Double Deal: Going Away Party for Erin McKean/Fabric Swap

Yes, it's a double-header, which is a rare bear especially as it relates to the Chicago Cubs. This past Saturday, they played two games at Wrigley Field with a couple hours to separate the events.

We're going to do the fabric version of a Windy City double-header: a party for fabric collector and blogger Erin McKean, who is deserting "flat is fine" Chicago (!!!) for the hills of San Francisco, and taking a considerable part of Vogue Fabrics' fine selection with her. (She tells me she has seven plastic tubs of fabrics that are going with her and her family to the West Coast. She could use those textiles to insulate her new home, but from what I understand and have experienced, California simply isn't that cold.)

Anyhow, Vogue Fabrics' lost is Britex's gain. I've been to San Francisco twice, and never set foot in that place. Not once. Not even to pet the fabric and see if it feels any different than the Illinois variety. I think I thought at the time, "Too expensive! Why bother?" So I didn't. Next time, I'll go, just to say I did, then go find a pub, of course, for a pint of Guinness to see if that tastes any differently there.

This is all makes for a long, long winded way of saying we're having a Special Edition Fabric Swap to help Erin get rid of fabric that's she not toting with her on her next adventure. Her loss is your gain. She's got tons of remnants, perfect for that next dress, skirt, playsuit or coverlet! So swing by the Rogers Park Public Library next Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m.

Here are some of the details:

Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Date: Thursday, July 23

Location: Rogers Park Public Library
6907 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626
2nd floor, south room

What?: Fabric Swap

What's a Fabric Swap?: We'll be exchanging fabric, notions, yarn, patterns and bagged remnants. Fat quarters are welcome this time around. Quilters take note!

Anything Else I should Know?: Since this is a swap, no money/check can be exchanged on the premises. This is important. As I mentioned previously, anybody caught paying real U.S. dollars for items in the swap will be lashed with a tape measure or forced to count pattern pieces.

What can I bring?: See above. Wear a dress too (if you're sew inclined). Perhaps one you've sewn would love to show off to Erin before she boards her airplane west.

How can I help?: Thanks for asking. In addition to bringing fabric, please bring food or a drink. Paper plates, napkins and cups too. We're having a party! We all sort fabrics on tables. Afterwards, we'll need a driver with enough room in the car to cart leftover unwanted fabric to local Salvation Army.

Where can I park if I drive? What about public transportation?: There's a parking lot behind the library. Call for details. You can easily get to the Rogers Park Public Library on the no. 22 bus. It's also two blocks west of the Morse Red line stop, a block east of the Rogers Park stop on the Union Pacific North Metra line.

Ok, what next?: Email marybeth.klatt @@@gmail DOT com with Fabric Swap in the subject line, let me know you're coming and how you'd like to help OR leave a comment underneath this blog post. I'll be checking it regularly.

I have a few more questions!: Email marybeth.klatt @@@ gmail dot com OR leave a comment on my blog.

For those of you who can't join us, perhaps you could leave a link in your comments showing you in your favorite dress. A virtual show and tell, if you will.