Whenever I’m traveling, be it a business trip or for pleasure, I always try to fit in a few crafty pursuits. In Amsterdam a few weeks ago, I found the greatest fabric shop. A. Boeken is three side by side shops joined together in a riot of fabric, lace, and buttons. Their business card says it all – a hip modster being roared at by a leopard.
This place is where you can find the unusual. Especially good is their selection of lingerie lace which comes in every neon color, as well as every shade of the rainbow. There is also an excellent selection of multi-colored PVC and rubber. Actually, their latex-rubber and imitation leather collection is supposed to be one of Europe’s largest. Imitation fur and swimsuit fabrics also abound.
Located near the old Jewish quarter near Waterlooplein in the older part of town, A. Boeken is best found by foot. It’s on Nieuwe Hoogstraat, a trendy shopping street off one of Amsterdam’s many canals. The Boeken family has been selling trimmings and fabric here since 1920.
When there, make sure to look in all of the nooks and crannies of the old wooden furniture which is bursting with buttons, ribbon roses, and saucy sailor patches. Mind that the walkways are quite tight, so it’s likely you’ll be rubbing more than just shoulders when you try to squeeze past the fashion designers, students, and various characters that frequent the store.
Similar to the US, in Holland less people sew now than years ago and many of the other fabric shops in Amsterdam have shut. There are however many fabric stores on Albert Cuypstraat and once a week on Monday morning, there is an excellent old fashioned flea market called the Noder Market which has tons of crafty stuff, especially fabric and buttons.
Hire a bike or take a canal cruise and keep your eyes open. People travel in painted vans as well as painted clogs. The Dutch people are hysterical and tend to be unreserved (at least on the dance floor). After a couple of Duvel beers, everyone becomes a midnight John Travolta. They are also the second tallest nation in the world after a tribe in Africa so be prepared to wear heels.
As for tulips, they’re everywhere – from hotel shower curtains to open street markets to stamps. I can’t wait to use these on my travel journal.
Coming soon – Sinter Klaas! A Dutch Santa appliqué pattern
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