I went shopping at the new SR Harris outlet this morning. It is a mini store. It feels a bit like the old Mill End Textiles. And there isn't anywhere enough apparel fabric and far too much quilting cotton. Which means quilting cotton fans will be happy but garment seamstresses won't. But they have a nice selection of modern homedec and upholstery fabric, and inexpensive superlong zippers, and some nice wool, all of which translate to robust sewing projects like bags, outdoor cushions, tailored skirts and coats. And the prices can't be beat. So while I will still need to make pilgrimages way out in the boondocks to the real SR Harris for specific projects, this new store is a nice, convenient, general-purpose stop for fabric emergencies. I am happy.
I think I might now have all the fabric I need for Kate's Elsa costume. Her conditions were very precise: nothing scratchy (so no tafetta, tulle, organza, etc.) and must be stretchy (hello knits!) and must twirl. In other words, they must be comfortable enough for going to bed in, which is the true test of a child-friendly costume, at least in our house. Four of the five sparkly fabrics below pass that test. The jury is still out on the fifth - that scaly fishnet wonder on the right- which is quite prickly, but sequins are like that, so one can't complain.
Jenna's fabrics are all good, though. None of them are poufy or glittery, because Narnian couture isn't either. Her Queen Susan costume is a deep grape-plum color (the photograph is redder than it actually is) which, it turned out, was very hard to find in solid form, so I had to resort to fleece. Which I have never liked as a costume or garment fabric - it's too bulky, period. But it will have to do.
After coming home, all armed to the teeth with fabric, it occurred to me that I'd forgotten the zippers and trim. Bah. I have to go shopping again. Reeks of procrastination, no? Classic ikatbag Halloween tradition.
I can't wait too see the end results!!
ReplyDeleteMy girl loves Frozen, and here I can't find beautifull fabrics, to buy. so going to use other pieces, can't wait to see how your going to do it!!
Love all your work what you do with your girls!!
Which I had the time and money to do the same
I'm a little sad to hear about the selection at the new SR Harris.
ReplyDeleteI live in Saint Paul, and was excited about the shorter drive for great fabric.
Did you see much leather? I love that about the other location.
Jess, yes, they have leather - entire cow hides and upholstery leather by hide and pleather and vinyl. It's definitely worth a visit to check out whether they have what you want.
DeleteThanks for the info! I'll have to check it out.
DeleteVery pretty fabrics! Looking forward to seeing what they become!
ReplyDeleteI got lucky this year when my daughter wanted to be Princess Leia. I found a long sleeve hooded T at Dharma Trading (made for tie dying) so I only need to make a long white skirt. Not so bad.
ReplyDeleteAlison: do you get to make the Princess Leia hair buns, too? Fun. And good thing she didn't opt for the Jabba-the-Hutt slave girl costume!
Delete...and a silver metallic belt "with little boxes to hold things". I think she is thinking of Chewbaccas bandoleer.
ReplyDeletei am very very excited to see the Frozen costume. Waiting with eagerness :D
ReplyDeleteYour fabrics look great.
ReplyDeleteI am a little sad to read your description of the new store too. I live in St Louis Park, so for me it's probably the same distance to both anyway. I'll still go check it out.
I can't wait to see your costumes ! My kids want to be Darth Vader and Hermione Granger... I just have a pleated skirt and black pants-suit to sew, the capes are done.
Your fabrics look great, but sad to hear about the selection at SR Harris. I figured it wouldn't be as good. I will still try to check it out. Making the hike up north is always such a pain, especially since my local Mill End closed. I must say, though, I have curtailed my fabric spending tremendously since I can't make a lunch time dash to the fabric store!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you bought more fabric than I did when I went there on Friday. I'm glad to hear that you are happy with the new location for fabric emergencies. I love the sequin fabric you purchased. Looking forward to seeing what you create with these fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm on the verge of forbidding my teenage daughter from reading your blog. You give her far too many ideas. :-)
ReplyDeleteShe wants a dress for a Halloween event. So far, she's tried to convince me that modifying the pattern she bought will be easy, has gone through two different patterns, and has stolen the sheet I needed to back a quilt because the two other blue sheets she already raided from my stash weren't the right shade.
I really didn't want to spend this week making a dress....or teaching her how to make a dress, which I know is the better option and is what I'll wind up doing.