Can you believe we are heading in to March already?! I haven’t really done much this past week, mainly still working on my tumbler quilt. Although I wanted to finish my WIPs before starting anything new, I need to stitch a gift for a June wedding. I decide to start early. You know, with my speed, I might just made it in time!!
Something more exciting is our up coming trip to Paris!!!!! This is going to be my very first time to travel to Europe so I am very excited yet nervous. I probably borrowed all the travel books out from the library, and with the three Chinese books I bought made quite a long reading list!!! I kind of drew up our travel plan but I have to say, one week is just not enough!!!! Beside all the attractions, I also want to visit some cute stores as well. So if anyone have any favorites or must sees or tips about Paris, it will be greatly appreciated~
In other news, look who’s back!!! The doves are taking over my balcony again!!! They’ve actually been flying in and out this past month, but did not stay until I put their favorite pot back. Now they are staying here full day, and I think they might even had an egg~~
Well, this is what’s happening in my little world right now. What’s happening in yours?
Theresa, how exciting that you will be going to Paris! Soon? How long? I hope you get at least 2 weeks to play in France, and I hope someone will let you know about needlework shops!
ReplyDeleteYou asked about what's happening in my world - work and too much of it right now! Feast or Famine!
Take care!
Ah, Paris! Lucky, lucky you! I'm sure you'll have a blast.
ReplyDeleteParis?! Yay! I don't have any recs since it was 2000 when I went last. See as much as you can see and walk everywhere you can. I loved it and want to go back!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet that the doves came back. I can't wait to see if they have a little egg they are taking care of.
Hello
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog.
I love the fabric and thread shot - lovely colours.
How sweet to have doves on the balcony.
Oh, I'm so excited for you, Theresa! I just got to Europe for the first time last year and I'm A LOT older than you!! Can't wait to hear all about it :)
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting! Paris is beautiful. You'll have to stitch BBD's Souvenir of Paris when you get back. ;)
ReplyDeleteShare some updated pics of your tumbler quilt! I'd love to see it.
Удачного путешествия в Европу! И удачи с вышивкой подарка на свадьбу!
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to go to Paris! You will have an amazing time!! Love those little doves! So cute!
ReplyDeleteOooooo, Paris!!! You are going to have a fabulous time!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa! How exciting for you! My husband and I just returned from Paris two weeks ago. I took a 30 hour embroidery class at Lesage while I was there-- it was amazing! In between classes and in the week I had leftover, here is a suggested list of "must see" embroidery/cross stitch/needlework shops. I went to all of these places while I was there and it is incredible what is available in Europe that is simply not found in the US shops, anywhere. Make sure you check their websites for shop hours. Some stores are not open on Sunday or Monday and all shops open later and close much later than a comparable shop in the US would.
ReplyDelete1. Bonheur des dames
www.bonheur-des-dames.biz/boutique/liste_rayons.cfm
** most excellent cross stitch shop with an incredible array of patterns, kits, fabric, threads, books. The embroidery and cross stitch pattern books in Europe are incredibly cheap and are loaded with wonderful patterns. Also they have every sort of linen and Aida strip fabrics you could ever want, for bell pulls and such. And even the tiniest kits come complete with fabric, thread, pattern, and even a tiny packaged needle. Simply a wonderful store located in an ancient Roman viaduct converted into a strip of arty stores.
2. des fils.
www.desfilesetuneaiguille.com
Another don't miss it shop. Very small, but loaded to the gills with not only patterns, thread, charts, books, cross stitch fabric, but also miles of the cutest patterned and not ribbons, amazing (and incredibly cheap!) cute buttons, kits, and also the best source for traditional French embroidery fabric I found anywhere in Paris, also has quilting fabric that is simply darling. Fabric is quite a bit more expensive in France than your usual quilt shop in the US-- I paid on average 5 euro for one fat quarter.
Don't let it deter you, though. This store can still give you a wonderful bang for your buck and the staff although they speak little English are exceptionally friendly and accommodating. Also the same with the previous shop-- very friendly.
3. le Bon Marche
It has a website but any guide will have it in there as one of the largest department stores, nearest to the Musee D'orsay. It is a VERY upscale store (think Neiman Marcus) but it has a sewing department on the second floor (I think-- you may have to search a bit for it)) but it has a fabulous variety of Sajou products (www.sajou.fr), Liberty of London fabric, yarn department, cross stitch fabric and charts. It was the only place I found DMC thread on a spool, which was interesting and I wish I had bought some since afterwards I couldn't find it anywhere else. The Sajou products are wonderful.
4. BHV
www.bhv.fr/
This is a huge department store that has a much of everything in it. My husband and I went here every other day I think to pick up some item or another we wish we had gotten the day before. It is in the Marais district-- metro Hotel de Ville.
The second floor has a huge craft/art section, as well as a book department. Look for excellent books here with cross stitch and embroidery patterns, as well as quilting books. They have a wide selection written in French but easily understood in any language for the charts-- and they also have a huge inventory of Japanese craft books that are marvelous. I believe they are also closed on Sunday, as are many stores in Paris.
Sorry for the big comment! These are the best of the shops I managed to find. You will discover quickly that Paris is endlessly entertaining and you will have a wonderful time!! I know I did and I can't wait to go back!
Paris - how exciting. And with the list of stores that Jennifer gave you you should be more than busy. You will feel in these stores just like me when I visit a LNS in the US - just overwhelmed with all the things that you usually don't get at home.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely add them into my schedule. Hope I will have time to visit them all!!!
have a great trip Theresa!. the dove look very comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome - please post pictures - I just love to follow along ;)
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