LOOK WHAT I MADE

This is the inaugural image of me in something I made. Since I am a sewing instructor I figured that I should show that I practice what I teach-well crafted, wearable clothes. This particular skirt is the one I asked Tim Gunn ( see earlier posts ) about skirt length. I did exactly what he advised NOT to do and truncate my calf. I really like the skirt and the awkward length; I just feel too old for a maxi length, over the hill for a mini and bored to tears with another knee length. Since I'm 5"11 I think I can work the mid-calf length.

Skirt: Butterick 3134and a beautiful heavy knit from LA @ $2 lb ( see earlier post ) approx. cost $3

Sweater: Target on sale

Camisole: Gap

Shoes: Steinmart $49

Belt: Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie; so old I forgot where I got it :)

MISSION: Maisonnette in Oceanside

On a semi-sunny Wednesday afternoon I went in search of Maisonnette in Oceanside. Students had raved about what an inspiring little shop it was and what I saw online intrigued me. Oceanside is only 19 miles from my house but, it always feels so far because the drive through Camp Pendleton. Of course, you never know what you might spy at Pendleton and this drive did not disappoint- a desert style encampment.

Downtown Oceanside has such a military town feel to it, but Oceanside really is a pretty little coastal town.

I finally found Maisonnette at the corner of Surfrider and N.Freeman St. It is the cutest house right off the main street. Parking is easy and if you're planning on going click on the store website for open hours and a little store history. I really love that this family is nuturing their passions AND sharing it with us.

Maisonnette delights all your senses the moment you walk through the front door. The store is bright, bursting with creativity, and full of wonderful items from books to paintings to fabrics to photos to jewelry! It puts a smile on your face just to anticipate the delightful browsing that awaits you :)

Good selection of books and fabrics by one of my favorite textile designers- Amy Butler. And lots of wonderful patterns, fabrics and books by Anna Maria Horner, who could become another favorite textile designer.

The prices very reasonable to very beautiful fabrics and the selection of striped knits at $6 a yard was incredible! First it's so hard to find knits, much less with a print that you like! Also, lots of garments on display made from the patterns and fabrics in the store.

I couldn't resist...

So I left with a nice bag of striped knits ( who could resist $6 a yard! ), maxi dress pattern, wallet pattern, polka-dot bias tape and a GREAT woven bird/cage fabric.

I think the smile on my face says it all- Maisonnette was a joy to visit. It's a little jewel box full of treasures in nearby Oceanside.

CONTEST ALERT!!

Just cruising through my emails when a little mention in Threads website caught my attention.
Project Runway is casting for a spin-off that will feature accessories! What a great opportunity for perhaps the more crafty individual in the fashion community.
It's not as hard to make a hat or bag fit but, I'm sure the challenges will be just that-challenging!

LA auditions are June 25 & 26

Goodbye Pictures is the production company so visit their website for all the info or go Threads website and search for Project Accessory.

Applications can be downloaded at

http://www.goodbyepictures.com/casting.html

GOOD LUCK

OMG! Super NEW Fabric Warehouse

Early Wednesday I had to drive someone to LAX but, I noticed that a new fabric warehouse was finally open off the 405 freeway off Euclid. Of course what really caught my eye was the offer of "free fabric". Upon my return trip to South OC I stopped by the fabric superstore. It is a Dorell Fabric outlet and Dorell advertises that it has been in business since 1934. It has a very LA vibe but, how smart of them to locate in OC. The store is HUGE, Costco size, and laid out in a very coherent color themed way. The fabric is all home dec fabric on rolls 54" to 60" wide. It starts with cotton prints then moves into 'upholstery fabric' with very little fabric content information. Prices are also pretty darn good ranging from $9.99 per yard for most all of the cotton prints to $12.99 - $16.99 per yard for most of the upholstery fabric and $19.99 per yard for the ultra suede ( which is quite a savings I think ).

The selection of fabrics, weaves and colors was UNBELIEVABLE. I truly think it would be impossible to not find something you liked. I just wanted to make a dozen different garments out of this home dec fabric. However I know from experience that many home dec fabrics do not launder well so I resisted my fabric-aholic impulse. But, man oh man did I find LOTS of fabric that would make the cutest skirts, my personal passion!!

This is a giant warehouse that has no notions ( ie. threads, zippers, etc. ) but, it has some fantastic trims that include amazing fringes, tassels, and cording. Everything needed for some seriously great pillows!

Then there is a HUGE selection of pillow forms ( even down pillow forms ) at fantastic prices. This is really a superstore for interior decorators.

AND there is a serious WALL of ultra seude. I have never seen such a selection in one place. I counted approximately 96 ( !! ) ultra seude colors each priced at $19.99 a yard. The selection is truly mind-boggling.