My brother has been living and working in Berlin for the last five or so months. It's not every day that your brother lives halfway around the world, so I thought it's high time to visit! I'm going at the end of October and I'm sooo excited!!
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| 2011 versions of me and the bro |
I was actually there in 2011, but just for a day as part of a larger tour. It felt like we were there for about 2.5 seconds so I've always wanted to go back.
I remember being really into taking pictures of this giant iPad ad behind the sign at one of the old east/west Berlin checkpoints. Poignant.
But anyway, does anyone have any fabric shopping recommendations? Because you KNOW I'm bringing an extra suitcase. Does anyone live there? Any other general recommendations? If you have any bits of advice I'd love for you to leave a comment, or if you prefer you could also email me at devon[at]missmake[dot]com.
We are also going to try to go to Prague on one of the weekends I'm there, so any good info there would be much appreciated too!
The shops I know of are Hüco (http://www.yelp.de/biz/h%C3%BCco-stoffe-berlin) (I haven't been there for a while,because I don't live in Berlin anymore) It is a weird looking house from the outside. ;) And there is also a little turkish market on fridays and saturdays on the Maybachufer in Neukölln (http://www.neukoellner-stoff.de/) with super cheap fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThen there is berger stoffe (http://www.gebrueder-berger.de/) and Volksfaden (http://volksfaden.de/de/1005-designerstoffe). But I can't say anything about them.
But I do have to warn you, fabrics in Europe are far more expensive than in the US unfortunately. :(
I wish you a fun time in Berlin!
-Maike
thank you so much!!
DeleteOh, I forgot Frau tulpe! http://www.frautulpe.de/
ReplyDelete:)
I totally agree with Maike.
ReplyDeleteI personally like to hit up Hüco because it's big and they have a great variety so chances are pretty good, you'll come out with something. It's a supply shop for professionals (no problem shopping there as a hobby-seamstress) and more middle range/ high-end price-wise. Be aware that tax isn't included in the prices, so you'll need to calculate 19% more than what the label says.
As a tourist, I think it's much more fun to hit up the turkish market at the Maybachufer. The market takes place every Tuesday and Friday between 11:00 and 18:30 o'clock. It has fabrics, notions, good food and all kinds of knick knacks. It's usually pretty crowded and the fabric is lower quality but it' possible to find good stuff and the experience is fun nontheless.
And for really nice stuff you could visit Idee, a hobby store next to the KDW (Kaufhaus des Westens), they carry very high end fabrics (bridal, Liberty, beautiful silks...) but I usually just browse their fabric section as it's unfortunately out of my budget.
Have fun!
Oh I didn't know the idee-shops had fabrics! I always thought they were crafting shops mostly for kids, with some yarn and paints. Thanks!
Deletethanks so much for your suggestions, it's so helpful! [and oh man, 19%, thanks for the warning]
DeleteSO JEALOUS!! You are going to have an amazing trip- I can't wait to hear all about it (and maybe even see some pictures, if you're unlike me and you actually take vacation photos :) haha!).
ReplyDeleteI have no Berlin tips, but I do have an overseas word of caution- check those luggage fees. I'm flying air canada, and a second suitcase will cost me like $130 o_O soooo I'm packing a capsule wardrobe and bringing the biggest carry on I can get away with. Fyi! Maybe your airline is nicer than mine and lets you check 2 bags tho:)
Anyway. BERLIN!! SO EXCITING!! :D
I agree with Lauren! Check the luggage fees! I always fly Air France when I go over and you can check 2 bags free, but that is a rarity! I have a folding duffle that I pack in my main bag going, then fill it with fabric to check back :)
Deleteohhhh good call! i didn't really think about that part...i'm flying United, which was the only airline that had just one layover, and with my experience with them in the past i'm guessing they will charge. I'll have to be very strategic with my packing...
DeleteMy only word of advice for Prague is *definitely go* I went there a few years ago and cannot wait to go back!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved Prague. I had the one of the best desserts there, the mille feuille. I wish I can tell you where it was or even the name of bakery or cafe. Total fail. It's one of my favorite cities in Europe. I've always wanted to go to Berlin. Have fun!
ReplyDeletethanks kathy! food is a very important part of traveling to me, especially dessert...
DeleteI‘ve just been there on a business trip and in my limited time I checked out:
ReplyDelete‘Frau Tulpe‘ (www.frautulpe.de) – very colorful fabrics and notions, knits and wovens
‘Babie Lato’ (www.babie-lato.de) – specialized on natural fibers, mainly wovens from linen and cotton, unique selection
‘Siebenblau’ (www.siebenblau.de) – only certified fabrics (the shop itself is GOTS-certified), knits and wovens, predominantly solid colors and pastels
I found something in all three shops despite their general difference in their selection.
Have fun!
thank you!!
Deletethanks so much! now i'm excited for recovery beer and crepes. :] i'll be there the last week of october, including the weekends on either side.
ReplyDeleteI actually went to Prague and Berlin two summers ago! It was so easy to take the train between the two. As for shopping I unfortunately didn't do much of that in either city. Spent most of the time in Prague sight seeing and eating. Beautiful scenery and delicious food. As for Berlin I really enjoyed doing the Fat Tire Bike tours. Even did one in Pottsdam.
ReplyDelete