It appears that young people have discovered sewing and “stitcheries”. This generation did not have the benefit of taking “home ec” in school as many of us, not so young, did. I imagine their mothers may also not be seamstresses or enjoy working on crafts involving fabric. The coming of Project Runway has probably had some influence on this generation by showing that people of all ages and both sexes are creating beautiful clothing. I visited two amazing fabric stores on my visit to New Mexico this past weekend. Maybe I just thought they were so amazing because it has been so long since I was in a fabric shop! Seriously though, both shops had beautiful and expensive fabrics of all kinds. The patterns were not the usual Vouge, Butterick, etc. patterns. They were designed and produced by independent companies. They were patterns I had looked at on the web, and once I held them in my hands, I had to bring them home with me. My reasoning for bringing them on the plane with me was that I would not have to pay shipping on them. Moda is now offering fabrics of many textures. I have already ordered a linen with crewelwork, silks, and a soft, fun cotton knit that will be perfect for San Antonio weather. Jim Salinas, our Moda sales representative, has been telling me that quilt shops will be the fabric shops of the future and it looks like he may be right. He usually is right. So, we have started by ordering fabrics and more clothing patterns for all ages and bag patterns. I am not happy with the clothes being sold today in the big stores today. The clothes are short or stretchy, or too young. The clothes for “mature” women are too old looking in style and fabrics. So, I for one, am very excited to be sewing again. The patterns I bought were expensive, but the styles are classic and simple and can be used over and over again. We will also be offering classes/sessions on individual techniques if you should need to learn to sew or need a refresher on how to put in a zipper, for example. Everything old is new again and I, for one, am so, so happy.
