Disappointment in Fabric Town

Oh wait. Remember Japan? I never showed you my purchases from Fabric Town.

Well, here they are. Not too impressive for someone who brought an extra duffel bag along to carry her purchases.

The solitary trek out to Fabric Town in Nippori didn't actually go very well. I found an English map here and was so excited to see the endless supply of stores to browse. Somehow, even though I knew that I should be bring cash, I forgot to get extra before boarding the train. I figured it wouldn't be that bad because we had been able to find ATMs that worked all over the city quite easily. But no. It wasn't the same in Nippori.  I searched for an hour trying about 5 or more ATMs to no avail. I was getting very mad at myself. I knew better! The websites warned me. How could I do this to myself.

Finally, I asked a travel agency if there was a 7-11 nearby and to my amazement there was. That seemed to be the only place that would take American cards.

So... if you're an idiot like me, you'll find the 7-11 near the post office, only a block away from the station.

My other mistake was just assuming that there would be tons of cuteness everywhere. I don't know why I thought this except that that's what I normally buy from Japan, so it must be everywhere, right? Again, no. Most of the shops were for apparel. I really should have done more research.

I did manage to find a couple of places with the cuteness. Most of them had pre-cut fabrics in little cellophane pouches. This was my favorite purchase and I probably should have bought more. I love these cute bunnies and bears driving.

My second favorite purchase was this purple polka dot number. It's cotton, almost a double gauze feel. I love it. Oh, and I've already ruined that white sweater knit next to it, so that's great.

Saving

It's time to start using all of the cute fabrics I've been collecting and saving. What was I saving them for anyway? Just to look at them? I realized this when we moved because I noticed that one fabric I bought so long ago had been bleached from the sun on the fold line. No good. That's just a waste.

Might as well get started on those Christmas presents...

Quick Japan Update

Tomorrow is my last day in Japan and I will be travelling to Fabric Town alone since my travelling buddy, Sarah, will be leaving me. I purposely saved this for when she was gone because even though we're friends she doesn't want to hang around me geeking out on sewing supplies all day.

I did acquire a couple of pieces this week, though, when we were in Kyoto. We went to the Toji Temple flea market. It's only held once a month and it was really large. There were tons of booths with old kimonos. I ended up buying this pretty white and black one with green and orange flowers. I also bought this small piece of silk that will probably just be used as a scarf.

Finally, I stumbled upon the one and only non-kimono fabric booth. I bought two knit fabrics and was given one half meter extra of the black and gray fabric for free.

             

More updates soon on Fabric Town.

Planning

 

Another new system of mine. I bought this little book to hold my pattern info since I'm new to this and don't know how much to buy offhand. I copied and shrunk them down to fit.

This little guy came in handy a couple of weeks ago when I went to visit my mom. What was on the agenda?  Fabric shopping, of course. Here's a look at my loot and some of the patterns I might use for them.

I got a lot of these pattern from Joann's during their $1 pattern sale and most of this fabric for about $3-8 a yard at Fabric warehouse. Amazing! Why can't we get deals like that in Brooklyn or Manhattan? Or maybe I don't know where to look. Anyway...

First up: The jean(ish) skirt. I have a skirt in this same shape that the model is wearing here. I bought it from H&M five years ago and it's finally starting to fall apart. Kind of amazing it lasted that long considering I wear it all the time. I might try to get this done before my trip to Japan.

This purple gingham is super thin and soft. I think it would make a great dress for the summery South Africa trip, but we'll see.

 

Navy gingham and burgundy stretch poplin.

 

Polka dot challis. I little tricky for me now, but someday. I think it would be super cute in that shirt with the necktie. And a thin teal knit fabric for a cardigan.

 

Two knits and some other cotton fabrics for shirts.

And then...

I bought some super girlie, flowery fabrics in three very different textures. 1. Gray and silky, 2. see-through border print, and 3. a silk dupioni-ish fabric. No plans for these yet. I just sort of needed to have them.

With the move looming and boxes to be packed, I'll just keep planning. Can't wait to have my new sewing room set up.

Destash - Abstract Garden Charmeuse

If anyone is interested, I have four yards of Abstract Garden Charmeuse fabric that I don't want. It's brand new, unwashed, and 58'' wide 100% Polyester.

I added it to the shop and will ship free to anyone in the U.S. via priority mail. If you are outside of the U.S. and want it, please email me for shipping prices.

Hope we can find this guy a new home.