Setting Up Shop: What You’ll Need for the Most In-Demand Textile Projects of Today

If you are competent in sewing and other textile-based projects, you have on your hands an in-demand skill that you can monetize as a side project. Whether you do it for the love of sewing or the need to have extra income, taking in bigger and better projects is an opportunity that is not given to everyone.

At this point, you might not be ready to open up a full-blown dress shop but you can already start advertising yourself to the world as a go-to person for different kinds of textile-based projects. You can probably start stocking up on indispensible tools and supplies that you can easily reach for in an instant. When someone comes knocking on your door asking you to please, please make her daughter’s flower girl dress or a set of curtains for his new bachelor’s pad, you will be glad you did. Here are some of the basic tools and supplies you will need for both small and big projects and everything else in between.

Crafty Creations

 
The first items on your list of tools and supplies to buy will have you browsing through haberdashery items that are part and parcel of your supply stock. For small and crafty projects, you will want to stock up on the following:

• Buttons – have a good balance of plain and simple buttons and fun-looking ones. At this point, you don’t necessarily have to have the most ornate ones especially if they require a subjective eye and a specific taste that might not be present in any of your future customers and clients. Round buttons are most often used for a lot of projects, and do have them in a variety of colors and sizes (for making dolls eyes, button noses, doll clothes closure, etc.). To be on the safe side, throw in some cloth covered ones for when you need to make specialty dresses that require exposed buttons that require a level of flaunting.
• Cords – stock up on rayon cords for a variety of craft and dressmaking projects, such as kitschy, corded gift bags and pull-tie kimono cover-ups. It always pays to have natural-hued ones that go well with canvas cloth and several rolls of boldly colored ones for any fashion or craft creation. Come the holidays, you’d best have metallic or Lurex gilded ones for Christmas crafts that pack a festive punch.
• Elastics – If you’ve been praised beforehand for your skills in making stretchy tutus for little girls or fancy beaded necklaces and bracelets, you should have a variety of elastics on hand. Clear knitting elastic (like stretchy fishing line) is great to have for stringing beads to make intricate beaded neckpieces and bracelets. For fancy hairpieces, sturdy round elastics in black and white are a must. If you make fancy costumes for kids, babies and anyone else, you will want to have a roll of flat waistband elastic.
• Fasteners – for projects that don’t call for basic buttons, fasteners are a great alternative (think baby clothes, fast-secure skirts or kiddie jackets and parkas). Grab a couple of jersey press fasteners and some hooks and bars to start off with. As you move along in your sewing hobby, you can add other kinds of fastening equipment in the mix.
• Ribbons and lace trimmings – who doesn’t love ribbons and lace? From dress trimmings to ring cushions, ribbons and lace trimming are the icing that bedecks a beautiful textile-based creation. Stock up on colored, glittered, patterned ones at the moment, and when you get very specific projects later on (such as a patriotic-themed doll project, for example) then that’s when you can order specialty ribbons.
• Rulers and scissors – to ensure you have your pattern measured just so, have a large Omnigrid handy. These come in small and large sizes, but it is usually best to invest in the biggest one you can afford so you only have one grid for all projects. And of course, scissors are very important in any textile-based project. At the very least, ensure you have at least one of each: tailoring shears, craft and hobby shears and trimming scissors.
• Velcros and zippers – make sure you always have a roll of Velcro (both hook and loop sides!) and zippers! These come in handy for making small pencil cases, structured blouses (with concealed zips) and other sorts of projects that require easy closure.

Fabric Frenzy

 
While the choice of fabric will ultimately be decided on by your clients, it is best to have dressmaking fabrics on hand – especially if you suddenly have that spark of inspiration and need to craft something from your imagination, pronto. For these times, make sure you have plain and printed cotton prints (best to stock up on in-demand prints for the season as well as classic patterns like floral, checkered, geometric and the like).

 

If you anticipate accepting dressmaking projects in the future, have dress linings and dress nets in basic colors (black, white, beige) at the ready. Since these usually go underneath the cloth, you are more likely to use something simple and basic. For the other types of fabrics (gingham, crepe, fashion prints, etc.), these can easily be ordered online through a reputable textile shop for when you need them for an actual project.

Curtain Projects

You might find yourself being commissioned to craft new swags for windows, so be ready with your basic stock! Have an assortment of curtain holdbacks (both plain and some elegant-looking pieces), curtain linings in basic colors and curtain tapes. For your fabric stock, it is usually best to have voile fabric in pretty pastels and lovely lace that will look at home in any room. For those looking for a hotel-like atmosphere, you can never go wrong with dove grey, tan, brown and beige. It’s also best to stock up on a couple of curtain rods in case a client wants to leave this purchase up to you as well.

Dresses and Gowns Galore

You never know if a close friend or neighbor would want to commission you to make a gown to wear to a fancy wedding or someone’s debutante ball, so fabrics and accessories for projects such as these are a must to have on hand. However, ensure that you do have the training to make bigger and far more complex projects like these – otherwise you might end up buying material that will just sit and gather dust in a corner.

Dress lining is a must and as mentioned earlier, you are safe to purchase beige, cream and black ones. To make the outer part of the frock, the safest colors to have on hand would be baby pink, navy blue, pearly cream, purple and magenta duchess satin or silk. Baby pink is a popular choice for children’s wear while navy blue and purple are go-to colors for more mature dresses. For those in between, magenta and pearly cream is a great color to create something with as it works well for teens, aunts and moms alike. Again, ordering other colors can come in later when someone approaches you about a project that requires specific colors.

Over time, you might find yourself adding more tools, equipment and supplies in the mix – especially if you gain a bigger following and develop your skills in such a way that you can take on bigger and more complex textile-based projects. For the moment, however, these basic supplies can already take you far. Work with these materials with a creative eye and a penchant for detail and pretty soon you will find yourself having to replenish them!

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Exploring Your Bridal Fabric Options for Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting and memorable times in your life, but some aspects of it can also be a source of stress for any bride. The same can be said for when you move on to choosing which bridal fabrics to use, as there are so many options and styles that it can get quite overwhelming for some. Fortunately, a simple guide can help narrow down your search to the best options for your motif and personal taste. Continue reading this easy guide to exploring bridal fabric options that promise minimum stress and maximum loveliness for one of the biggest and most important days in your life!

Your Bridal Gown: This or That?

Let’s start with the most important bridal fabric – the one that you will actually wear yourself! Choosing your bridal gown fabric need not be hard; all you need to do is to ask yourself some questions and look at the corresponding options that go with your answers. Two basic questions about your bridal gown include:

1. Do you want a luxuriously drape-y bridal gown or something light and airy?

Consider movement and weight very carefully. Drape-y bridal gowns elicit some of the most breathless hushes from your guests, but as a bride you also have to think about the weight and how it hugs your body. You wouldn’t want to be dragging your dress around when you move about greeting your guests. The best choice for this is duchess satin, which has a wonderful sheen and feels ultra luxurious on the skin. If you are not going to be moving around so much, this is a great option to explore – especially if you are going to have an indoor reception as it gives off a more formal vibe.

On the other hand, some brides prefer something light and airy. Think vintage, ethereal and outdoorsy – very Pinterest-y! Gowns that are light and airy are very easy to maneuver in, and you will not have a hard time storing it because it packs snugly and does not require as a large a box compared to bigger and heavier gowns. For this, the best material is chiffon – something sheer that can be layered for a more delicate effect while still feeling nice and light. Good quality chiffon also has a nice, silky finish that gives off an extra layer of splendor to your gown.

2. What lining are you considering, and how does this factor in the weather or environmental conditions of your ceremony and reception venues?

 
Gown lining is a very important component in deciding your dress. True, it is not as exciting as the outer layer but comfort and silhouette relies so much on this so as a discerning bride you would best consider this carefully! If you are investing in amazing underwear that sculpts and hugs your body in the most seamless of ways, you most likely won’t need too heavy a lining. Your best bet is a polyester dress lining that has anti-static properties so you need not worry about the fabric gathering up in an unusual or undesired way.

If the outer part of your gown is heavily embroidered or textured (like lace or organza), a single layer or two of lining should be enough. You have the texture or the embroidery to guard against VPLs (or visible panty lines). If your gown is done in silky smooth duchess satin or taffeta, do several layers more to protect against the dreaded VPLs.

Fabrics for Your Wedding Party

While most of the attention will be on the bride, you cannot forget about the other members of your bridal party who will also share some of the limelight. These days, economizing on your wedding fabrics also means getting the most mileage out of the gowns and dresses – especially since you’ve invested good money in it and would probably want the members of your wedding party to get more wear out of it after the big day.

Your Bridesmaids

 
For your bridesmaids, consider knee length dresses with detachable trimmings so they have a “basic” dress that they can still wear to parties or other formal gatherings (without looking like they indeed just came from a wedding!). If you are working with chiffon, you won’t need too many embellishments since you can experiment with layering to create depth and texture. Organza, on the other hand, is a type of fabric that has a soft sheen to it that can be complemented with a shoulder or neckline detail. Since your girl group is pretty much within the same age as you, keep the dresses “young-looking” and elegant by sticking to understated designs and adornments.

Your Best Gal (AKA, the Maid of Honor)

 
She’s the one who burns the midnight oil just to help you prepare for your wedding, so naturally your maid of honor – your bestest, best gal! – ought to stand out from the rest of the bridal party. While all your other girlfriends are wearing knee-length dresses, she on the other hand deserves an eye-catching column gown done in either swishy chiffon or figure-flattering smooth taffeta. Keep the dress simple and low-key in terms of details to keep that fresh and young vibe going – and also because her extra-special MOH bouquet will be all the adornment she will need. Veer away from anything lacey or beaded as they tend to look matronly when overdone.

The Little Misses

 
For your junior bridesmaids and flower girls, taffeta dresses are a fun and feminine option. Taffeta is a material that has a soft rustling sound, which is an extra dose of fun for the little misses who will enjoy that tactile pleasure of their pretty poufy dresses. For an extra shot of fun, floral rosettes on one shoulder or around the empire cut may be considered – and nothing more! Again, lacey fabrics or netting is not recommended – you’ll never know if they’ll start scratching and complaining of itchy fabrics against their skin!

For The Mothers

 
And let us not forget the beloved mothers of both the bride and groom, who also deserve to look stunning on the day of their children’s union. For the more mature set, lace is a lovely material to explore. It is more forgiving than satin or silk, which are fabrics that, when done wrong, can emphasize a “motherly” figure in a not-so-nice way. Lace looks very elegant combined with beadwork, so the mothers also have a great fitting and tastefully done dress that can also be worn in future events that require them to look regal. If not for a full-body gown, lace also makes a great embellishment and texture for organza or taffeta-based gowns or two-piece outfits.

These simple tips for choosing your bridal fabrics can hopefully do a lot to streamline your choices for yourself and for the important people who will take part in your special day. Keep these tips in mind throughout the design process and remember – stay cool, calm and collected! The best and most comfortable gowns are borne out of shared fun and excitement when planning for it so strive to keep the mood light and relaxed when fabric shopping and dress planning!

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Upgrade Your Rooms With Net Curtains

Breathing new life in one’s home can be quite the costly project, but there are ways around giving it a much-needed upgrade without having to break the bank. One ingenious way to do this is to introduce net curtains in any room in your home. The great thing about net curtains is it is relatively cheap and come in a variety of styles, colors and materials so you have a nice selection to choose from for any room in your home. They are easier and quicker than repainting your walls and are a more economical alternative to purchasing new furniture or decors. Here are some nice style ideas that make use of net curtains’ abilities to pull a room together that you may want to consider the next time you toy with the idea of redecorating.

Net Curtains in the Kitchen

There’s not other cheerier room in the home than the kitchen, and this room deserves the cheeriest of net curtains there are. It’s time to replace those lemon-patterned drapes or those gingham curtains with something that is both modern and romantic: net curtains. For this part of your home, net curtains that have a gently arched bottom hem will work great. The material allows the sun to peek in without being too strong, and the sloped hemline allows a peek inside and outside your windows. Choose one with a delicate lace trim for a low-key style that will not clash with the look of your kitchen.

Net Curtains in the Dining Room

Net curtains in your dining room are great alternatives to heavy drapery that make the room look opulently out of place. These days, people want a stylish but warm and welcoming home – and net curtains can provide you with both. A ceiling-to-floor set of net curtains brings order to a dining room by not contending with your decorations and its sheerness evokes a warm glow that is noticed by outsiders without giving them a peek into your family’s dining activities. The plain ones are also safe for use all year long, as they will surely go with whatever your theme is for the season. Furthermore, using net curtains in the dining room may mean not needing to use your overhead lights during breakfast or lunchtime as there is enough sunshine to flood your dining room area.

Net Curtains in the Living Room

It’s always fun to choose net curtains for your living room because it can be the star of the show or an amazing co-actor that allows others to take center stage. If you want something new for your living room, add a set of intricate lace net curtains and keep your decors to a minimum so all eyes will be on the stunning fabric that dresses up your windows. If you are looking for a pop of color, a pair of fuchsia net curtains strategically added to your existing drapes will add the sliver of style that you crave. When choosing the color for this, look around your living room and take note of the three most dominant colors, then limit your choicest to these three so you are sure it will go with the look of your living room.

Net Curtains in the Master’s Bedroom

A set of net curtains in the master’s bedroom is better (and more economical) than purchasing a new set of bedside table lamps or an oil painting to hang on the wall above the bed. If you want light to gently shine through during the daytime, a set of thick net curtains ought to do the trick. If you want the room to be inundated with light, then perhaps a sheerer version would be better (and can wake up your hard-to-wake, often-sleepy spouse in a jiffy). You can pair it with less transparent white or beige curtains that are pushed to the sides to give your room that minimalist look, or match it with more decorative fabrics to downplay the design a bit if it is too overwhelming.

Net Curtains in the Kids’ Rooms

Two great ways to dress up your child’s bedroom is to add some bright color with the help of colored net curtains or to install a pair of plain white net curtains and use it as a canvass for additional DIY adornments. The first idea is easy peasy and the color will dominate the room, thereby requiring fewer decorations for maximum (but not overwhelming) impact. The second idea will require a bit of elbow grease from you by making buntings or cloth streamers to hang over the white net curtains. If you are not one for creative pursuits, you can also just buy premade buntings or streamers at a store. For sure, someone will be jumping up and down with joy at this addition to his or her bedroom.

Net Curtains for Your Teen Queen’s Room

Your teen will get a kick out of a net curtains around her four-poster bed, which is less expensive than embroidered drapery. Furthermore, it gives her a sense of privacy with the enclosure option but allows you a peep into what her pretty head is doing while lounging in bed. It’s a style upgrade that is covetable by many girls, and you’ll be pleased to know it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. She just might stop pestering you about getting a new stereo!

Net Curtains for the Bathroom

And of course, your bathroom also gets to enjoy a new look with a pair of net curtains of its own. Give your bathroom a Zen-like feeling with a pair of net curtains in white, but add a bit of flair with subtle lace patterns, frills and designs too. If your bathroom is on higher floors, you can do with sheer white net curtains because you will not need to worry about someone catching a glance of you as you bathe. If your bathroom is within viewing distance of people outside your home, however, then you may need a pair of net curtains that have a thicker material for more privacy.

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Fashionable Suggestions for Using Different Types of Dressmaking Fabrics

Thinking about updating your wardrobe without hitting the retail shops? The next best thing is to have a dressmaker sew your clothes for you. Apart from it being a cheaper option than buying something off the rack, you can also have your measurements tailor fit for a better feel and you have full control over the choice of dressmaking fabric, color and print. The best part about this is shopping for dressmaking fabric, which comes in all sorts of colors, materials and prints. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with a few suggestions on what you can have made using particular fabric types will certainly have you looking like you’re on top of your fashion game this season. Here are some suggestions you can try!

Nineties Revival With Tartan   

Emma Watson in Tartan Dress

A nineties throwback is very apt these days, as the fashion of this decade is seeing a revival. And what better way to pay tribute to this awesome decade than by donning a tartan dress? Whether fitted or loose around the body, a tartan dress paired with a pair of black stockings is a stylish nod to the nineties without looking like you’re on a total time warp. Keep your accessories to a minimum (a crystal statement necklace is a great choice), bust out your 12-hole leather boots or velvet loafers and you’re good to go.

Pajama Dressing with Printed Cotton Pants

Low in effort and high on impact, a pair of printed cotton pants will be your best friend on days when you want to look dressed up but don’t want to spend so much time on it. Printed cotton pants look great on any body type, thanks to a gartered waist and a gathered hem that gently hugs the ankles. The swishy cotton fabric feels nice and soft against the skin (compared to leg-hugging capris) and looks great when paired with a plain colored tee or a striped boat neck that you tuck in the waistband. For a style boost, team with a pair of show-stopping heels. For a regular daytime look, your trusty pair of flats should do the trick and allow you the comfort needed to run your errands.

See-Through Lace Skirts   

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Need something that bridges the gap between formal and casual? A midi lace skirt is a great piece to have in your wardrobe, especially if it is the hip-hugging kind with a half see-through option (half-length lining). For a corporate setting or afterhours cocktails, a midi lace skirt works best with a crisp polo shirt tucked in and cinched with a statement belt. For this skirt, the best type of lace to use is heavy corded lace fabric so you don’t have to worry about the material being too fine and being in danger of snagging.

The Punchy-Hued Linen Boyfriend Shirt  

Blake Lively in Boyfriend Polo

You probably already have a trusty white boyfriend polo sitting in your closet – you know, the one that fits well and you pull out for your standard corporate look. Now it’s time to give that style a second lease on fashion by making it a lot more fun. Buy dressmaking fabric in punchy hues and have a dressmaker copy the exact style that you already have. While it’s good to have your standard black and white polos as they never go out of style, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few bright options to give your outfits that much-needed zest without having to pile on the accessories.

No-Fuss Bi-Stretch Evening Dress  

Sara Sampaio and Jennifer Hudson Bi-Stretch Evening Dress

Any woman should always have a fuss-free evening dress that she can easily don in an instant, and a bi-stretch dress is the perfect style to have. The stretchy material hugs gently and creates a lovely ruching on drapey areas. With the right style, you can even position the ruching to cover problem spots such as your belly or waist.  Try to have this dress made with a V-neck for a more figure-flattering silhouette, and punctuate with a pair of attention-grabbing statement earrings. The plus point of this dress is it is so easy to manage; just throw it in the wash and hang dry – no need for ironing!

Easy, Breezy Chiffon Blouses   

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No closet is ever complete without a couple of printed chiffon sleeveless blouses that are very trendy these days – and with good reason. Chiffon is a relatively economical fabric to purchase, and the amount of prints that you can choose from makes it a very enjoyable task indeed. If you still don’t have one, go for two or three pieces that differ in color and print. Chiffon blouses are great to have on hand when laundry day is several days from now as you can hang them in the morning and come home to them dry and ready for another OOTD (outfit of the day) come night time. As an added bonus, you do not really need to accessories much because the prints on the blouse are practically enough. A simple gold chain necklace or bracelet, plus your trusty gold watch, is enough.

Lounge in Luxury with Satin Kimono Tops

Cover-ups are good to have in your closet, and a satin kimono style cover up is your best bet. The satin material feels really lovely against the skin, and this style is very versatile such that you can take it from the bedroom to the boardwalk. Wear it with your white tank top and denim cut-offs for quick trips to the supermarket while still looking fashionable. It can even be used as a blouse, too – wear a lacey bra or bustier underneath and cinch at the waist with a matching belt. Pair it with leggings, your favorite heels and simple gold hoop earrings and you are ready to hit the bar with the girls on a Friday night. Have two or three of these on hand for every occasion. It is even a great option to take to the beach, where you will surely have many photo ops lounging on a recliner and sipping your pina colada in style.

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Something for Everyone at the Haberdashery

Mention the word ‘haberdashery’ and it is likely that one will think of a quaint shop where a genteel man is being measured for a made to order pair of pants and perhaps a jacket or two by a bespectacled white-haired old man. While it’s true that a haberdashery is a shop that caters to men’s tailored clothes, it actually services more people in these contemporary times. You might even be surprised to find out that there is something you will want to buy in a haberdashery.

Not Your Average Store

A haberdashery today, whether it is located in an actual store in the neighborhood or found online, is a one-stop shop for so many different kinds of materials used for many purposes. It is like a fabric store, craft store and specialty supplies store all rolled into one. Haberdasheries all over the world can thank the continued rise and attention to arts and crafts and ‘made to order’ as a hobby, an economic venture or as a lifestyle alternative. A more observant eye will notice that there are more shows, magazines, websites and the like that cater to these things, which really helped draw attention to haberdasheries. Here’s why it pays to go and see one.

Something for the Clothes makers

Haberdasheries primarily service dressmakers and tailors. If you’re into sewing and dressmaking, a visit to the haberdashery (whether a brick and mortar store or an online one) is practically like a visit to a candy shop. A haberdashery will have everything that is needed in dressmaking and any other sewing project. It is actually better to visit a haberdashery than to go to a fabric shop because the former has a more extensive range of cloth to choose from, from plain cotton to fine silk and satin.

For the Craft Aficionados

Apart from materials needed in dressmaking and sewing projects, a haberdashery is also a great place to check out if you are looking for unique craft items for a variety of projects – even the ones that do not require sewing. Some of the materials you can purchase include plain and decorated ribbons, sequins in all colors of the rainbow, buttons in all shapes and sizes and so much more!

For the Toy Makers

If making plush toys is your thing, you will enjoy a visit to the haberdashery. Most haberdasheries have a section dedicated to toy components. Apart from the actual material needed for the actual body of the toy (such as canvas cloth or felt, for example), there are also special parts such as animal joints or even toy noses. These are really appreciated by both fledgling and seasoned toy makers who haven’t developed the skill to make these parts by hand or are looking for a time saving way to make more toys in less time.

For the Accessory Shop Owners

Own an Etsy shop? Have a knack making and selling women’s’ and girls’ accessories? A haberdashery is a fantastic place to replenish your essential supplies and to stock up on new and unique adornments. Most haberdasheries carry elastics, headbands, squares, Velcro’s and other basic materials to make a variety of accessories. For the decorating part, you can find attractive decors in haberdasheries that are ideal for making elegant headpieces, dainty decorative pins, funky corsages and more.

For the Bag Aficionados

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Those who have always dreamed of breaking into the bag making business will find that a haberdashery will have everything needed to make a basic bag. Bag handles come in a variety of materials (such as bamboo, plastic, wooden or leather, among others) and styles (curved, fish shaped, round, and more). Zippers come in different colors for when you want them to blend in or stand out, and come with either plastic or metal pulls. Again, the choice of fabric will be an enjoyable task given the extensive range of both plain and printed options.

For the Wedding Party

One of the best customers of haberdasheries are wedding party groups, as you can find everything you will need for the dress, the detailing and even the matching purse. Materials needed to make bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, flower girls and more can be sourced in all different colors and styles at a haberdashery. There are ribbon embellishments, fine laces, boning and waistbands, organza, paddings and more!

Home Textiles and Supplies

If you are looking for materials to make curtains to dress your windows with or you want to make a new sofa cover, a haberdashery will also have the materials you need. Apart from the fabric needed for the home textile project, you can also buy curtain hooks and poles, rods and tape, and a variety of decorative materials to adorn the fabric with such as tassels or bead fringing. For those who want to make new upholstery for sofas and stuffed chairs, bias tapes and trims – as well as stuffing, in some haberdasheries! – can be found there as well.

Other Materials

Haberdasheries also offer an extensive variety of tools for sewing and crafting. There are different kinds of scissors and scissor sets from an assortment of brands (and unbranded ones, too); rules grids and tape measures; and sewing machine accessories and parts such as machine bobbins, machine bulbs, machine needles and other parts.

Having mentioned all these great supplies that can be found at a haberdashery, you’ll probably get all excited and want to visit one in the soonest possible time. Prior to your visit, it is suggested that you make a list of things that you need to get for a particular project. It also helps if you already have samples or “pegs” of what you want, including colors and patterns, in order to save time while hunting for options. Measurements and quantities of fabric and other supplies are also important to ensure that you are buying what you need and not run short on something. It will also help to call prior to your visit to check if they have all the items you need, or you can probably check online if they have an updated inventory that you can peruse.

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