by Toma Haines
An
item almost every client returns home with when taking an Antiques Diva Tour is
European fabric. Few clients come with
fabric on their list of "must buys'" but when clients see the selection of
silks, taffetas, damasks, checks and toiles on offer abroad at a fraction of
the prices sold in the USA, they simply can't help themselves but stock
up. Bar none, the best fabric shopping
experience in Europe is at Paris' march Saint Pierre
at the base of the monumental l'glise du Sacr-Cur! This Paris
fabric district has every fabric you could possibly conceive ... but perhaps the
best thing about the fabric sold here is that it is all double-width!
When shopping in your home town, you too can look for double-width fabric. Most fabric is offered at
55" wide. Ask your local fabric
vendor to show you their selection of 110" wide fabric. Why do you want double-width fabric? To create no-seam products, bien sr! Imagine the round
table cloths, sensational drapes and king-size coverlets you could make (or
have made).
Speaking of this latter point, a great way to customize your home is by having
house-hold accessories hand-made by your local tailor. Often the cost of tailor fees on pillows or
throws is equal to what you would pay at your local department store or high-end
furnishing store, but "haute couture" home fashion personalizes your home in
ways these stores seldom can.
Last but not least, if you love a fabric buy it now and come up with a use
later. Years ago I purchased gorgeous
chenille in a goldish-cream while traveling in Provence. Years later, I'm using it to reupholster an
antique chaise purchased in Belgium for my new home in Berlin. Now that's what I call personalizing my home
with items I'm certain none of my neighbors will have! And really, isn't that
what it's all about - having a unique
home that shows who you are, where you've been and what you're interested in!
Bonne Shopping!
The Antiques Diva
To read more exciting articles written by The Antiques Diva visit www.antiquesdiva.blogspot.com or to book a European Antique Shopping Tour at www.antiquesdiva.com Follow my day-to-day adventures on www.twitter.com/TheAntiquesDiva
