Let’s Go to France!
On a bit of a whim, and if I’m honest, because social media got to me, I suggested to Jim that we spend our anniversary weekend (New Year’s Weekend) in Paris. This seemed like a great idea because we both love Paris, and we had never seen the city of lights at the holidays, when there is even more light. So against all of our usual hesitance about holiday travel, we went for it.
The city was gorgeous! It was a little dreary and grey weather, but not terribly cold or too wet. We could see the Eiffel Tower from our hotel room, which was a special treat for this special trip.
We didn’t really have a plan, just our usual list of places to see, quartered off by location and we just started to wander. Of course our list was full of places decorated for the holidays and a handful of Christmas markets. And, not to miss an opportunity, I had a couple crafty locales on the list.
Our first crafty stop was Ultramod. This place was amazing! Like a little jewel box of creative treasures. There are two shops, but we arrived close to closing so I only went into the main shop. It was delightful with all the ribbons, buttons, and ephemera one could want. I found a couple of treasures including a needle book, a sweet trio of threads, and a set of beautiful printed shell buttons with iconic Paris images. I have no idea what I will make with them, but I’m sure the perfect project will present itself someday.
Our next crafty stop was La Drougerie. I had been to one in Strasbourg, but never in Paris. The unique thing about this yarn, bead, and fabric shop is that they sell yarn by the meter rather than in pre-wound hanks or skeins. The yarn was scrumptious! But I had no idea how much to buy or for what project, plus Jim was getting a little hangry, so I grabbed a set of bobbins for color work and we dashed out to dinner.
While not a crafty stop, our visit to Dior was indeed creative inspiration. I never really pay much attention to fashion — as my wardrobe clearly indicates — but I had watched Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris on the plane, and the designer shopping areas do amazing holiday decorations, so we went into Dior — which worked out great because Chanel was not letting anyone in that day. There certainly were some gorgeous garments, which, if I had an extra fifty thousand dollars lying around, I probably still wouldn’t buy. But they were indeed spectacular. The décor in the place also lovely. I was completely charmed by the white dresses hanging in the staircase, and the miniature versions in various displays. It reminded me of the dresses in Hampton Court, and served as a reminder that beauty is in the design as much as the color and fabric. I did splurge and buy myself a bottle of perfume, Rose scented of course.
Standby travel being what it was, we got an extra day in Paris, so we decided to go wander in Montmartre, with a stop at Le Marche Saint Pierre. I’m not sure how I never knew that there was a fabric district there. We usually stay very near there but our favorite little hotel is no longer in operation. I went specifically looking for this historic and monolithic shop, but there were many smaller shops right in the neighborhood. This shop was a little overwhelming. I had been looking for French linen napkins for a project, but ouf they were super expensive in the flea markets, and all of the ones I found were monogrammed, so they wouldn’t work for my plan. Plus they were kinda rough and really large. So I decided to buy fabric and make my own napkins. But no need! In addition to every imaginable kind of fabric, this shop also had pre-made, plain napkins, in a variety of spring colors, at a very reasonable price. So I stocked up and added to my crafty souvenirs.
I’m so glad we went on that whim, saw the lights, celebrated 33 years together, and found these fun new places during our wanders.
