New York Crafty

When all the fashion week is said and done, head to the craft sores with fresh inspiration in mind. Take a minute with me and tour some of New York crafty hot spots.



(Left: crochet and stone necklace from Marni SS 2005, you can totally make this yourself. Both photos from Style.com)

Manhattan has got to be one of the most knit-addicted cities, because the island houses over 12 knitting destinations! Knitting classes are availible at yarn shops. If you're not sure where to begin, they can set you up.

Purl (137 Sullivan St.)
Head over to Prince and Sullivan Street and look for the shop painted in pastel green. That's Purl. This has to be one of the most beautiful yarn shops I've ever visited. The owner, Joelle Hoverson is also the author of Last Minute Knitted Gifts, an indicator of her good taste and what sorts of things you'll find in her shop. The staff are really friendly and helpful, they can help you get started on a project.

Habu Textiles (135 West 29th St.)
This shop is really different from what you normally see. They import yarns from their Japan shop, Avril. All the yarns are made from natural fibers and often left undyed. It's really quite beautiful in the most naturalistic way. Very chic, very wabisabi.

Knit New York (307 East 14th St.)
When knitting in Central Park isn;t an option because it's cold out, head to Knit New York for a coffee and a skein. A cafe and yarn shop, city knitters come here to meet. Friday night is their Men's knitting night! I think what they really ought to have a is a singles night!

Brooklyn General (135 Union St.)
If you're going to Brooklyn, don't miss out on Brooklyn General (don't you love the name?). I've never been, but I sure wish I had! Mainly a yarn store, but you'll also find other things to complete crafty projects.

If you're into sewing, you should head to the Garment District, that's 25th Street to 40th, Fifth Avenue to Ninth Avenue. You'll find all the materials you could possibly need to make clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor items.

Paaron Fabrics (855 Lexington Ave. and 206 W. 40th). They stock leftovers from New York designers. Fabrics are often labeled from where it came from, so you could end up with a piece of what Alice Roi used in a collection or something from a premium Italian mill. There is a section of both locations where the goods are discounted at 50 percent off! I promise you will find something that you will just have to take home, and you'll find it well priced, if not a bargain.

B&J Fabrics (525 Seventh Ave., 2nd Floor) This is the best of the best, make that the most breathtaking, you'll find in all of New York. You pay the price for that, mind you. But you'll find the a leftover of what Oscar De La Renta uses. If you're getting a dress made for a wedding or gala, you'll find what you want here.

Mokuba (55 West 39th Street) This is ribbon heaven. All the ribbon comr from Japan and they come in every shape, color and form imaginable. If you're looking for a particular trim to match a fabric, it's likely you'll find it here.

Daytonee Trimmings (251 W. 39th St.) All kinds of ribbons, trims and zippers, it's priced reasonably.

These are my personal favorites, if you have any New Yoek picjs, leave a comment and tell us about them!

This post is a part of The State of the Fashion Union blogging carnival. It's a countdown to New York Fashion Week, and you can find out more about this event through Almost Girl or FashionTribes.