| When it comes to nightlife, many feel they need to go out every night, while others don’t want to leave their home. Why not bridge the gap with a new activity that is fun to do at home and also great to share? I say craft. Come on, all the hipsters are doing it.
You don’t need to venture into the latest club or restaurant to have fun – instead, set up a crafting circle or start your own project. For that matter, you can enjoy crafting in some pretty fashionable surroundings around Calgary, too. It’s a fantastic way to get the creative juices flowing and have fun as well.
As a child, I really didn’t enjoy my grandma’s knitting lessons. But crafting is making a comeback. TeenVogue has its own magazine on knitting, websites like www.craftster.org are taking off and until recently Broken City held "Crafternoon" for the city’s hipsters. Lately, I’ve been spending my Saturday nights watching Saturday Night Live with grandma, honing my skills. Crafting is a great new hobby to take up this winter. Take a chance to express your creativity, learn something new and meet friends.
Why is crafting so popular? Hipster-craftster Liz Collins says it has a lot to do with the Internet. Sites such as wwww.subversivecrossstitch.com and www.indiknits.com make it easier to share creative ideas and techniques. Message boards are a simple way to swap designs and step-by-step instructions through photos and videos.
It’s also becoming easier to sell your homemade projects. Collins points to www.etsy.com where it’s easy to set up "store fronts." In Calgary, try the Crafters Marketplace (8228 MacLeod Trail South) to set up an independent booth. Many boutiques also carry local creations. Sagesse (1008-12 Ave. S.W.) carries Natalie Gerber’s line of purses created out of vests and ties, and you’ll find other local designers like Loyal Loot, BarnSwallow and Peeko at Purr (919- 17 AVE S.W.). Simply call ahead and make an appointment to consign your own creations.
Creating your own crafting circle is just as simple. Look for the Alberta message board on www.craftster.com, or try MySpace. Many groups welcome new members. The Oolong Tea House in Kensington hosts "Stitch and Bitch" Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. where you can work on your latest project while enjoying tea and a chat with the knowledgeable former punks and Goths turned moms. One relaxed member classified knitting as "the new yoga."
Stores also offer a place to meet and craft, such as Knit One Chat Too (509- 1851 Sirocco Dr. S.W.). For those of you looking for a high-end knit, this is the place. Located out in the suburbs, this store offers high quality yarns, conversation, knitting circles and lessons.
Pudding Yarn (1516-6th St. S.W.) is a delightful little store worthy of a visit for anyone who questions the return of the crafting trend. Though the shop caters exclusively to knitters, it will inspire anyone interested in crafting. Located just off 17th Avenue S.W., the store is within walking distance for many in the downtown area and readily welcomes walk-in traffic. They offer classes, beautiful yarns and fashionable surroundings.
Of course, there are lots of other stores all around the city offering courses on a variety of crafts. Gina Brown’s (#107 5178 1A St S.W.) offers courses in needlework, embroidery, crochet and sculpting. Learn all about fantastic beadwork and jewelry at Suzie Q Beads in Inglewood (#1207 10 Ave. S.W.). There you’ll find beading supplies, tools and books as well as dozens of classes priced between $20 and $40. If you’re interested in getting a jewelry skills certificate, try a course at Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD). They offer a number of classes on glass bead casting, diamond grading and forging precious metals. Depending on your interest, you might try one of ACAD’s Continuing Education courses in textiles or fibres.
If nothing else, I think crafting is a great way to get in touch with your granny. Mine happens to be my neighbour, but give yours a ring and I’m sure you’ll have fun working on something together. You don’t have to make doilies or Kleenex box covers – try sewing a funky bag or detailing vintage tins. Crafting is a great way to decorate, make personal gifts or offset your wardrobe with one-of-a-kind handmade items. Be creative and get out this winter and craft! |
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