craftiness in new york city

When planning our recent trip to New York, My friend Katie started a sheet of places that we wanted to visit, and everyone on the trip could add ideas. There was a whole section devoted to craft stores, and though we only made it to a couple, we still got to see plenty of fabric, yarn, and more.

I was also especially excited to encounter some art and craft in unexpected places. But then, since it's New York, should anything be unexpected?

This installation was at the Brooklyn Museum. Each needlepoint piece is on plastic canvas and is a collaboration between Shantell Martin and her grandmother, Dot. The thing I found interesting about this this that Shantell is listed as the artist (perhaps because this was in a collection of Brooklyn-created items, and she resides in Brooklyn, while Dot lives in England), but Dot did all of the stitching, including some design adaptation.

I found this wall to be pretty incredible, and the kind of project I'd like to try. Maybe with embroidery, though?

We stopped into Free People as they were decorating for Christmas, and I politely asked a woman holding a bottle of glitter if I could take some photos of their quilt-bombed security detectors. I love this style of Indian quilting, and how delightful to wrap things with it!

J. Crew also had some crafting on display. My sister thought it had a slightly obscene look to it (she might be right), but I assure you, the title called this an owl, which is traditional for macramé. Can you get a sense of the scale on this? It was easily 20 feet high!

But let's get to the craft shops. Our first stop was Brooklyn General, and it was incredible. Almost everything in New York was smaller than I pictured it, and this was one of those places. It's cozy and quaint, and filled to the brim with charm. And completely wonderful supplies! I somehow managed to only buy a small piece of Cotton Steel fabric.

While we were there, a kids sewing class was going in in the back room, people were crafting and chatting around a table, and there was a sense that everyone was connected by the making we do. Oh, and there was that squirrel...

But no trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Purl Soho. Again, the shop was smaller than I imagined it would be, but I still managed to find plenty of goodies! (I'll share pics of my spoils soon.) I seriously wish I had taken more photos, but Liberty Purl Soho is a pretty great combo, right?

When it comes to beautiful, well-made projects, their blog might just be one of the best crafting blogs around. Seeing all of the projects on display, in-person, had me a little star struck. Oh, and each member of the staff was completely wonderful.

And along the way, in the apartment we stayed at, and in -light, I managed to stitch a bit too. All vacations should have a bit of crafting, I think!