Friday, July 30, 2010

NYC shopping

Okay, I know, I haven't been blogging, at all. Just not enough hours in the day but I am going to make a real effort to update more often.!! I promise.
Last week I was in NY. First to visit my son and DIL. Second to have a mini reunion with two friends from Manhattan (KS) High School, class of 66, and third, and possible most important, was to shop!! Living in Iowa does not offer unlimited sources for fabric, trims etc and unless you live in a big city, you probably don't have a lot of sources either. All we have here are a few independent quilt stores and chain stores that are more craft stores than fabric anymore. No one carries garment fabrics except the occasional prom dress fabric. This is one big reason to head to NY, Philadelphia, LA or Minneapolis. Fabrics Galore. The garment district in NY is a fabricholics dream. From 7th to 9th Ave between 36th and 4oth. the area is jam packed with tiny stores. Some of the best aren't on the street leval...like Mood and B&J Fabrics. Closer to 6th Ave are the trim stores with the best of the best, M&J Trims on 6th. This area also has ribbon stores, button stores and millinary supply stores. One of my favorites is Tinsel Trading Co that specializes in vintage gold bullion trims, silk flowers and paper goods. Most of these stores have web sites and many are on Facebook.
My son took me out to Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Sunday. Had an amazing day going to Artists and Fleas....mostly artist market. Wonderful assortment of young, talented designers. Bought a great asymmetrical, drapey top (a dress if you are younger than 50) by artist Nana Ko. Her website is http://nanakoclothes.com
Also went to Mast Brothers, fantastic chocolates with outrageous flavors, like coffee and salt and pepper. Blue Bottle Coffee and a great beer garden. Brooklyn is looking better and better but my kids like living in Manhattan where they can still walk to work. Tiny, tiny apartments cost as much as my house payment, but I'd trade places with them in a heartbeat.....just wouldn't have room for a studio!!
New things happening at Magic Threads. Check back soon to see what.......yes, I will post more soon.

2 comments:

M Agic said...

I understand what you mean by trading your place with a tiny apartment in NYC - that is a fabulous city full of lively experiences. Glad to hear you had a great time!

Erin Pittenger said...

Oh Julie, this sounds like it was terrific fun! I couldn't help but think how interesting it was that you reunited with your "little apple" friends in the "BIG APPLE". I think I am going to have to live vicariously through you while my kids are so young!