Haberdasher is such a good word, although secretive. If you hadn't come across it before, it gives absolutely no indication what its meaning might be. Unlike say, 'butcher' which helpfully suggests meat is involved, or 'baker' hinting, quite strongly, at bread.
Today I went to what must be one of the best haberdashery shops around. It was in Santa Cruz. It was the size of a warehouse and was a treasure trove of fabulous bits and pieces. The huge rolls of fabric were propped up at one end, and the better quality ones hung on rollers with a quantity draping down to entice you to touch. I started at one end, stroking the faux fur and imagining my house, completely lined with the stuff. Forget wallpaper or wood paneling, faux fur is the future for interior design as far as I am concerned. There is something so reassuring about stroking softness.
The fabulously coloured pure silks were quietly looking glamorous, hanging off horizontal rods in the centre of the store. So fine to the touch, it was like they almost weren't there.
Some of the material had prints created by someone with a sense of humour - in the 'food' section, there were bolts printed with tomatoes and bacon and eggs. In another area, there were rolls of material covered with matchsticks, and another with cigars. Pet lovers were also catered for, with multiple doggie faces staring out, and kittens with bows. Sadly no guinea-pigs - I do think the power of the guinea-pig is underestimated in art.
One roll of upholstery material had a flock of mallards swimming between the bulrushes, presumably looking for Moses. I think they were off course in California.
On the walls raggedy rows of ribbons and sequins dangled down, in every colour you could imagine. One roll of shimmering turquoise sequins reminded me of the sea and I imagined a dress fit for a mermaid.
The buttons were fun too, big square ones, small textured ones, buttons so big they had patterns cut into them like doilies - you could serve fairy cakes on them.
It reminded me that there is something wonderful about specialist shops. Forget the bland malls with chain stores and bring back the real shops, the ones that make it more fun to spend your money.
Today I went to what must be one of the best haberdashery shops around. It was in Santa Cruz. It was the size of a warehouse and was a treasure trove of fabulous bits and pieces. The huge rolls of fabric were propped up at one end, and the better quality ones hung on rollers with a quantity draping down to entice you to touch. I started at one end, stroking the faux fur and imagining my house, completely lined with the stuff. Forget wallpaper or wood paneling, faux fur is the future for interior design as far as I am concerned. There is something so reassuring about stroking softness.
The fabulously coloured pure silks were quietly looking glamorous, hanging off horizontal rods in the centre of the store. So fine to the touch, it was like they almost weren't there.
Some of the material had prints created by someone with a sense of humour - in the 'food' section, there were bolts printed with tomatoes and bacon and eggs. In another area, there were rolls of material covered with matchsticks, and another with cigars. Pet lovers were also catered for, with multiple doggie faces staring out, and kittens with bows. Sadly no guinea-pigs - I do think the power of the guinea-pig is underestimated in art.
One roll of upholstery material had a flock of mallards swimming between the bulrushes, presumably looking for Moses. I think they were off course in California.
On the walls raggedy rows of ribbons and sequins dangled down, in every colour you could imagine. One roll of shimmering turquoise sequins reminded me of the sea and I imagined a dress fit for a mermaid.
The buttons were fun too, big square ones, small textured ones, buttons so big they had patterns cut into them like doilies - you could serve fairy cakes on them.
It reminded me that there is something wonderful about specialist shops. Forget the bland malls with chain stores and bring back the real shops, the ones that make it more fun to spend your money.
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