My Happy Place

David's work is taking him to the big city for 3 days and I've decided to go with him for a small holiday and enjoy the fancypants downtown hotel they've booked for him. My Mom and her friend are coming down to look after the cats and spend the weekend in our town, which is the big city to them. While David's being bored into a coma (or learning some interesting stuff and eating free lunches) at his conference I'll be swimming in the pool and getting out and enjoying the city, including spending an entire afternoon at my happy place. Where is my happy place you ask? It's Dressew, a Vancouver institution. There's no link to follow. Dressew is decidedly low tech - they don't even take credit or debit cards.  It's right downtown in a pretty questionable neighbourhood and it's such a wonder. I guess it's a sewing store, but it's so much more than that. For starters it's HUGE. The top floor is fabrics of every sort as well as all sorts of costume stuff and lately some cheap yarn has been found there too, but the basement is where the real fun is. Rows and rows and rows of trim and ribbons and ric-rac and ball fringe and fasteners and beads and every notion you could possibly want. I don't know where their stock comes from as some of it seems to be ancient and they are seriously cheap. Seriously. The basement is also where the bargain fabrics are and it's like a treasure hunt. There are a lot of scary fabrics down there, but there are also always treasures, including some vintage finds. The bottom floor of Dressew was my happy place even before I was sewing very much and this trip I'm looking forward to spending HOURS there and coming away with more than I can carry. Usually I have to send David off to eat tacos and read free newspapers at the Mexican place down the block, but without him to worry about who knows how long I'll spend in there? Will I take some pictures for you? Sure thing! After David is finished at noon on Saturday we've got the rest of the day and part of Sunday all to ourselves. There's some shopping we want to do at Daiso (a supercool Japanese discount department store) and of course Ikea and we'll probably go to some art galleries and we'll definitely eat some good food. It's as close as we're going to get to a vacation this year so we're planning to enjoy it. I'll be back with a post on Monday to tell you all about it. It's late, but if you know of anywhere I MUST go while in Vancouver (store, restaurant, etc) let me know!

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Sounds like fun! I have a store similar to that in my area, and my David usually brings a book and reads in the car!
I love Vancouver,and would love to visit again as an adult. I have been there twice,but as a kid. My dad has a very good friend that lives in Saltspring sp? My dad is originally from Ontario,but now lives in the U.S.

ANYWAY....Have a fun time and I can't wait to see the pictures :)

[Siew]

Are you a chocolately person? Because if you are, you really have to go to the chocolate buffet at the Sutton Place Hotel downtown. Completely decandent but oh so worth it for the chocoholics. I love Dressew. There's a great button place in that area as well that I can't remember the name of right now. Sounds like a fun time.

[Becky]

Hey great, I'm a Vancouverite!

If you want yarn, Main Street is the place to go. (Also a lot of vintage, indie designer, antique stores) There's even a Sunday knit meet up not far from the two great yarn stores there. Let me know if you're interested! Three Bags Full on Main between 28th and 29th, East side of the Street and Birkland Brothers on Main at about 18th, west side of the street.

Textile Clearance House on Fraser and 41st is another place with great discount prices for fabric.

Stanely Park and /or the beach is a must! If you have the time!

[David]

Siew, yes, we are chocolately people. And I'm a fan of both buffets AND dessert, so for a few years now, I've wanted to time a visit to Vancouver so we could visit the Sutton Place chocolate buffet. As we were only staying a couple blocks away and had no commitments Saturday night, it would have been a natural. But, for a couple reasons, we decided to leave it for next time. I hope there's a next time soon. . .

[Lisa]

Becky - Thanks for the tip about Birkeland Brothers and Three Bags Full - great stores! I'm a bit spoiled by living near the greatest yarn store I've ever seen (The Beehive in Victoria), but it's always great to add to my stash in new stores!

Siew - the chocolate buffet is definitely on our list for another time.