While there is an abundance of calico in Yongle Market, sewing actual quilts is less popular among Taiwanese hobbyists than smaller projects like purses. For a large selection of bag-making accessories, visit Lanshing (聯興, No. 2070, tel: (02) 2556-9665). Genuine leather handles are NT$460 to NT$890 per pair, while Japanese flannel in cozy heather shades is NT$700 and up per ma. Cute wooden buttons start at NT$30 each, while thick bundles of square fabric swatches, ideal for applique or small patchwork projects, are NT$200 each.
If you are sewing a fancy dress costume, head over to Chyang-Jih (強記, No. 2024, tel: (02) 2556-9051) for tulle at NT$20 per ma, shimmery organza for NT$125 per ma and other evening fabrics in synthetic fibers at very reasonable prices. Chungchaona (鐘昭娜, No. 2035, tel: (02) 2552-2000) specializes in fabrics for dance costumes. For a little bling, head up to Taitzu (太紫, No. 3033, tel: (02) 2550-8484) on the third floor, which specializes in belly dancing costumes, jeweled ribbons, appliques and other sparkly things. Hungchi (宏企, No. 2077, tel: (02) 2556-9406) sells ornately beaded lace fabric for NT$600 to NT$800 per ma, as well as flowery chiffon for NT$360 per ma. For something a bit more special, visit Chuanchanhsing (全展興, No. 2086, (02) 2559-9957) where beautiful silk panne velvet in soft, muted colors goes for NT$600 per ma.
FUR PEOPLE
Cosplay enthusiasts and furries can find supplies at Iyuan (乙元, No. 1201, tel: (02) 2558-4047) on the first floor, which has a good selection of novelty-print plush fabric. Fake fur in more realistic prints is also available at Yi Da Piece Goods (藝達, No. 2025, tel: (02) 2559-1554) and Chingchang (璟昌, No. 2091, tel: (02) 2558-8341).
Many stores proudly advertise imported fabrics from Japan and England, but traditional Chinese and Taiwanese designs are also in abundance at Yongle. Flaming pink or bright blue peony flower fabric, a Taiwanese classic that is commonly referred to as a-ma (阿媽), or grandma fabric, says Lu, is available at his stall at No. 2042 (tel: (02) 2550-4709), but is also plentiful throughout the market. Chiuhsing (久興, No. 2083, tel: (02) 2555-0610) specializes in silk, including Chinese brocade for NT$180 per ma and luscious charmeuse for NT$300 per ma.
Buttons and other closures are available at Liuchinmei (劉金美, No. 3030, tel: (02) 2550-6502) on the third floor, or head across the street to Chiehlangli at 11 Mingle St (介良裡布行, 民樂街11號, tel: (02) 2558-8527), directly to the south of Yongle Market. The store is one of the best-known purveyors of sewing notions, ribbons, lace and other supplies in Taipei and is open Mondays to Saturdays between 10am and 6:30pm.
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