PARIS
FRANCE
Tina Barseghian is editor-in-chief of CRAF T magazine. Francoise Steibel is a former boutique owner who loves 50s memorabilia. She lives in Lille, France.
Crafters converge upon Paris for its unique shops, galleries, and artist studios, where they can find both the inspiration and the materials to indulge their artistic whims. Here are just a few.
In the Bastille, beneath a lushly landscaped promenade that goes on for a mile, is a row of artisan and craft storefronts called the Viaduc des Arts, where weavers, dressmakers, woodworkers, designers, and glassblowers work and show their products.
One of those storefronts is Le Bonheur des Dames (“ladies’ delight”), an embroiderer’s dream housed in a bright, two-story space filled with goodies. Crafters can choose from hundreds of cross-stitch and embroidery patterns, and racks of floss, fabric, and ribbon of all shades, colors, and patterns. Framed vintage embroidery covers the walls, and all the merchandise is neatly organized, tidily arranged in baskets and elegant armoires, so browsing is an absolute pleasure.
Beautiful beads, jacquard ribbons, buttons good enough to make jewelry with, and a unique mix of yarns and sheets of felt are just a few of the attractions of La Droguerie, one of the better-known craft institutions in the city. Located in the Les Halles neighborhood, the shop is packed at all hours with creative crafters.
Set in a shop straight out of 1930s Paris, the height of Art Deco in France, Le Comptoir boutique is the retail personification of the Moulin Rouge. The shop is stuffed with a gorgeous selection of wool yarn — the best in quality and color — as well as a huge selection of pattern books and magazines for the avid knitter. You’ll also find ribbons, embroidery floss and tools, and buttons galore.
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