Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Fabric.  I love fabric.  I love to touch it, rub it between my fingers, put it against my cheek.  I love the range and variety of color, pattern and texture.  I love the whole experience of fabric.

Because I have such a passion for fabric I always like to look for a fabric store or two when I’m traveling.  A few weeks ago I was in Los Angeles, CA and had time to check out a couple of fabric stores.  I’d done a little research before I had left home just in case. The first shop I wanted to see was Oriental Silk Co.  It’s located at 8377  Beverly Blvd.  I’d seen their ads in  Threads regularly and knew they had an extensive line of silk.

The primary reason for checking out the silk shop was to match a silk fabric piece I’d been carrying around. I needed another silk to incorporate into a scarf.  The fabric had come to me by way of my sister, Jill.  It’s a project she was hoping I’d complete for her.  (Another to do on my list.  More to come later.)

So off to Oriental Silk I went.  When I arrived it was a bit before they opened.  I waited patiently as the gates were opened and stored away, the doorway and sidewalk swept and the door opened.  As I entered the store I was politely greeted and asked if I needed help.  I explained I was from out of town, was familiar with his store through Threads and wanted to see the store.  He said go right ahead and left me to wander.

I found the store clean and orderly, with lots and lots of silk.  There were other fabrics and items as well but mostly silk.  I took my time and surveyed the whole store.  I finally came across a stack of bolt ends.  They included a variety of silks.  I sorted through the color and texture and pulled out Pongee, Hobatai, Crepe de Shine, Shantung and others.  The end pieces were well discounted and would be a good way to have a variety of silks on hand for reference. (Do you like my rationale?).  My first stack of choices was a bit tall.  Two more reviews and I was down to a reasonable number of selections.

I did want a full yard of Shantung. So I reviewed the bolts and pulled a few.  I reviewed the color in natural light and finally settled on a blue turquoise piece.  It’s lovely.

I asked for the cutting of the fabric and gathered my treasures and checked out.  As my package was delivered, a listing of silk along with descriptions was included.  I now have a more extensive reference with a great resource.  Oriental Silk Co. can be found online at: http://www.orientalsilk.com/index.html.

I was also given direction to two other fabric stores within the block.  The first was International Silks & Woolens.  This was another clean and organized shop.  It had an extensive line of home dec fabrics.  I was only able to stay a few minutes. My time was running short.

I had one more shop to check out. Bella Fabrics was just across the street and carried designer fabric.  Again, as I entered I was pleasantly greeted.  I was welcomed to peruse the store.  I must say I should have brought more money.  They had a wide variety of fabrics for garment construction including high quality wools from Italy.  They had end pieces marked down. I did see several pieces I would have liked but decided to stick with the silk plan and refrain from an additional expenditure.  Oh well.  It was fun to enjoy the fabrics for a bit.  As I left I was encouraged to contact the store manager should I need something special in the future. She provided her card and email address. I’ll definitely keep her and the shop in mind. If your shopping for fabric worn by the stars and can support the corresponding pricing, I’m sure Ie Hineno would be glad to assist you. Their number is 323-655-8686.

Bella Fabric

It was a fun excursion to shop fabric in LA and wonderful to add to my fabric collection.

Sew soon!

LIN