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designdiva | Posted in Gather For A Chat on

Hello everyone.  I am new to this forum and after having read many of the messages I am excited to be a part of such an interesting group.  I live in Central Texas and at the present time am designing wearable art jackets using all sorts of glitz and glamour on them.  I am a fabric collector and nothing is sacred when I am in a designing mode.  Once I even cut up one of my husband’s shirts because it had just the right color I was searching for.  I search yard sales for old silk, lace and beads to be used in my work.   I would love to hear from others who create with fabric.

Replies

  1. Sarahbelle | | #1

    Welcome!

    You and I are kindred spirits (or, perhaps, cosmic twins).  I, too, haunt yard sales, thrift shops, and flea markets for textiles, notions and inspiration.  Old wedding gowns,  lace curtains, and stained (read: cheap) tablecloths  are particular favorites of mine.

    You mention that you are in Central Texas -- I live in Houston, recently removed from Austin -- on the rare ocaission that you purchase new fabric: have you yet discovered The Silk Road on N.Lamar? Wonderful fabrics! The staff there is great, too. 

    1. designdiva | | #2

      Hi Sarahbelle....darn it all!  Why did you have to move?  I live in Austin and we could have so much fun together, exchanging ideas and occasionally, fabric.  Yes, the Silk Road is a place I go occasionally, however, prefer to shop on the cheap, ie, yard sales, etc.  More fun that way, don't you think?  I have some serious obligations this coming week but after that -- the summer is mine!  Tell me what you have been working on.  I would love to hear your ideas.

      1. Sarahbelle | | #5

        My son is a student at UT, so I get to Austin ocaissionally.  Week after next, actually.

        This summer I am working on mostly utility sewing.  I have a grandson due (our first!!)  in September, so have been busy making maternity clothes for my daughter, and baby clothes for Logan.  Also, I am starting a new career next month (I shall be teaching Family and Consumer Sciences -- what we used to call Home Ec -- at a local High School come fall).  This is a big wardrobe as well as lifestyle change for me.  Previoulsy, I have worked for cosmetics lines in department stores, and so had a 'uniform' to wear -- mostly black.  Now I get to wear color, and can (ought) be as creative as possible! Yipee!!  Very exciting, but I am churning out a lot of skirts, blouses and dress pants with little wearable artsyiness to them just now.  I hope to have time to get back to more purely creative endeavours soon.  My head is full of ideas!!

         Maybe we could meet sometime for lunch, and to scour the antique shops along So.Lamar.

        1. designdiva | | #6

          Congratulations on the arrival of a grandson!  I have two daughters and made all of their maternity clothes.  In fact, I really perfected my sewing skills by sewing for them as they were growing up.  I made my granddaughter's christening gown and was very proud of my work.  I know you will enjoy your new career.  This coming fall season is the first time in years that I am thinking about sewing up some clothes to wear.  I am a "senior citizen" and cannot seem to find nice dresses and slacks that I like.  Of course, in the very expensive stores I can find them!  I love silk and quality fabrics and am looking forward to sewing with them.  Lunch together sometime sounds like fun.  You are lucky to be in Houston where you can find good fabric.  I order most of mine on line and have never been disappointed in my choices.  Good luck in your new home and career. 

          1. georgiagg | | #7

            Next time you are up Memorial way at Buttons and Bows check out the thrift store of Second Blessing at Rodgerdale and Meadowglen (1 street west of beltway 8 1 street south of Westheimer)  Second Blessing is a resale store. Sometimes the donations there are good.  They have a good selection of wedding dresses.  I just wish I could come up with something to do with them.  Or just one.  I have bags and bags of mens ties because I use them to make vests.  What a design game they are.  Love it.

          2. Sarahbelle | | #8

            I can't tell you how many times I have passed that shop and wished I had time to check it out, then forgot about it when I did have time!! 

            I am marking my calendar to stop in there in Friday when I shall be in that neighbourhood.  Thanks for reminding me of it.

            I find wonderful treasures at the St Vincent de Paul shop in Bellaire, and the Salvation Army store in Champioins Forest.  Check them out!

          3. georgiagg | | #9

            I do not go to those areas very often so do not shop there.  I live near Buttons and Bows but do not quilt or have much need to stop there.  Mostly shop Hancock since my sister used to be a mgr in stores in Colorado, Montanta and Nebraska.  So much fabric in my stash that I need to use it and find uses for it bit by bit.  I am now struggling with sewing for myself.  Friend is helping me with the fit thing.

    2. poo | | #3

      Sarahbelle
      Where in Houston do you live? I'm in Clear Lake. Have you been to High Fashion Fabrics?
      Judy

      1. Sarahbelle | | #4

        Have I been to High Fashion??   I have a cot in the back.  My family brings my mail there . . .

        I am very fond of Sew Contempo and Fabrics, etc in Clear Lake, also Universal Fabrics in Rice Village, and for children's prints and batisite: Buttons & Bows on Memorial.

        Why don't you and I sponsor a fabric shopping tour of Houston Metro.  If we charge enough, it may help defray the cost of my litle silk habit . . .

         

         

         

         

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