Monday, January 26, 2009

Trip Downtown, Part 3

So one of the reasons for me going downtown was to find some different material stores and some trim/notion stores. I have to say there were numerous fabric stores, but they were mainly for dressmaking or home furnishings, not really much in the 100% cotton range. I did pick up just over 8 yards of this fabric, which I will be using to back my quilt, with plenty of leftovers and I picked it up at $3.99 a yard, as I took the whole bolt.



I did also pick up some 100% cotton muslin for $2.99 a yard, which I thought was a pretty good price, otherwise that was it for fabric.

I did find the most amazing ribbon/trim store called Mokuba However it wasn't cheap, I paid over $40 for this:



It does however have a great selection. It could also lead you down a whole new crafting avenue if you so desired..........which is not where I want to go at this moment, I have enough on my plate, thank you very much. Though if anyone out there crafts with ribbon, please let me know as I would love to see your work, as I am interested in what can be done with ribbon after seeing the selection in this store.

So overall I didn't buy that much, but we had a great day.

Now back to the subway. I find the whole thing a fascinating experience as there are people on there from all walks of life, so its a great people watching place. As it's nippy cold at the moment, people are all bundled up and so you see the odd person in fur coats. First let me say I am not a huge fan of fur coats, but I do like the look of the higher quality coats, though would never own or wear one myself.

So we are sitting on the subway and on comes this person wearing this Russian style fur hat with matching coat. This person was elderly and was using a cane, but what made me notice them was the coat and hat, plus the gold jewellery. They had gold hoops in each ear, numerous rings on their fingers and a high end mans watch. So far have you noticed I haven't said him or her, as I can honestly say I was totally confused at the sex of this person. On first glance I would have said a man, but because of the jewellery (other than the watch) I would have thought it was a woman.

Then there was the coat and hat. It was nasty, it looked like a rabbit which had been dragged through a hedge backwards, not that I have seen a rabbit dragged through a hedge backwards, but you know what I mean. So going by what this person was wearing they were hurting for money, but looking at the jewellery they were wearing they had a lot of money. Anyway, I was still none the wiser as to whether this was a man or a woman when they got off.

I then noticed another woman wearing a fur coat. Now this one was the real thing. The way it hung, the way it moved it was a beauty, I still wouldn't have worn it, but it looked good. There was a man sitting opposite us and he reminded me of a frightened little mouse. His arms were folded tight to his chest. He had beady little eyes and he had his legs crossed just like a woman would have. It was his eyes though that made you look at him, they were very twitchy darting back and forward.

Then a young man got on with a envelope that they give you at the doctors office with x-rays in them. This one however had a huge red sticker on it. What was really annoying was that the man folded his arms over the red sticker so I couldn't read what it said. My first thought though it must be a danger/alert sticker........do I have a vivid imagination or what?

I have to say I do enjoy going on the subway for that reason alone, people watching. Though I do have one requirement though, I must sit down, I don't like the whole standing thing. Also the seats are made for slim people!!! I also travel outside of rush hour, if what dd tells me, its a whole different bowl of cherries during rush house!!

So there you go, the last part of my trip. For part one click here, for part two click here.

15 comments:

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

You certainly made the most of your downtown trip. Loved the people watching. What a pity you couldn't take photos of some of the 'sights' you saw but your descriptions were brilliant! A x

Angry In Oman said...

Gill, I agree, the subway is so much fun for people watching, though it can be a bit scary late at night.

When my mom would come up for a day, we would always plan not to travel during rush hour too. :D

DeniseinVA said...

Sounds like an interesting trip. I think furs can be beautiful but like you would never buy a fur coat. We flew over to Germany via Toronto Airport. I was impressed with how nice the customs people were. Thanks for leaving the nice comment recently. Appreciated your kind words immensely.

Winifred said...

Oh how lucky you are with those fabric shops. That blue one is gorgeous. We have so few now and the prices are astronomical as you know. I don't have to buy anything, just enjoy looking and feeling the fabric. Sound like a bit of a perv don't I?

Public transport is the best for people watching. My problem is I seem to attract the loonies to come and sit by me. One of these days I'll do a posting on a trip to the Boat Show nearly thirty years ago when we went on the Tube. I still laugh about it.

Twisted Fencepost said...

I am a people watcher too. Not to make fun of them. Just to admire the differences. Unless, someone is just asking to be made fun of. You know what I mean!

QuiltedSimple said...

Love the fabric and trims you got! Sounds like fun on the subway - getting to watch all those people and wonder what they are up to!
Kris

ChaChaneen said...

Funny, I'd love to spend an afternoon with you. My gut would hurt so much from all the laughing I'm sure!

I fancy ribbons myself but use them for doing giftie items. My favorite way to see them used is as Bookmarks. I've seen elaborate ones before and they are beauties. I have no idea how they are made but that's how I enjoy ribbon!

George said...

It sounds as if the subway was the best -- or at least most interesting -- part of your day. Big cities are fascinating, but we have our share of 'characters' in small towns as well.

Scrappy quilter said...

I've never gone on a subway before, sounds interesting. Pretty material and oooh the ribbon. Great finds.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great post, Gill. I love 'people-watching' also.. I also love to drive on country roads and stare at the houses we pass--wondering who lives there and how long those old homes have been in their families. People sure are interesting--and that's what makes us all unique and special in our own way!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Cathi said...

I was laughing as I read this post -- the gender of some can be rather puzzling! But the subway at rush hour? That is something to be avoided at all costs!! It's horrible, unless you like being mashed up against people whom you have never met and likely don't want to meet and barely able to stay on your feet!

Gill - That British Woman said...

thanks for all your comments, I'm glad I am not the only one who likes to people watch......

Gill

ChaChaneen said...

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I posted the pics of the finished journals I made if you want to take a look.

I know what you mean about projects! When the season is over for raising my children (15 years from now I'm thinking) I'll be resurrecting several projects from their boxes! ha ha My daughter enjoys the journals and all the notes I make, so she'll probably inherit them as a Mommy keepsake or something. Or who knows, maybe she'll just chuck them. ha ha

Jess said...

Great post...! And good buy!

Love,Jess

Caroline said...

You are alike to me. I can go to the shopping centre & sit & people watch. Very fascinating. Just think I could come on a holiday to Canada & people watch with Gill. Now isn't that a new tourist attraction.LOL.
Today is Wednesday's Word hope you have time to visit.

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