Yesterday, I went to Chicago’s Textile Discount Outlet. I feel a little like Stefon from Saturday Night Live when I say this, but this place has EVERYTHING… and then some. Everyone on Facebook and Instagram was so excited after I posted a shot from the ribbon section of the store, that I thought I’d share more info about the place and what I scored on my trip!
To give you an idea about just how huge this place is, check out this video profile I found by The Grid:
Textile Discount Outlet from The Grid on Vimeo.
Isn’t it crazy?! I used a Groupon and got a ton of stuff. Most of what I used my Groupon for was foam for dog beds and a new camera bag. Foam, if you didn’t know, is not a cheap crafting material.
First off, here’s the fabric I purchased. A couple yards each of some nice upholstery fabric, green gingham, and gold stuff (I didn’t think to write down what the heck it’s called). I plan on making an everyday dress for myself with the gingham, and a shift dress out of the gold stuff to wear to a renaissance festival my friends and I are planning to dork out at this year. It’s going to be awesome.
As you can see, I also snagged a couple zippers, the white one for the gingham dress. Then there’s this awesome elastic I plan on making myself cinch belts with. The beige striped elastic is 4 inches wide, and the black is three. I have my eye on some vintage cinch belt clasps to make these super sweet. I’ll definitely post a tutorial when those are all done.
Finally, I want to share my absolute favorite finds from the trip with you. In one of the building’s upper floors, there are some chaotic bins filled with newly-acquired ribbons and accent pieces that are yet to be placed in their retail homes on the lower floors of the store. I found two complimentary sets of red ribbon that read “my bag” and “not your bag” and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I’m going to make a duffel bag with the upholstery fabric, the red zipper I got, and this hilarious ribbon, though it might take me 6 months to finish. Maybe that and the dresses will be my Christmas present to myself…
Then there’s the yard-and-a-half of labels from the Decatur, Illinois School of Practical Nursing that read “STUDENT” in all caps on a shield. One of my grandmas was a nursing teacher, so I think I’m going to have to use some of these on a project for her. I’m thinking maybe a makeup bag or cross body purse. We’ll see!
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