Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Notes from San Fran

As I noted in a previous comment, I didn't take my camera to San Fran with me because usually what I do is just take it for a ride and not use it. Of course, I should have. But I have taken pics of some of the goodies that I got. The first day I was there, I had to go check out Britex, a 4-floor fabric store that K recommended (see www.britexfabrics.com). It was absolutely amazing. And I want this one woman's job. Essentially what she does is swatch fabric. If you have a project and need a particular color or type of fabric, you call her and tell her and she goes and swatches fabric for you and sends them to you. How much fun is that??!!!

Here are some of the silks & ribbons I
got. The ribbons are velvet.

I had also read about a yarn shop that I also went to check out---www.artfibers.com. Amazing stuff! They design it all themselves, have someone else spin it and then they dye it. Great colors, great yarns. And what is very cool is that they have a computer program that will create patterns for you. For example, I like the Tesla yarn (35% stainless steel, 65% cotton, picture below), and I liked the tank top that is on the red-haired mannequin on the first page of the website. So she sat me down, took some measurements, asked about necklines and ease, and out popped a pattern for the tank, which I will definately post when done. Here's the yarn:
Better pics here: http://www.artfibers.com/yarnproduct.php?pd=6111&fb=1&np=2&cs=0.

So it was a very fun trip and I can't wait to go back! There's supposed to be a great bead store, too, but I didn't make it there.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey hey now -- I want to be a swatch lady too!!

Get this -- at the fabric store I found, they let you cut your own swatches. Big scissors hanging all over. Of course, they ASK that you not cut anything bigger than a dollar bill, but who's checking! And not to mention the bonus fabric you get when they try to even out the measure.

I feel like knitting something cool. What's a good summer project?

Maybe I should knit myself some tops. I shopped this weeeknd and found NOTHING to put on my upper half. THAT could get interesting

Anonymous said...

So many good things!! I love the bag. Love, love,love it!! (Maybe if I say it often enough I could be the receipient of one??) Also love the fabric and yarn and can't wait to see finished projects of both. Living room is looking good. How 'bout a quilt on the wall over that couch?
Collages are done on an old book cover so approximately 5x7 to 6x8.

Anonymous said...

Swatch Lady-My retirement dream come true!!

Anonymous said...

hey~ I used to be just "Patti". What's with the new name? Sounds rather formal.

Anonymous said...

Must be your Buffalo accent, mom. :)

abi's mom said...

I was thinking the same thing about a quilt above the couch!

Anonymous said...

I think hell will freeze over before a certain someone let's THAT happen!

abi's mom said...

Yeah, I had that thought, too. Well then you need a big piece of art.