Best Wal-Mart Ever??

     On Monday evening last week Jordan and I made a quick road trip to get baby's ultrasound. Afterwards it was quite late and dark, but we still had a few errands before we could head home. One of these was to procure some fabric I needed for a little historical dress order. Just a simple pink cotton print. I hoped that we could happen upon a Wal-Mart that had a fabric department,  since that might be all that was open at this late hour.

     So, we looked it up on our phone and found the nearest one and headed there. When we arrived it was less than promising. A very narrow, dark, and rather creepy parking lot first of all. Second, it was the the smallest and most run-down Wal-Mart I have ever seen. Third, when we against our better judgment walked inside, everything was....strange. All the items were odd old-looking brands we didn't recognize,  things were rather disorganized and dingy. So...feeling very doubtful I asked the first available person if they carried fabric. Pointed into the back corner of the store, we were in for a big surprise. 

 

 

     Would you believe it? Greeting our eyes was the biggest and brightest fabric department I think I have yet seen in a Wal-Mart. I very soon found exactly what I needed, then began to notice there were actually quite a few lovely and quite historical cotton prints. The prices were even lovlier. (Many were two dollars a yard) I ended up walking out with four extra lengths of fabric including a brown checked cotton gauze/voile. Imagine! Finding a suitable historical sheer fabric at Wallyworld? I think I might faint.

The moral of the story? I guess you really can't judge from outward appearances, hmm?

And now I have some new additons to the stash. Planning a couple of 1860s and 1820s pieces. Excited!

My Sewing Space

If you remember, last December I rearranged my bedroom, and promised to show pictures of my sewing area soon as I got it organized as well. Well - here it is.

My sewing machine, main fabric shelf, and armoire where I hang finished garments.

When I'm sewing, there is usually an iron and ironing board nearby (both vintage, of course :)

Behind my sewing machine used to be a huge piled basket of mending and repairs that had been there for years. It was quite in the way - so I finally decided it was time for it to go, and repaired what needed to be repaired and got rid of the rest.

I also reorangized all my fabric in the shelves behind the machine and in the closet and got it neatly folded, organized and rolled up on bolts. It's still not perfect, but at least I know where everything is! :^)

My Singer Featherweight, c. 1941-45. I have two of these machines, each slightly different in date and design. My other machine is somewhat plainer, and is c. 1954-56.

But the older one is my favorite: 

I can't brag on these vintage machines enough - so reliable and hardworking! I've had this one for about five years. It's very very rare that I have to take it in for repairs, most of the upkeep and fixing you can do yourself.

19thc. Reproduction Cottons

As you can probably tell, it's hard for me to pass up a good deal on fabric.

I'll find a use for it all one of the days!

Costume satins and taffetas

And finally, inside my closet lies more shelves filled with pattern storage boxes (very handy for categorizing!)

And - more fabric. :^)

Each pattern box has a category - costumes, 1860s historical, modern, vintage 40s, vintage 50s, etc.

Some day I'd love to have my own 'studio' room (or rooms....) just for sewing, but for now I'm enjoying my newly organized sewing space.