Shopping for Fabric in New York’s Chinatown

When in New York, especially the Manhattan borough that a lot of people associate with the image of New York, sewist and fashionistas instantly gravitate to the Fashion/Garment district for fabrics and sewing related needs. I did that last time and reviewed them here. However, with image also comes price, like a brand name commands it even if the quality is no better, or worse, than another equivalent product. This is why you head outside the Fashion/Garment District for some deals, though that’s not to say there’s nothing good for quality and selection diversity there. I would actually recommend checking out some of these shops first, if you had the time. It would give you a good idea what’s available at what price, before visiting the Fashion/Garment District, if you have any concern about price when purchasing your fabrics and notions.

Continue reading

How Much Would You Pay for Online News from Halifax’s Chronicle-Herald? Poll

Halifax and Nova Scotia’s main newspaper, the Chronicle-Herald, is considering setting up a paywall for access to its online stories. Funny that it was the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that reported this, not the Herald itself! (Oct 17 2012)

A paywall is a system where surfers would get some stories free, but would have to pay a monthly subscription for most of the other stories. Or you’d get snippets of some or all stories, but would have to pay for the rest of the content. Either way, you’d be having to pay for most of the content. What I want to know in a survey is Continue reading

A Pattern for Collars (Simplicity 1727)

Collars are something most of us put on as the pattern dictates when we sew. We wouldn’t think of changing it for two main reasons:

  • A nice one was chosen for the design so another one probably doesn’t match as well.
  • We’d have to create a custom collar, which is more work and possibly skills we don’t have.

Continue reading

If You Can’t Give Students Zero, Give Them 1 or 0.1 Per Cent

In September 2012, Lynden Dorval, a physics teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was fired for giving students a mark of zero for work that wasn’t handed in or tests not taken (CBC). It went against the school’s policy of not giving students zeroes, apparently, at Ross Sheppard High (and I’m sure at some other schools around the world).

Well, talk about STUPID school policies!

Continue reading

Buttons, Notions and Sewing Accessories in New York

If you sew or have an interest in fabrics, you probably want to visit the Fashion/Garment District in Manhattan while you’re in New York to see and maybe buy some great fabrics. If you live in a smaller city, you would definitely want to do this because the selection is incredible. I had already reviewed some fabric shops, but what I want to focus on here is notions and accessories for your sewing that you should also check out while in New York. This is the more interesting stuff to get, as far as I’m concerned, because you’re likely to be able to find more diversity from what you have access to in notions and accessories, comparied fabrics, in your area.

Continue reading