In the Mood for Sicily

Dear readers, doesn't the fabric on this skirt remind you of Sicily? Black with tiny modest flowers, beaded in slightly irregular pattern to make it look just so perfect and authentic...

I picked this beauty at Mood on Monday two weeks ago, just a day before we took a plane to Europe.

THE (SEWING) HOLIDAY

Because our holiday is exceptionally long this year (the reason behind the light posting recently) - four weeks, readers - I decided to take some sewing with me. I packed this fabric (incl underlining and lining) along with tangerine red dress-in-progress, hoping to work on both projects at my in-laws in Germany. Yet, my mother-in-law's sewing machine I hoped to use was beyond home repair and so I put my already-basted tangerine dress aside and took on the beaded chiffon challenge.

THE MOOD

I have to say a few words about the fabric before I explain the project. As I said before I got it at Mood. I went to Mood knowing I wanted a 'statement' fabric for a simple skirt, a garment I could dress up or down.

Now, Mood has a small but great 'lace' section. Unfortunately, high quality lace in colors other than white and cream sells out really fast, but if you are flexible you are likely to find some gem pieces at a very reasonable price! This was the case with my beaded fabric too, as I was initially looking for dark solid-color guipure or Alencon lace.

THE SKIRT

As I am typing this post, the project is finished. As you see it is a straight skirt - simple project for complex fabric. I took pictures of the work-in-progress and will upload them as soon as I am back.

For now I will just finish this post with a quick note that this skirt is done all by hand (partly due to the absence of a sewing machine, and partly due to the nature of the fabric). It has only one, center back seam, with the most work gone into removing and resewing beads.

... AND THE STARRY NIGHTS

Please excuse me if I am very slow to answer your comments - I am currently in a picturesque place in South Tirol, in Italian Alps and the closest connection is a 30-min hike away. In fact, I am quite happy I am not distracted by internet as I truly enjoy the tranquility and the beauty surrounding us here. No music, no traffic, just pure nature, the Alps and the incredibly starry nights...

Let me just share this view from our terrace where I sew slowly, couple of hours a day while my younger daughter naps in our bed.

Project Runway fabric mecca to get an online revamp

(Public apology in small print: I can't believe how quickly this month passed. I was very very busy, so much happened lately and I need to report on all of these events, but let me start with the most recent, and, I promise I will catch up on the other May events and activities (with reviews and useful resources).

Ok, so, approximately a week ago I opened my email to find a message from Mood Fabrics, the Project Runway fabric mecca. Apparently I have been chosen to participate in a focus group with several other terrific people to give my opinion and suggestions on online shopping with Mood Fabrics. Ahem!.. moi?

Have you tried shopping on Mood Fabrics website? I did, twice - cumbersome and overwhelming. I gave up... Who would not, honestly? Maybe I am spoiled by Zappo's online shopping experience, but, hey, this is, hopefully, the standard, or?

Wait, not that I am not a Mood Fabrics fan. I love Mood! I love discovering amazing fabrics there and I often (too often) find amazing designer pieces at a fraction of regular price... Well, the good news is that Mood is working on a new website! Yes, I repeat, in approximately six months Mood will have a new website, which will be, I very much hope, faster, user-friendlier, more social, more intuitive and more informative. Let's revisit it then and see if it lives up to our expectations, shall we?!

For now, let's give them a big 'Thank you, Mood!" for listening to a common fabric shopper's voice. It was fun!

Thank you, Mood!

Now, back to you, readers! Have you shopped at Mood Fabrics online? Do you shop for fabrics online? Where? and why? I'd love to hear your experience and recommendations!!!