Serged Fabric Napkins and Some News

First, the fun news.  There's a new sewing studio opening up nearby and I've been asked to teach a serger workshop.  Beehive Sewing is a cool new concept.  They provide all the tools you need, you bring the fabric and ideas and get to work. 

I get to play with this amazing Babylock serger, which is making my old Janome nervous that it may get replaced soon.  

Teaching on this machine almost feels like cheating since threading is unbelievably easy and switching between regular stitching and rolled hem is as easy as turning a knob and removing a needle.

I was looking for an easy project for the class that would have broad appeal.  My ideas generally relate to kids and babies, which might not appeal to everyone, so my super-smart sister suggested fabric napkins. 

 I sifted through my scrap bin and whipped up a couple.  I LOVE the way these turned out.  So simple, yet so beautiful and practical.  And really doable for a beginner. 

I'd love some suggestions.  What would you like to see in a beginner serger class?

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

I'm so excited to be guest posting as part of Roselee of Jane of All Trades, Summer Salad Series.  If you haven't checked it out yet, it's definitely worth a stop over.  
When it's hot and muggy out, who wants to turn on the stove or oven?  The perfect reason for a summer salad.

Here's what you'll need to make my Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with a honey ginger dressing.

SALAD
salad greens
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1 log of goat cheese
1/2 toasted pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

DRESSING 
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon water
1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and crushed
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Slice the goat cheese into rounds.

Gently roll the rounds in the ground pecans.

Place on a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the dressing.

Mix the oil, honey and water in a measuring cup. 

Grind up your ginger.  I use a mortar and pestle, but you could also shred it. 

Squeeze the ginger in with the oil, honey and water.  Whisk in a little black pepper.

Toss the salad greens, strawberries, onions, and any leftover pecans with the dressing.

Top with the goat cheese rounds.  Pair it with a nice grilled chicken breast and you've got a great summer meal.  

Go check out all of Roselee's great summer salads here. 

What's your favorite summer salad?

Fabric Shopping, New York City Style

 This past weekend, my husband and I took off for our first real weekend away without kids.  Hard to believe that in almost 6 years, this was our first time getting away.  We're only 3 hours from New York City and figured it was time we go and explore.  Of course, for me, it was fabric heaven!

 

Our first stop on our tour of the Garment District was Mood.  When we got there, we were informed that Mood was closed for an hour while they filmed Project Runway.  I was simultaneously annoyed and excited. We didn't spot Tim, but he's up there!

 We spent the hour exploring all the smaller shops nearby.  My hunt was mostly for interesting knits, the one fabric type that's really lacking in my local fabric shops.  Right across the street from Mood is Stretch House.  I quickly realized that the smaller shops are a whole different world from Mood and the other larger shops.  Prices aren't really marked and you'd be a fool not to negotiate.  The employees were very friendly and I was happy with my purchases.  My next stop was Spandex House.

All these places are jam packed with roll after roll of fabric.  But, the staff pretty much knows exactly where everything is.  After asking about striped, cotton blends, I was led upstairs to the exact spot.  Pretty impressive considering the appearance of chaos.

Later in the day as we were wandering towards Little Italy for dinner, we just happened across Jem Fabric Warehouse. It was really cute with much more character than the other stores we visited.  There's a huge urn of buttons and some nice couches for dutiful husbands to sit down and read on.

And now for the loot!

 I got a yard of a black and oatmeal wide striped knit and a yard of nude swimwear lining for about $10 total.

 I got the best deal on this pink and white striped cotton knit.  The salesman told me it was $6 per yard, but then only charged me for $7 for a yard and half.  I was pretty excited about that!

 

We were lured into the next shop by their "inventory reduction" sign.  And I hate to say it, but the salesman could not have been grumpier.  There were a bunch of rolls of knit, all leaning together in the middle of the store.  I asked for the blue striped fabric, which was at the dead center of the group.  When the salesman found out I only wanted a yard, he almost refused to get it for me!  I ended up getting 2 yards, along with a few others.  All were $5 per yard.

 I also got this beautiful woven fabric for $5 per yard. Finally, we headed back to Mood, where I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly all the sales people were.  After hearing that Project Runway was literally there moments before, I was feeling a bit intimidated.  But everyone was really down to earth and super helpful.  There are no deals at Mood, but the fabric is definitely higher quality than the smaller shops.

 

I got 3 yards of this cotton, spandex, knit and a yard of this interesting knit print.

 I also got a few yards of stretch lace trim after pinning this tutorial for making your own underwear. 

 A pretty sweet haul!

 So, if you're planning your own trip to NYC, here's my advice:

• definitely shop the smaller stores and don't be afraid to negotiate 

• bring some cash as the smaller shops prefer it and it definitely helps if you want to negotiate

•  you kind of get what you pay for - the prices are higher at the larger stores, but the quality if often better

• in general, everyone is super friendly, so don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be intimidated 

Well, there you have it.  We had such an amazing time in NYC and will definitely be back.  Any tips for our next trip?