Stocking up for Winter Hibernation

The prospect of shopping for sewing supplies is the best way to get overly excited. Too often I become overwhelmed on Queen West and then come home with awesome stuff that's not remotely suited for the projects I set out to make in the first place; my shopping list long forgotten in my purse. Not this time! I set out to find very specific pieces for some new designs and found everything on my list and made zero frivolous purchases. This will likely never happen again. SPOILS:

A sampling of the thingamabobs I picked up :)

My friend Michelle and I took a sewing course last year at The Make Den (which was pretty fantastic, btw!!) and our instructor basically saved my life when she told us there was a store in the fashion district that had "all the zippers ever". Other stores I've been to are either way too expensive (with limited metal zippers *cough* FABRICLAND), or they keep the selection behind the cash which stresses me out to no end because then you're harassing the cashier to help you browse. No fun.

Leather & Sewing Supply Depot is a godsend. They have literally everything you could possibly need to make not just bags but anything! There are walls of buckles, grommets, studs, clasps, hooks, elastic, leather, buttons, trim, snaps, and the zipper section resembles Ollivander's. SOLD.

The zippers choose you.

The other half of my hoarding happened at Len's Mill at Dufferin and Orfus. Their Toronto location just opened in August and I cannot stay away from this store. It's a 15 minute walk from Yorkdale Station and I tend to pick coldest, dreariest days to go but it's always always worth it. They just have so much fun stuff and I have gotten 90% of my fabric from their phenomenal tapestry and upholstery section. Here are my recent acquisitions:

Also, so much chevron! Might have to go back for these guys…

Mmm... Future tote bag?

Soon I'll be posting pictures of brand-new designs. Until then, happy crafting!