Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

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The Best Fabric Stores to Shop While Sheltering in Place (and Always)

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We’re 39 days into our sheltering in place at our cabin. It’s been OK. Michael and I are both staying occupied. For the past few weeks, I’ve been staying especially busy making masks.

I’m lucky enough to have a good amount of fabric right at home so I could get started on masks right away. However, I did need to get in touch with a few of my favorite fabric shops for some extras (I’ve gone through two whole spools of black thread alone!).

If you’re looking to make some masks or just work on a sewing project to stay busy, here are my favorite destinations for fabric:

Ben Franklin // Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

I’ve mentioned Ben Franklin stores a few times on this blog. I’ve got a soft spot for these shops—my first job was at Banner Crafts (a successor of Ben Franklin), and they are just really great crafting destinations.

If you’re in the Milwaukee or Waukesha area, I absolutely recommend the Ben Franklin in Oconomowoc. While the store is closed, they are offering curbside pickup. Just fill out a quick form and they’ll get in contact with you with photos and prices of all the things you could ever want. When you’re ready, just pull up and they pop it in your trunk. It couldn’t be easier or safer.

I snagged plenty of thread and tiger print fabric to make Tiger King masks a few weeks back. It was super easy and the staff was exceptionally kind as always.

Z Fabrics // Portland, Maine

My mom and I visited Z Fabrics back in October and we were both really charmed by this small shop. We both brought home a few yards of fabric with us from our trip.

A few weeks ago, when I was on the hunt for bias tape, Z Fabrics came to mind. I placed an online order for bias tape (and some cute fabric) and it was on my doorstep in no time. Seriously. In three days my supplies were here.

Of course, one order was not enough. My mom and I made a joint order last week for some just-for-fun fabrics and we’re already working on projects using them.

I can’t recommend this place enough. The owner stocks so much adorable fabric, great crafting kits and plenty of great notions. If you need fabric that’s a bit out of the ordinary and high-quality, don’t hesitate. You’ll be so happy with it.

If you’ve got any small fabric shops that you love, share them with me! I love finding new sources for cute fabric.

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Makers You Can Support While You Chill in Your Jammies

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OK, I am seeing the benefits of wearing real clothes occasionally. But let’s be real, I’m spending a lot of time in my jammies. If you’re living the lazy life like me, you can still support independent makers and artists—just like you can still support some awesome small businesses!

Treat yourself or someone you’re thinking about to something new from my favorite creatives.

Fern & Nettle // Milwaukee, Wisconsin

via @fern_and_nettle

If ever there was a time to buy extra soap, this is it. And you cannot do better than Fern & Nettle—it’s truly the only bath soap I buy.

Every scent is 👌—though I’m particularly fond of the mojito and lavender-juniper bars. And if you can snag it, get the lemon poppy seed soap! It’s fresh, exfoliating and smells like spring.

The Earth and All Stars // Milwaukee, Wisconsin

via @theearthandallstars

I’ve been craft fair neighbors with The Earth and All Stars a few times now, and it’s always a total joy.

Designer Stacy makes gorgeous leather jewelry and has started making pretty acrylic baubles, too. I wear my green tortoiseshell earrings all the time (or did before I sat in my house all day).

Half-Caff Designs // Lubbock, Texas

via @halfcaffdesigns

I stumbled across Half-Caff Designs at the Lubbock Farmers Market and just fell in love. Maybe it was the Trixie Mattel stickers or all The Office references.

Whatever it was, I can tell you that illustrator Mary Elizabeth Burt is a treasure. Her work is funny, detailed and pretty to look at. I recommend snagging these Schitt’s Creek-meets-social distancing cards to send to people you love.

Charm Patterns // Beacon, New York

via Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch

Gretchen Hirsch (AKA Gertie) and her Charm Patterns label might be a bit larger scale than some of these makers, but she’s still worth checking out because she makes gorgeous patterns and fabrics and produces great sewing tutorials.

For anyone that loves to sew, I can’t recommend Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses enough. And if you can’t bear the wait (or want a different pattern), she’s offering a discount on all PDF patterns right now. And be sure to check out #stayhomeandsew on Instagram. It’s fun to see what other sewists are up to.

Justine Gilbuena // New York, New York

via @justine.gilbuena

I’ve got a small enamel pin collection and half of those pins came from Justine Gilbuena. Her pins are sweet and touch on so many of my favorite things: sewing, cats, Martha Stewart, pretzels… I could go on.

And let’s face it: It’s almost jean jacket season. Time to dress those babies up with some new pins! I just snagged this cute little badger.

MBMB // Minneapolis, Minnesota

via MBMB on Etsy

I’ve been a fan of Michelle Brusegaard for a long time now. She creates that retro-meets-Midwest kind of stuff I love. (Right now I’m really into this Midwest sweatshirt from her Etsy shop).

Her work is homey and fun and lighthearted and I think those are all things we could use right now!

Gypsy Adornment // Madison, Wisconsin

via @gypsyadornment

I’ve got Sarah of Gypsy Adornment to thank for my love of labradorite. I’ve got a handful of pieces fitted with this stone in my jewelry box and love them.

All her work is really enchanting. Some pieces are minimal, others are sparkly, others a bit more rustic, but they all have the same handmade charm that makes them special. I totally recommend checking out her work. Something will call to you (or will scream someone you know).

Baby Tribe Co. // Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin

via @babytribeco

This has to be the most challenging time to have a baby (or one on the way). Treat your little (or your BFF’s bebe) to the most adorable baby clothes of all time.

The owner and maker, Lisa, does such a spectacular job on these baby pieces. They’re so soft, so well made and the fabrics are just mind meltingly cute. Anyone who gets one of these outfits will squeal with joy.

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Got any favorite makers? Share them with me and how you’re supporting them through the chaos.

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Small Businesses to Support from the Couch

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via @anthology230

What I wouldn’t give for a good cold brew and a chocolate croissant right about now! Staying home is for the best, but it’s hard when you’re craving creature comforts. It’s harder still when you see your favorite businesses in a lurch.

But just because you’re staying in (if you’re not, you should be!), doesn’t mean you have to stop supporting your favorite places. A lot of my favorite destinations are amping up online storefronts that make it easier to support them while we’re all stuck inside.

Here are my favorite local (and local-adjacent) small businesses to check out now.

Stone Creek Coffee // Milwaukee, Wisconsin

via @stonecreekcoffee

Stone Creek Coffee is one of my favorite stops. Their cold brew is the best. Their cafes are a joy to be in. And their business ethics are top-notch. Proof: their workers are getting paid their normal wage while they’ve shut down cafe operations.

You can continue to support Stone Creek by buying their beans online. The shipping is free! While you’re at it, tip your barista.

Plume // Milwaukee, Wisconsin

via @plume_mke

Everyone needs a good vintage shop like Plume. Their pieces are wonderfully curated, unpretentious and come in a good array of sizes (anyone else tired of vintage shops stocking everything with 25″ waists?).

While the shop is closed, their Instagram stories are poppin’. They post great finds, inspiration and updates regularly. I just snagged a red floral skort. Here’s hoping it looks as awesome as I hope it will!

Studio Ric-Rak // Wauwautosa, Wisconsin

via @studio_ric_rak

This is truly my favorite shop. Studio Ric-Rak is the sweetest vintage shop filled with all the goodies I love.

The owner is a doll and she makes handmade decorations from vintage ephemera for each holiday (and I’ve got so many wonderful Christmas goodies from her). She’s got a handful of Easter trinkets available and ready to ship. If you need a pick-me-up for the holiday, snag one now!

And be sure to check out Instagram for more finds. The owner is posting new stuff periodically and I’m doing my best not to want it all.

Anthology // Madison, Wisconsin

via Anthology

Anthology is a shop I stumbled upon years ago (back when I was in college). The second I stepped inside their State Street store, I was in love. So many cute things by small brands and local makers. It’s just the perfect shop.

And while their store is closed now, they are still going strong online selling small care packages stuffed full of fun stickers and small goodies. Right now these tiny treasures are the perfect pick-me-up for a friend (or yourself —I really want most of these).

Zip-Dang // Madison, Wisconsin

via Zip-Dang

This is a must-stop destination whenever I’m in Madison—either at their Monroe Street shop or their stand at the Dane County Farmers Market.

Zip-Dang just sells some really awesome stuff. I got a Baba Yaga print from them ages ago and it’s one of my prized possessions. They also have a great original art series based on Wisconsin folklore. I’ve also snagged some amazing vintage clothing finds, too. There’s just a lot to love about this place.

If that’s not reason enough to shop, they’re offering free shipping right now, so snag those prints or an adorable animal pillow. Waiting on the cat to be restocked!

Urban General Store // Chicago, Illinois

via Urban General Store

I am a puzzle fanatic normally. Staying at home has made me want to do even more puzzles.

And guess what: Everyone else wants to do more puzzles than ever, too. That means the typical destinations are all sold out (looking at you, Target). Lucky for me, I found Urban General Store.

This place has so many cute puzzles. I snagged three right off the bat and got a very sweet note from the owner. Truth be told: I could have bought many, many more.

If you’re looking for a puzzle (or honestly a lot of other fun things), check this place out. I’m so happy I found them!

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I hope this list inspires you to check out some of my favorite shops but also look into your favorite local haunts and see if you can support them right now.

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Fix Me Up // Trying Stitch Fix a Third Time

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Back in September, I ordered my first Stitch Fix box. It was incredible. I got five amazing mix-and-match pieces perfect for my new job needs (and all for a pretty good price).

A few months later, I placed another order looking for jeans and cold weather clothes. That box missed the mark for me, but through no fault of Stitch Fix (though I did keep a dress). Just to give you an idea, they sent me a pretty grey and ivory blouse that fit great. But it had an elephant pattern and I just don’t like elephants. So the items in that box were off, but not in any way that a stylist could predict.

Flash forward a few months, and I had the urge to try Stitch Fix one more time to fill in my winter wardrobe a bit. After all, you can’t wear the same three sweaters forever (except I have). On top of that, I had a little Stitch Fix credit to burn. Twist my arm already.

Lucky for me, post- holidays Stitch Fix’s delivery schedule opened up quite a bit. In less than four days, I had a box of new clothes waiting for me on my doorstep.

Here’s what was inside:

Looking in the box, I was thrilled. Stitch Fix got me. They got me this time (as compared to almost exactly getting me previously). And as I read the note from the stylist, I knew why: she’d looked at my Pinterest board. Over the past week or two, I spent some time really picking out aspirational images that resonate with me. She did good!

Looking at everything outright, I was so happy. My Pinterest board was full of polished and embellished outfits. All these pieces seemed to fit that bill.

The green smocked shirt was just really pretty and flowy, and while I’m not always a fan of high-necked shirts, this one looked pretty nice on! I also realize that a dressy shirt or two might up my game.

Next was a really great polka dotted sweater. The price was a little steeper than I’d typically pay, but when I showed my mom, she said, “You’ve been looking for decent sweaters all year and you’ve bought none.” So this one turned into a keeper.

Then there was this beautiful star dress. I’ve said it before: I’m not big on bell sleeves. I just think that’s a recipe for disaster as far as them getting dirty or ripping them, but for this dress I made an exception. It is witchy and magical feeling.

The last two pieces I tried on together: a ribbed turtleneck and a plaid pencil skirt. I mean that’s just your standard polish and panache outfit. Shopping on my own, I’d never purchase either of these styles, though I’d eye them up curiously. But that’s what Stitch Fix is about sometimes: pushing your own boundaries. These items were beautiful in theory (and in the box), but unfortunately did not work on me.

In the end, I purchased three of the items in my box. I consider that a pretty good success rate! And, like last time, yes, these items cost a bit more than I’d spend if I saw them at the store. The thing is though, I didn’t see them at the store. And that’s the luxury of this whole service: You get to bypass grueling shopping trips and also get access to items that aren’t always available elsewhere. If that means I pay 15% more for a top than normal, that’s just a surcharge for convenience and uniqueness as far as I’m concerned.

Also, since last time I took zero photos of me in my Stitch Fix garb, I thought I’d throw one in for fun! I’ve worn this dress twice already and I love it. I feel very Stevie Nicks (even if I don’t look it).

As always, if you’re interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself, tell ’em Lisa sent you.

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A Christmas Miracle

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The 90s are back. We all know this. Chokers and combat boots abound. But these are all small bananas compared to my dream 90s comeback trend: velvet.

YES PLEASE. I recall being a child and thinking velvet was the epitome of glamour (it is) and loving every velvet Christmas dress I owned (which was at least three). So early on, the idea of velvet at Christmastime was cemented in my mind. If you want to look fabulous and holiday-ready, you need a velvet dress. Plain and simple.

Except not.

Last year I ordered a plum velvet dress from ModCloth. It was a bust. As was the gold one I tried on at Boston Store. I was disappointed, but I vowed to search again in 2016. I did. I found a beautiful velvet burnout dress – but the keyhole neck was too droopy with the weight of the fabric. But then I saw a blue velvet option from Nordstrom for $58. Oh yes, this would be it! The quest was complete and shipping in two days! But lo! The cutouts looked so stupid on me! My hopes for singing “Blue Velvet” to myself were dashed. So I lurched back to Nordstrom to return another contender. I thought again, next year. I believed that the world did not want me to find a decent velvet dress.

Until I was walking out. There she was: a beautiful long sleeve velvet dress with a skater skirt and flower pattern. Only one in my size left! It was fate. I fell in love quickly. I made plans for this dress: a holiday party! Dinner! Christmas Day!

And we’ve been happily together ever since. A Christmas miracle.

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P.S. I’m not a fashion blogger and my husband is not a fashion photographer, so this is the best we do.