It is 1970 in Teheran, I’m 16 years old, watching the musical Camelot at the Bowling cinema in Shimroon, and slouched in my seat. I spit another pumpkin seed shell onto the floor, take a swallow of grape soda, and fiddle with the buttons on my sweater. I’m wearing a chocolate brown cable knit cardigan with faux wood grain buttons, a black shapeless turtleneck, tan corduroy bell-bottoms, and my hair is tied back with a strawberry-covered ribbon. Guenevere and Arthur are singing “What Do The Simple Folk Do?”, while Guenevere is twirling and weeping in Arthur’s arms.
“What else do the simple folk do
To pluck up the heart and get through?
The wee folk and the grown folk
Who wander to and fro
Have ways known to their own folk
We throne folk don’t know
When all the doldrums begin
What keeps each of them in his skin?
What ancient native custom provides the needed glow?
Oh, what do simple folk do?
Do you know?”
(by Alan Jay Lerner)

We just got this shout-out! We think Jaleen did a fabulous job on her shrug and hat, and that they make a super cute couple (and we adore how their photographer, Kyle Monk captured all this!): “THANK YOU BRITEX for helping me find a fabric that matched my dress so perfectly and trim that finished it so nicely. I recently got married in an awesome but tricky-colored version of taupe and I made the shrug and the hat all by myself, despite not having the slightest idea what I was doing. It worked out! Thanks so much for your help and patience!! Best – Jaleen”

Halloween at Britex! Saturday, October 31st. Come see the crazy, fantastic costumes created and worn by our talented associates. And then vote for your favorite Halloween outfit and you could win a $50.00 Britex Fabrics gift certificate. Think about all the red velvet, gold lace trim, royal blue grosgrain ribbon, or ermine faux fur you could buy……just in time for all sorts of seasonal holidays.

One of my favorite musicians is playing tonight at Shakespeare & Company Booksellers. I need to spiff up my plain vintage white cotton/poly French-cuffed shirt, so quickly make a pair of cuff-links from two silver Spanish coin buttons. I put on a pair of brown leather chaps over my jeans, tuck in my shirt, and pull on my brown zipped boots. I toss a burnt sienna cashmere scarf that I’ve trimmed with wide French ribbon with Art Nouveau motifs over my shoulder, throw on my favorite brown plaid wool jacket, kiss my cat, and run out the door. I barely have time to scarf down a dinner of falafel and Orangina before the show. I don’t want to miss folk singer and accordion player, Marie-Josee Houle. I’m hoping she’ll perform “Shallow Breathing”.

Ryan-licious from the second floor of Britex made his jeans in Britex Fabric cotton denim. Notice the insolent fit and the custom “keyhole” stitching rear pocket design. This fabric can be found on the 2nd floor (please call ahead to verify stock).

Mel made this classic tablecloth and napkin set as a wedding gift. The tablecloth is made of 100% cotton damask, and the coordinating napkins are of 100% white bamboo voile. Mel recommends prewashing the bamboo voile to allow for shrinkage, and mentioned that it presses up like a dream! I love the expert job that Mel did mitering the napkin corners. This set would make any dinner stand out. Both the damask and bamboo voile are available at Britex Fabrics. This fabric can be found on the 2nd floor (please call ahead to verify stock).

Reflective tape is at Britex Fabrics right in time for Halloween and shorter days. This notions floor specialty trim is designed to make folks visible at night or in other low-light situations. It is ideal for both trick-or-treaters and bicyclists. Just wind a bit around your favorite tot or bike enthusiast for extra visibility and safety…. better yet, sew a length of this tape onto their pants, jacket, or Halloween costume.

The Embroiderers’ Guild of America

San Francisco Chapters

The Embroiderers’ Guild of America has a diverse membership from beginners to professionals. Their commonality is an appreciation of the art of stitchery and an insatiable desire to learn and share with fellow stitchers. Chapters offer educational programs and resources such as an informative newsletter, embroidery libraries, embroidery workshops, shorter projects and informal gatherings. See their website for further details.

From the folks at ThreadBanger comes (drum roll!)……The Mad Hatter costume tutorial! Throw a wee tea party, with unanswerable riddles and nonsensical poetry!
“Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you’re at!
Up above the world …you fly,
Like a teatray in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little bat!
How I wonder what you’re at!”

Mr. Button du Jour will be taking Monday and Tuesday off go to Britex Fabrics’ 30% off sale to pick up some Glen Plaid wool for a new jacket, and metal buttons for cuff links. Du Jour is particularly taken with the spidery button below! See everyone on Wednesday. À bientôt!