New York City, Part 4

As I said earlier, you just never know what you're going to see in NYC. I guess the best plan when there is to somewhat "go with the flow". As usual, I had many things on my "want to do" list, more than I would ever be able to accomplish. One of my major "plans" was some time exploring the Fashion/Garment District. Armed with a list of shops to visit, thanks to Paula Nadelstern's website, I had big plans. Well as Robert Burns told us, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. There just weren't enough hours in the day to accomplish half of what I had planned...
I did however make it to several of the shops I really wanted to see, one being a visit to
The City Quilter on West 25th Street in Chelsea. It is always interesting to visit a quilt shop in another area, as there always seem to be different lines of fabric and things you do not find in your local shops. I had two things on my "look for" list and was pleased to get them both- one was a few yards of a particular NYC print for backing for a large wallhanging, the other was a kit for a small piece with a NYC theme. I haven't spent any time at my machine lately and am itching to get back to it, so I'm hoping that this fairly quick little project, with most fabrics supplied, will spur me on to "get back at it". I'll be sure to show it to you when it's together, this coming week if I'm really lucky. Chelsea is an interesting part of the city, with many Art Galleries, antique shops, specialty stores and just a lot of interesting little shops to poke around in. Also nearby is the FIT- Fashion Institute of Technology. Next time I'll check out what exhibition is on in their museum.
Mokuba New York on West 39th was also on my list of "must see" spots. This wholesale and retail shop features 43,00 exquisite ribbons and trims, designed and manufactured by Mokuba in Japan. I treated myself to a few of their narrow silk ribbons for SRE (above right), and also found a few trim sample cards in their clearance area. I was overwhelmed by the variety of ribbon choices - this was certainly the veritable "candy store for adults".... Wow! is an understatement...
M&J Trimming on Sixth Avenue was my third must visit. "Overwhelming" doesn't even come close to describing this 5000 sq. foot shop full of every kind of ribbon, trim, braid, tassel, button, applique, lace, rhinestone and crystal, sequin or buckle you could ever imagine. I could not make a decision to save my soul! This is definitely a "must have a project in mind" destination. Next time I'll come with list in hand, but it sure was fun to browse just to see their wide range of goodies. Oh how wonderful it would be to have a spot like this closeby to visit whenever you needed something for a current project. These two photos will give you an idea of the huge range of items - this is just a small area of the cordings (above left), and at right the ribbon trims.
I also got into four or five great bead shops, but didn't take any photos. The selection was again amazing, bordering on overload.....
I guess that would be a good word for NYC in general... "overload". After a few days your brain is just in overdrive. SO much to see and do. SO many people. SO MUCH FUN! One of the reasons I didn't have as much time to explore the Garment District (besides being hot, tired and needing a new pair of feet) was that my roomie and I spent one morning at the King Tut exhibit. I have always wanted to see it, and when we learned it was at the Discovery Center just a few blocks from our hotel, well it was just too good an opportunity to miss. (I knew the Garment District would still be there next time, but King Tut wouldn't.) We spent several hours viewing over 130 artifacts in this incredible exhibition which focuses on the 18th Dynasty, a 100 year period when Egypt was at the height of it's power, and the "golden age" of Egyptian artistry. This was the era when Tutankhamun and his ancestors reigned. I enjoyed every minute! You can go here for a preview of the exhibit.
So did I enjoy my visit to Gotham City? You bet! Would I go back again? Yes, in a New York minute!! I've already started a list for next time....
My end quote for today is taken from the Discovery Times Square Exposition foyer.. and how true it is!

Peace
Linda

"The world is just awesome."