Fabric Haul in Boulder

I have a wonderful fabric haul for you!  Last Friday my 3-year old grandson and I headed to Boulder to check a couple of fabric shops I just discovered.

The first one is Elfriede's Fine Fabrics.  I was simply blown away by the quality of these fabrics.  They were talking my language!  Fabric language, that is!  

They are located near the 29th Street Shops on the corner of Folsom & Canyon Rd in Boulder, Colorado.  It's easy to find and there's usually plenty of parking.  Be sure to park in the white spaces, whereas, the yellow are marked reserved.

The quilting cottons are in the front of the store as you walk in.  There were all colors and patterns.  The sky's the limit according to your creativity!

Further back was where I camped out.  There I found Liberty of London cotton lawns, bamboo knits, jacquards, cotton knits, wools, suiting fabrics and silks.  I'm sure I'm missing something but you get the point.  

I would rate the quality 5 stars!  You can tell they carefully purchase the fabrics they love.  I really didn't have a plan and just let the fabrics speak to me as to what I would make.

I noticed some of the knits were purchased in panels.  I bought 2 panels of two very different fabrics.  I've already made one top, my Penni top, out of a beautiful abstract floral cotton knit with gorgeous purple, aqua, grey and black.

This top is so comfortable.  I wore it with black pants and my black leather boots.  I would like to make a sleeveless mid-thigh duster sweater in black.  I think that that would add a bit more style to my outfit.  Without a jacket does showcase the panels in the top just a bit more.  

I purchased 2 panels for this project.  One panel was used for the front and back.  The other panel panel created the sleeves and cowl neckline.

I used my master pattern I made from Judy Kessinger's Fit Nice System.  I added a scoop neck then cut the cowl from a rectangle I had left over.  I didn't have much left so I had to be creative.

The cowl neck ended up measuring 12" x 24".  I sewed the back center seam, folded it in half and sewed it to the neckline.  

I must admit I originally sewed in a standard t-shirt type band for the neckline.  I didn't like it.  It didn't add any style to the top at all.  I ended up cutting it out making the neckline just a little bit larger, which was fine, and created the cowl look.  It was the style I was looking for.

Check out my YouTube video below and you'll see everything I purchased at Elfriede's that day.  I'll definitely be back!

The second place I visited was called Fabricate.  It's located in the Pearl Street Mall area of Boulder and only minutes from Elfriede's.  

This is a super cute shop!  They carry a lot of cottons you can use for almost any project.  They also carry high quality yarns, embroidery threads, Indie patterns, and notions. 

In the back of the store is a studio where they hold classes of various types.  Check out their web site for more details! 

Since this was my second stop for the day I had already spent my budget at Elfriede's.  I couldn't leave without grabbing a few items though. 

I picked up a beautiful book, Jotta Jansdotter Everyday Style, pictured above.  I purchased it to help inspire my creativity for a new project or two.

I did find one particular cotton canvas-type fabric in the back room.  I thought I would make a wonderful jacket!  This fabric is 100% organic cotton and sewed like a dream.  I'm hoping the fabric will soften up with wear.  I created my own design, created the pattern using the #fitnicesystem and went for it!

I took my time so I could be sure each step I took would work out perfectly.  I ended up adding side pockets, buttoned down the labels so they wouldn't flop around and be in the way and even added functional pockets inside each side of the front facing.  One pocket will be used for my cell phone and the other smaller pocket will give me a handy spot for my license and a couple of credit cards.  

I finally finished the jacket made a few sizing adjustments in the side seams and love how it turned out!

---

Be sure to check out my video which showcases all of the fabric I purchased during this trip to Boulder.  I'm so glad I found these two shops and will definitely be back for more!

If you're in the Denver area drive up to Boulder and see what you can find!  Boulder is an hour away which is probably a good thing for my wallet!

Have a blessed day!
Penni

---

Be sure to like and subscribe to my channel!