New York: Day Two

I was really looking forward to my Friday in New York because I was going to see original Charles James gorgeousness at The Met!  Not only that, Peter agreed to join me on the adventure!  

The day did not disappoint.

Kelli said hello right outside the museum - tagging along with a sewing celebrity like Peter is an excellent way to meet folks.  

Case in point, Peter also caught the eye of the Tilton sisters inside the exhibit and we had a brief chat!

But getting back to the main event . . . the dresses were exquisite!  And truly thrilling to see in person.

It is very difficult to get the scale of these garments until you see them in person.  They are perfectly proportioned, but many are incredibly tiny . . . like under 5’ tiny.  I have had that experience with antique pieces, but was not expecting it with these dresses.

And maybe it is just me, but I love seeing that even a master of couture was not perfect.  For instance, this zipper has pulled away from the center line and could have used a bit more overlap when first inserted into the garment.  An excellent reminder that perfection is impossible.

But my biggest surprise was how much I enjoyed the more informal pieces that were located downstairs - even more than the opulent ballgowns!  

It was unexpected, but my favorite pieces were the suits, jackets, and this green dress.  The tailoring is stunningly beautiful.

Of course, my main complaint is that I cannot unzip the dress, turn it inside out, and have a good look.  A girl can dream, right?! 

After a couple of hours among the draped silk, satin, and wool, Peter treated me to lunch at a nearby eaterie where we ran into our new friends, Katherine and Marcy Tilton.

Then we headed south through Central Park.

I have to say, Mr. Male Pattern Boldness is a great tour guide.  It was lovely meandering through the park on a really beautiful day.  Some people were even generous enough to share their puppies with me for a few moments here and there (I was definitely missing Tino at this point!).

Then there was my own private tour of the garment district.  Metro Textile was the only place I purchased fabric on Friday . . . my self-control was at an all-time high . . . it did not fare quite as well on Saturday and again on Monday.  "Tino, I've a feeling we're not in JoAnns any more!"

There was an entire wall of Hug Snug Seam Binding at Sil Thread!  Oh my goodness, I never imagined there were so many different color choices - such riches!!

I took a walk back to the hotel to re-charge (myself and my phone) before heading to dinner with Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic.  This bad blogger forgot to take a picture . . . we were way too busy chatting!  Thank you, Carolyn, for a fabulous evening!  Such a wonderful lady!

After a long walk back to the hotel, it was time to rest up . . . and prepare for Male Pattern Boldness Day.  And hope that Peter was not already sick of me!