Thursday, January 26, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Confessions of a fabric fiend
I have been asked numerous times: Where do you get your fabrics?
It makes me sad to say that I rarely buy fabrics from the Rochester area. Jo Ann fabric is great for a small craft project here and there but for me it is not only costly but also boring. The fabrics I use are all designed by me and printed on spoonflower or Karma Kraft.
Having said this, Rochester still has a few cool stores that have fabrics and other crafty bits for very reasonable prices:
1. Crafts Bits and Pieces in Fairport.
This store is truly a gem. Everything sold here is new or gently used. Everything is donated by local artisans or people who have extra supplies and the store resells it. I have walked out with a bag FULL of amazing loot- thread, binding, ribbon, fabrics, knitting needles,yarn etc etc for less than $10 a bag.
2. Hobby Lobby in Webster
My first trip to Hobby Lobby was a few months ago. The store has been around for about 3 years but I hadn't heard about it until my coworkers Sharah and Anna told me about it. The first thing you notice when you go here: its HUGE and well lit. They carry everything from paper supplies to yarn to store display items. Their fabric collection is actually pretty neat and I have found some pretty mod fabric there.
3. Craft Service on University Ave/ Rochester
This is another one of those hidden stores that isn't very popular but you'll find the most interesting/weird supplies here. My friend Fawn mentioned this store when she was trying to scout Porcupine quills for her jewelry. Yes- she FOUND them here. I was really curious so I stopped in. I found wonderful leather, beads and other interesting supplies for enameling. Definitely worth a trip.
4. Fabrics and Findings on Anderson Alley/Rochester
This store reopened last year and I took a peek a few weeks ago. This store is now mainly focused on upholstery, drapery, home decor and they also stock a large variety of foam.
5. Dans Crafts and Things on Empire Blvd in Rochester
This is a giant hobby store- From model trains to yarn- this store carries it all. They do not have any fabric but I have found some great little electrical trinkets for imbedding into fabric here.
If you're feeling adventurous and have a passport: I suggest going to Toronto on a fabric hunt- there are stores all along Queens Blvd W. The stores are not only large but reasonable and have a collection comparable to NYC. Should you like store suggestions: Send me a message :)
It makes me sad to say that I rarely buy fabrics from the Rochester area. Jo Ann fabric is great for a small craft project here and there but for me it is not only costly but also boring. The fabrics I use are all designed by me and printed on spoonflower or Karma Kraft.
Having said this, Rochester still has a few cool stores that have fabrics and other crafty bits for very reasonable prices:
1. Crafts Bits and Pieces in Fairport.
This store is truly a gem. Everything sold here is new or gently used. Everything is donated by local artisans or people who have extra supplies and the store resells it. I have walked out with a bag FULL of amazing loot- thread, binding, ribbon, fabrics, knitting needles,yarn etc etc for less than $10 a bag.
2. Hobby Lobby in Webster
My first trip to Hobby Lobby was a few months ago. The store has been around for about 3 years but I hadn't heard about it until my coworkers Sharah and Anna told me about it. The first thing you notice when you go here: its HUGE and well lit. They carry everything from paper supplies to yarn to store display items. Their fabric collection is actually pretty neat and I have found some pretty mod fabric there.
3. Craft Service on University Ave/ Rochester
This is another one of those hidden stores that isn't very popular but you'll find the most interesting/weird supplies here. My friend Fawn mentioned this store when she was trying to scout Porcupine quills for her jewelry. Yes- she FOUND them here. I was really curious so I stopped in. I found wonderful leather, beads and other interesting supplies for enameling. Definitely worth a trip.
4. Fabrics and Findings on Anderson Alley/Rochester
This store reopened last year and I took a peek a few weeks ago. This store is now mainly focused on upholstery, drapery, home decor and they also stock a large variety of foam.
5. Dans Crafts and Things on Empire Blvd in Rochester
This is a giant hobby store- From model trains to yarn- this store carries it all. They do not have any fabric but I have found some great little electrical trinkets for imbedding into fabric here.
If you're feeling adventurous and have a passport: I suggest going to Toronto on a fabric hunt- there are stores all along Queens Blvd W. The stores are not only large but reasonable and have a collection comparable to NYC. Should you like store suggestions: Send me a message :)
New fabric finds!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Are you done?
Saturday, January 14, 2012
In the works
 |
| A snippet from my sketchbook |
The sketchbook is always the path to inspiration, before starting designing for a piece/collection.
Sometimes I let the fabric inspire me..sometimes the environment and sometimes a wonderful article from worn journal.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Spring isn't here yet!
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My recent trip to NYC means lots of trims and fabrics added to my ever growing collection. Here's my table from this afternoon..I brainstormed for a bit but eventually left the workroom to cook spicy lentil soup. The weather is grey and isn't helping..
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