Fabric Shopping Weekend ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

Fabric Shopping Weekend

So I had an appointment in Downtown L.A. this weekend, and since I had driven all the way there I thought to myself,"Why not take a trip to the Fashion District?"

Since I started sewing in April, most of the fabric I have bought has been from local stores, swap meets, and giveaways from my sewing class.  I had heard about the tons and tons of items you can find at the Fashion District, and it is definitely true!  Every type of zipper, buckle, trim, and embellishment in every color, size, and fabric is available if you don't mind doing some treasure hunting.  Fortunately for my wallet Unfortunately, I was limited by my parking meter, so I made sure to do some damage in under an hour.

There are tons of stores all smashed together in the tiniest spaces imaginable.  I had the chance to pop into only around eight stores and I bought from three different ones.  I'm by no means an expert on fabric type, name, appropriateness for garments.  I just kind of guess and see what works and what doesn't.  Also, please help me correct any incorrect terminology wherever you notice it.  Thanks! By the way, I don't have a great camera and I'm not sure how to photograph fabric, which is super obvious.  Please leave me any tips for how to achieve better lighting, etc. or if I just need a fancy camera altogether.


Stop 1 - Not sure what the name was...


Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!

1. Black stretch lining: I was in desperate need of black lining fabric for my current obsession with colored lace!

2. Navy striped jersey: You can't tell but there are three sizes of stripes.  Will make a fun summer maxi dress!

3. Cream polka dot "lace": Combines my love of lace and polka dots.

4. Purple loose weave knit:  So soft and dreamy, I can't decide if this should be a top or a dress.  The color doesn't quite show well in the picture.





Stop 2 - Ari's Fabrics
Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!


This store has some really, really nice home decorating fabrics.  Next stop after I close escrow for the first time, I'm heading here for sure!

The colors are all off in the pictures of this cream jacquard, but it will make something super lovely!



Stop 3 - Somewhere on the corner...

Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!




1. Blue & orange leaf pattern: I can't wait to make a dress or skirt out of this!

2. Lovely flowy grey crepe pattern: I already have the Colette Hazel pattern picked out for this one.  Check!

3. Jade green crepe satin perhaps?: A little wrinkly in the picture and I should have ironed it before posting, but I LOVE the color and this will make a lovely cocktail dress, a la Joan from Mad Men.

That should be it for shopping, yes?  Wrong!  After the gym on Saturday, I headed to the local swap meet for some invisible zippers and ended up walking out of there with some lovely fabrics yet again!  I am turning into quite the fabricworm...


Stop 1 at the Swap Meet


Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!



1. Reversible black and gold fabric:  Not sure what kind, but it has the same drape and weight as jacquard...

2. Navy blue floral lace:  I have been having a hard time finding a pattern of lace that I liked that wasn't too floral to make a dress out of, and here it is!

3. Watercolor print satin:  I don't usually buy prints with too much color, and satin still scares me!  We'll see what this becomes.  :)

4. Pink stretch lace:  I don't usually wear a lot of pink, but I do love my lace...


Stop 2

Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!


I don't know the name of the guy, but I love his stuff!  I have bought from him multiple times, and there is some good quality stuff which is tough to find at a swap meet!  He also has a button box with some treasures if you're willing to dig around.

1. Thick cotton print:  This would make a great mid-length dress with 3/4 sleeves for the winter!

2. Grey sweater knit:  This is becoming a sweater dress immediately!  I'm thinking of using Simplicity 2337 with the long sleeve option.  Not sure though...


3. Purple sweater knit:  Same as above!

4. Navy lace: The obsession continues.

5. Mint green polka dot lace:  Three obsessions in one!!!  However, I'm not really sure what to use it for!

6. Wool fuschia and black houndstooth: This is going to be a cape using Simplicity 2285.  I'm a little concerned that this may be a bit overwhelming with so much fabric, but it's a chance I'm willing to take!

7.  TONS of invisible zippers.  Hey, when they're this cheap, you gotta stock up.


Fabric Shopping Weekend on Diane's Vintage Zest!


So there's my first shopping binge for 2013, and now I have tons of projects to plan.  I can't wait to get to sewing, but responsibilities come first.  Also, now I have to fold all of this!  Eek!






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