…the lowdown on the fabric and yarn shops I visited whilst in Italy and Paris.
First stop, Rome; and before we had headed off on our trip I had read about Fratelli Bassetti Tessuti in a really excellent review which is also on the store website, and from which I also borrowed the below photo of the store exterior since I neglected to take my own.
Well, well. Oh my. It’s rare for a fabric store to leave me speechless and incapable of waxing lyrical about the multitude of lusciousness contained within, but this one is pretty mind-blowing!
Just read Elaine’s review to which I have linked above instead. It’s a goodie.
Rather lamely, I ended up buying only one piece of fabric. Confronted with all that fabric; my brain started out exploding with possibilities and then went numb. In fact, it was not until a few days later than my brain managed to process, and then belatedly began to kick myself.
But: and there is a but. Along with all that fabric wonderfulness, went sky high price tags. So I am not beating myself up too badly over not having bought more.
My recommendation; if you are ever lucky enough to be in Rome and have time to visit this store; do. Despite the high prices, it is nice to get a little piece of fabric for a souvenir, just because.
I bought this citrus-y pinstriped linen. It wants to be a summer-y dress, when the time comes 🙂 Or something summer-y. I haven’t decided exactly. I was thinking of limoncello and lemon gelati when I bought it.
Now, to Milan.
I had googled fabric stores in Milan prior to getting here but came up with zilch. Then one afternoon, sitting in a cafe watching all the beautiful people strolling by, I happened to catch sight of a girl holding a carrybag printed with the unmistakeable motifs of a fabric store; roll of fabric, scissors, measure rule. Could barely contain my excitement. Fortunately could make out the name of the store, and immediately looked it up and headed out there… pronto
map
Another treasure trove. Not as large, therefore not as fabulously and overwhelmingly stocked as FBT, but still pretty fantastic. Here the fabrics were heaps more reasonably priced yet still very high quality; and plentiful enough while not so much as to overwhelm. There is the ground floor section which is not very prepossessing; but if you wander into the back corner of the store you find an unobtrusive staircase, leading one down to the basement which is where most of the action is. Here were leathers, pure Italian wool suitings, silk velvets, linens and shirting cottons, tonnes of other silks, metallics, cotton denims for jeans, some cashmere knits, a whole wall of jerseys, some synthetic offerings … lots of stuff.
My recommendation: definitely still worth trekking out there.
Doesn’t look very enticing from the outside, huh? Appearances can be deceiving; this is a small store it is true, but stuffed to the gills with gorgeous fabric. Prices, mediocre. Not as cheap as Milan, not as dear as Rome. I found here another piece of silk velvet; green pile on a pink background, giving it a mossy appearance. This is one of “my” colours, so I grabbed it, thank you.
I will not suffer from thisfabricistoogoodtocutup-itis, I promise!
Perfect souvenirs to remember your holiday and individually they're just beautiful. Look forward to seeing them all made up 🙂
I can't wait to see what magnificent things you conjure up. I'm mossy green with envy but am slightly consoled by the thought of a trip to London next year. Think I'll pack light!
Pure gorgeousness!
I love your picks, and thanks for your fabric store reviews. Because, while I am dead jealous, I take comfort in the fact that I am actually not that far away!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Lucky you! The haul looks great – I especially love the mossy silk velvet (sounds divine even). I have to say I get a bit overwhelmed when faced with a huge selection of fabric. At least you didn't come home empty handed (as if!).
Thanks so much for that report! Not that I expect to get there, but I enjoyed seeing it vicariously. I love seeing what you bought because I know I will see all of these things made into beautiful pieces. You are nothing, if not consistent. 🙂
lovely to see your purchases. When I was traveling to Italy frequently I wasn't sewing as much, so I was only focused on shoe shopping 🙂 now I would be a fabric maniac. And the clerk calling you an American – funny. I have never understood why sales clerks in Italy disdain tourists who are in fact purchasing something! and speaking Italian I understand them – so I usually let them know I understand, just to see the looks. Oh well. your stuff looks dreamy and I want those buttons!
Such lovely souvenirs! Won't it be nice to remember the trip while cutting and stitching these wonderful fabrics!
Souvenir fabric is the best-I love tho use it and relive my holiday. Your choices are luscious!
Lovely fabrics, and even better souvenir hunt story, particularly your eagle eyed spotting of a fabric shop bag walking down the street!
I really enjoy sewing with holiday fabrics, it is like having a little bit of holiday all over again.
What wonderful fabric shopping experiences! If the remaining hours in your trip were anything like the fabric stores, you had a very good time indeed.
I'm looking forward to seeing the garments you sew up with these lovely fabrics.
Lovely silk velvet 🙂
Great picks. I am looking forward to seeing how you use the velvets and can't wait to see the yellow pinstripe made up.
Thisfabricistoogoodtocutup-itis sounds just like me! Great way to travel, fabric shop to fabric shop!
He he, the first time I sew something on my own, it was from a piece of fabric given by a friend of my mother coming from Roma… And now I'm finishing my stash coming from Sacre Coupons & other Marche Saint Pierre. So you went to one of the favorite places I used to go when I lived in Paris!
It's the first time I'm able to post a comment on your blog, I want to tell you I enjoy it very much!
Lovely fabric and gorgeous wool! I love the colour.
Lucky you. Shopping for fabric in Europe made me realise how much our fabric stores are adding on. I'm not sure shipping costs that much!!
Violette, thank you so much for your comment, I have tried to reach your blog too but have been unable to so far. I can't understand why there should be a problem :S
I'm in the unfortunate situation of having to spend 6 weeks in Italy…
I've been putting together a map of fabric shops in Milan, for when I finally get away from the mountains.
I'll let you know how I go!
This is really a valuable post. Nice to find and read. The info shared is helpful and valuable. Will grab it. Thank you for sharing.
Herbal Potpourri
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