Shopping on Arab Street in Singapore

Back in August, I had the extreme pleasure to visit Singapore while my Hubby was in port there.  Being the fabric-phile that I am- I did some research beforehand on where to buy some fabric. 

Hubby and I found Kampong Glam after an hour of walking in the wrong direction.  Kampong Glam- also known as Arab Street- is home to the beautiful Sultan Mosque.  I did not go inside the Mosque myself- I wasn't sure of the etiquette and rules so I was happy to just take pictures from the outside.  I have never heard the call to prayer before, it was a truly unique experience for me.

Arab Street is the home to numerous, and I mean NUMEROUS, fabric stores.  I could kick myself for not getting a picture of how they display the fabric.  To entice the customer they will drape the fabric over a mannequin or dress form.  There were so many stores and so many fabrics to choose from- I was literally overwhelmed.  I knew I would bore Hubby to death if I decided to shop all of the stores- so I decided to go back on my own- after the ship had pulled back out.

So after Hubby left for the big blue ocean again, I consoled my breaking heart by buying some beautiful silk fabric...

I bought 3 meters, it has such a lovely drape- I am scared to cut it!

I should have bought 3 meters, but only got 2.  I love the colors- the picture doesn't do justice.

Shopping the stores was a blast.  The salespeople are crazy!  They know their trade very well and could get you to buy your own shoes if you let them.  The saleslady I bought the silk from kept trying to get me to buy more 'meterage' (is that the right term?  I am used to saying "yardage").  I should have listened to her when it came to the border print- but I should be ok.  I plan on making a skirt with it.

I also bought another border print cotton.  I have to find where I stashed it so I can take a picture.  It is an Indian like print.

They also sell rugs, jewelry, baskets, and pashminas up and down the street.  The rugs were beautiful- but they wouldn't fit into my suitcase! ha ha

Entrance to Arab Street

bolts and bolts of fabric- too many to choose from!!

I bought an Indian-print skirt here.  The couple who own the store were so sweet!

Sultan Mosque

Courtyard behind the Mosque.  There were a bunch of shops selling beautiful silk garments and a lot of "boutique" fashions- including a lot of recycled/re-fashioned clothing.  I had already bought too much by the time I found this area.  Maybe next year??

I hope to go again next year- and I will be sure to bring an empty suitcase with me- "just in case".