SANS

means without.
and is an "eco" line made by Lika Volkova. it was a part of Pratt's last exhibit, where it stood out as the most forward thinking in design and precept.



pretty.

don't turn away from the terrible name

buying making supplies at jo-ann's, micheal's, etc. is kind of like buying groceries at wal-mart to make an organic meal. save-a-thon (east harlem and brooklyn) takes a step back into ye olde era of regional retail:
...a little oasis with most basic fabrics, plus a lot of fancies that range from cheesy formal satins to trendy stretch lace to nice africana cottons and extensive "home decor" bolts. they always have a big scrap sale table and other random supplies on sale. but, it's all incredibly normally cheap! and most everyone working and shopping is hispanic and seems to really know their stuff. on top of all this they offer sewing classes.

my last trip gleaned 5 balls of nice taupe boucle yarn for $2, a yard of ethnic-print flocked organza for $4, a big scrap of buttercream ultra-suede for $6 -- and i put back a super sale 3-yard wad of black sparkle stretch lace, because i still haven't used the almost-as-cheap textured cream stretch lace i bought the trip before last. if only i was still unemployed and cloistered on cass ave, i would be a very happy busy bee. alas, i'm in the collecting and dreaming stage known to sewers with lots of patterns and nothing to wear.

put on your bedazzled quilted piecework asymmetrical tunic vest

and head on over to the annual American Sewing Expo in Novi (the Detroit suburb of suburbs of suburbs)

along with vendors selling multiple versions of the same mom patterns and tired DIYers showing you how to put 2 rectangles togethers to make a skirt (or tote bag!) there are also some cool things:

-Kenneth D. King
-Koos van den Akker
-Burdastyle
-Material Girls (one of few independent Detroit-area sewing stores, great vintage kimono and new africana fabric, and vintage repro patterns)
-a lingerie fitting workshop
-Threadbanger's Re-construction Zone

-The Baby Lock Passion for Fashion Sewing Challenge (Project Runway inspired, always a few great winning pieces on display)
...and last year there was an amazing fiber arts group exhibit, not sure if it's there this time around...