Molly's Sketchbook: Garment District Scarf

Sometimes I get too used to living in New York City and forget what a truly huge, vibrant, international metropolis it really is. On Saturday a friend and I took a trip to the garment district and we felt like tourists (in a good way). It seemed so exotic... so New York. There is a whole mini district devoted to trims, and another part with store after store full of spandex. The shops can be a little disorganized and intimidating but there are treasures to be found.

If you are planning to visit New York City and are into sewing you have to go to the garment district. It is located roughly from 35th Street  to 40th Street, between 6th and 9th Avenues. A good place to start would be B and J Fabrics at 525 7th Avenue near the corner of 38th Street (it's on the second floor). After you're done exploring you could come downtown and visit us at Purl Patchwork, and maybe get a bite to eat in SoHo. We are always happy to help with food recommendations. If you need any help navigating the subway the website hopstop.com in invaluable, even to us locals!

But back to my excursion- I had been eyeing the sweet new Lecien Mini Waffle fabric we got in at Purl Patchwork recently. I was hoping to make a scarf with it, inspired by the "Washed Silk Quilt" in Joelle's Latest book, Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts (the project is on p.110 for those of you who have the book). I was looking for another fabric to contrast with the Mini Waffle's earthy feel.  When I saw a roll of flaming hot pink silk charmeuse stacked high atop a pile of fabric I knew I had found what I was looking for. Once I got home I sewed this quick and easy scarf. The whole project took 3 hours from start to finish and in the end I had this lovely spring scarf, perfect for showing off my new fabrics! If you'd like to make one with some of your recent finds you can follow along with my Garment District Scarf Project. --Molly

Comments

[Rhonda]

Interesting contast of fabrics - love the earthy waffle with the bight slinky silk.The colors you chose are so cool and unexpected.After cruising in the chaos of the garment district coming back to Purl Patchwork must feel like heaven on earth with your beautiful organized colors and fabulous quality fabrics.Sounds like a fun field trip though full of contrasts - just like your scarf!

[Terri W]

Fabulous project! I also love the field trip suggestions.

[Liesl]

Hey, I'd be happy to lead another tour one of these days if you find enough people who are interested. The best part is having lunch together so we can hang out and chat!

[Sandra V]

I usually don't like to get emails from companies from which I order. Not so with PurlSoho. What a wonderful, exiting website! Thank you for all the interesting and fun projects! Will definitely visit your store when I get back to NYC. Thank you thank you!

[purl bee]

Dear Sandra,
You have no idea how much your comment means to us! Thank you so much. Best wishes from the purl team.

[Shelly]

I am heading to NYC in a few short weeks! I will try to find you, and the garment district!!

[kristin]

ooooooooooh its so beautiful! love the difference in textures and the delicate stitching.... *swoon*

[Suzanne - the Farmer's Wife]

All I know is that I drool everytime the designers from Project Runway go to Mood. Oh the tons and tons of fabric. I'd go crazy with joy. I'm looking for a supplier of millinery materials and flowers. Know of something?

Thanks for this post it made my day.

[purl bee]

Hi Suzanne,
Check out Tinsel Trading on 38th Street. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.tinseltrading.com/
enjoy!

[Grace]

My mom and I will be in New York at the end of this week (we'll see you at Purl on Friday!!!), and she wants to know if you can recommend any good places for dinner so we can make reservations before we get there! We're staying in midtown. Can't wait to meet some of you when we're there!