Michelleantoinette’s Weblog

While living in New York I had an assortment of fabric shops to choose from along 36th-38th street between 7th and 8th avenue.  I also frequented shops along Jamaica Avenure, Queens (I found some real cheap jems there).

Now that I have relocated and am living in North London I have found it hard to find fabric shops with impressive cloths & inexpensive.  I visited several shops in Centarl London but the prices were ridiculous.  There is a shop in Wood Green that I visit every now and then just to buy plain cotton (I’m always hoping they would get some decent stock).

I had no choice but to resort to asking my parents to mail swatches from NY and I choose the fabrics then order and have them shipped.  A friend & fellow crafter informed me that the way they do things here is to buy fabrics from markets.  I hate crowds and was not into the idea. Out of sheer desperation, I decided to visit the Walthamstow markert today.  To avoid the crowd I left my flat at 9:00am and got there by 11:00pm. It was busy but not stadium packed. I scoped out the entire market from end to end and found several stalls & shops that sold amazing fabrics from £.75-£6.00 per metre. I felt like I was in my element and bought so much fabric I was struggling with bags on the bus (next time will bring a pulley). My new plan of action is to visit the other london markets and decide which 3 are right for me.

My ” The London Market Guide” lists the follow markets as a good places to buy fabrics.

Berwick Street & Rupert Street
Brixton Market
Broadway
Chalton Street
Chapel Market
Chrisp Street
Church Street
East Street
Kilburn Square
Leather Lane
Lewisham High Street
Lower Marsh
Nag’s Head
Petticoat Lane
Portobello
Queen’s Market
Ridley Road
Roman Road
Shepherd’s Bush
Walthamstow
Whitechapel
Woolwich Market

Hopes this helps someone.

M.x

Dear Friends,

It’s been a while since I last communicated with y’all.  I’ve been working all summer participating in numerous craft fairs and markets.  The experience has been rewarding as I have met other wonderful crafters and amazing customers (looking forward to the festive season). Right now I’m like one of santa’s elves creating nifty bath essentials and handbag accessories for the upcoming season.

I’ve purchased several great fabrics in varoius textures, colours and prints (looks out for our clutch bags & totes). I have also expanded our bath range and included tantalizing scents that will certainly wake your senses.

I have added a few pics of what we have been doing with ourselves hope you like it.

Speak soon.

Michelle Antoinette.x

I was given that opportunity to photograph this lovely walk way in London.  The woman who maintains the path (a local resident) has a passion for gardening and not only has an eye catching front and back garden of her own, but she also helps her neighbors out. I truly admire her work.. or as she puts it “hobby”.  I can’t help but compliment her on her ability…. Amazing.  I thought I had a green thumb, but this lady make me look bad.  She was kind enough to let me through the gated off pathway and once I was inside it was as if I walked into the perfect English garden.  All my worries and stress disappeared and I could just sit in this path for hours while sipping on lemonade.  Their were all sorts of birds flying by and some even perched on a few plants. WHAT A SIGHT.

Hi All,

I had a productive meeting with my great business adviser Antoino on Monday. He is totally supportive as usual, but when I’m falling short he does put me in my place. I totally respect him for his firm approach (not too many people would get away with that).  After my pleasant hour meeting, I headed straight to the fabric shops.  Yes, I spent a total of 5 hours (which is pretty good for me ) going through everything and trying my best to get a decent discount.  To be honest I pretty much followed my to do list and purchased several cotton fabrics for my bag lining and a few lovely African prints. 

On Tuesday I spent the day creating handbag patterns and started cutting the fabric.  Yesterday I got through cutting the interfacing.  I planned on sewing today but my hands are killing me.  I was really going for it when cutting the fabrics and interfacing.  So, the sewing will take place on Friday. In total I should have 50-80 handbags. 

Over the weekend is candle making time.  I have a few wedding orders to complete (totally on track) and several boutique orders of all our products (candles, soaps, bath salts, body scrubs and massage oils). Luckily, I like making these items in advance (always good to have back up stock of popular products). They do have a very, very long shelf life and seem to get better with age. The scents are absolutely amazing. 

For a bit of couples time I’ll see if my partner wants to get involved in the candle making process. That’s if I can pull him away from editing his film of course.

M.xx 

Had a pretty good weekend as my partner and i tuned into the Hopkins V Calzaghe fight and was pretty pleased with the outcome.  Although we had to stay up until 3:00am it was totally worth the wait. This week will start with an early morning meeting with my business adviser (which usually lasts an hour), beauty aids and fabric shopping. I’m really looking forward to visiting a few fabric shops and seeing all the lovely textiles and colour variations.  I get my inspiration when in these shops and usually get deals because I befriend the owners and he/she admires my passion for textiles and most crafts (alway plugging my business).  I could spend hour upon hour going through everything. This reminds me of a period while living in New York, when I would go fabric shopping from 9:00am and ending up leaving the store at closing hours or sometimes had a lock in (once they got to know me better).  Credited they were large stores and I did leave with bags full of fabric.  So, I didn’t feel guilty (hah hah).

Some women have clothes, handbag and shoes fetish I certainly have a fabric, trimmings and craft hardware fetish. I just can’t get enough.  I’m having a cuppa and mapping out my day as I’m planning a budget and an exact list of fabrics needed.  Just to go off the subject, friday I purchased a pair of lovely neon orange low heeled slingbacks as I was getting a super deal on them from the designer.  I know you’re wondering why I bought them (such a bright colour), the truth is I have always felt it’s good to support new & young designers. We all were in the same boat at one point and seeing all the top designers getting all the praise annoys me.  There are so many talented designers out there who need recognition.  I would be more than happy to promote their work.  So if you know anyone drop me a line..

M.xxx