Wash, DC The Sewing Thread

Except for Balticon, after EFF, I'm free until Shore Leave. Of course, my RPG's haven't scheduled yet....

I'm guessing either a workshop or a basic sewing thing would be good - since people pretty much have their own ideas, it might be hard to do much else.

And I've no idea where to find fabric near Mutt's, but near me, there's a few decent shops - I have the best luck at Hancock, it seems. As for a fabric district, I don't know of one.

Roo - I'll be at Balticon so if you remind me in May, I'll help you out.

 

There's a JoAnn's near me and a Michael's, but that's about it.

 

Last time I saw at Jeff's house, I heard an ad on the radio about a place called G Street Fabrics. Has anyone heard of this place? I don't mind doing alittle traveling for a good fabric store. Jeff has a Joann's Fabrics near him, but I was hoping for a GOOD fabric store.

Ok if I'm doing a sewing workshop I would need some people to bring along their machines too, I have a Bernina and it doesn't sew like most machines do so having other machines to show different stitches on might be a good idea.

If I do a costume workshop, again I could use at leat one other machine. Everyone would need to bring their own supplies, including thread and patterns, so we can get these costumes started.

I'll setup 2 polls, one to see if we want a sewing how-to class or a costume workshop. The other poll would be for the date to do it. Saturdays will be the best choice.

 

G Street is nice - a local chain I think - but from what I can tell it's expensive. There's one near me, though, so if Mutt brings you on a road trip I'll take you. I don't know if there's still one actually on G Street. (Typical DC)

 

I heard that G Street Fabrics is a Bernina deler and owning a Bernina, that is pretty important to me. I doubt I'd have to twist Jeff's arm too hard to get him to bring me by your place for a shopping trip.

 

Well Mal, if you heard that on my radio, it was probably a DC station as I don't think there's one of those in my neighborhood.

 

There is a G-Street in Potomac Mills. It is a wonderful place; they have everything and anything you could possibly want. I'm not really all that into sewing and I was in awe of it all. The drawback is that it is rather expensive. You're better off buying basics somewhere else and getting the things from G-Street that you can't find anywhere else.

 

But how do you look at the polls. So far all I can find is to create one, nothing else.

Velvetdragon
Chrissy

 

Opps I knew I was forgetting something, polls are up now.

 

Seek out a G Street Fabrics! Skip the regular price tables and head straight for the $2.77/yard bargain table. I've found beautiful fabrics there that go for as much as $30/yard. It varies by the day what is there, as with all remnant tables, but the quality is usually great and the price is right.

There are G Streets in Chantilly and at Seven Corners as well as at Potomac Mills...there's also a big one in Bethesda.

I did 20 costumes for the fan film Revelations, and I got all of the fabric off the G Street bargain tables.

 

I'll reiterate the "Good but pricey." The one out near Dulles is a bit smaller than Potomac Mills or 7 corners. If you want something SPECIFIC, you're likely to find it there, but I'd check Hancock's or Jo-anne's first (I was pricing cotton velveteen, and Jo-Ann's had exactly what I wanted at $10.99, while it was nearly $15 at G St.)

Jo-Ann's also had some very lovely metallic "spacey" type fabric, too...

For good bargains, a road trip to Philly is needed, since that good place in Gettysburg closed .

I propose a series of get-togethers. We could start with planning/discussion of projects we want to do combined with an "Introduction to Sewing" for beginners. Then, depending on how things go, we can get into serious pattern drafting/fitting or plan a road trip for fabric or whateer we decide to do next.

I can bring my venerable Singer for training. Though someone will have to PM me directions...

 

Hi,
Here is my shopping advice!

If you are planning on buying anything at Joann's or Hancock fabrics, I recommend signing up for each ones in store coupon mailer. I think you can do it online or in the store. I get a 50% off coupon in the mail every two weeks for Joann's, and I usually get a 30% off coupon for Hancock's every other month. (They are not applicable on sewing machines though).

I always watch the sales at Joann's too, and they are listed online. From 3/6 to 3/7, Vogue patterns are $3.99, McCalls and Butterick patterns are $1, and thread is 50% off.

G Street Fabrics is a fabric lovers paradise, but like everyone has said, its usually more expensive. They do offer a wide range of sewing classes, and the store emails out the list if you sign up for their mailer in the store. G Street also has an incredible selection of trims and do dads. There is one in Rockville too.

Another great place to find inexpensive fabric is the $1/yd rack at Walmart. They get the strangest selection of materials, but sometimes it is exactly what I am looking for.

Anyway, I have bought a lot of material and patterns, so I am ready to actually sew now! I will be available any time after 4/17 for a class or workshop. I can bring my sewing machine and my serger (but I only know three overlock stitches so far).

cheers,
ecila