the ten-minute post

Off to two doctors' appointments in 10 min, but at least wanted to get started on the garment district in NY. It ain't what it used to be. We used Paula Nadelstern's list and while it was a big help, it was sadly out of date because many of the places are no longer there. The shops are being forced out by high rents and many have had to close or move to who-knows-where. That being said, we had a fabulous time and wore ourselves (and our budgets) to a frazzle. After our first stop where we all made purchases, we went to Mood Fabrics of Project Runway fame: three floors of almost everything you can imagine in textiles. Lots of activity going on there - students from FIT and Parsons, and a camera crew busy filming - WHAT? They didn't say, but we are pretty sure it had to be a Project Runway segment. See the guy in the black t-shirt on the left? He's standing behind a camera & mike on wheels. We couldn't see what was back there, but they were pretty busy. We looked at silks, linens, and cottons -- almost all were out of range for our stretched budgets, esp. since we had already shopped. But we oogled and fondled all the gorgeous goods, anyway. Here are Mary-Ellen, Joy, and Wrenn checking out the goods. Russ Little bought some suiting fabrics he would never find in Maryland and was happy with his purchases. He did not buy this fabric in the over-the-top department. I did get a Mood Fabrics shopping bag in which to put all my other purchases. New York is always colorful. This guy, who was sunbathing on a busy corner, was not happy when I took the photo, which needed to include my friends. Reminded me of the guys who are under arrest and cover their faces so you can't see who the are. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? Got to leave now. I'll finish up tonight.