Fave Raves in Paris 'Fabric Shopping'

How can you not love shopping in Paris.  Paris, where everyone can find something they love, whether it's haute couture, flea markets, perfume, comic books, outdoor markets, or whatever.

Day one.  'Fabric and Creative Spaces'

In this city of haute couture, you can find designer fabrics by the meter in many posh stores in well-healed districts about town. But if you want a bargain, or just something edgy, you should go to the fabric markets.  I realised I needed an early start as I have arranged to meet the sailor for a appertif around 4.pm.   Note book full of research, addresses and a game plan I caught a taxi to Basillica Sacre Couer in Montmarte which is the highest point in Paris and one of the most easily recognised landmarks from many points in the city.  

Great photo opportunity.

How could I resist a few minutes gazing at this beautiful ornate French carousel.

From the Sacre Coeur I caught a electric car down to the Marche Saint Pierre where the largest textile market in Paris is located.  Shops that occupy old buildings on many streets and side streets.  Here you will find the good the bad and the very ugly, so I suggest you take a walk around and take note of the shops worthy of visiting.  I like Reine, I stuck to the ground floor for clothing fabrics.  A large range of Liberty Prints at below Sydney prices even considering the Euro.  Jersey's silks, brocades all at reasonable prices.  Next door at Les Coupons De Saint Pierre, I found some cotton florals and 100% cotton gingham's which are usually hard to find.  Most of the fabric is cut into two and three yard lengths.  Piles and Piles of it.  I must admit I really had to search hard to find the cotton floral prints that speak for Rowantree Design.

Now this one caught my eye, Moline Mercerie a large and interesting shop selling quilting fabrics yarns buttons and inspirational ideas for the crafty gals.  


 Flower adorned bicycles parked outside. Cute welcome!

Retail is detail and this shop certainly does this well

For something completely different take the metro to Chateau-Rouge, on the #4 line, just one stop past Barbes -- which can be used for the Marche St. Pierre. (I caught a cab) Find your way to rue Poulet (yes, chicken street) where you will find shops full of Dutch wax print fabrics famous from Senegal to Kenya.  The most delightful sight you will see here are the women dressed in their national dress, alas too shy to be photographed.

Ah... the one I have been longing to visit.  'la droguerie',  old shop/drugstore.  The decor of ancient musty smelling large wooden benches, glass fronted cabinets reaching to the heavens containing, large glass bottles over flowing with trinkets and treasures, buttons, bows, beads and pearls. A curiosity shop for talented fingers.  This store definately has a flair for making niche spectacular.  Creative inpiration, overload.  I have never bought yarn by the gram before and the service if you are prepared to wait is helpful beyond belief.  Who said the French were rude?

9 rue du jour Paris


Eye catching merchandising, you can stay browsing here for hours!

What did I buy?  Two pieces of vintage fabric, lama and alpaca yarn, vintage tassels, buttons and bows.  Considering the eye candy I saw today I think I did amazingly well!  Now off to meet the sailor for a refreshing drink!

La Palette.  My always favourite cafe in Paris, right smack in to middle of the artsy area.

43 Rue de Seine 
75006 Paris 

Ah there he is........

Please drop back because I can't wait to share the images of my favourite Children's boutiques.