The first Saturday morning of the month usually finds me at the Paris Street Market in Littleton, Colorado. It is a grand parade of vintage fabrics, architectural artifacts, crafts and of course, people. I like to look around, recharge my creative batteries and shop for props.
Lately, I’ve noticed a change. Instead of mostly women doing serious shopping, it has become an “event”. There has been a steady increase in the number of children, dogs and men.
Now, I love kids, dogs and men, but I go there to work. As the art director of Quilters Newsletter, I come looking for inspiration and that’s hard to do when you are dodging a double-wide baby stroller. It would be nice to have a little more space to do my thing, but then it might not be as “interesting”. So, I’ll continue to shop and be grateful when my husband says “go and have a nice time, I’m watching the golf channel.”
[Please note: This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Haley, winner of these beautiful fat quarters. Thanks to all for the humorous comments, they were fun to read!]
Leave a funny comment and you’ll be eligible to win these two gorgeous fat quarter bundles compliments of Maywood Studio, a division of EE Schenck Company. A winner will be randomly selected from the eligible comments. Post by 11:59 Mountain Time, Wednesday, July 25. This giveaway is limited to those who have not won since March 25, 2012.
We have a Farmers Market where we have about as many food vendors and we do all other forms of vendors (farmers, crafters, etc.) – with the ensuing long line ups of people! Throw in a few strollers and a couple scooters, and one has to become a very artful dodger. But the crafts, fresh baked goodies and fresh produce make this our Saturday morning event. We are lucky to have many talented artists (quilters, knitters, sewers, carvers, potters) that our market could be the inspiration you are looking for.
when my sister and I go shopping, she takes a 4 wheel cart , she has a balance problem and needs it to walk with, we both put our purses and purchases in it. They aren’t that expensive, and it gives you an edge in the stroller derby, but one thing you have to get use to is, every child will come over and look in to see what kind of baby we have in there.
Dodging strollers can’t be any worse than dodging the seniors in their scooters. (Just spent 5 days with 1500 or so Presbyterian Women, including the “seasoned” women.) Can’t get around them. Can’t get over them. Have to go through them!)
The market sounds like a great place for inspiration. Who knows, with the added dodging of strollers, dogs and such, you might find yourself face to face with the perfect new idea you might never have found otherwise. Wish I could experience it.
Thanks for sharing the picture. But how are we suppose to get any thing but a good tease. It is so fun to look but as you said it can be dangerous as everyone is after the good buy of the day. I had a fun day last Thursday looking for stuff like that then got to the check out and everything was half price. All the more fun–now to use my new wine glass or my martini glass!!
Who doesnt love Paris?
I really wish we had a street market near here. Sounds like fun .
Would love to visit. Take a stroller to push your stuff around, and shop, shop, shop.
Ah!,,, the sweet smell of the isle on the street markets. We have them here in the city. Down one street it’s all blocked off and you can barely get down on an early Sunday morning. The sweet smell of everything all around. Let me at that fabric PLEASE!!!
Markets are for fun. Stuff is swell, but the activity sets the tone and creates excitement. Focus and fabric—too easy!
I love florals, and paired with gingham checks and stripes is even better.
LOL — I get lot’s of quilting time when the golf channel is on —
Great fabrics — I can certainly use them!!
Golf? No thanks. But, basketball? That’s something to watch while you’re quilting. Especially, if you’re a Thunder fan. I got lots done this year! Wish we had a Paris market close.
It’s Yankees baseball in our house….plus I pretend I’m deaf. “What’s that? I’m on my way out the door…” Chasing me to make me wait until he’s ready to go out would involve him getting out of his chair!! My mom didn’t raise a fool!! lol
Lori in VA
Paris streets are none too sweet,
With strollers and doggies and slow-moving hubbies,
Finding the treasure in this party’s mess,
Takes a little luck and a lot of finesse!
Perhaps a leisurely cup of espresso and a croissant in a leisurely fashion BEFORE the market will put you in the mood! It’s always hard for me to share a wonderful find after everyone else has discovered it!!!
I will be moving residences shortly in your direction, so look forward to strolling the market one Saturday soon … Will do my best not to jostle you!
love to see it and even “people watch”
Your photos show a fantastic street market. It looks like a day worth spending. Strollers are annoying, but most of us have had to push one at some point in our lives.
Hi what a lovely story
We have farmers market but nothing as interesting as Paris
I would really love to spend a month their a day would not be long enough for me
I always try to take my husband with me to street fairs, markets, shows, etc. He carries my purchases, which frees up my hands to look at other things! If my husband isnt available, I try to take at least one of my teenage children with me. IF I have to go by myself….its not the strollers people need to watch out for, its my shopping bag! Its get so full sometimes, that I have to be very careful! One quick turn will knock down anyone in my way!!
I would love to come on down (from the Mountain in Evergreen) can you tell me where and when?
Thanks
roses are red, violets are blue, I love to win this bundle from you’s.