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Sydney Spoolettes go South

I missed putting this up last week in the excitement of Everyone Deserves Pretty Knickers week, but seeing as we all had such fun going south I thought I’d share with you the Sydney Spoolettes day out.

We met up at Ikea and perused their fabric section (and I didn’t even venture near the kitchen section which I’m normally such a sucker for).

From Ikea we went to Metro Fabrics which is directly across from Ikea. It reminds me of a big old style industry supply place as there are rows of bra trims, sliders, hooks and eyes. Other swim and lingerie trims and plenty of swim lycras, jerseys, sports specific knits and lingerie fabrics.

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Those of us who came by public transport grabbed lifts with those in cars down to Pitt Trading which is to the south of Ikea. It is a treasure trove! Filled with fabrics, trims, accessories and wonderful knick knacks like china cups and other goodies.

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A not in focus @cherrypix in the appropriate black, white and red section.

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The lovely @kathborup showing off her gorgeous cotton pique dress with contrast collar.

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Melanie of @MissPiggyEats having a look at the grey fabrics (that check she had her hand on was divine!)

It’s the kind of Aladdins cave you want to know about if you have to make a dress to wear to a wedding or looking for a special fabric.

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Everyone lining up to make their purchases. Thank you to the lovely ladies of Pitt Trading who rewarded us with a generous 20% discount on all purchases made on the day.

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This watercolour floral was gorgeous, cotton stretch sateen. Just my kind of fabric, but in true stash busting mode I left it behind. If anyone does buy it can you send me photos of your make so I can live vicariously through you?

pitt 1Neon sequins! This one was killing me it was so awesome. It hurt to leave it behind but I don’t have a need for it at the moment and I can’t justify adding more “just because” fabric to the stash…but I’m certainly keeping it in mind and maybe later in the year might reward myself with some. Also note to self, when photographing the top shelf get a taller person to take the photo!

We rounded it out with a pub lunch at The Intersection hotel across the road where much laughter was had.

If you want to come hang out with the Sydney Spoolettes, come join the facebook page to know about the next outing. It’s so much fun and everyone is really really nice.

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Sewing and Cycling

In what seems all too long ago a sewing friend had a wonderful idea. Why don’t we gather up friends who sew and ride and do a little bit of a Fabric store and bike ride day?
Perfect idea! Yay!

cycling and sewing layout 1
We met at a cafe down in Surry Hills to fuel up with coffee and tea and a fabric swap. Everyone had to bring something from their stash to swap. I took some patterned voile in robins egg blue and mushroom pink.
After the swap we swung onto our bikes and headed off.

First stop, round the corner to The Fabric Store  where we looked at pretty laces and lovely silks. Then on to Tessuti which was packed with classes going on and a few bridal groups shopping for fabrics.

Then it was up and across Oxford st and down to William street to visit the lovely ladies of Cloth. They also had a class on that was all about using natural inspiration and up cycling. Fascinating stuff.

After all that it was decided that food was in order so Bourke st Bakery was a popular choice. Despite the fact I coughed the entire of lunch (due to the plane trees on Bourke st whose fuzzy little droppings irritate my throat and eyes like crazy) it was fabulous food.

Feeling full it was time to move on.

Ici et la was up next to look at lovely French inspired trims. Then it was time for Bevs Remnants House which had fantastic upholstery pieces.

From there it was a quick spin out to The Remnant Warehouse where we just missed it due to closing time. Stopping for a much needed drink we recovered and discussed sewing plans with our purchases. Laughing that on long rides we often day dream about what to sew!

Onwards we headed to Ikea to raid their homewares fabrics and pick up some picture frames.

By the end of the trip we were utterly exhausted but had baskets and panniers filled with fabrics and rode home with more sewing plans brewing.