It’s been a while since my last post and I have a lot to report. I finally quit my job and after a week of drama from the school director, I am finally free from his immoral business practices. He chocked it up to cultural differences but all my other Korean friends disagree. I won’t bore you with the details but suffice it to say I don’t wake up every morning with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.
Next order of business, my brother arrived in Korea the other day. Alex will be teaching at a school in Suwon, a larger city 30 min. north of Songtan. I went to see him on Thursday night and check to see how he was doing. Jet lag and hunger mixed with an overwhelming amount of information being thrown at him obviously increased his exhaustion level but he’ll get into the swing of things in no time. He’ll head down to Songtan Saturday or Sunday to visit me and see my town.
So since I no longer have a job and have some free time on my hands I decided to go on a day trip with some girlfriends from base today. We headed to Dongdaemun Fabric Market in Seoul.
Me, Stephanie and Tami outside the fabric market.
This is the enormous fabric and trimmings market in Seoul. 9 floors spanning an entire avenue block filled with fabric, yarn, trimmings, buttons, ribbons, upholstery, and beads. Every piece of clothing or jewelry you wear that says “Made in Korea” originates from this place. Most of the vendors did not seem happy selling 1 – 2 yards of fabric to American women who were obviously not there for wholesale purchases. We didn’t care and came home with yards and yards of amazingly cheap fabrics.
I got all this fabric (17 yards), some yarn and felt for about $65. I have no idea what I’m going to make with it all.
I also shipped off my tote for the International Tote Exchange III.
I stuffed it full of goodies and sent it on it’s way. I hope my partner likes it all.
I also finished my March Amy Butler In Stitches Sew Along Project, the clutch. I am very happy with the way the outside looks but the lining is all funky, it was too large somehow and gathers a bit where the lining is sewn into the exterior.
Newlywed Nomads 
Oh my gosh!!!! I think that I woudl pass out from fabric overload in a place like that!!! Goodness! I wouldn’t have been able to contain myself! It look like you got some great stuff & you purse is so cute! I love the buttons/sparkly things you added to it!
Oh wow, I am drooling over your fabric purchases. I would have gone CRAZY in a place like that. Your clutch turned out really well.
oh my! fabric heaven! I love the apple and old school childrens pieces the most. LUCKY you 😉
I truly love your clutch. It is SO fashionable! And I love that apple fabric you bought. You girls are too pretty!
That is such great fabric. I’m so jealous! I see some freshcut there too. What a deal.
Your clutch is so pretty. I also had the same problem with the lining. I wonder why?
1) The fabric warehouse is *amazing*. I am full of envy.
2) The clutch looks darling. Did the pattern call for the two buttons/beads? It’s a really nice touch.
3) I hope you’ve received your package! I’ve been checking here to see but wasn’t sure if busy-ness might be the factor 😀
Great pics! Love that apple fabric!
Sorry we have been so slack about the scrappy cabin challenge! Yours look wonderful and we will be updating everyone soon with our new blocks. I really am becoming addicted too!
I love going to Dongdaemun even though I get to the point where I am desperately looking for the exit as it is a serious overload of stuff to look at as well as the heat.
Love to tag along the next time you girls go 🙂
Did you pick up the free samples?
Please send me your deatails.I am going tovisit Seoul on 25 th of July,so I want to visit your shop as well.
Please send me your address and phone number.
Maybe we’ll work together if you would like to.
Thank you
Enjoyed your blog. Can I have more detail about fabric market because of what I have researched Dongdaemun is such a huge place? Thamks,Lin
Hey! I’m looking for lace-specifically cotton, or crochet lace. Either lace fabric, or just lace trim. Did you see anything like this at the Dongdaemun fabric market? I’m thinking of making a trip from Daegu. Thanks!