Thursday 19 April 2012

The Polka Dot Lining Syndicate

A few weeks ago, Karen wrote this blog post highlighting the benefits of sharing large fabric orders with friends and therefore saving money. I commented, saying that I'd had my eye on some luscious polka dot lining fabric for a while, and wouldn't it be handy if a few more sewists were up for buying some too?!  Within minutes, yes minutes, a flurry of bloggers had responded wanting to join in and the Polka Dot Lining Syndicate was born!

Tilly, Shivani, Joanne, Marie and Karen all joined me. Hilariously, Karen joined in after convincing herself by her own blog post!  With six sewists on board, it was no effort at all to  collectively order the 10 metres of fabric required to bring the price down (we ordered 14 metres in the end).  I was a little worried about ordering such large amounts of fabric without knowing what the quality was like, especially as the others were all putting their faith in my judgement.  So samples were ordered.  I'd highly recommend the company I ordered from - The Lining Company.  After I fluttered my eyelashes at them, they very kindly sent me extra large samples of each colour so that I could send decent sized snippets out.  The decision was unanimous - Duck Egg Blue with Mink Spots.

Here's what 14 metres of fabric looks like wrapped up....

...and unwrapped, ooooh lovely.

So yesterday I fulfilled by childhood dream and pretended I owned my own shop. imaginatively called Jane's Fabric Shop. I had the best time dividing up the fabric and parcelling it up for everybody. Yes, I may be 42 years of age (well, 43 next week actually…) but you're never too old to play shop.

My plan is to use my lining for the inside of an Abbey Coat

Now here's where I have to hang my head in shame.  Marie mentioned in one of the many e-mails flying back and forth that she was thinking of using the lining for her Abbey Coat and sent a link to the pattern.  Aaarrrggghhh!! My perfect coat!! Look at the collar and cuff details?! There wasn't much I could do, except order the pattern immediately and blatantly copy her idea. Sorry Marie!  I shall be making mine without the flounce so it's more of a long jacket.  I'll also be paying a trip to the upstairs department of Classic Textiles on the Goldhawk Road, sample in hand, ready to match my beautiful lining to an equally beautiful wool.

I'd really recommend getting together with a few friends in order to save money on bulk orders.  And I'll definitely be organising a get together once we've all used our fabric.  I love the idea of a group of women all surreptitiously showing each other their coat or skirt linings!  A bit like Lefty from Sesame Street…


…."pssst, Ernie, wanna buy a number 8?"

Have a good day everybody. x

29 comments:

  1. Gorgeous lining..... But will you look at that coat! Ooh, a coat wasn't in my plan right now but I may have to get the pattern so I'm ready for autumn :)

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    1. I know, I wasn't planning on making a coat either but that pattern just can't be resisted! X

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  2. What a pretty lining! I bet it was fun to play fabric shop owner for a day!

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  3. I really like the short version of that coat!! I think I'll also use my lining for a light coat. can't wait - it looks lovely! x

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  4. ooh that is so cute! I love the colour and it is going to look fantastic in your coat. Can't wait to see the finished product.

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  5. It's a great idea! You guys made a really gorgeous choice too.

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  6. I am honoured to be part of the PDLS. Like the coat lining idea! I did not know about the upstairs wool section at Classic Textiles.

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    1. Ah, I may have to lure you over to Shepherd's Bush again, you'd absolutely love it. I shopped there with another blogger (Gail) a few months ago and she bought some lovely wools to take back to Australia. X

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  7. Perfectly wonderful idea! It's nice when a plan works out. So you wanted to open a fabric shop as a kid. Wow, this has been in your blood a long time. Isn't it great when your dreams come true. Happy birthday! We are about the same age. You are giving the 40's a good name, never would have guessed it.

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    1. Oh thank you Gina! I would say exactly the same about you - definitely giving the 40's a good name! X

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  8. I really love that coat and was wondering when someone would make it! I can't WAIT to see yours and find out if it was difficult to make. I like both versions but as someone who's turning SIXTY this fall I think the jacket would be better for me and the coat would be beautiful on my darling daughter! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOURS!

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    1. Go for it Colleen, make the jacket version! X

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  9. Horray for us, aren't we great!? Especially your good self Jane, so organising the PDLS! Because of you, I didn't spend money, I saved money instead ;o) I think it's quite cute that we'll be suing our lining for the same pattern. Promise me that one day we'll meet wearing out Abbey Coats (flounce or no flounce)...we'll look so cool!!!

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    1. Of course you saved money Marie! And yes, it's essential that we meet in matching coats! X

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  10. If I'd seen that comment, I would have joined in the lining party! Well... shipping from the UK to the US is expensive, so maybe not the best idea lol. But that lining is beautiful! And so is that coat! I have some polka dot lining fabric on hand (it's white with large navy dots, though!)... maybe I'll copy both of you! HA HA HA!

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    1. Oooh white with large navy spots!!! You'd have been very welcome to join Lauren, but as you say, postage would probably have been more than the fabric!

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  11. That lining fabric is gorgeous! I can imagine it in a coat, and it will look fabulous. As I was reading down the post I saw the photo of Ernie, and thought you were going to mention the Sesame Street "Co-operation" song. I had completely forgotten about Lefty!! That made me laugh. :)

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    1. Ha ha! I couldn't remember Lefty's name and when I researched him it made me laugh too! x

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  12. Jane, totally smitten by the Abbey Coat pattern and can't wait to see your version.

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    1. Thanks Gail. I'll be thinking of you when I'm buying my wool on the Goldhawk Road! x

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  13. Jane! I was trying to figure out why there was a mad rush on Abbey coats today and now I know. What a trend-setter you are! Can't wait to see the coat.

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    1. Wahay, that's fantastic Annie, I'm thrilled! x

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  14. What a great idea Jane. Sounds like everyone's win win. It would be my dream to receive a whole industrial sized piece of wonderful fabric.....and coat colour.....red?

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  15. Such a lovely coat pattern - the lining will be perfect! ;)

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  16. Love the coat pattern. It's such a good idea to club together with others to get a better deal on fabric - if you do it again, I'd definitely be interested!

    Can't wait to see the lining used on a finished project.

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  17. This is such a great idea, it makes such a difference if you bulk buy fabric and your collective choice is lovely! Are tempting me with patterns again?! The coat might just have to go on my 'make' list, I'm with you though and I would omit the frill. Bethx (thelinencat)

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  18. Ooooooh. I can't wait to see your finished coat.
    I agree, ladies should flash their lining.
    In menswear, the lining is one of the real indicators of the quality. You'd never see a Saville Row coat or jacket with plain bemsilk lining - theirs is as luxurious as the outer fabric and meant to be seen by little flashes and winks. Ladies should do the same.
    I can't wait to see your coat. Your trials and inevitable triumph may just be the catalyst to embolden me into making one too, so please blog all the nightmares too :D

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