Taipei Travel

Stumbled upon it as we explored Dihua Street. At the ground floor, a small food court... and some tiny stalls selling clothes. We did buy some clothes, the cheapest at NT100. But not many choices. You would do better at Wufenpu. But fabrics are plentiful upstairs... not for us, unfortunately.

I had originally visited Yongle in December, but as it was a Sunday it was closed. This time I wanted a table runner made exactly the same as one I have on my dining table and had faded. I found a woman who sewed and she called a young man who turned out to be her son and spoke really good English. I showed them both the old runner and the mother suggested a particular fabric seller on the floor below. Sean, the son came with me and acted as interpreter. I couldn't believe it when I found the exact same fabric as the old runner which I had bought ready made in Shanghai years ago. We all consulted on yardage and the trimmings then we took it back to the mother to sew. I said I would pick it up a few days later. Sean offered to deliver it to my hotel and it arrived and looked perfect along with the old runner and the left over fabric. They had even included a little gift for me in the shape of a coin purse on a key ring. I loved this market and my new table runner. It was so convenient having the fabrics and the sewing people all in the one building. So if you want something copied or cushion covers or anything else you are sure to find it at Yongle market

Almost all the textile owners are very helpful and honest except for one we encountered. So DO NOT BE HASTY when making any textiles purchases. The food there is fantastic, so good we went back there for seconds. I love the glutinous rice with the chicken drumstick wow.. Japanese food sashimi is beyond fresh.

My first trip to Taipei( joining a cruise later) and this was my number one place to visit. Went the first day and then returned another day for more. Bought some silk at $18m as opposed to $50 in Australia. Patchwork fabric was beautiful, imported from USA and just a little cheaper than home. Some months later, at home, envious comments about my dress made with Taipei fabric. Great selection of fabric and REALLY nice stall holders. I lost my husband ( I mean LOST!) and they did a search for him. How they understood what I meant I don't know because I could not speak Taiwanese or they English. They gestured that the man who had been sitting on the table had gone outside and a mate had seen him. The mate went looking outside for him! Wonderful.Take your purse credit card and an empty case.

I bought a back pack with me, as I had planned on buying quite a bit if it was good. I filled my backpack. I got cotton/linen for about $11 Aus. And plenty of other cotton fabrics for between $6-15 yard. Most of the vendors speak a little English, and there was usually a helpful local around who had some English to help me with those that didn’t. There is some smaller precut offerings, which are great for quilting and they cut for you. I bought between 1-3 yards. Take cash, I didn’t see Eftpos facilities. It is a little tricky to find as it isn’t signed. I caught the MRT and headed straight up. I asked a local and they pointed me in the right direction. It is a big red brick building (see attached photo). Plenty of cafes in surrounding streets and a bonus is there are toilets on site (basic). On the 3rd floor there are tailors etc who can make up your fabric, but one stall holder said they were expensive and I might find cheaper outside of the building, I went up for a look all the same. If you love fabric and sewing make sure you leave room in your suitcase. Leave your husband in the hotel!