Saturday of Joy
Rachel and I went on a road trip to Geelong on Saturday afternoon for a spot of fabric shopping and to hand out with the lovely Renay and her friend Rachel (yes, another Rachel). We visited Joys Fabrics Warehouse and then headed down to the waterfront for an early dinner.
At Joys Fabrics Warehouse I brought some lovely spotty linen (as modeled below) with a unlined Japanese Jacket (Design F from The Stylish Dress Book) in mind. It’s the jacket that Louise has recently made from a faded curtain from her Nan’s stash! Now I suppose I should confess that I brought both colourways as I couldn’t decide. A girl can’t have too much spotty linen can she?
From spots to stripes! I’ve earmakred this stripey linen (in the blue colourway) for a Ribbon Shoulder Shift from Feminine Wardrobe by Jinko Matsumoto.
Although don’t be surprised if I change my mind and make a dress like Madalyne’s instead!
Lastly, I couldn’t go home without some lovely light weight dark blue chambray. Rachel and I shared the end of the roll, but I tell you readers, if a whole roll was on offer, I would have been tempted to buy it all!
Did you notice my new orange lace up shoes in the first photo? BTW I’m wearing a Gabby Dress from pre-blogging days. The shoes look like woven baskets, but they are oh so comfortable and I’ve already had lots of wear – a cocktail function at school, dinner with some girlfriends, my niece’s christening and then on Saturday. The shoe were purchased from Scarlett Jones in Hawthorn (suburb of Melbourne). If I do buy myself clothes & accessories these days, this is my first port of call.
Rachel was the other orange shoe wearer in the above photo and she paired them with a fabulous new Camber Dress. I was trying to tell myself that I didn’t need this pattern, but after seeing both Rachel’s and Roobeedoo’s I don’t think my resolve will last very long.
How was your weekend? Did you do a spot of fabric shopping or talk sewing with friends in person or online? Is your shoe collection on the rise? Is the Camber Dress on your ‘to buy’ list?
I had such a great day! Don’t forget you can trace off my pattern….. I’m going to cut out the shirt in the white linen I bought tomorrow! Xx
Thanks 🙂 Gosh you are ticking things off your list! At this rate we’ll have to go fabric shopping again soon! I’m hoping to finally do some selfish sewing tomorrow… (crossing all fingers and toes that it actually happens!).
The first I saw were the fabulous orange shoes. They are gorgeous.
We used to live in Geelong and I remember Joys along with a few other fabric shops. Clearly need to make the trip again. Soon.
Orange shoes are a little hard to miss! My Mum’s family are in Geelong, but until Rachel suggested we visit Renay I hadn’t even considered fabric shopping there! I’ll definitely be back.
Oh dear. Two shops to visit and three patterns I MUST HAVE in one blog post. Must try to finish something for myself tomorrow…
I’m such a bad influence! Hoping to get to some selfish sewing today myself.
Ha, I got almost nothing done. Taped a couple of patterns together and then mulled over whether to sew the Everyday Skirt in an 8 (hip size) or 16 (closest to gut size)!! Then I ordered 3 1/2 yards of 1000 Cranes from the US for a Washi (I think. Though, it might be a Camber now I’ve seen it).
Even I’ve been umming & ahhhing about the Camber dress… maybe I will give in…
I hear you… It’s hard to fight a pattern crush.
I’ve been pondering the Camber dress. I’ve discovered you can get it at Stitch56 in Australia… tempting…
I’ve learnt this year that Stitch 56 is a dangerous (but good!) place. I buy pdf patterns here as I like to support Australian business where I can.
Hello, last time I was in Geelong we popped into this shop on the outskirts, A Piece of Cloth (Studio 9/100 Lower Paper Mill Road, Fyansford Geelong). It had great vintage fabric and patterns, some old haby too. I hope it’s still there!
Thanks for the heads up Jane. I’ll check out your suggestion next time we embark on a Geelong fabric buying binge!
So envious of your day of fabric shopping. I have to make do with online fabric shopping at the moment.
It is lovely to be able to touch, feel, stroke and hold up fabric against your face (do other do this?) before purchasing, but the convenience of online shopping is fabulous.
Your plans all sounds Devine! Cannot wait to see some blog posts of some selfish sewing soon!… Leading from your blog name, if I ever do join he blogging world perhaps ‘yes another Rachel’ will work… ;).
Lovely to meet you on Saturday Rachel. I love the idea of ‘yes another Rachel’.
I went to the famous Goldhawk Road in London on Saturday, sadly I was so utterly overwhelmed I came away with nothing! However, now I know what to expect I shall take a list next time and be prepared. Thank you for linking back to my blog, it’s my first link and I’m over the moon. Louise
I too think I would be overwhelmed by Goldhawk Road. We’re planning to spend some time in London next Sept/Oct as a family. I wondering if I’ll get to Goldhawk Road? Love you jacket Louise. I’d overlooked it in the book until I saw your version. You inspired me and I like to acknowledge those that do 🙂
Oh, I am LOVING those shoes! Yours and Rachel’s! And yes, I have fabric envy. And Gabby envy! I haven’t made any Gabby dresses and yours looks so beautiful – I think thatI might need to get that pattern after all. Happy sewing!
I actually see another Gabby in my future. So easy to wear, and cool on a warm day. Plus, a good excuse to wear some statement shoes…
What a blissful day!!! And so many wonderful links to explore! – I also adore the M&M patterns & am very happy they’re available here (as well as their entomology pins, chalk etc – oops…. 😉 ) And yes, am having sudden orange shoe lust, yours look SO comfy & versatile!
It was a blissful day. It’s so lovely to spend time with other sewists – talking fabric, patterns, blogs we like to read. All those conversations that you can’t have with non-sewing friends! I have two M&M patterns – the factory dress & No 64. Must get onto those!
fabric hunting with friends is a great way to spend a Saturday and you made a wise decision getting both dotted linens, When I like something I often get them in different colours 🙂 Looking forawrd to seeing you jacket and dress because I have those patterns too!
Fabric shopping with friends is lots of fun. I been toiling some Japanese pants from the latest Cotton Friend today with little success. My new fabric is currently drying, so those new fabrics might get the next look in!
Oh that fabric is smashing! Looking forward to seeing your make… with rad shoes of course! 😉
Rad shoes are a must these days… 🙂
I would never have thought of Geelong as a fabric shopping destination. Thanks, I think, for all the links
Me neither, but it was well worth the drive 🙂
I hope I do inspire you to make that dress!