apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hi AT:SFers,

(I posted this last week, but got no responses, so forgive me for trying again.)

Anyone know of a good wholesale flower market in the East Bay? I'm totally jonesing for some big, flowering branches and other foliage-y things, but since I live and work in Oakland, getting into the City to hit the SF Flower Mart isn't always feasible.

There used to be a wholesale flower market in Emeryville, but they seem to have closed down. I checked out the Oakland Flower Market on Jackson yesterday, but it was a bit disappointing (and not cheap). Where do all the East Bay restaurants get their flowers?

Any tips would be much appreciated!

I'm writing a meaningless comment so that the comments counter registers -- they're still working out that bug.

Leah, it won't help you this week, but I do understand that Emeryville is trying to find another location for their flower market. I know chefs at a few East Bay restaurants, and they get their flowers from the local farmer's markets, or have farmers deliver them along with their regular food deliveries. At this time of year, especially, you might try the farmers markets because there are usually a few selling branches and flowers alongside their produce offerings. Beyond that I'd say ask a favorite restaurant or two because maybe they'll have another option for you to try?

where can i find cute, modern, sheer curtains? i like these ones by john robshaw in the back issue of my domino, but i cna't access the line online. anthro is too expensive (120 for ONE panel??) and urban is along the lines of the look i want, but a little more sophisticated/modern.

if you suggest making them myself, i say fine--point me in the direction of a fabulous fabric store in the city/bay area (NOT joann's, NOT britex).

I'm tagging onto Shannon's question. A month or so ago, I saw some sheer Marimekko curtains with trees (not the birch tree print, it was a sillouhette of a leafless winter tree) that would be sooooo perfect for my bedroom. But didn't bookmark it and haven't been able to find it again. So I'm looking for other ideas.

But I won't be making them myself, can't sew to save my life.

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have one more to throw in for the trendy design drinking game: Tord Boontje anything!

Hey everyone, I was in The Other Shop yesterday, and they're having a 20% off sale for another week. Since I was looking for something in particular, I left empty-handed, but I saw a bunch of good stuff.

mjoe--was it the Lumimarja fabric?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fabric-Art-Wall-Hanging-Green-Lumimarja-MARIMEKKO_W0QQitemZ280097211092QQcategoryZ78866QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I just got that print in the wall hanging for my living room! have you tried ebay and textile arts for the curtains?

Hey mjoe,

Could these IKEA curtains be the ones you're referring to?

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15594&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=76468&langId=-1&categoryId=15845&chosenPartNumber=30112020

The picture on the IKEA site doesn't really do them justice -- they're a gauzy white cotton with wintry branch silhouettes that are a bit more sheer than the rest of the fabric. I hung them in my daughter's room, and they look really lovely with the sun streaming through.

Best of luck on your search!

mjoe--I reread your description and now I think you meant this marimekko print, no?:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=587&f=3458&viewall=1

Shannon - have you tried Discount Fabrics on Mission?

No, I haven't been, but I've been meaning to check it out. I want Marimekko-like fabric for not-Marimekko prices!

Have you tried the Crate & Barrel outlet in Berkeley on Fourth Street? I thought the bolts of fabric they carried were Marimekko, I'm pretty sure they are, because I've bought some of it before. It's not the complete Marimekko line but would give you the "look" for better prices (usually $8 to $15 a yard, less for remnants).