FEATURE

NEW YORK

BY DIANA ENG

Shop your heart out for all that’s crafty in the Big Apple.

Whether you’re a resident of NYC or a visitor, you’ll find plenty of shops to explore in Manhattan. This borough has every store imaginable, with any material you may need for any craft. Here are a few fabulous places to shop: some famous, and some well-kept secrets.

M&J Trimming

1008 Sixth Avenue mjtrim.com

This is the famed, must-see trim store that you may recognize from Season 1 of Project Runway. When you walk through the door, you’re overwhelmed with all the choices: ribbon, lace, appliqué, cording, buttons, feathers, purse handles, and closures. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and expert with the store’s massive inventory. I had a wonderful chat with Auticia, who’s worked at M&J for over 30 years with celebrity clients from movie stars to governors.

 

Food Match: You can “craft” for lunch at Craft (craftrestaurant. com), owned by famed Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio.

Toho Shoji

990 Sixth Avenue (one block from M&J) tohoshoji-ny.com This jewelry supply store sells parts for your traditional projects and your wildest craft designs. They offer demonstrations periodically, so check online for a schedule. My favorite item was the new Free Metallico, a fine wire lace ribbon that’s like stretchable chain maille, now being used for jewelry and flowers.

 

Food Match: Head a few blocks south to Koreatown for an authentic Korean meal, pastries, or frozen yogurt at Pinkberry ( pinkberry.com). Be sure to try the secret topping, mochi!

Photography by Doug Eng