2-in-1 Sewalong ~ Shopping!

Who doesn't like to go shopping? Ok, ok. Truth be told, I don't actually love to go shopping, unless you count fabric & sewing shopping which is what I'm talking about today. Friends, you are in for a shopping frenzy below!!! For this sewalong, I wanted to include a round up of some of my favorite online shops so that those of you who are ready and excited to participate and don't have anywhere to shop locally can choose from the best! You'll find inspiration boards for each shop below, plus a readership/participatory discount to most of them too. The official start date of the sewalong - the day we actually start sewing - isn't until June 18, so I think you'll have ample time to purchase the supplies you need and if you choose to order online, they should reach you by that time too. And even if they don't, don't fret because we won't be cutting into the finished garment fabric until sometime like June 25. I'll include a full schedule tomorrow so you know the kind of timeline we're looking at. Now let's get onto some great items you'll need for your dresses.

Let's talk fabric first. Oh the world of fabric! Yes! You know how I get about fabric - a little nuts. So for those of you needing a few places to shop for just the right fabric, you've come to just the right place. Simplicity 1880 calls for challis, crepe back satin, crepe de chine, silk or rayon types, voile, double georgette and linen and linen blends. What does that all mean? Basically we're looking for a woven fabric - nothing stretchy like a knit. Depending on where you live and what climate and season you're in, you get to decide on the fabric content - meaning whether its wool or cotton or silk, etc. Here's a tip or two for you too: For Simplicity 1880, I think the shirtdress will look spectacular in something that's a little more stiff like a cotton. For the wrap dress I'm going to be going for something more drapey like a silk crepe de chine. Make sense? Let's have a look at some great samples now!

Shirt Dress Fabric options ~ 1, 2, 3  |  Wrap Dress Fabric options ~ 4, 5, 6

I love the options at Gorgeous Fabrics! Plus this shop gives stellar service so consider purchasing the fabric for either your shirt or wrap dress here. Talk about gorgeous fabrics, these are so delightful, I could cry from delight! Ann, owner and operator of this lovely shop, is extending 10% off any non-sale items to you my dear readers. Simply enter FSSewalong in the code section at checkout. The code is good until June 30, 2012.

Shirt Dress Fabric options ~ 1, 2, 3  |  Wrap Dress Fabric options ~ 4, 5, 6

A few months ago, I stumbled upon Low Price Fabrics and I'm seriously in love with their selection. Consider purchasing fabrics from this fabulous online store too - they have extra super fast shipping especially if you live in the western US. I contacted them and they too are offering 10% off your total purchase (plus they have free shipping on orders over $75 w/in the continental US) when you use the code stitch10 in the discount code section at checkout. Offer is valid from June 6 - June 30, 2012.

Shirt Dress Fabric options ~ 1, 2, 3  |  Wrap Dress Fabric options ~ 4, 5, 6

For you folks in the southern hemisphere, I recommend Tessuti Fabrics based out of Australia. Gosh they have a gorgeous selection! I picked out a wintery palette since you guys are coming into that season - its soooooo crazy for me to think you are going through winter when I'm going through summer! I'm totally aware that I got a little polka dot happy with this palette, but they have such fabulous polka dots! For orders over $150 there's free shipping worldwide! And, and, and Tessuti is offering 15% off your order when you enter the code TESSUTI in the discount section at checkout! This offer is good until June 24, 2012, so make good on that, won't ya!

Shirt Dress Fabric options ~ 1, 2, 3  |  Wrap Dress Fabric options 4, 5, 6

And for you guys over in the European areas, there's a great online site called Ditto Fabrics. Karen (thank you Karen) put me on to them and they look to have beautiful fabrics too! Perfect for shirt and wrap dressing. Definitely check them out!



Now for interfacing. I seriously can not recommend Fashion Sewing Supply enough. I've been using their fusible medium weight weft for my Starlet Suit Jacket and I'm telling you, there is nothing like this interfacing! It is BAR NONE the best interfacing I have ever used. So for those of you doing the shirt dress, you are going to need a decent interfacing for the collar and button placket and I highly highly recommend getting one from Fashion Sewing Supply, in fact pick up a bundle or two of several options because I promise you'll use it and I promise you'll love it! There's Pro-Woven Shirt Crisp and Pro-Weft Supreme Light Weight Fusible Interfacings - both great for light to medium weight fabrics. Or if your in more of a mood for a sew-in pick up ProWoven Superior Sew-In Light. Using a heavier fabric? Try one of the medium weight interfacings. Plus Fashion Sewing Supply is offering 10% off your total purchase to my readers - so even if you're not joining in, pick up some interfacing!  Just enter SEWALONG in the code/coupon section at checkout for the discount. BTW, these guys have awesome shipping rates, especially for larger orders, so get this goodness while you can. Code valid from June 6 - July 8, 2012.



Last, but certainly not least I'm quite sure that you could do with a belt or two for your version of Simplicity 1880. Or even a lovely petersham ribbon bow tie instead of a fabric sash? Am I right or am I right? Plus you might just feel the need for a point presser and a point turner, both make for positively brilliant collar pressing and turning. So from now until June 30, A Fashionable Stitch Shop is going to offer 15% off your total purchase, just enter the code SEWALONG2012 at checkout.

A few additional items to pick up:
Don't forget thread
Muslin for a mock up/tester garment
a 12" zipper
Buttons for the shirt dress
1 1/2 Yards 1/4" elastic for the wrap dress - this is my own addition

I think that just about does it. So go, pick up Simplicity 1880, pick out your cloth and get your notions! We're in for a very promising June!

xoxo,
Sunni