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Oct 5, 2015

Honk If You Like My Sewing Label



For my first-ever sewing label, I opted to go for the handcrafted hipster look.

I ordered a 1/2" x 2" rubber stamp on Etsy and picked up some sturdy 3/4" cotton twill tape today from Daytona Trim.  Also a black stamp pad (on eBay).

It's not fancy but I like it, and thank you, MPB reader JudyD for giving me the idea. The sample above is an early test; they'll get better as I get more experienced with the stamp and the ink (VersaCraft brand).  A hot iron will make the ink permanent -- I'll be sure to test that out of course!

I also now have a basic business card.  Even though both the card and the label are in the futura font, they don't quite feel related but that's OK: I just need something to carry in my wallet for now.

Meanwhile, I ran all around the Garment District today in search of 2 1/2" (a very standard size) plastic collar stays and couldn't find them anywhere; even Steinlauf & Stoller were out of stock.  I will have to order them from an eBay seller.



I also don't know the best place to buy bulk mother of pearl shirt buttons.  A few Etsy sellers offer them in bags of 100, so that's an option.  If you know of a good source, please share.



My latest shirt, a blue gingham with contrast inside collar stand and cuff, came out beautifully.





I'm especially proud of the collar stay pockets -- my first.





In other news, I did a little fabric shopping while I was uptown -- more window shopping than anything.  I thought this neoprene-type comic book print with laser-cut holes and mesh underside was kind of cool -- Spandex House.



For the first time ever I explored Fabrics & Fabrics (270 West 38th St.), after hearing raves about it on various blogs.  I was blown away by the selection.  Formerly Lace Star, they have some incredibly luxurious fabrics for sale there.  Not inexpensive but definitely worth a visit.







I rarely visit Elliott Berman without buying two yards of something, if only because I adore the people who run the place, Matthew and Eugenia.  I picked up the cotton batiste floral print (from Hugo Boss) below.  I know it looks a bit like a nosebleed at first, but if you look closely, you can see blossoms and branches.





I think it will make a stunning shirt for me or someone else.

And that's it: funny how buying fabric always gives me a feeling of accomplishment even when my other goals are frustrated.

Have a great day, everybody!

45 comments:

  1. Love Fabrics & Fabrics. ..great when you're really looking for something specific. And relatively decent BATHROOMS!!

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  2. HONK! HONK!

    And another honk for the gingham shirt.

    Spud.

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  3. the photo of your expression in the fabric store is priceless. i literally LOLed.

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  4. Hi Peter--long time lurker here, but I wanted to tell you congratulations for taking the next step in your custom clothing business--the labels are terrific, business cards are good to start as you will need more soon and congrats on the collar stays--I am inspired. Susan

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  5. Your collar and collar stays are to die for.

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  6. Wow, lots of good stuff here. The shirt looks fantastic and I think the Spandex House fabric would make a great form-fitting cycling suit-type top and bottom. But it's the Hugo Boss fabric that is really something special; I'm willing to bet several of your current and future clients are going to want it.

    And congratulations on the next step of your clothing manufacturing empire.

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  7. OMG - Peter I love your label and I'm totally copying it! (I mean, getting a stamp and using twill tape.) Of course, I'm the only one who sees my labels but I'm liking that Portland vibe.

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    1. We are not all hipsters!!! :)

      Nancy
      Portland, OR

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    2. Oh, that's what you say... :-)

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    3. Yes. Yes, we are. ;)

      I too may copy this idea for labels.

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  8. Also the shirt is beautiful. And it is odd that the font on your card looks different than that of the stamp. Maybe one is the bolded version?

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  9. The label is perfection!

    The shirt...worthy of your label, and any label hunter who insists upon peeking.

    The neoprene...a vibrant wrestler's onesy??

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  10. Honk! The label is simple and classy. I think it looks different from the card (which is also nice!) because it's a block style version of the font.

    Great shirt. Good luck with your new biz!

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  11. Great label and fab shirt.
    Very well named "buying fabric gives me a sense of accomplishment". Buying fabric gives me a massive sense of accomplishment (mixed with potential). At least you are quite a productive sewer!

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  12. I love it all - the shirt, the label, and the card!!! You're legitimate!

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  13. Love the label. Blown away by your shirtmaking, which just keeps getting better and better. And it cracked me up that you pointed out that the Hugo Boss fabric looks like a nosebleed tragedy -- yet you bought it anyway! I'm sure whatever you do with it will be divine.

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  14. Wawak has shirt buttons by the big lot, not sure if any of them are mother of pearl but it's worth checking them out. Kathy

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  15. Credit for the twill tape / rubber stamp idea should go to http://www.schoolofmoxie.com/2015/08/how-to-make-labels/ .

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  16. Peter: Here are a few more vendors. As Kathy mentioned, WAWAK carries pearl buttons, and they also have white collar stays in that size.
    Fashion Sewing Supply carries shirt buttons. https://www.fashionsewingsupply.com
    B Black and Sons for some nice shirting fabric, interfacing, canvas, and buttons.
    Prestige Buttons for MOP. http://prestigebuttons.com/

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  17. I love the card and the label. They feel very confident in their simplicity. The shirt is divine. The collar stay pockets look great, but they raise a point of ignorance for me. I've always thrown those away, though, on my husband's shirts. I shouldn't? They are not just for packaging? Do you really remove and replace them after washing and ironing? I just didn't know.

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  18. Hi Peter, I love your business card - it looks very classy. Your shirt, beautiful! You have become such an accomplished sewist - and you write such an interesting blog. Thank you. Anne-Marie

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  19. I did a search of sites I order notions, etc from and both Wawak and Cleaners Supply have pearl buttons in packs of 12. However Wawak does have button trays that are great. I have the 8 gross Sport Shirt Button Tray and use the buttons all the time for my husband's shirts, and for some of mine. Refills are available in all the colors and sizes. They also have an 8 gross Real and Imitation Pearl Button Tray. Here is a link to the page: http://www.wawak.com/Buttons/Buttons_2/Button-Trays

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  20. I'm honking. The labels look great. Your work is impeccable.

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  21. I second Wawak for bulk sewing supplies. Great service, and they've upgraded their website so it is much easier to navigate. Best of luck in your new venture! I'm sure it will be successful.

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  22. I love the labels and those cards are the bomb! I just hope that you don't get so busy with your client demands that you abandon your devoted followers! I couldn't imagine sipping my coffee without reading your posts in the morning. I still marvel at how you did that daily!

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    1. If the unimaginable were to occur, we'd need to start a support blog for former MPB readers/lurkers, but perish the thought!

      No pressure here, but it is Tuesday, and we know nothing of the progress of a certain hoodie. The briefest of updates is all that is sought.

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    2. You two really need your own talk show. ;)

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  23. To connect your label and your business card, try using a white tape and a blue ink for your label.

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  24. Hi,
    Thought I would recommend a sewing supply company I use for many items. Wawak.Com
    You may find both the stays and buttons. I've ordered bulk packaging for fastners from them before. Good luck on everything, I've found your work and voice on the blog to be inspirational.

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  25. Love your label, and thanks for sharing how you made it. The very first fabric shop I went to on Mimi's tour last spring was Fabrics and Fabrics - it's such an amazing store. I bought a silk twill panel for a song! Your shirt making skills are awesome.

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  26. Honk!!
    I so wish that I could sit by your side as you join the collar stand to the shirt. I absolutely CANNOT make that join without a bump.
    Otherwise, I like the label, simple, says who you are. Loved the deer in the headlights expression at the fabric store....laughed out loud!

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  27. Peter, its exciting about your cards, labels, and custom clothing. Ha, now I see what you mean about the bulk collar stays. I thought you were just trying to make a pair for one shirt when you'll be needing many. : )

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  28. That is a great business card. It is easy to read, states what you do, and gives all the pertinent information. I like the labels too.
    Your shirtmaking skills are awesome. I am not in love with the "nosebleed" fabric but sometimes stuff looks better in person than in a photo. Your fabric selections are always good.
    regards,
    Theresa

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  29. The shirt looks great, Peter! Michael came home so very excited after meeting with you this weekend. He says it's hands down the best fitting shirt he has ever had. ;)

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  30. Love the cards. the shirt looks great. Now the next thing on the agenda is Peter Lappin, instructor. You really should give private lessons with your myriad of machines.

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    Replies
    1. Michael, if I had the space, I would, but right now things are a little tight in the apartment. Three adults, two chihuahuas...

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    2. Well, just buy Joan Rivers old place. Plenty roomy

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  31. Also search this site http://jhittlesewing.com/visitor/bias1.html

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  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  33. Love your label. Reminds me of the MARNI label.

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