New York: Day Three

Saturday in New York was Male Pattern Boldness Day!

This was also the morning I packed up my things and headed out of the hotel and to Chez Lappin.

With my luggage in tow, I decided a cab was in order, but I almost wish I had braved the city streets on foot.  It was relatively early, but the cab and/or the cab driver was emitting a most foul smell.  And Carrie Bradshaw thought cabs were preferable to getting around on a bus or walking?!  Yikes!

But things were going to improve from there on out . . . look at this cuteness!!

I had a few minutes to meet Michael, Willy, and Freddy before heading off to FIT for Exposed:  A History of Lingerie.

Of course, no pictures are allowed.  Not only that, if you lean too far towards the pieces, an extremely loud alarm goes off – ask me how I know.  I was just trying to see the hand work, I promise!  I may have been the first, but I was not the last.  Those security guards had their work cut out for them with our group.

There was a break for lunch, a pattern swap, and lots of discussion on all sewing related matters.

Next, we all headed to the garment district!

To be honest, it was all a bit of a blur.  There were trims made entirely of rayon seam binding - oh my gosh!  Does anyone know what these are used for?  Upholstery, perhaps?  Although they might be a little delicate for that.  I bet historical costumers would find a use for them.

  

And more buttons than I could ever imagine.

And so many bolts of fabric.  A girl could get lost in all the yumminess!

By the end of my trip, I had made three separate trips to the garment district and still did not even scratch the surface.

I did end up purchasing two fabulous fabrics from Paron Fabrics on MPB Day.  I dropped in at Pacific Trim, Fabric for Less, and a couple of other storefronts that I am blanking out on.  And since Sil Thread was closed by the time I got there on Saturday, I also ended up at Mood.

Unfortunately, Swatch was not in residence, darn it.  I purchased a few pretty buckles, but restrained myself when it came to fabric.  Although, some of the velvets were hard to pass up.

I really did not have any specific projects in mind, which meant I was a bit lost at sea.  Too many possibilities was a little overwhelming.

Complete sensory overload!

I want this lace, but what would I do with it?

Oooh . . . more buttons . . .

The final destination was Bryant Park.  It felt wonderful to sit down after a long day!

And the perfect chance to catch up with new friends.

Johanna, Peter, and I headed back to Chez Lappin where we were treated to a lovely meal Michael put together - yum!  It was the perfect end to an amazing day.

I kept Peter up way past his bedtime.  Not really sure what we actually talked about . . . all sorts of random stuff.  It was like chatting with an old friend you have known for years.  And so much more exciting than an impersonal hotel full of strangers that certainly did not have a lovey chihuahua named Willy to keep me company.

I promise I will share my fabric bonanza soon – I just need to take some photos, which probably will not happen until the weekend.  But there are a few treasures!!