Readers, I was fabric shopping earlier in the week with an old friend -- more about her in a bit -- when I saw this sign at Fabrics For Less on 39th St. (now combined with Chic Fabrics). Behind it was a cute vintage tractor-print -- quilting cotton really -- for just $1.99 a yard. It took a few days for me to make up my mind, but I was back there this morning and grabbed, alas, the last four yards.
It's fun and kitschy and, frankly, cheaper than the cotton muslin I use in draping class.
I wouldn't normally think of these as my colors but it doesn't look bad!
I was fabric shopping with my childhood friend Amy (below). We went to elementary school together. Can you spot us in the two class photos (2nd grade and 5th grade) from way back when?* (Hint: she's in the same place in both photos; I'm not.)
We swung by Mood, where she picked up two colorways in a very beautiful William Morris-y cotton print.
In other news, I found another vintage sewing machine (in a table) in the trash outside my apartment building (Yes, it's true!). I spotted it as I was leaving to walk the dogs and managed to take a few quick shots. Can you identify the model? I can't -- definitely not a Bernina.
During the walk I decided I simply couldn't bring one more sewing machine into my apartment. It's just as well: by the time I returned from the walk, the machine and its table had been unceremoniously tossed into the back of a 1-800-GOT-JUNK truck. Sad.
UPDATE: I suspect it was this Sears Kenmore model.
Meanwhile, I've been busy with my draping class -- our third week (of five) ends tonight and I'll be sharing a weekly wrap-up shortly. Great fun.
Have a great day, everybody!
*In the 2nd grade photo I'm in the last row on the far right (next to my teacher). In the 5th grade photo I'm in the back row, third from the left (in lavender). In both photos Amy is front row, far right.
Speaking of tractors, the fabric I bought made me think of this favorite musical number. Can you name the movie it's from?
I actually like it.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric is fun! The machine looks like one I found at a thrift store ages ago that is badged a "Domestic Special". I wrote about mine here: https://tanitisis.com/2011/12/13/all-machines-all-the-time-part-2/
ReplyDeleteSummer Stock! I found you in one of the photos; I'm still searching the other. $1.99 is my kind of price for fabric - well done!
ReplyDeleteThat SM cabinet is a Sears/Kenmore cabinet. My Mom had one just like it! That fabric would go great with your overalls, Peter.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric would be great for a quilt. Machine is made by White, probably a Kenmore badge.
ReplyDeleteI think it was this one:
Deletehttps://i.ytimg.com/vi/mdN_ccuFiCI/maxresdefault.jpg
Summer Stock was the movie, done around 1950, I think. Love the tractor print!
ReplyDeleteGreat fabric! Really charming print. :) Is there a tractor shirt in your future?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your opinion of non-garment fabric used for garment sewing? I've read some long online discussions as to whether they're worth investing time and effort, quality being the main issue. The reason I ask is that yesterday I found 3 nearly full bolts (a beautiful cotton sateen and 2 very nice lightweight home dec) at a thrift store for $6.99 per bolt. Yards and yards! I also ordered 8 yards of quilting cotton at $1/yd because I like the print. I initially considered them for muslin duty but I like them so much that I may try to use them for the real thing. At these prices, it's hard not to at least practice with them.
I'm all for it provided you like the way the fabric drapes and feels and it's a suitable weight for the project.
DeleteI so would have bought that fabric! I'd make it up into a skirt or something -- even though it's quilting cotton, there's gotta be a way, right? -- and wear it to our state fair.
ReplyDelete(okay, now I have to back and rewatch State Fair)
I love the fabric! I make little half aprons for kids; the base fabric is usually a solid duck and this fabric would be great for the pocket. I divide the pockets to hold plastic play tools, and put a loop on the side for the plastic hammer. They are great sellers!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking it may be suitable for a windbreaker, with ribbed cuffs and collar, to be worn on a blustery morn while beach combing on the Cape. Then, when back in town, to buy a pumpkin, or when attending a farmer's market come Autumn.
DeleteMy life in a nutshell!
DeleteI so would have bought that fabric. Reminds me of the primary reading books of the 60's - yes, the ones I learned to read from. So cool.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric, and I think the colors are great for you. Thanks for the fun photo game, as well as the Judy clip! Very appropriate for her birthday. (I'm writing this on June 10.)
ReplyDeleteAt the very least for muslin. Honestly, I would make a dress out of it. It's kitchy enough, and the colors are nice and the printing is decent.
ReplyDeleteA regular John Deere licensed print - no way!
Amy is on in the bottom row, last one on the right.
ReplyDeleteBoxer shorts all the way!
ReplyDeleteSummerstock one of my all time favorites! I actually was singing "Howdy Neighbor" in my head the second I saw that fabric. I would have totally bought that fabric.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on seeing the fabric -- was of farmers markets. I think I'd turn a couple of yards into grocery totes :)
ReplyDelete