Shopping: Fashion Design Books

We're down to our last few NYC craft stores! Here we have Fashion Design Books right on the FIT campus, but it's not the FIT bookstore.



There are lots of sewing related textbooks and tools available... it looks like a good place to be for a fashion design student. :D Here's a couple of items I picked up that I absolutely love.  I didn't see them here in Texas before NYC, but I saw that my local Joann carries it, too, once I got back of course... they were just in the quilting section.




These are now my go-to marking tools. There were some bad reviews for the chalk set due to markings being permanent. I haven't had an issue, but I would recommend that you test on the fabric first.

Shopping: Purl Soho

I was very excited to see Purl Soho... I've seen all the wonderful stuff on their website and their blog. It's a beauty!



I do like to knit occasionally, but it's just so slow compared to sewing and I easily get bored of it. Plus my hands get hot easily and knitting makes them sweaty.... eww! :) Well... Purl Soho has lots of yummy yarn!





There are also designer quilting cottons in the back.



They have a whole bunch of crafty kits and books, too, and their decor is so cute!





It's a cute little place that has lots of crafty stuff in it. Their blog has tons of inspiration and tutorials as well. If you're in the Soho area, I definitely recommend visiting them.  If you're not in the area, then I recommend that you visit their online store and blog. :) Happy Crafting!

Shopping: M&J Trimming

Chugging along to my next store is M&J Trimming. It's a BIG store with lots of stuff! This store to was overwhelming but so much fun... they have all kinds of stuff and their walls were filled to the top!



I didn't buy anything from here just because I didn't know what I'd buy and how I would use it. You definitely need to know what you're looking for or at least have some kind of idea. I haven't used trim before so I didn't even know where to begin.







Everything was neatly organized. I wish I lived there just so I can pick up trim when I finally had a project for it... at least they have an online store, too. :)

Shopping: Metro Textiles

Continuing on my review of stores in NYC, my next stop was Metro Textiles. As I mentioned before, this was my first time in New York. I had a difficult time looking for this place... I luckily had my phone to sort of help me out... which led me to the general vicinity of store. Unlike Mood, it did not have a sign in the window. I had to guess which building it was and look at the directory to find Metro Textiles. Then you take the elevator to the appropriate floor (I can't remember which one it is... you have to look at the directory) and then around the corner... POUF... there it is! :)

Kashi, the owner, is very inviting and helpful. He coerced me into buying more fabric and than I wanted to buy... hehe... but I love every piece! He even said he would ship it for me so that I didn't have to worry about my luggage. :) It's a small space, but the store is filled to the brim with fabric. Like his website says there all sorts of different types with a great selection.

Unfortunately, I was too busy purchasing fabric that I forgot to take a picture with Kashi and his store. Instead, here's a glimpse of my fabric purchases...



There some wools, rayon knits, cottons, and silks... for a whopping total of 26 yards! Eek!

I totally recommend stopping by. He also has a mailing list that you can join, where he sends you swatches. I'm glad I was able to stop by!

Shopping: Mood Review

While I was in New York, I said I had stopped by some well known sewing related shops!  Lindsey T has a very good garment district guide along with reviews here and a map. She is an awesome resource! (Thanks so much~!)

First up... Mood Fabrics. I saw the store signs on the 2nd floor windows of a building, but no store front on the street. You have to take the elevator to the 2nd floor. It was a very old school, cute elevator... there was an elevator attendant who had to close the doors and take you to the floor you needed.

The store itself is very overwhelming... there are three floors of fabric, and they have quite a selection.



Inspiration boards with swatches were everywhere...




I saw many associates helping people, and they seemed very knowledgeable. I didn't purchase anything due to time restraint and was just too overwhelmed. I did have fun walking around, and it was a great experience. It is a bit on the pricer said of things, but not as much as I anticipated. I don't know how the Project Runway people get all their supplies here in 30 minutes though... that's insane!