Shopping in Paris

Oh Paris, with a speedy train connection taking me door to door under 2h30 hours It is a wonder why I never went there specifically for a bit of fabric shopping, since I have traveled as far as Exeter for a sewing meet up lol.

As I mention, the original plan was going to be spending time with my family and try to fit fabric shop around the family activities but since their trip had to be cancel and I was staying with the talented Jolie Bobines, I ditched the maps and followers her lead. On this post I will be sharing where I have been (including meeting other french sewing bloggers) and a little bit of the places I have bookmarked so you can have a complete list! There will be a meet up there in November organised by CarmecitaB if you fancy making a trip yourself.
Around the 18 ème, commonly known as Quartier de la Butte Montmartre. (Antwerp metro)
Often described as "the" art & bohemian 'neighbour',where masses of tourists go to visit Sacré-Coeur basilica and the Place du Tertre. Oh and the Moulin Rouge. If I could draw as a comparison that feels like Shoreditch in London or Vila Madalena in Sao Paulo.

Fabric shopping in a foreign language was definably an experience. It felt strange most fabrics were displayed as coupons (pre cut pieces of fabrics, most common being 3 metres). I'm normally guilty of buying less than I need but I didn't have much choice it was take or leave it, although some shops could be convinced to half the coupons. My french wasn't good enough for that. Hardest task was to get trims cut for you. Lucky I had help!

Le Coupons de Saint Pierre at 1, place St Pierre
Marché Saint-Pierre at 2, rue Charles Nodier Tissus-Moline at 1, Place Saint-Pierre Coupons sacred at 4, bis rue d'Orsel
Frou- Frou
Tissu Reine at 3-5, Place St Pierre
Dam Boutons at 46, rue Orsel
Au Bonheur des Dames at 1-3, rue Livingstone

By sheer coincidence look who spotted me and Jolie shopping? Blogless Anna was doing a stitching tour, something Lizzy and others done.

Around 12th ème: (Bastille Metro)

Mainly residential neighbourhood. Not far from Place de la Bastille and the indoor arena, Palais Omnisports de Bercy.

Anna Ka Bazar at 17, rue Jean Beausire

with Marie

2nd ème: (Sentier Metro)
This is where the Paris Stock Market (the Bourse) is located, and the Place des Victoires{where my mom wanted to visit the boutiques}.

When I went to General diff to buy couture fabrics (by myself) and I found loads of fabrics shops around the area inclusive a place that look like morplan called Hamon for fashion students and a another place ( cannot remember their name) where you can rent a sewing machine by hour. Score!

I also visit very cute shop called Lil weasel that sells both fabric/patterns and next door: wools. At 1, passage du grand cerf

Fabric by Kilo? go to Toto at 25, Rue du Sentier

Loads of places around there to explore. This is a selection of tweets/instaspam during the trip.

#rachelaparis #parisdiarieshop
Outside Paris. Those those familiar with the UK legend "the man outside Sainsburry" at Walthamstow market, this is his french equivalent and his name is Will, a.k.a the man outside Olivier!

With Thetinytailoress, joliesbobines and imaginationetcreations
Other districts: Moline mercearie at 2,4,6 rue de Livingstone 75018 Paris (10th ème)
France Duval Stalla at 24, rue Mayet (Saint placid metro/ 6th ème)

I will share the fabrics I bought as I make use of them.... Having to write this post after 10 days of my beach holiday was hard on my memory. There was 3 full days of shopping and one of sight seeing. If I remember the other names and places I will share it! Now, time to catch up on my wip! I have barely sewn anything the last month.