from the site:

"The Threadbanger network is a landing point for people who want to create and discover their own style through alternative fashion: recycling, up-cycling and re-fashioning anything and everything with simple sewing tools and techniques. From our episodes, forum and blog, to our newsletter, contests and viewer-take-overs, Threadbanger is a multi-media network for people who want to share their passion for DIY, fashion and crafting with each other. Threadbanger is a place to share ideas, tips and advice and help make the world more fashionable, Threadbanger style!"

Tutorial videos produced by Threadbanger are very well done.  The hosts are likeable and they explain things clearly.  Videos move at a brisk pace; you can pause as needed.

Projects are unusual and innovative.  Not a good source for basic sewing techniques (YouTube is better for that -- just search for what you need)

You can post videos of your own to help build reputation as a designer.

Store is full of gorgeous handmade items -- great for gathering ideas.  

Good way to support and connect with local artists.

Owners are really friendly.  They are launching an online magazine soon, focused on handmade crafts. 

"vintage reproduction and retro fabrics plus hard-to-find japanese import fabrics and Marimekko textiles. "

Crafster.org

from the about section:

"Craftster is an online community where people share hip, off-beat, crafty diy (do it yourself) projects. The term "Craftster" means "crafty hipster" and is also meant to be an homage to the pioneer peer-to-peer sites Napster and Friendster."

Example of dress tutorial posted by user.

Craft Magazine

Fashion Design Second Edition

Kaplan's Fabrics

O'Reilly

Sue Jenkyn Jones

"CRAFT is the first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, CRAFT's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; people who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities.

CRAFT is the sister publication of and created by the same team of renegade thinkers who created MAKE."

A book that explains a lot of fashion design techniques such as going through individual fabric purposes and the construction of garments. It also gives a view on what the occupation of being a fashion designer offers such as career opportunities.

A local fabric boutique located on the Country Club Plaza. It offers a nice selection of luxurious and rare fabrics. The also offer sewing lessons every saturday morning. 

The magazine is pricy, but the web site posts a lot of projects.

Projects sometimes seem a little more like textile art installations than anything you would actually do yourself, but they are fun to look at.

They put out a video podcast (quality is hit and miss, but some of it is good).

There is a lot of information and it is an interesting read; however, it tends to focus all on fashion. It could offer a little more variety than all on fashion design. 

The staff are very helpful and generous. The price range is a little too high, but okay for special occasions. 

Kalyn Valliere 

Kalyn Valliere