Back to the Project

I returned from New Orleans with the absolute best souvenir anyone could hope for: fabric. Okay, well you probably don't care much for that conclusion but let me tell you, I'm thrilled. Picking out the fabric for my Chicken Coup Couture Project from Promenade Fabrics on St. Charles was among the thrills of my project, readers. Consider this: a fabric store that sells apparel fabrics (and associated notions, laces, and trims) only. No drapery fabrics, no crafty-yarny stuff; just gorgeous silks, woolens, laces, linens, buttons, and beading. The collection ranged from $30 per yard to well over $200 per yard. This is exquisitely high for my usual price range, but the quality was completely there: Italian, French, English, and Irish imports abounded. Vintage laces were everywhere. Silk in every variety and color lined the walls. I was greeted promptly at the door but was then left unobtusely to brouse to my heart's content. When I asked for guidance from the proprietor, Mr. Herbert Halpern, I got ample attention. This is what shopping should be, I thought. If you ever find yourself in New Orleans, stop by the Promenade Fabric store on St. Charles and look out for a wonderful experience. Also, if you ever happen to want that kind of personalized service but can't get to New Orleans, Mr. Halpern gratiously provides a mail order service with complimentary swatches (within reason). How's that for unusual these days? He told me Promenade is the last of its kind in the South. I believe it. I can't find anything of the kind anywhere else, either.