are called, how to negotiate the quantities they need, how to get a first pattern made and graded, how to get even the smallest quantity of items produced...

That is one of the reasons why I am here.  I can point you in the right direction. You may even want to come along on a Speakeasy tour!

Got questions or comments?  I'm here!

A bit of publishing news...

I've written a piece in the current Vogue Patterns Magazine's "Sew Biz" section about MOKUBA Ribbons. The magazine has a fresh outlook, under the leadership of a new editor, and I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy its new look.  Buy a copy for yourself, and support a great publication/company!

Radio Silence...

I've been quiet for a bit, but soon it will be obvious why.  Everything I have done in the past two weeks has required me to keep my mouth zipped shut. Believe me, that's hard to do! Stay tuned for a series of important, researched posts coming up over the next few days!

Aspiring designers...

Thinking of starting a fashion line?


Don't know where to start?

Listen to/read this NPR article, to get inspired, and then... know that...

Cherie Bixler will help you. I have personally seen her work, and I know that she personally helps newcomers step into the business world and avoid the common pitfalls when starting their own line. You may not know the vocabulary, you may not be sure if your plan is feasible... but she will consult, and advise before you proceed.

www.cheriebixler.com

cheriebixler@verizon.net

9am to 4pm -201-944-2886

After 4pm - 201–944-2885

The following video is part of a recorded presentation she recently made at the TexWord USA show at the Javitz Center.  How generous of them to allow the world to see the presentation videos online. Oh, and she's no slouch, by the way... she also wrote a book!